The Panda Studios

My band recorded with Rings and he’s literally one of the most genuinely nicest people I’ve ever met. The vibe of the recording sessions was super laid back. There was no pressure to rush. He just knows how to record and make any band sound fucking amazing. Yeah yeah yeah yeah! 69 stars for sure.

Currently recording an EP here at Panda & we couldn’t be happier. The vibe around the studio is great, tracks sound massive, and everyone here is really friendly, helpful and attentive. Definitely recommended by, not just myself, but many many musicians in the Bay Area as well.

I record here with Rings, the other engineer at the Panda Studios. Very chill environment to record and hang out at. Easy and good response time when trying to book a session. Funny thing is I am the only hip hop artist that records here as they are mainly known for recording bands. Although, the outcome is as if they specialized in mixing and mastering hip hop songs as well!

I’m admittedly a little biased as I write this because I’ve mastered a few Panda records that Sam and Rings mixed recently.
BUT I think that makes me very qualified to write a review as I have heard positive feedback from their clients and worked on their productions – which are very well-​engineered and well-​rounded recordings. Their mixes are top-​notch; impactful, balanced, and interesting.
Sam, Rings, and Jonny are all professional and passionate about putting out their best work and taking care of their clients.
If you’re into the kind of music they produce, check them out. You won’t be disappointed.

I would be able to give four more stars if I can actually TRY recording at this place. I called them, the machine told me to leave my e-​mail address, and they e-​mailed me instead of calling me. This is what it said in the e-​mail, word by word:
«Hey Susie —
My name is Brad Wiseman, I book Panda Studios. Could you please send me a time-​frame and budget you have in mind for this recording?
I saw that you mentioned you are looking to sure a piano. We have a Rhodes piano, would that work for you?»
I thought it was shady how they ask me for my budget, instead of telling me THEIR rate. So I wrote them saying that I have a low budget, and they never replied.
Uh. What? Really? Some shady people out there, I tell you.

I’m a little late writing this review for Sam, but I did not forget how amazing this studio is.
Sam Pura knows everything there is to know about recording music, and spending money to work with him is the best decision you will make. The prices for recording here beat any other studio in the area, and the quality that leaves the studio is the same. You probably have never worked with anyone quiet like Sam, so there’s no way to prepare you. The best advice I can give you is to be ready to have fun when you’re not recording, and be ready to work as hard as possible when you are.
The studio is such an awesome space, complete with a working room, a live room, and a waiting room with bunk beds, a pull out couch, tv, fridge, video games, you name it. We’ve crashed there on multiple occasions and it’s perfect for the band.
I personally have recorded 2 separate occasions here, both times for the same Alternative/​Rock project, but I have seen some amazing, Metal, Thrashcore, and Hardcore leave this studio as well. Sam can do it all. Save some money, and save your project by going to The Panda Studios!

I recorded in the Panda Studios back when it was in San Francisco. However, now that Sam actually has his own studio built custom to his liking, I can only imagine everything being so much better. I checked the new place out when it was almost done and even then things were looking beautiful.
Sam is a regular dude just like you and I. He doesn’t come off with this «higher than thou» attitude like some people I’ve worked with. Although he’ll jokingly give you crap for messing up, he truly has an incredible patience. On my last studio session with him, I was having problems hitting certain notes, so the band and I crowded into his SUV and he took us all to grab a bite. I’m not sure how typical that is for a person who does what he does, but it sure as hell was nice. I mean he didn’t pay or anything hahaha, but the fact that he was thinking, «hey, let’s go eat and get your mind off of this for now,» was righteous.
I don’t remember how much we paid for all of our time with him, but I know we got a great deal. He was flexible, compromising, and really helpful in working with all of our time schedules. I never felt intimidated by the man, as he quickly became a friend of mine. I also thought it was awesome that he was digging some of our music. I’m not currently in a band, but if I ever join one again and we need to record, Panda Studios will be our first choice. Book your time with him ASAP, trust me, you’ll have a blast and your recordings will come out incredible.

Owner/​Engineer Sam Pura, Audio Geek to the max!
Sam’s dedication to achieving awesome sounds guarantees quality audio production. His enthusiasm about all things audio creates an energetic and positive recording atmosphere. He is committed to making recordings worth bragging about, which his clients usually do.
If you’re looking for an engineer who will give your project his undivided attention and enthusiasm, and will produce an excellent sounding recording, I highly recommend Sam Pura at The Panda Studios!

Easily, The Panda Studios is the best one stop track, mix, & master spot in the bay area. With the amount of incredible gear and instruments available for use and Sam Pura’s vast knowledge and recording prowess there’s no need to waste time searching for another studio because this is the best there is. Inexpensive and incredible engineering. Professional, laid back environment. Zero stress. Everything necessary for a great recording and a great experience. Do yourself a favor and book a date.

The Panda Studios is where dreams become reality.
As a musician in the Bay Area music scene, its hard to actually find someone who is creative enough, knows what he’s doing, and actually wants to work with you. Sam Pura is all of that and soo much more. He was able to take everything that we have worked on for sooo long and make it just that much better. Production is second to none and after the first day of working with him, we decided as a band that we needed Sam Pura to produce this record.
We are currently finishing our album and I’m very lucky i stumbled upon this amazing gem in the Bay Area. You can either go record where your friends tell you to, or you can do yourself a serious favor, if you take your music seriously, and go record at The Panda Studios.
DO IT NOW!!!

The Panda Studios is the bee’s knees.
Sam Pura, owner and operator, is ridiculously knowledgeable in sound engineering. He owns and operates Panda front to back, and does it with prowess. Producing, recording, mixing and mastering, he does it all– and all at a great price. Sam isn’t just business, he is an all around kick ass guy.
The place is gorgeous, completely built for purpose, but with great taste. Sam, and his studio, are top notch quality. If you’re a recording artist looking to lay down some tracks with a BAMF at a killer studio, look no further, The Panda Studios is it, bar none.