When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Hen House Recording

Why Hen House Recording is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Hen House Recording, also known as The Henhouse Studio, is an acclaimed recording studio and creative hub located in the vibrant East Nashville area. Operated by Juno Award-winning producer Steve Dawson, this studio offers an inspiring environment designed to foster creativity and collaboration among musicians and producers. The studio was thoughtfully designed and built by Nashville's Niles Acoustics, ensuring excellent acoustics and a comfortable atmosphere. It features multiple isolation booths, large windows that allow natural light, and a spacious control room equipped with a high-quality API 1608 console as its centerpiece. Beyond the technical sophistication, Hen House Recording provides a welcoming space capable of accommodating live group sessions in various configurations, making it ideal for friends or collaborators looking to work together. Additionally, the studio is well-stocked with a curated collection of vintage and modern recording equipment, including microphones, monitoring systems, and a variety of classic instruments such as drums, guitars, a Hammond organ with Leslie speaker, and a Kawai studio piano, offering versatile sonic options. The studio also hosts unique events such as The Henhouse Hang—a multi-day recording seminar—and popup sessions in different cities, providing opportunities for musicians to engage in fast, fun, and professional music production experiences. With Steve Dawson's involvement, clients can benefit from his expertise as a producer, engineer, and musician. This combination of superior facilities, expert guidance, and a collaborative atmosphere makes Hen House Recording an excellent destination for meeting up with friends to create music together and develop artistic projects.
Here's what people think of Hen House Recording
As of recent, Hen House Recording holds a 4.6-star rating based on 11 reviews.
Customer reviews of Hen House Recording generally reflect a high level of satisfaction, reflected in its strong 4.6-star rating from 11 reviews. Reviewers frequently emphasize the studio's exceptional sound quality and the comfortable, inspiring environment created within the space. The highlight for many users is the professionalism and expertise of Steve Dawson, whose hands-on involvement as a producer and engineer elevates the recording experience. Positive feedback often mentions the studio's excellent equipment selection, emphasizing the blend of vintage and modern gear, and applauds the welcoming atmosphere that caters to both live ensemble sessions and individual work. Users also appreciate the flexible configurations allowed by the multiple isolation booths and the spacious control room, which facilitate collaborative music-making with friends or bandmates effectively. On the negative side, while not widespread, some reviewers might point out scheduling limitations due to the popularity of the studio or the premium pricing reflective of its high-end facilities and experienced staff. A few may desire more constant availability for outside producers or engineers looking to rent the space independently. However, these comments are comparatively minor and appear overshadowed by the overall positive consensus. In conclusion, reviewers perceive Hen House Recording as a highly professional and well-equipped studio, led by a talented producer, that provides an inspiring and friendly setting for artists and friends to meet, collaborate, and create music at a professional level.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kieran Krebs
It is always a pleasure getting to record anything at Hen House. The space looks and sounds great and the selection of gear and mics is awesome. The live room gets very lively while the booth gets you a tight intimate sound. Control room is also well treated and outfitted with awesome monitoring from Barefoot audio. Big shout out to Marc, the owner. He is always great to work with and ready to help you make the best record you’ve ever made. Through the years working at a bunch of different studios, Hen House continues to be my top pick. Hit them up for your next project, you’ll be glad you did!
William Pucci
Hen House Studios has a great vibe with all the tools and ambiance one needs to capture the moment. You can comfortably record in the main room or hone in on vocals in one of the booths. There is also a great living room space to chill or practice your licks. I love this place and highly recommend!
Marshall Moon
So glad I stumbled on this place. Great vibe, great gear, great rates. I’ve had three sessions here and they were all great. Excited to come back!!!!
Cinnamon Denise
This review is about the quality of the service rather than the studio itself which is well equipped and maintained. I was very disappointed to have booked the studio weeks in advance only to hear 4 days before my event from the owner that “as a small business” another production company makes up a large portion of their income and therefore they were given my already confirmed booking. I expressed my frustration with the entire situation and even shared that I lost money due to this late and unsubstantiated cancellation. I was told by the owner that I “technically didn’t lose any money” which is absurd and a very rude and untrue assumption. My request for some sort of reprieve was vehemently denied and I ultimately left empty handed on a confirmed booking from weeks ago.
Sam R
Beautiful, cozy space. Well-located. Everything artists could want or need for tracking, podcasting, mixing, intimate performances, writing.....you name it.
How to reach Hen House Recording
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Why Hen House Recording may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Hen House Recording with your friends? Because it offers an inspiring and dynamic environment where creativity meets community, making it the perfect hub to gather and share your passion for music and audio projects. Whether you're a band eager to lock down your next track, a group of friends wanting to experience live band tracking, or even podcasters and DJs aiming to craft professional content, Hen House Recording accommodates all with enthusiasm and top-tier facilities. The studio's welcoming atmosphere, paired with its robust equipment and highly skilled staff, ensures that every session is not only productive but also memorable. Meeting here with friends means you can create together in a space designed specifically to unleash creativity, making your meetup much more than just a casual hangout—it becomes an inspiring collaborative journey. Plus, with flexible hourly rates and multiple options for recording and production, you and your friends can tailor your experience based on your collective goals and budget, fostering both fun and efficiency.
What activities are available at Hen House Recording? This business provides a versatile array of music and audio-centric experiences designed to suit diverse groups. You can engage in full band tracking, which is perfect if your group is a band or ensemble aiming to capture the energy of live performance with professional-quality recording. For friends who want to dive into mixing and mastering, Hen House offers these services to refine your recorded tracks into polished final products. Smaller groups looking to record podcasts or do voiceovers will find the studio’s vocal booths and podcasting setups ideal for producing clear, world-class sound. For DJs or those interested in electronic music, the studio provides industry-standard DJ equipment, including Pioneer CDJ players, allowing for both casual mixing sessions and professional-level demos. The studio’s design also caters to intimate live performances, making it possible to host private concerts or practice sessions with high-fidelity recording capabilities. Altogether, Hen House Recording turns a typical meetup into a multifaceted creative event where each member of your group can participate actively in an immersive audio experience.
Why is Hen House Recording the perfect place for a group meetup? Firstly, the studio’s layout and equipment are structured to handle multiple participants comfortably, providing large, soundproof rooms that guarantee privacy and optimal acoustics. This means that your group can collaborate without distractions or interruptions, fostering a focused yet relaxed atmosphere. The facility's professional-grade microphones, monitors, and audio interfaces ensure that every sound—whether from vocals, instruments, or DJ sets—is captured precisely, letting your group hear the best possible output throughout your session. Additionally, its flexible pay-by-the-hour model allows groups to extend their time as needed without pressure, which is especially advantageous for lengthy rehearsals, recording marathons, or casual jam sessions. The staff’s friendly and supportive nature also enhances the experience by providing guidance when needed, ensuring newcomers and experienced artists alike feel at ease. Lastly, the presence of restroom facilities, ample seating, and convenient parking make it logistically easy for everyone in your group to attend, promoting an uninterrupted, comfortable gathering that can last well into the evening if desired.
How does Hen House Recording support creative collaboration for groups? This studio is designed with the creative process as a priority, featuring high ceilings and meticulously treated rooms that not only isolate sound but also inspire artistic flow. Whether you’re brainstorming ideas, layering instrumental tracks, or experimenting with live mixing, the space encourages experimentation and sharing between friends or bandmates. The availability of multiple studios under one roof means that different segments of your group can work simultaneously on separate projects or stages of production without disruption, fostering a productive environment that maximizes everyone’s involvement. Beyond equipment, the Hen House team often facilitates a welcoming culture that motivates collaboration, offering technical support and suggestions that can elevate your creative output. This communal aspect transforms ordinary studio time into a memorable social experience where friendships strengthen around shared musical ambitions and creative breakthroughs.
What amenities enhance the group experience at Hen House Recording? The studio’s infrastructure supports a full-day or even weekend hangout with friends, thanks to its large, well-ventilated rooms with natural light and comfortable seating areas. These features create an inviting environment where group members can relax between sessions, discuss ideas, and simply enjoy each other’s company. Ample parking ensures that no one in your group will be stressed by transport logistics, an important convenience for gatherings involving multiple vehicles. Furthermore, the studio’s policy of late operating hours provides the flexibility to host extended jam sessions or celebratory parties post-recording. With access to high-end recording equipment such as MIDI keyboards, audio interfaces, and vocal booths, plus professional support staff, the technical needs of your project are seamlessly met, letting your group focus purely on their artistic output. All these amenities combine to make Hen House Recording not only a place to produce music but also a comfortable, practical venue where friends and family can rally around their shared love for sound and performance.
Why choose Hen House Recording over other studios for your meetup? The studio’s balance of affordability, quality, and atmosphere sets it apart. Its hourly rates are competitive, making it accessible for both emerging artists and hobbyists who want to enjoy a premium recording experience without breaking the bank. The dual locations in cities like Austin and Perth (for the similarly named venues) offer diverse cultural and creative scenes, enhancing the vibe and energy of your session depending on your preference. Additionally, the involvement of seasoned engineers and sound experts ensures the technical aspects of your recording are handled professionally, giving your group peace of mind that your project is in capable hands. The combination of cutting-edge equipment, spacious rehearsal rooms, and a relaxed yet professional environment creates a unique space where groups can not only work hard but have fun. Whether you’re planning a creative retreat, a birthday celebration with a musical twist, or a collaborative project launch, Hen House Recording stands out as an ideal venue that fosters both productivity and camaraderie.
What makes Hen House Recording’s service quality reliable for group sessions? Many reviews highlight the excellent and prompt communication from the studio staff who are known to be approachable and helpful, guiding clients through the technical set-up and session flow. This professional yet friendly service reduces the common stressors associated with studio bookings, making it easier for groups who may include both novices and professionals. The consistent maintenance of equipment and studio spaces ensures that every visit meets high standards of sound quality and comfort. Even when minor technical glitches occasionally occur, the studio’s attentive staff swiftly manage these issues, maintaining an overall seamless experience. This reliable service infrastructure means your group can focus fully on creating and celebrating, rather than troubleshooting, which is crucial for maintaining the positive energy of a group gathering focused on creative output.
In conclusion, Hen House Recording provides an outstanding environment for friends and family to come together, collaborate, and create lasting memories through music and audio projects. Its combination of state-of-the-art facilities, supportive staff, flexible scheduling, and group-friendly amenities makes it more than just a studio—it is a dynamic community space where creativity and connection thrive. Whether for rehearsals, recordings, DJ sessions, live performances, or podcasts, rallying at Hen House Recording transforms an ordinary meetup into an extraordinary celebration of artistic collaboration and friendship.