Built to work. Built to last.
Located in the heart of OX4, Cowley Road Studios (CRS) is a multifaceted creative hub dedicated to the craft of sound, technical repair, and community collaboration. We bridge the gap between high-end professional production and accessible local culture.
Formerly Soundworks Oxford — Cowley Road Studios evolved from Soundworks Oxford, continuing our commitment to serving Oxford's creative community with professional-grade recording, rehearsal, and AV infrastructure since 1999.
From the foundations of Backbeat Records and the legendary Soundworks Studio to the reggae energy of Mackating and the original sound systems, our team has been at the heart of Oxford's music scene since the early 90s. De*Gen3 represents the next chapter in this 30-year legacy—a new flagship facility built for the next era of creativity and high-fidelity sound.
We move forward with the vital, ongoing support of Daniel Norland, whose deep roots in Oxford's sound culture and continued strength remain a cornerstone of this project as we transition into our new home.
The Recording Studio
Specialized in vintage audio recording and modern production, providing a unique sonic character you won't find in a digital-only environment.
The Workshop Café
Featuring specialty coffee and a dedicated, flexible workspace designed for freelancers and the local creative community. Currently available for private hire.
Technical Services
Professional-grade electronic repairs and AV services, keeping the tools of the trade in peak condition.
Daniel Burbidge — Founder and lead strategist. Focused on building a robust network of industry partners to expand the reach and capabilities of CRS.
Oli — Co-founder and resident technical lead. An expert in music production and hardware technology, ensuring the studio's vintage gear and modern workflows are seamless.
We are currently in a major growth phase, with limited audio services launching as early as February 2026 (March at latest). New workspaces and expanded creative facilities are under development.
To fund the next stage of our build-out, we are currently offering exclusive, discounted rates on recording, production, and podcast sessions for those who book in advance. Your early support directly funds the completion of Oxford's most comprehensive creative infrastructure.
Cowley Road Studios was founded on a simple premise: professional infrastructure shouldn't be a luxury.
Oxford's creative community needed recording facilities, rehearsal space, and technical support that worked reliably — not aspirational branding or fragile setups. We built CRS to prioritise engineering reality, documentation, and predictable outcomes.
We began with a single recording room and a commitment to system discipline: signal paths mapped, equipment tested, and decisions made on function rather than fashion.
Today, CRS operates across two Oxford locations — Cowley Road and Cricket Road — providing studio recording, rehearsal space, live sound services, and community venue access. We support grassroots artists, community organisations, and professional projects using the same operational standard.
The mission remains unchanged: make professional-grade creative infrastructure accessible, reliable, and sustainable.
CRS operates under a strict No Chaos Policy. This is not a slogan — it is an operational baseline.
Equipment Maintenance
All equipment is tested, maintained, and documented. If it is in use, it works.
Signal Path Documentation
Studios, PA systems, and installations are fully documented. No undocumented routing. No guesswork.
Engineering-Led Decisions
Systems and workflows are chosen for reliability and suitability, not trends or brand allegiance.
Predictable Results
Sessions and events are designed to start on time and run without technical distraction.
Systematic Problem Solving
When issues arise, they are resolved methodically, documented, and prevented from recurring.
For Artists
Your time is for making work, not troubleshooting equipment.
For Event Organisers
You get predictable technical delivery and clear communication.
For Community Groups
Professional infrastructure is available without requiring specialist knowledge or inflated budgets.
Cowley Road, Oxford (OX4 1JE)
Recording Studio & Workshop Café
Multi-room recording facility with control room, live room, and isolation booths. Home to Workshop Café — the public-facing space for events, meetings, and community programming.
Services: Studio recording, rehearsal, venue hire, café
Cricket Road, Oxford
Rehearsal & Production Node
Purpose-built rehearsal rooms with PA, monitoring, and backline, designed for bands, theatre groups, and production preparation.
Services: Rehearsal space, production prep
CRS systems are designed and maintained under the ODRO Engineering Standard — our internal methodology for infrastructure delivery.
ODRO means:
If a system is powered by ODRO Engineering, it has been designed to operate predictably and sustainably.
Contact us to get started.
CRS — Built to work. Built to last. Powered by ODRO Engineering.
De*Gen3
