I worked with gifted engineer James Ward at Live Oak Studio to record the Audible version of my book "Better Than Real Life." With James' help, I believe we created an Audible book to be proud of. This was my first experience doing such work, and James helped me feel right at home. I was also able to meet Priscilla, the owner, who was gracious and supportive. I give Live Oak and James my highest rating and hope you consider using them for your work. read more

This was the first audiobook that I recorded for a book coming out with Harper-Collins/Zondervan Publishing and it was a really, really great experience. Thanks to Priscilla and to James the audio technician who was amazingly helpful, patient, and so kind coaching me as I went along. I couldn't recommend a studio higher for the way they communicated quickly and answered all the questions I had. I was in the studio for 3 whole days, and then back another few hours for some touch-ups the publisher wanted to do - and "How (Not) To Read The Bible: Making Sense of the Anti-Women, Anti-Science, Pro-Slavery, Pro-Violence and Other Crazy Sounding Parts of Scripture" is done and I am so thankful the publisher chose Live Oak Studio to have me record the audio. THANK YOU PRISCILLA AND JAMES! read more

Live Oak Studio - Recording & Rehearsal Studios Near Me - Berkeley, California

I've recorded 2 music collections here and the entire experience was so wonderful! James the engineer is first class, knows a lot and is willing to explain. Also uses the time wisely in mixing during takes. Priscilla the owner is very responsive to requests and emails. Very covid aware, with a beautiful view of the bay from the deck. It made me so happy to work here with these folks. Thank you! read more

When first looking for a place to do some voice over sessions for an animated short, we completely in the dark about what to do or what the process would be like. Priscilla made it super easy to book the session, as well as working with our budget and timing. James, our sound engineer, not only gave us tips and pointers about what was going on, but also for how to approach editing the work we recorded. We went on a Sunday, so parking was free. During the weekday, there is a two hour limit per spot. The studio itself is part of a house, which I can see why famous artists would want to record there (away from city hustle and bustle). There is wifi (password protected) in the studios, so you can access documents, etc on your phone/password. Cellular service is a bit spotty (Verizon), so was saved when trying to look up our script. Definitely will book for the future! read more

Our experience recording here was one of the best we have had. The engineer is very attentive and really cares about getting the song to sound the way you want it. His expertise comes handy when you aren't able to deliver because he gives advice and guides you so you can get there. We are very pleased with the service, equipment, professionalism, and ambiance of the studio. The studio is located in a beautiful neighborhood and is actually in the back part of a house but don't worry, it is fully soundproof and once inside, you forget you're in a house. It was pouring rain the evening we went and the quality of the vocals was superb regardless of massive rain pouring outside. If you are looking for a true professional to work with and take yourself serious as an artist, look no further, this is the studio for you! read more

Priscilla responded to my email with a phone call. She was professional relaxed and she provided great advice and a recommendation.

You wouldn't think you were in a recording studio. Live Oak is warm and cozy with a lovely vibe. You are so comfortable in this space you forget your in a studio. The equipment is top notch. The owner, Priscilla goes out of her way to make it all work. It was a delight to record there. andrea adler read more

I just finished producing an audiobook there, and the experience was fantastic. James is fast, friendly, and knows his stuff. He has recorded roughly half a bazillion books and can recite the ACX specs in his sleep. He also served as kind of a director, keeping my performance on track and watching for mistakes. The studio is comfy and well-equipped. From the Neumann U-87 through the final audio files the path is clean and top notch. read more

I have had the extreme pleasure of recording at Live Oak Studio only one time (I only wish I could record more). Priscilla Rice, owner and operator, has created a warm and beautiful recording studio in the Berkeley Hills that inspires creativity and fosters inspiration. The studio is nestled in a beautiful part of Berkeley and the atmosphere is extremely comfortable and laid-back. Her highly professional engineer makes the process effortless and is a genius at getting your project to sound better than you thought possible. Not only do they record music, but they have podcasting and books-on-tape services as well. I highly recommend Live Oak to anyone wanting to have a professional (or personal) recording made. read more

After 5 years of writing, I am finally publishing my book, "Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer." My NYT Bestsellers Writing Club recommended that I do an audiobook. I was shy about recording my own voice, but my 11 year old niece convinced me that only I needed to tell my own story in my own voice. I found Live Oak Studio, and they have been amazing. Priscilla Rice (owner) is responsive and professional. The price is also very reasonable for a professional studio where people like Alice Walker, Alicia Keys, and Destiny's Child have recorded. James Ward (sound engineer) is a blessing to work with. He knew the ins and outs of audiobooks, and helped me record sections I wasn't prepared for. He also coached me through the most difficult parts of my book. I had no idea how emotional it would be to read my memoir. If you're looking for a professional studio with high sound quality, excellent service, and reasonable prices, I highly recommend Live Oak studio. read more

What a sweet spot to record audiobooks. I felt at home in the comfortable surroundings. Best recording studio I've ever used. And, Priscilla is a lovely woman who makes me feel welcome. read more

Live Oak Recording Studio is the place to go to record live. Music, Tributes, Poems, Announcements, Presentations ... PODCASTS! The CEO, Priscilla Rice, knows how to capture the music and the soul of the artist. The environment is ... oh so Berkeley ... with a lot more space and professionalism than one might expect. You will be amazed at the creativity you will find at Live Oak. The team at Live Oak inspires people to do their best ... and you have a recording at the end to enjoy and promote. I have heard many of the recordings from Live Oak and they do a fantastic job. The awards on the walls in the studio speak volumes. Since 2002, I have been referring Live Oak Recording Studios to people I know along with PR and Marketing firms who need their expertise and services to help their clients. Web 2.0 ... podcasts and 2-way dialogue are a valuable way to build your business. Live Oak experts can help you build your business by giving you a professioanl recording to pass on or post. Good-bye to the media kit we used to know. I agree with Brian S. ... Priscilla is a genius ... and I think she follows her passion. It shows! read more

I recorded my album, ColorBook, at Live Oak Studio. Since that time, I have recorded many other commercial and personal projects at Live Oak, and I have also performed there many times as a sideman or arranger on other client's projects. Live Oak has a wonderful sound, and the price is reasonable. Musicians take note - at these rates, you can record an entire album for far less money than the cost of creating a home studio, AND the quality of sound will be far better! Priscilla just recorded a podcast of me talking about my music teaching studio; check it out on my website, or at Priscilla's Podcasts. Ernie Mansfield, www.mansfieldmusic.com read more

I had been researching a place for my dad to record an audio book he was planning as a memoir, and after speaking to Priscilla Rice at Live Oak Recording Studio in Berkeley I knew we were in great hands! They are consummate professionals -- punctual, accommodating, and easy to work with. Their studio is an absolutely gorgeous custom-made noise-insulated space in the beautiful Berkeley Hills, and sounds incredible. They have worked with some of the great music artists of the last few decades and are perfectly equipped to help you record music, or create an epic audiobook or podcast. Great experience and highly recommended! read more

We recorded the voice-over narration for an educational film today there. I used them several years ago, too, and James is still there. Located in the wing of a private home in the Berkeley Hills, this is a professional studio, with complete soundproofing, high, high end microphones, digital recording capability and gold records on the walls. My two clients and I were able to communicate with our narrator using their talkback system as well as visually through the window to the studio. James loaded our files onto my drive, and he created a backup at their studio. The sound quality is superb. James even recorded some room tone so we can smooth over pauses. read more

A wonderful studio and place to record an audiobook. I recorded my memoir Double Happiness at Live Oak, and I am extremely happy that I did. There are of course cheaper options in today's wild west DIY era; you could hire a tech with a mic to come to your house and have at it. But suffice it to say, being in a professional environment with a professional tech like James Ward makes all the difference in the world if you want to produce a high quality product. James Ward has done many audiobooks, and it shows immediately -- he knows just how to get the best voice work out of you -- and he knows the latest ACX and Audible/iTunes spec backwards and forwards. He knew exactly how to set up the studio, how to record and punch-in, and even how to get me positioned in front of the mic. If I had the slightest of critiques here, it would be that James is SO knowledgeable and enthusiastic to create excellent work, he'll sometimes talk and tell you more than you really need to know. But consider the alternative -- working with someone or some studio doing their first audiobook -- and you'll know you're in the right place. And a beautiful place it is. The location is gorgeous and peaceful -- up in the Berkeley hills. You arrive there and get the feeling upon walking into the studio that you're going to do great work. They were also extremely helpful and flexible about scheduling, and were all around great to work with. Needless to say, they delivered flawless files that now enable people to hear and enjoy the story of Double Happiness however and wherever they want. read more

My band (a five piece stringband) recently recorded here, and we couldn't be happier with the results.

I have been working with James Ward at Live Oak Studio since 2007. James can cover pretty much every style of music. If you give him a sound to match - he can get pretty close - or make it better. To date I have recorded and mixed tracks for three albums - ranging from doing simple vocal overdubs, to recording full band, as well as perfecting my home-studio based productions. The location is beautiful, a professional - fully equipped studio - yet warm like home. Priscilla Rice is a wonderful person (owner) follows up, schedules and even reminds you of your date. For the quality - you can't beat the price. I will continue to return here so long as I continue to produce music. read more

I've been recording in studios since 1976 and Live Oak is one of my all-time favorites for several reasons. We just finished tracking 13 songs there and the room, microphones and pre-amps are all top notch. James Ward is an amazing engineer, and he easily handled the musicians and instruments I threw at him--horns, strings, tabla, pedal steel, and even a choir! As a producer, I've come to rely heavily on his ideas and suggestions. The place is a bargain to boot. They have excellent rates, and James can do anything in ProTools faster than I can think it. It is such a good studio that I've chosen to mix there as well--a first in my 30-year career. read more

I found Pricsilla's studio from several sources including her incredible Podcasts, which cover a range of topics - from music to local business interviews. I visited the studio and, simply put, the facility is gorgeous, an incredible haven to record any and all types of music, storytelling , etc. I also realized that many of the CDs (records) I have loved for years were recorded here, locally in Berkeley .. who knew ? A great local treasure. Frank read more

Had so much fun recording here!! So professional and easy to work with. Will definitely record here again!

I just finished recording my first audiobook at Live Oak Studio. James was my sound engineer. I couldn't be happier. As a first time author who is NOT professional "voice talent," I was pretty intimidated by the prospect of recording a 90,000 word book, but my book is a memoir and I couldn't imagine having anyone else read it. James was very organized and professional. He gave me guidance on how to prepare (hydrate the day before, bring lots of green apples, etc.), and generally what to expect from the whole process. He estimated it would take 5 sessions (it did) and let me know ahead of time that the first session is the hardest (it was). He warned me not to get discouraged. Throughout, James was great about giving direction without making me feel bad, and working with me to push through longer sessions when I was in the flow, or end them early when I wasn't. As other reviewers have mentioned, the studio is very professional, quiet, and fully equipped. The sound quality of the final book is better than I could possibly hope for. You can hear for yourself--listen to the sample provided on Audible (it will be up in Sept. 2013). Book title is "Maxed Out: American Moms on the Brink." If I ever do another audiobook, I would definitely work with Live Oak and James again. read more

This is a beautiful little studio located in the remodeled basement of a gorgeous house in Berkeley. It offers a personal feel while producing a professional product. We did a five piece combo jazz recording. The hourly rate is very reasonable! read more

Highly recommended. Recorded six songs in six hours with our four-piece string band. Amazing space to get your creative side going. James the engineer was top-notch. Excellent environment and really friendly supportive everything. Great sunset from the back deck as we were mixing. I picked a lemon off the tree out back and mixed a cocktail when we were done. read more

Went there to record a demo and finally, someone (James) got the vocals right. I heard what I needed to in the headphones to not push too hard or hold back. James is knowledgeable, supportive, and lets you know all your options. I'm a bass player and needed a guitarist. Priscilla turned me on to Joshua and it worked out very well. A top of the line studio. I will go back for more projects. read more

One of the few classic rooms left in town designed by professional studio designers for the proper acoustics. Beautiful, comfortable, many client comfort extras. Up to date gear, much care goes in to keeping the facility top notch. read more

We just finished recording a single at Live Oak and a had great time. The studio is beautiful and the engineering is top notch. James is super fast and knows how to get the best sound possible. We look forward to coming back for more! read more

I recently recorded the narration of my book Fire Monks at Live Oak Studio. Thanks to Priscilla and James it was such a pleasure and I know the finished product is going to be top notch. The studio is tucked discretely into a beautiful residential area. The vibe is warm and low key but absolutely professional. A great experience and I hope to be back with another project soon! read more

I was in a very successful band with a # 1 hit record and I've recorded in some of the finest recording studios all over the world. Live Oak Studios is my favorite. It is nestled in an upscale Berkeley neighborhood and has some of the most breath taking views of the Bay Area. It is professionally managed by Priscilla Rice and she has one of the finest engineers (James) I've ever worked with. Not only do you get extraordinary sounds out of the room, but James is a competent engineer who can get them fast. He's fun to work with too! read more

I spent over 20 hours this passed week at Live Oak recording a very dense project-- dubbing a video into Spanish. James (engineer) did some amazing guerrilla editing that saved me hundreds of dollars in what would have otherwise been 20-30 hours of editing time. The wooded walls and professional environment of the place is equivalent to locations that charge far more per hour. And the speed and experience of the engineer is impressive. Great place. read more

Patricia (owner) and James (engineer) were extremely helpful and professional in guiding me through my first recording studio session. The work turned out great and I learned much about recording. I highly recommend Live Oak Recording Studio. read more

Hello, Just recorded a demo this past saturday March 19,2011 and im very impressed.The facility is impressive. The equipment top notch and James the engineer very professional and flexible with one. I highly recommend this Recording studio. I will certainly record here in the future. Thanks very much to Priscilla Rice (owner) and to James our engineer for a job well done! Regards, Vicente "El Kompa Shente" Lemus and Alberto Marquez (composer). 3/22/11 read more

This music studio is stunningly beautiful -- inside and out. I come from a family of musicians, and after seeing the location, technology and acoustics, I couldn't wait to get my sister (especially) out to see Live Oak on her next West Coast swing. I kept thinking how perfect a place this would be for her and her rock band to record their album. It's really worth visiting (and recording). For the record, I first learned of Live Oak because its owner, the incredibly nice Priscilla, has been a member of the same networking group as me for a couple of years. I'm glad I get to see her once a week, and I hope she invites me back up to that studio (what a view of the Bay!) again sometime soon. read more

I've never recorded anything in my life but I had a fantastic experience at Live Oak Studio today. I'm doing a secret project for somebody's birthday and I had 8 songs that I wanted to sing. I've been singing for awhile but I've never been in a recording studio before and I was incredibly nervous. Once I got there, the time passed quickly and james quickly made me more relaxed because of how nice and accommodating he was. I'm really pleased with the recordings that came out of our session, the price was very reasonable and I had a great time. I don't know that I'll need to do something like this again anytime soon but I'm already letting some of my friends in bands know about the space. read more

Live Oaks Studio, and James and Priscilla, were FANTASTIC, and made the process of turning my book into an audio book easy and fun. I highly recommend them! read more

Priscilla and James went way above and beyond expectations throughout every step of the process in recording my audio book at their studio. As a first time author and recorder I was nervous about recording, but they made the process easy and enjoyable and were true experts. + James saved me about 10 hours of online research. This man knows all there to know about audio book recording! Beautiful location and highly recommended! read more

I've had 3 sessions with James Ward working on two different projects and I have to say it's truly been an honor and blessing working with such a talented, intelligent engineer. He creates such a comfortable, laid back environment and also provides his vision along with tips and insights on how to make your project sound as commercially viable as possible. It's amazing how fast he can pick up a beat/instrumental along with your lyrics/vocals and create a vision on how it should sound. I believe he's been in the business for 35+ years and he's worked with some very talented people along the way (Destiny's Child, E-40, Too Short, Alicia Keys to name a few). It's rare to get his experience and talent level along with industry standard equipment provided at Live Oak at such a competitive rate. Working with Priscilla was also a blessing and she actually greeted me after one of my sessions. Definitely one of the nicest people you'll meet. I highly recommend. read more

I have been a music producer/songwriter with major and independent labels for over 10 years working out of studios in Los Angeles and the bay area. I found myself at Live Oak Studio when an artist I signed lived in the area and asked to record here. I have since made it my home when it comes to professional projects that involve recording and mixing. Priscilla has created an environment that provides both inspiration and creative minds to flourish. James Ward is not just any old recording/mixing engineer that you hire for his services but an educator and innovator in recording and mixing. I leave the studio obtaining more knowledge than I could ever afford to pay for. Trust me, producers act like we know it all but I have become a better one after each session. This is not a review, it's a testimonial! read more