STUDIO
PHILOSOPHY
"Foremost, a studio should serve as a catalyst, empowering each individual who enters to plunge into a state of profound focus and creation, crafting work they can take pride in. While it is fundamentally a workspace, maintaining an aura of fluidity and a vibrant atmosphere is crucial. The studio must be adaptive, catering to the most intricate fidelity needs, while simultaneously being a wellspring of inspiration and liberating creativity."
Filipe Gomes - Artist & Founder of Arco Barco
SPEC OVERVIEW
We work with sound in its purest form—whether for music, film, audiobooks, or spoken word. Our approach is built on accuracy, depth, and careful listening, ensuring that what is captured is not only technically precise but also sonically meaningful.
Some projects demand an acute sensitivity to texture, space, and sonic depth. Our studio has played a role in work that has gone on to be recognised at the highest level, including contributions to the Oscar-winning soundtrack for Brutalist. These experiences have reinforced our belief that sound is as much about presence as it is about precision—whether capturing the stillness of a voice in an audiobook, the layered intensity of a live session, or the shifting dynamics of a film’s sonic landscape.
Our studio is designed around both technical excellence and creative freedom.
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For audiobooks and voiceover, we offer acoustically refined booths & spaces with silent air filtration, ensuring a comfortable recording environment, free from external noise and distraction.
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For music and sound design, our spaces provide a balance of controlled isolation and natural resonance, allowing for both critical sound capture and creative exploration.
Our recording process is adaptable. Engineers and artists can work within our system, or bring their own—with one digital connection, an entire session can be seamlessly integrated, allowing recordings to happen with minimal friction and maximum clarity.
While our array of digital technology allows us to work with remarkable accuracy, we also believe in offering the qualities that only analog processes can bring. Our collection of multitrack tape machines, outboard processors, and modular consoles offers a way to shape sound with warmth and depth. And for those drawn to the physicality of recorded sound, we have a vinyl lathe cutter, where recordings can be etched directly onto disc.
The Space
Housed within a maritime arch, Arco Barco’s architecture plays a role in the sound. The space is adaptable, with custom-built modular baffles that allow for the creation of isolated recording zones. These baffles are also used to manipulate the space acoustically - allowing further control of the environment whilst used as a reverb chamber—something that cannot be replicated digitally with the same depth.
At its core, Arco Barco is a place where listening is prioritised—whether that’s through the precise capture of a performance, the careful balancing of a mix, or the subtle shaping of tone. Every project is approached with attention, respect for sound, and a curiosity for what is possible.
EXPANDING SOUND
The space is designed for all forms of audio production, from film post-production and sound design to radio and podcasts. Over the years, Arco Barco has hosted a diverse range of projects, welcoming clients from across the creative spectrum.
Our studio has been a trusted space for some of the UK’s most prestigious arts, media, and storytelling organisations, including Turner Contemporary Margate, Southbank Centre, V&A Museum London, Instagram, and IDEO, among others.
IMPORTANT
We kindly inform you that Arco Barco is uniquely situated within a maritime arch on the second floor, and the sole access point is through a steep external staircase.
Regrettably, due to the building’s listed status, modifications to improve accessibility are not permissible. We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause and extend our sincerest apologies to those who might find access challenging.
To our studio clients, we would like to assure you that our dedicated team at Arco Barco specialises in managing equipment logistics in this distinctive space. Please inform us of your equipment requirements in advance, and we will endeavor to meet your needs to the best of our abilities.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation and are committed to making your experience with us as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need further assistance.