RAK STUDIOS
RAK Studios is a London premium recording facility operating four studios (Studios 1–4), on-site accommodation and engineering services from its St John's Wood site since 1976, serving professional artists, producers, labels and film clients seeking high-end vintage and Atmos-equipped recording environments.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1976
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What RAK STUDIOS does
RAK Studios is a privately held, London-based premium recording studio facility operating from a converted Victorian schoolhouse in St John's Wood since 1976, when it was founded by record producer Mickie Most. The company operates four distinct studios (Studios 1–4) ranging from a 31 sq m room accommodating up to 7 musicians to a 142 sq m orchestral space for up to 35 musicians, equipped with vintage API consoles installed in 1976, a Neve VRP Legend (Studio 3), and a custom 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos / Sony RA spatial audio room (Studio 4). Technical assets include proprietary RAK Custom API Mic Preamps, an extensive vintage microphone locker, Studer tape machines, and standard DAW infrastructure (Pro Tools Ultimate, Logic Pro X).
The studio monetises session-by-session studio rental across its four rooms, supplemented by on-site accommodation (RAK Townhouse sleeping 6, RAK Suite), catering, and dedicated filming and events hire for photo shoots, music videos, writing camps and album playbacks. A full-time engineering team (Head Engineer, Senior Atmos Mixer, assistants) provides technical services embedded in the rental offering. Go-to-market is entirely direct: phone, email and reputation-led bookings, supported by an informational website, Instagram, Facebook and X presence and industry word-of-mouth.
The customer base spans professional artists, producers, record labels, sync agencies, and film/TV production companies globally, with a logged 50+ year client roster including Adele, Radiohead, David Bowie, Arctic Monkeys, Pink Floyd, Sam Smith, Shakira and Disclosure. RAK Records-era publishing assets (Suzi Quatro, Kim Wilde, Hot Chocolate) continue to generate royalties, though they are separate from studio operations. Ownership post-Mickie Most (d. 2003) is not publicly documented, and the company has disclosed no funding rounds, M&A activity or external investors.
RAK STUDIOS firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- RAK STUDIOS
- Legal name
- RAK Studios
- Website
- https://rakstudios.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1976
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- RAK Studios is a London premium recording facility operating four studios (Studios 1–4), on-site accommodation and engineering services from its St John's Wood site since 1976, serving professional artists, producers, labels and film clients seeking high-end vintage and Atmos-equipped recording environments.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
RAK STUDIOS industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Recording Studio Services
- NAICS
- Sound Recording Studios (51224), Sound Recording Studios (512240), Motion Picture and Video Production (51211)
- SIC
- Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Recording Studios (Commercial, Project, Mobile) (MPAIAHAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Production Management & Studio Support Services (Studio Managers, Techs) (MPAIAHAO), Production Office Space & Support Facilities (MPADAIAD)
Keywords
Where RAK STUDIOS is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
RAK STUDIOS business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Studio Time Rental: Rental of recording studio time across four studios (Studios 1-4) of varying sizes and configurations. Studios range from intimate 31sq m spaces suitable for up to 7 musicians to large 142sq m spaces accommodating up to 35 musicians.
- Accommodation Services: On-site accommodation including the RAK Townhouse (Victorian property with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps up to 6) and RAK Suite (modern suite with Super King bed, en-suite shower, 24-hour access). Serves studio clients requiring extended stays.
- Filming and Events Hire: Rental of studio spaces for filming, photo shoots, showcases, album playbacks, and writing camps. Additional spaces available for wardrobe, catering, green room, and production base.
- Catering Services: Catering arrangements made upon request for studio clients, supporting extended recording sessions.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | RAK Suite - Modern accommodation inside main studio complex |
| Other | Multi-year contract | RAK Townhouse - Victorian property next door to studio |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
RAK STUDIOS product offering
Product offeringCore offering
RAK Studios provides professional music recording services across four studios in St. John's Wood, London, offering studio time rental, tracking, mixing, and Dolby Atmos immersive audio production. The facility also offers on-site residential accommodation (RAK Suite and RAK Townhouse), equipment hire, and serves as a filming and private events venue. Services are supported by experienced in-house engineers and a vintage/modern equipment inventory.
Product overview
RAK Studios is a premier recording studio facility in St John's Wood, London, founded in 1976. The company operates four distinct recording studios (Studio 1 through Studio 4) offering spaces ranging from intimate 7-musician rooms to large orchestral recording spaces for up to 35 musicians. Studios feature vintage consoles (API desks in Studios 1-2, Neve VRP Legend in Studio 3) and modern Atmos mixing capabilities (Studio 4). Supporting services include on-site accommodation (RAK Townhouse and RAK Suite), professional engineering staff, extensive equipment inventory, and filming/event hosting capabilities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Studio 1 (Neve VRP Legend room) Large flagship recording studio centred on the Neve VRP Legend console, used for major-label tracking, mixing, and overdub sessions. Targeted at professional artists, producers, and labels requiring high-end analog recording.
- Studio 2 (API room) Recording and mixing studio featuring API consoles and complementary outboard gear, suited to contemporary productions and label projects. Targeted at producers, mix engineers, and recording artists.
- Studio 3 (Atmos / mixing suite) 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos immersive audio mixing room operated by senior Atmos engineers, used for spatial audio mixing of music, film, and streaming content. Targeted at labels, mix engineers, and immersive audio projects.
- Studio 4 (tracking room)
Quantifiable outcome
- Hosted artists who have achieved worldwide success including multiple Grammy, Oscar, and Brit Award winners
Companies that use RAK STUDIOS
Customer profileNamed customers59 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
RAK STUDIOS technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
RAK STUDIOS partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor.
- APRA AMCOSminorAPRA AMCOS is the collection society for Australasia with 95,000+ members who are songwriters, composers and music publishers. Adam Townsend looks after Member Relations for the UK and Europe and is based out of RAK Studios.
- Metropolis MusicminorModern day music publishing company, home to a new breed of writers and artists. Listed as a link on RAK Studios contact page.
- Pop-Up MusicminorA one stop music publisher and sync agency, working in film, TV, advertising and gaming. Listed as a partner link on RAK Studios contact page.
- Tribe ManagementminorInternational artist management company. Listed as a partner link on RAK Studios contact page.
- Baxter PRminorMusic and Entertainment PR agency. Listed as a partner link on RAK Studios contact page.
- P.U.S.H Music ManagementminorArtist management company with roster including Jack Savoretti, Gizmo Varillas and P.S., providing business and creative solutions for clients.
- Rights DivisionminorOffers services including valuations, sales brokering and transaction management for sellers and buyers in the music, media and events industries.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
RAK STUDIOS competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Strongroom Studios: London commercial recording and music production facility offering multiple studios with vintage and modern equipment. Similar mid-sized premium London studio serving artists, producers, and labels.
- Metropolis Studios: Large London commercial recording complex with multiple studios, Atmos mixing capability, and a strong artist and film/TV client base. Comparable multi-room London facility targeting similar premium clients.
- Abbey Road Studios: Iconic London commercial recording studio also founded in the early 1930s, offering multiple studios, vintage equipment, and a long artist roster. Directly comparable to RAK as a premier UK recording destination with heritage appeal.
- AIR Studios: Premium London recording facility (Lyndhurst Hall) offering orchestral-scale studios, vintage consoles, and residential accommodation. Closely comparable to RAK's combination of large studios, vintage gear, and on-site lodging.
- Miloco Studios: Network of premium London and New York recording studios offering vintage gear and engineer-attended sessions. Comparable multi-room premium London studio targeting the same artist/producer segment.
- Eastcote Studios: London recording studio featuring vintage Neve consoles and a comparable focus on high-end, characterful recording. Directly competes for artists and producers seeking classic-sounding facilities.
Broad incumbents
- Conway Recording Studios: Major Los Angeles commercial recording facility with vintage API consoles, large tracking rooms, and Atmos capabilities. Comparable premium multi-room studio model serving top-tier US artists and labels.
- Blackbird Studio: High-end Nashville recording studio renowned for vintage analogue equipment and Atmos mixing. Comparable premium positioning and vintage-equipment-led value proposition, though US-based.
Regional players
- Rockfield Studios: Legendary residential recording studio in Wales offering on-site accommodation and vintage analogue recording — comparable concept (residential multi-studio with heritage) but different geography from RAK's London base.
- Real World Studios: Peter Gabriel's residential recording complex in Box, Wiltshire — comparable premium residential studio with vintage equipment and event hosting, but based outside London.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
RAK STUDIOS social profiles
Digital presenceRAK STUDIOS financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
RAK STUDIOS leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
RAK STUDIOS funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
RAK STUDIOS M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about RAK STUDIOS
What does RAK STUDIOS do?
RAK Studios provides professional music recording services across four studios in St. John's Wood, London, offering studio time rental, tracking, mixing, and Dolby Atmos immersive audio production. The facility also offers on-site residential accommodation (RAK Suite and RAK Townhouse), equipment hire, and serves as a filming and private events venue. Services are supported by experienced in-house engineers and a vintage/modern equipment inventory.
Is RAK STUDIOS a public or private company?
RAK STUDIOS is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was RAK STUDIOS founded?
RAK STUDIOS was founded in 1976. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is RAK STUDIOS based?
RAK STUDIOS is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does RAK STUDIOS make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Studio Time Rental is the primary driver. The others are accommodation Services, filming and Events Hire and catering Services.
Who are RAK STUDIOS's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Strongroom Studios, Metropolis Studios, Abbey Road Studios, AIR Studios, Miloco Studios and Eastcote Studios. Broad incumbents are Conway Recording Studios and Blackbird Studio. Regional players are Rockfield Studios and Real World Studios.
Does RAK STUDIOS have an API?
No public API is recorded for RAK STUDIOS.
What industry is RAK STUDIOS in?
RAK STUDIOS's product category is Recording Studio Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIAHAA, Recording Studios (Commercial, Project, Mobile), with a secondary code of MPAIAHAO, Production Management & Studio Support Services (Studio Managers, Techs). Its NAICS code is 51224 and its SIC code is 7812.