Affordable self-service studios with reliable equipment and responsive support.
$18-$30/hr
4713 West Jefferson Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Thinking of recording or rehearsing at Pirate Studios? I wrote this honest review from my 10+ recordings and rehearsal sessions in Los Angeles. I’ve written songs, rehearsed for shows, and done voiceover work at Pirate.
Pirate Studios gives artists a place to let their creativity run wild. Their studios are no-frills and budget-friendly, so artists can get their hands on the gear and tools they need to make something amazing.
As you roam the halls, you'll hear everything from heavy metal to classical opera, banging techno, old-school folk music, and punk rock.
Is Pirate Studios good?
A tricky thing about booking rehearsal studios in LA that no one talks about is that you can’t book online.
Pirate is one of the only online-booking-friendly rehearsal and recording studios in Los Angeles. I don't want to write this review because I want to keep Pirate a secret!
It’s one of my favorite places to record and rehearse. They also have podcast studios, DJ equipment, and rehearsal rooms for big and small acts.
Pirate enables creativity to flourish in Los Angeles with cheap studio space. It’s one of the most reliable and affordable options in the city. There’s almost always a room available, no matter the time of day or night.
Rehearsal and recording spaces at Pirate start at about $20/hr.
How much does it cost to record at Pirate?
The cost of recording at Pirate varies depending on when you book the studio and for how long. However, the average price is around $20 per hour.
If you book for 4 hours or more, you can receive a discount.
Pirate Studios Discounts and Promo Codes
You can use my promo code, NICHOLAS638256, to save about $15 on your booking. Use this promo code at checkout, and we’ll both receive a credit. I know that there are many promo codes available on Reddit and other coupon sites, but by using this code, you are directly supporting this site and the LA music community!
Booking Link: https://pirate.com/en/rehearsal-studios/los-angeles/
Tips for Saving Money at Pirate
Need more than just a discount code for your Pirate booking? Here are some tips to save additional money:
- Book Off-Peak Hours: Weekends and evenings are the busiest times. To get better rates and avoid crowds, book during the mornings or on a weekday.
- Book More Time: If you book at least 4 hours, you will receive a discount during checkout. The longer your session, the bigger the discount. I’ve gotten sessions for as little as $16/hour.
- Watch Your Text Messages: Pirate will text you a discount code while you’re in your recording session. You can extend your session by another hour or two for just a few dollars. Resist the temptation to book an extended session upfront and receive a few dollars off when you’re there in person.
Pirate Customer Service
Pirate Studios has responsive customer service. You can contact them through WhatsApp when making a booking. If you encounter any problems, you will usually hear back from them within about 5 minutes.
Their WhatsApp number is provided after checkout.
If you get locked out of your room or need to move studios due to an issue, they will assist you.
Is there anyone working at Pirate Studios?
There are no employees on-site at Pirate Studios.
Any issues you encounter will be handled by their support team via WhatsApp. You must contact their support staff if you forget your gear, get locked out, or run into session issues.
Pirate Studios is managed entirely remotely, unlike other rehearsal studios with employees working behind a front desk.
Noise at Pirate Studios
Pirate Studios can be a noisy place. If you are a live band or DJ rehearsing, you will be fine.
However, if you are trying to record vocals (or have a vocal lesson), you may struggle. About half of my visits to Pirate Studios have had loud rock band rehearsals in the studios next door.
Their customer service is very responsive, so they have been able to move my studio to a quieter location down the hall.
I love using Pirate Studios to make beats in their recording studios or prepare for a live show.
However, if I need to record guitars or vocals for a release, I suggest finding another space.
Locations in LA
Pirate Studios currently has two studios in Los Angeles. Both studios are open 24/7 self-service. There aren’t any staff on duty. Each studio comes with a keypad for entry.
Studio 1: Pirate West Adams
Address: 4713 West Jefferson Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Parking: This is limited free parking behind this location.
Studio 2: Pirate Silverlake
Address: Basement level, 2807 Sunset Blvd, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Parking: There is a small parking lot behind the building. You’ll get a code for it when you book the studio. Spots are pretty limited. You’re more likely to easily find parking in the neighborhood behind the studio in Silverlake.
Tour the Studio
In this video, YouTuber Andy Constant shows a tour of Brooklyn’s Pirate Studios. He explains:
- Using a code to get into the studio,
- The lobby, vending machines, and layout of the space,
- Unlocking your studio,
- The gear available to record in each studio.
Studio Sizes
At each Pirate location, there are about 30 to 40 active studios dedicated to rehearsing, recording, DJing, dancing, podcasting, and video editing.
Studio sizes are approximated here.
The building shape and construction make each room slightly different at different locations.
- Rehearsal rooms:
- Rehearsal standard: 100–130 sq. ft.—four people max.
- Rehearsal standard+: 215 sq. ft.—four people max.
- Rehearsal pro: 215–300 sq. ft.—maximum six people
- Rehearsal showcase: 395 sq. ft.—six or more comfortably.
- DJ rooms:
- DJ standard or DJ pro: 65–130 sq. ft.—five people max.
- Recording and production rooms:
- Recording standard or pro: 65–175 sq. ft.—five people max.
- Other rooms
- Video editing standard: 65–175 sq. ft.—five people max.
- Dance pro: 580 sq. ft.—11 max.
- Podcast standard: 110 sq. ft.—maximum six people
What types of rehearsal rooms are available?
Pirate Studios has a wide range of rehearsal rooms available, ranging from small rooms for solo musicians to larger rooms for full bands.
They also have DJ rooms, recording and production rooms, video editing rooms, and even a dance studio.
Each room is equipped with basic gear like amps, drums, microphones, and PA systems, but you'll need to bring your own additional gear.
Can I book the studios same day?
Yes! Pirate Studios is usually able to accommodate same-day bookings. You can book online and receive a unique code to enter your studio.
They also offer discounts for longer bookings of four hours or more.
Is Pirate good for DJing?
Pirate Studios offers 24/7 access to DJ rehearsal spaces equipped with industry-standard Pioneer setups at affordable hourly rates.
Whether you're a professional DJ looking for a self-serve rehearsal room or a beginner wanting to practice your mixing skills, Pirate can help you refine your set.
What gear and equipment are available?
Rehearsal rooms
The rehearsal rooms have guitar amps, bass amps, drums, microphones, and a live mixer and PA to help you get started. You’ll need to bring any additional gear from home.
- Amps - Marshall MG100HCFX 120w Guitar Head, Marshall 1960A 4x12 300w Guitar Cab
- Amps - Boss Katana Guitar Head, Marshall MX412A 4x12 240w Guitar Cab
- Bass Amps - Ashdown Amps. Fender Bass Amps. Bass Cabinets.
- Drums - Natal Arcadia drum kit. Pearl Export 5-piece drum kit. Or you can bring your own kit. Bring your own sticks.
- Microphones - Stagg SDM50 vocal microphones and stands
- PA - Pioneer XPRS PA speakers
- Mixer - Alto 1202 12 channel mixer or Proel MQ12USB mixer
Recording rooms
In the recording studios, you’ll find studio monitors, headphones, a microphone, a pop filter, and a MIDI keyboard to help you record. Equipment varies in each studio.
- Monitors: KRK V6 or Yamaha HS8
- Microphone: SE Electronics SE2200 Condenser or SE Electronics SE 2300
- Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 or Clarett 4pre
- Keyboard/MIDI controller: Novation Impulse 61 or NI Komplete Kontrol A61
- Headphones - Pioneer HRM or Pioneer HDJ-X5 or KRK 6400
- Other: External Screen, Mic Stand, Keyboard Stand, and XLR cables
Tips for Going to Pirate
- Bring earplugs: If you’re rehearsing at Pirate, I suggest bringing earplugs. With a full band rehearsal, you’ll be up close and personal with the drum kit and guitar amps.
- Keep your phone with you: If you get locked out or lost without your phone, you’re screwed. If you get locked out, you’ll need your phone to get your room code, door codes, and contact support. Keep your phone with you at all times.
- Bring food and water: There usually aren’t food and drinks available. I’ve seen a vending machine for bottled water but that’s about it. And depending on the time you go or day of the week you’re there, nearby restaurants may also be closed.
- Bring headphones: To prevent theft, Pirate Studios locks down all their equipment. The cables they use to do this are made out of metal and rattle against the microphone stands and desks. I suggest bringing your own headphones to plug in your own set. They’re also going to be cleaner too!
- Go early: Evenings and nights are the most popular times at Pirate. If you need somewhere quiet, try booking your session earlier in the day or during the week.
Alternatives to Pirate Studios
Los Angeles has many affordable recording and rehearsal studios, making it difficult to choose just one.
My best piece of advice is to pick a studio that is close to your home. Traffic, load-in, and parking can all affect how enjoyable your time at the studio is.
Driving around downtown LA for 40 minutes looking for a parking spot when you're already late for a rehearsal is incredibly stressful. Here are some of my favorite alternative studios to Pirate.
Peerspace
Peerspace is an Airbnb-like platform for recording studios and creative spaces in LA.
Browse thousands of recording studios by date, location, and type of studio. Find your ideal recording or rehearsal studio on Peerspace.
Hush Money
Hush Money is a downtown LA recording studio with 4 unique studios available by the hour or all day. Owned and operated by musicians, rates are reasonable, and every studio is clean.
The Barbershop
The Barbershop is an Echo Park studio with everything you need to make an excellent record. Book online or contact owner Scott Barber directly to record in a studio that has hosted artists like Grouplove and Grace Vanderwaal.
FAQs about Pirate
Can I book the studios same day?
Yes! There are usually plenty of studios available no matter what day of the week you want to go. You’ll need to book at least an hour in advance.
Does Pirate have recording engineers or someone to help me record?
No. There are no on-site recording engineers at Pirate. You’ll need to reach out to your network and community to try and find an engineer who can assist your session.
Check out one of the many songwriter and networking events in LA to try and meet other engineers or producers.
Is Pirate suitable for music production and recording?
Pirate is ideal for producing new songs. They’re open 24 hours per day and offer self-service production rooms.
Each door is locked with a unique code texted to you when you book.
The Yamaha speakers and Scarlett interface pump a lot of sound! You can adjust the lighting in the studio, too, to set the mood and knock out a track.
Is Pirate good for DJing?
Pirate Studios offers 24/7 access to DJ rehearsal spaces equipped with industry-standard Pioneer setups at affordable hourly rates.
Whether you're a professional DJ looking for a self-serve rehearsal room or a beginner wanting to practice your mixing skills, Pirate can help you refine your set.
Can you drink alcohol or smoke at Pirate?
No. Pirate has a strict policy prohibiting alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and vapes on the premises. This is an insurance requirement, and violating it could have serious consequences.
Please respect the rules and keep the space safe for everyone.
If you’re found breaking these rules, you’ll be banned.
Are there bathrooms at Pirate?
Yes! The Silverlake location in Los Angeles has gender-neutral bathrooms in the Jones building.
What times can I come to the studio?
Pirate is open 24/7, so you can book a session any time. You'll need to book at least an hour in advance, but there are usually plenty of studios available no matter what day of the week you want to go.
Remember that evenings and nights are the busiest times, so if you need a quiet space or want to avoid crowds, try booking during the day or on a weekday.
How soundproof is Pirate?
It depends on who you ask. Pirate does a good job soundproofing their studios as much as possible. The walls are insulated, the floors are carpeted, and the rooms don't have high ceilings.
However, it can still get noisy at Pirate during busy times of day. It's possible to hear bands rehearsing from outside in the parking lot. I wouldn't recommend Pirate if you need a completely silent place to think and work.