offbeat logo

Welcome to Offbeat :
Edinburgh's Premiere Recording Studio 
 

  • offbeat-control-room-view
  • The Room Next Door ADR at Offbeat
  • Riot Games at Offbeat
  • THE PERFECT PASSION COMPANY AUDIOBOOKS BY ALEXANDER MCCALL SMITH AT OFFBEAT
  • Adam Shaw at Offbeat
  • iain glen at offbeat
  • IRVINE WELSH AT OFFBEAT
  • IAIN DALE at OFFBEAT
  • Tilda Swinton Chanel Audio Tour at Offbeat
  • terribly famous at offbeat
  • BBC RADIO AT OFFBEAT
  • woodland workshop
  • ALIA SHAWKAT AT OFFBEAT FOR HBO / TITMOUSE
  • penguin random house at offbeat
  • jack lowden and david morrisey at offbeat
  • KT Tunstall at Offbeat
  • how to survive everything audiobook at offbeat
  • THE FUCK IT BUCKET AT OFFBEAT FOR NETFLIX
  • the history of 101 women in objects at offbeat
  • NICKY CAMPBELL & BRUCE FINLAY AT OFFBEAT FOR BBC 5 LIVE
  • hatchette audiobooks produced at offbeat
  • CHRISTINA HENDRICKS AT OFFBEAT FOR BENTO BOX
  • AUDIOBOOKS PRODUCED AT OFFBEAT 2024
  • THE TRAITORS SO3 FINALE -ALAN CUMMING AT OFFBEAT

Welcome to our recording studio

Established in in the heart of Edinburgh's Royal Mile since 1994.

Our Edinburgh recording studio has been a cornerstone of the audio industry for over 30 years. Owned and operated by Iain and Kirsty McKinna, we pride ourselves on creating a comfortable and inspiring environment for all your audio requirements. As one of the leading recording studios in Scotland, we are committed to delivering professional audio services to clients, both locally and worldwide. 

our services

Our Edinburgh Recording Studio offers a comprehensive range of audio solutions, from audiobook production to music recording and sound design. We utilize industry-leading technology including Pro Tools Ultimate and Logic Pro X, complemented by the world-class Metric Halo ULN MkIV converters. 

Our expertise covers a wide range of audio services:

• Audiobook Recording & Production
• Voice Overs
• Sound to Picture
• Podcasts
• ADR Dubbing
• Audio Guides
• Specialising in Music Production Services for Singers, Solo Artists & Songwriters

BBC Approved studio

Trusted by Major Broadcasters
As a BBC Approved studio, we cater to high-profile clients in TV, film, and radio. Our work includes recordings for renowned broadcasters such as Channel 4, Film 4, SKY TV, Sony Picture Classics, Warner Bros, and Netflix, as well as live radio broadcasts.

Remote Facilities

Connect from Anywhere
With the power of Source Connect Pro, IPDTL, Zoom, and Skype, we offer seamless remote recording capabilities. Collaborate with us easily through Session Pro, Microsoft Teams, Zencastr, or any remote client of your choice.

Accessibility

Please Note
Unfortunately, our studio does not have disabled access. We appreciate your understanding.

get in touch

Just get in touch to find out about our recording studio rates

CONTACT US!

audiobook production

Experienced Producers

Broadcast Quality Sound

Audiobook Narration

ACX Specifications Standard

ACX Upload Service

Quality Control

Self Published Authors

voice over studio 

soundwave green

Audio Producer Included

Sound To Picture

Narrators

Remote Sessions

ADR Dubbing

Editing

Podcasts

recording studio

Central Edinburgh location

BBC Approved Studio

Music Composition

Musical Accompaniment

Music Production

Remote Sessions

Audio Mastering

Testimonials

What Industry Professional Say
  • iain dale at offbeat

    Iain Dale

    BROADCASTER
    "Smoothest live outside Broadcast Experience ever at Offbeat for the Iain Dale Show on LBC"
    anna

    Anna Horsbrugh-Porter

    JUST RADIO PRODUCER
    "Thank you for your skill and proficiency, a very good session, Allan Little's voice sounds lovely "
    kirsten

    Kirsten Lass

    LOFTUS MEDIA PRODUCER
    "Thanks for making it a great experience for the girls on the Terribly Famous Podcast"
  • Rebecca-650x500

    Rebecca Wojturska

    HAUNT PUBLISHING
    "A huge thanks to you all the work you've put in! I'm absolutely over the moon with the finished product".
    jo lord

    Joanna Lord

    CANONGATE PUBLISHING
    "We thoroughly enjoy working with the Offbeat team. The end results on our audiobooks are excellent".
    oli-grant 600 x 500

    Ollie Grant

    PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE
    "Excellent job! This wasn’t a straightforward record. Hopefully we can work on another title soon! "
  • jj-chalmers 650 x 500

    JJ Chalmers

    TV PRESENTER - ONE SHOW
    "Love doing Voice Overs at Offbeat, It's a great set up and creative atmosphere."
    phil-niland-650-x-500

    Phil Niland

    AVALON PRODUCER
    "Great to work with you again with Russell Howard on his Travels with My Mum series."
    melvin-rickarby-650-x-500

    Melvin Rickarby

    BBC RADIO PRODUCER
    "It all worked out well on the Soul Music Episode for Radio 4 and the sound was really lovely."

  • nathaniel-650-x-500

    Nathaniel Mackenzie

    PROFILE PUBLISHING
    "May I say you did an excellent job recording Recovery by Gavin Francis. Thanks so much for your work".
    sara-hunt 650 x 500

    Sarah Hunt

    SARABAND PUBLISHING
    "We enjoy working with Iain, he is extremely helpful and does an excellent job"
    chitra-650-x-500

    Chitra Ramaswami

    AUTHOR AND NARRATOR
    "What an intense, emotionally wringing, and utterly wonderful experience. Thank you".
  • Fiona-650-x-500

    Fiona Scott-Barratt

    AUTHOR
    "I 'm delighted with the audiobook recording of The Exit Facility, thanks for your valuable input".
    Gaia 650x500

    Gaia Poggiogala

    CANONGATE BOOKs
    " Iain is excellent at introducing our authors to the basics of 'narrating audiobooks."
    alice-lee-650-x-500

    Alice Lee

    ID AUDIO
    "Thanks for providing the excellent audio for Sawbones. No issues at all for which is very much appreciated."

TILDA SWINTON ENDORSES OFFBEAT

  • OFFBEAT CELEBS 1A
  • OFFBEAT CELEBS 1B
  • OFFBEAT CELEBS 2A
  • OFFBEAT CELEBS 2B
  • OFFBEAT CELEBS 3A
  • OFFBEAT CELEBS 3B
  • OFFBEAT CELEBS 4A
  • OFFBEAT CELEBS 4B
  • OFFBEAT CELEBS 5A
  • OFFBEAT CELEBS 5B
  • OFFBEAT CELEBS 6A
  • OFFBEAT CELEBS 6B
  • OFFBEAT CELEBS 8A
  • OFFBEAT CELEBS 8B
  • OFFBEAT CELEBS 9A
  • OFFBEAT CELEBS 9B

Projects  in the studio

off

beat

Busy, busy, busy, that's the way we like it, with so many talented artists working on so many diverse projects passing through our studio... 

Allie fox

Allie’s second album at Offbeat, Wayland’s Blues, is an instrumental album of highly original acoustic and emotive guitar-based compositions, incorporating folk, blues and classical influences, arranged for both solo guitar & multi-musician line-ups.

CBBC 
Gym stars

Recording the finale commentary for this popular CBBC series Gym Stars with Presenter London Hughes & TV Producer Tamsin Summers for Drummer Television productions

OFFBEAT RADIO

We are currently producing a 1 hour radio show highlighting the incredible diverse range of music we've been involved in. The show will be syndicated to various stations and features - Mike Heron, Spirit Of The Glen, Becky Smith, Doug Anthony Allstars, Tam White, Hamed Kane, Imaginary Creatures, Hex and many more artists we've worked with at Offbeat.

JA connor

We've been working with singer/songwriter JA Connor for many years noe. Recording two no1 tracks for Celtic Radio. Now Jim is back in the studio creating instrumental versions of his songs Drift Away, Mysterious Lady and Open Your Mind for TV stations in the USA.

Stuart reid

Incredible Childrens Author Stuart Reid is recording his first audio book from the successful Gorgeous George series entitled Grandpa Jock and the Incredible Iron-Bru-Man Incident

BBC RADIO 4

Rosalind Newton is in the Offbeat studio recording for BBC Radio 4 with producer Melvin Rickarby for the Soul Music series focusing on music with an emotional impact.

The track being featured is Peter Maxwell Davis's famous composition Farewell To Stromness

Pineapple fm -netflix

Catherine Cohen, one of the amazing comedians performing at Edinburgh Fringe Festival is recording a voiceover session to record intro's and outro's for a Netflix podcast by New York's Pineapple FM.

Becky Smith

Singer/songwriter Becky Smith is currently recording her debut EP of vibey piano-based Pop songs with Iain on musical accompaniment and production. Becky's a gifted vocalist and musician who also plays guitar,  

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

Back in the studio for the 3rd year running, recording their online programme and the opening announcement for this year's International Festival, produced by Mauro Silva (above right). Offbeat also recorded the opening announcement for last years 2018 International Festival spectacle at Edinburgh's Festival Square.

UNION JACK RADIO

Recording a series of radio interviews / podcasts  for Union Jack radio during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Featuring Christopher Biggins. Marcus Brigstocke, Simon Brodkin, Shappi Khorsandi, Lucy Phol, Basil Brush & Mark Dolan
December 16, 2024
In Green Audiobook by Louis D Hall

In Green is an epic tale of adventure through Spain on horseback, beautifully written and narrated by author Louis Hall for Duckworth Books. Produced with exceptional care, this audiobook recording and production brings the story to life with professional quality and clarity, delivering an unforgettable listening experience. Available in March 2025

December 16, 2024
Traitors Series 3 Finale with Alan Cumming

Thrilled to contribute to The Traitors USA Series 3, recording Alan Cumming’s commentary in person for the penultimate and final episodes of this hugely popular series. Expert ADR production here at the Offbeat studio in Edinburgh ensured every detail of the production process shined. Who won? .... You'll never guess!!

December 16, 2024
Belmond Slow Travel with Tilda Swinton

Fantastic to welcome Tilda Swinton back to Offbeat for the fifth time this year. We recorded her voiceover for Belmond Travel Company’s latest campaign, crafting flawless audio for their luxury slow travel holiday promotions in France. As always, it’s a pleasure to ensure her distinctive voice is captured with precision and care.

 

November 9, 2024
That Beautiful Atlantic Waltz Audiobook

Offbeat proudly produced the audiobook The Great Atlantic Waltz by Malachy Tallack. This captivating tale of Shetland spans two eras, enhanced by evocative songs. Narrated by the author and expertly recorded and directed by Olivia Caw, it’s a testament to our audiobook recording and production expertise.

November 9, 2024
The Dumping Ground - ADR CBBC

CBBC – We had a wonderful time working on ADR for the BAFTA winning The Dumping Ground Series 13! Mimi Robertson and Charlie Geany are incredible young actors, and it’s been a joy to shoot their scenes. Every word is crisp and clear, helping to bring their characters and the series to life with our expert ADR production.

November 9, 2024
Bruised Soul - The Hoof GP Audiobook

Thrilled to contribute to Graeme Parker’s journey as The Hoof GP. Known for his YouTube success, we provided expert audiobook production for his compelling new project. Graeme shares his personal story, including battles with mental health, inspiring hope for those facing challenges. Our meticulous recording methos ensures every word resonates with authenticity and impact.

 

October 9, 2024
Cinderella Panto 2024 - Festival Theatre

What a fun session recording a network radio ad for Cinderella at the Festival Theatre! With Allan Stewart and Grant Stott leading the cast, the Panto crew brought their usual energy and camaraderie to the studio. We crafted a vibrant and engaging ad to capture the magic of this must-see show. Always a pleasure working with such a close-knit team.

September 26, 2024
Lord of the Rings online Video Game

A fantastic session creating character voices for Lord of the Rings Online. Yasmeena Roberts brought an incredible range of new characters to life, expertly recorded here at Offbeat. Directed remotely by Hamster Ball Studios in LA, the session showcased precision and creativity for this globally renowned video game. Always exciting to contribute to such iconic projects.

September 26, 2024
Uncanny Halloween Special - BBC radio 4

Thrilled to welcome Academy Award-winning writer and actor Evelyn Hollow to Offbeat for a special Halloween episode of Uncanny. Directed remotely by producer Danny Robins, this spooky session was a joy to record. Recording the perfect voice character production for such a chilling series is always exciting, and we’re proud to contribute to its haunting success.

September 22, 2024
Chanel Audio Tour - PSA Shanghai - Narrated by Tilda Swinton

Delighted to have Tilda Swinton back in the Offbeat studio, recording a captivating audio tour for the Chanel exhibition at Shanghai’s PSA (Power Station of Art). Directed remotely from China and France, this immersive audio project highlights Tilda’s iconic voice and our expertise in delivering flawless production for global audiences. A truly international collaboration!

August 21, 2024
Nicola Benedetti - Edinburgh Festival Director 2024

Thrilled to have Nicola Benedetti, world-class violinist and Director of the Edinburgh International Festival, in the Offbeat studio. Nicola recorded the opening video commentary for the 2024 Festival music programme, featured at the start of every performance. A true honor to craft such a significant piece for this globally renowned event.

August 7, 2024
Tilda Swinton ADR - The End

We’re delighted to fine-tune Tilda Swinton’s dialogue for the major release of The End. Working remotely with director Joshua Oppenheimer from Berlin, Tilda returned to Offbeat for ADR recording, ensuring every line was delivered with precision. A privilege to collaborate on such a significant project with these extraordinary talents.

July 31, 2024
Gary Tank Commander - Lidls Checkout Comedy

We had a blast producing the audio for Greg McHugh’s Checkout Comedy routine, created for Lidl by Lux Agency. Shoppers can grab headphones and enjoy Greg’s hilarious commentary while browsing the aisles. It’s always exciting to deliver top-notch audio that brings such creative projects to life and puts a smile on people’s faces.

June 27, 2024
Coatbridge , The Disappearance of Moira Anderson Podcast

Delighted to have recorded Audible’s no.1 podcast series with the incredible Sandra Brown at Offbeat, produced by Chalk & Blade. Sandra’s gripping narration reveals her courageous journey uncovering her father’s link to a tragic 1957 Coatbridge case. A powerful and poignant story brought to life through expert podcast commentary production.

June 22, 2024
ADR with Tilda Swinton on the Room Next Door - Sony Picture Classics

It’s always a privilege to work with Tilda Swinton, and this week was no exception as we recorded ADR for Pedro Almodóvar’s latest film, The Room Next Door, produced by Sony Pictures Classics. Capturing Tilda’s final lines with precision was a fitting conclusion to this extraordinary project. Offbeat is proud to deliver seamless ADR production for cinematic masterpieces.

June 4, 2024
Tilda Swinton - Movie Dialogue - Heart of Light

Amazing privilege to have Tilda Swinton in the studio, recording dialogue for Heartbeatt Pictures’ latest film. This evocative piece, directed by Cynthia Beatt, explores Fiji’s history of exploitation by colonists and tourism. Cynthia traveled from Berlin to collaborate on this powerful project. Offbeat’s expertise ensured Tilda’s voice-over commentary was recorded with precision and depth.

May 27, 2024
Highland Wildlife Park Listening Posts

Delighted to record leading conservationists and wildlife experts for Bright White’s audio listening posts at Highland Wildlife Park, created for RZSS. These engaging recordings bring the park’s incredible stories to life. It was a fascinating project and a refreshing change to step out of the studio to capture these vital voices for an immersive audio tour.

 

May 10, 2024
Adventures of Mary Jane Audiobook by Hope Jahren

Honored to record Hope Jahren’s debut fiction, Adventures of Mary Jane, as an audiobook for Penguin Random House USA. Narrated by Elizabeth Robbins and directed remotely via Zoom by Paula Parker from New York, this project brought together global talents. Time Magazine’s top 100 influential author deserves nothing less than Offbeat’s expert audiobook recording.

Offbeat Recording Studios 

Award Winning Music Production and Voice Over Studio on Edinburgh's Royal Mile

Award Winners

The Eyes Of Orson Welles

Cannes Film Festival Award 2018
Learn More

The Story Of Film

New York Film Festival Award 2018
Learn More

Stanley Kubrick Award 2014

Stanley Kubrick Award 2014

Learn More

Earthrise —  Al-Jazeera

New York Film Festival Awards for Best Documentary 2018
Learn More

Spirit Of The Glen - Journey

Classical Brit Award 2009
Learn More

Spirit Of The Glen

Classic FM #1 in 2009
Learn More

SOLAS by Talitha MacKenzie

World Music #3 USA 1997
Learn More

SOLAS by Talitha MacKenzie

World Music #12 Europe 1997
Learn More

Searching by The Harmonics

No1 on Apple iCompositions 2007
Learn More

The Harmonics, Living The Dream

Music In Scotland Trust Winner 1991
Learn More

AUDIO FOR BROADCASTERS

Our BBC approved music production and recording studio produces audio recording for:

BBC Radio 1

BBC Radio 6

BBC Radio 4

BBC1 TV

BBC Bytesize

Turner Classic Movies

Edinburgh International Festival

John Paul Getty Museum

Universal Music Group

Decca Records

Sky TV

Al-Jazeera TV

Film 4

More 4

STV

Offbeat For A Reason

Offbeat Experience

As both musician and producer Iain McKinna’s audio and musical journey – from Analogue in the 70’s to Midi in the 80’s to Digital from the 90’s to the present day — offers a wealth of knowledge and experience when collaborating with clients on their audio and music projects.

He's produced albums that have achieved World Music chart success and has received 2 Gold records and a Classical Brit award for recording the Spirit Of The Glen series of albums for Universal/Decca Records.

But even those achievements barely scrape the surface of Iain's background, past, worldliness, understanding and involvement in the industry to which he has devoted his life.

Offbeat Value

"Clients don't judge us by the size of our desk, they judge us by the outstanding results and real value we add to their projects."
Iain and Kirsty killing it in the 80s!

Offbeat Enjoyment

Clients don't return just for our great production values, they return for the craic, the confidence and relaxed professionalism that comes from lifetimes of experience.

On The Beaten Track

Only five minutes walk from Waverley Station, we're about as central as it gets on Edinburgh's Royal Mile. 
Get Directions
“To Iain...
         ... in admiration.”
Film Director & Presenter
Mark Cousins

Award Winners

The Eyes Of Orson Welles

Cannes Film Festival Award 2018
Learn More

The Story Of Film

New York Film Festival Award 2018
Learn More

Stanley Kubrick Award 2014

Stanley Kubrick Award 2014

Learn More

Earthrise —  Al-Jazeera

New York Film Festival Awards for Best Documentary 2018
Learn More

Spirit Of The Glen - Journey

Classical Brit Award 2009
Learn More

Spirit Of The Glen

Classic FM #1 in 2009
Learn More

SOLAS by Talitha MacKenzie

World Music #3 USA 1997
Learn More

SOLAS by Talitha MacKenzie

World Music #12 Europe 1997
Learn More

Searching by The Harmonics

No1 on Apple iCompositions 2007
Learn More

The Harmonics, Living The Dream

Music In Scotland Trust Winner 1991
Learn More

Awards

classical brit award logo

Classical Brit Award

This trilogy recorded for Universal Music Group was no1 in the Classical charts and won best album at the Classical Brit Awards in 2009

cannes award

Cannes Award

Offbeat recorded the commentary for Mark Cousins film which won 2nd prize for best documentary at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.

kubrick award

Kubrick Award

The 15 part series by (and with commentary by) Mark Cousins won a Stanley Kubrick Award for best Documentary & many other awards.

Mandancin' 

"Outstanding Original Screenplay"
{SACRAMENTO FILM FESTIVAL}
"Critics Choice & Gold Remi Winner"
{WORLD FEST HOUSTON}
"Winner Best International Feature"
{GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL}

© 2022 Offbeat Recording Studios. All Rights Reserved.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram