FAQ
Everything people ask us, answered.
Pricing, booking, what's included, location, technical questions - sorted by category
General
What is Signature Sound Studios?
Signature Sound Studios is a video, podcast, and audio production studio in San Diego, California, founded in 1989. We operate four customizable in-studio sets, a music control room with a Neve console, and a full on-location production team. We've been the studio behind work for Audible, Pixar, Penguin Random House, Adobe, WHOOP, Nickelodeon, U2, Alicia Keys, and many more.
Where is Signature Sound Studios located?
5040 Ruffner Street, San Diego, California 92111. We're in the Kearny Mesa neighborhood, about 15 minutes from downtown San Diego and 5 minutes from I-805 and I-15.
What are your hours?
Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Pacific Time. Weekend and evening bookings are available by appointment — call (619) 793-3809 to set those up.
How long has Signature Sound been in business?
Since 1989. Same building, same ownership, 37 years of continuous operation.
Who runs Signature Sound Studios?
Luis Arteaga is the primary point of contact for new clients and tours. You can reach Luis directly at (619) 793-3809.
Is Signature Sound open to the public?
Yes. Both major brands and independent creators can book sessions. We offer free studio tours so you can see the space before booking.
Pricing & Booking
How much does a podcast studio cost in San Diego?
At Signature Sound, our Podcast Room is $250/hr (single camera) or $350/hr (three cameras). Both prices include the videographer, sound engineer, all gear, lighting, and microphones.
How much does the Brick Wall Set cost?
$350/hr single camera, $500/hr three cameras. Includes engineer, videographer, full lighting, and gear.
How much does the News Desk Set cost?
$350/hr single camera, $500/hr three cameras. Same inclusions as the Brick Wall Set.
How much does the green screen cost?
$600/hr with a 3-hour minimum. Includes pre-lit green screen, all three cameras, full lighting kit, videographer, and sound engineer.
How much does on-location production cost?
Half-day (5 hours) is $1,600. Full-day (10 hours) is $2,300. Both include up to three 4K cameras, lighting kit, gimbal stabilizer, boom mic, two lavaliers, videographer, and sound engineer. Within 30 mi of downtown San Diego. Beyond 30 miles is a custom quote.
Do I need to pay a deposit to book?
Yes — we collect a 50% deposit at booking and the balance on session day. Call to set this up.
What's your cancellation policy?
72 hours notice for a full refund. Less than 72 hours, the deposit is forfeited but can be applied to a rescheduled session within 60 days.
Is editing included?
Editing is a separate service. We hand off raw footage and audio at no extra cost. Podcast edits start at $500 per episode, social clips at $150 each.
Do you offer discounts?
Yes — multi-session block bookings (4+ hours) and recurring monthly series rates. Call for a custom quote.
How do I book a session?
Either fill out the form on the Contact page or call Luis directly: (619) 793-3809.
Tour & Visiting
Can I tour the studio before booking?
Yes, and we recommend it. Free tours take about 30 minutes. You'll see all four sets, meet the engineer, and we'll discuss your project. No sales pitch.
How do I book a tour?
Call (619) 793-3809 or submit the form on the Contact page.
How quickly will you respond if I submit the form?
Within 1 business day, usually within 4 hours during business hours.
What should I bring to a tour?
Just yourself. We'll show you the rooms and equipment. If you want specifics, bring a rough idea of timeline and budget.
Where do I park?
We have on-site parking. The studio is at 5040 Ruffner Street in Kearny Mesa.
Studios & Sets
How many studios do you have?
Four in-studio sets (Podcast Room, Brick Wall Set, News Desk, Pre-Lit Green Screen), one music control room with a Neve console, plus a black infinity backdrop available as an add-on. Plus on-location production within 30 miles of downtown San Diego.
What's the difference between the Podcast Room and Brick Wall Set?
The Podcast Room is intimate — geometric paneling, atmospheric lighting, for one-on-one or small-group conversation podcasts. The Brick Wall Set (Studio A) is more open with a modern aesthetic — better for branded content, talk shows, and lifestyle interviews.
Which set is best for a podcast?
For a conversational podcast with 2–4 people, the Podcast Room. For a podcast that's also a brand statement and will be cut into social clips, the Brick Wall Set. For a news-style format, the News Desk.
Which set is best for video?
For talking-head corporate video: News Desk or Brick Wall. For training videos and demos: Green Screen. For interview-style brand content: Podcast Room or Black Infinity.
Can I change a set's look?
Yes — sets are customizable. We can swap furniture, change backdrop colors, adjust lighting moods, and add branded elements. Discuss your vision during the tour.
How many people fit in each set?
Podcast Room comfortably seats 4. Brick Wall fits 6–8. News Desk seats 2 anchors plus guests. Green Screen has no seat limit.
Services
Do you record audiobooks?
Yes. We've been recording audiobooks at Signature Sound for over 15 years. Audible, Penguin Random House, Macmillan Audio, and Recorded Books are among our publishing clients.
Do you do voice-over and ADR for film and TV?
Yes. Pixar, Nickelodeon, and Leapfrog are among our voice-over and ADR clients. We have a dedicated voice-over booth with LED monitor for ADR-to-picture work.
Do you offer music recording?
Yes. Control room is built around a Neve console with Manley, BAE, GML, Urei outboard. Past music clients include U2, Alicia Keys, Blink-182, Stone Temple Pilots, T-Pain, Jacob Collier, James TW, Jewel, NLE Choppa, Rebelution, and Switchfoot.
Can you film a video podcast?
Yes. All four sets are multi-camera ready (three 4K Sony cameras) with live switching. We deliver edit-ready footage same-day in most cases.
Do you do on-location video production?
Yes. Half-day $1,600, full-day $2,300, both with full crew + gear, within 30 miles of downtown San Diego.
Do you make social media content?
Yes. Vertical Reels, TikToks, YouTube Shorts, plus "Day in the Life" brand content and A/B-test-ready paid ad creative.
Do you manage paid ads campaigns?
Yes — Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. From $1,000.
Can you edit my podcast or video?
Yes — separate service. Podcast edits from $500/episode, social clips from $150 each.
Technical & Practical
What microphones do you use?
Shure SM7B for podcast hosts and guests, Neumann U87 for voice-over and audiobook narration, Sennheiser 416 for on-location boom, Rode Pro Lavaliers for on-camera talent.
What cameras do you use?
Three Sony 4K cameras across our sets with broadcast-grade lighting and live multi-camera switching.
Do I need to bring my own microphone?
No. All microphones and gear are included. If you have a preferred mic, you're welcome to bring it.
Can I integrate Zoom or Riverside.FM?
Yes. Direct integration — bring in remote guests as if they were in the room.
How do I get my files after the session?
Raw footage and audio via secure cloud transfer the same business day. Edited files come back within 5–10 business days depending on package.
What file formats do you deliver?
Video: ProRes 4K, MP4 1080p, and any platform-specific exports. Audio: WAV 24-bit and MP3.
Can you live-stream a session?
Yes — Zoom, YouTube Live, Facebook Live, LinkedIn Live, Twitch, or your own RTMP destination.
Is the studio wheelchair accessible?
Yes — single-level access, no stairs.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, dedicated high-speed Wi-Fi throughout.
Is parking free?
Yes, on-site parking is included.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Yes — green room and kitchenette available. No open drinks inside the live rooms.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, well-behaved dogs welcome.
Whether you're a Fortune 500 — or filming episode one.
Tour the studio. No sales pitch. We respond within 1 business day.
Signature Sound Studios
San Diego's premier video, podcast, and audio production studio. Since 1989.
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