studioexpresso - Studio Spotlight East West

EastWest Studios, a Hollywood Recording Landmark in-Session today!

studio 1

Welcome to East West Studios, the world’s premier recording facility that's drenched in rich musical history.

Located in the heart of Hollywood, the studios have given rise to some of the most celebrated music of the last fifty years, from Frank Sinatra to The Rolling Stones to Red Hot Chili Peppers. Thanks to collaborative efforts of EASTWEST SOUNDS producer Doug Rogers and internationally renowned designer Philippe Starck, these iconic studios have been brought into the 21st century for today's musicians.
A remarkable amount of love and respect has gone into their planning of the new spaces that complement the legendary studios known to industry as "temple of Sound."

l-r: Designer Phillip Stark and producer Doug Rogers

"The idea was simple – take to the most historic recording studios in the United States and transform it to meet the needs of contemporary artists and producers recording in the new millennium. The key ingredient, however, was in preserving the integrity of the live recording rooms, as built by legendary engineer Bill Putnam in 1961," says Rogers, an audio sampling pioneer who has made EastWest, the #1 sounds producer in the world.

The result is a truly unique experience that stimulates both the aural and visual senses, that combines the epic sound recordings of the past with a bold, playful vision of the future. A place where artists can meet, mingle, and be inspired, while at the same time shaping the way music is heard for generations to come.

There's a sense of WOW, when you enter the building. You immediately feel welcomed when greeted by familiar faces who have painted the studio staffing landscape for over two decades. Tech, Gary Myerberg (formerly of A&M) talks excitedly about the immanent flyer fader automation installation in studio 2 (Elvis Costello, Ry Cooder, AC/DC). Manager Candace Stewart (formerly of Cello Studios, & Firehouse Studios) and Blake Rogers are charming and resourceful. You feel you're in good hands -- exactly what a world-class studio feels like!

control room 1

Studio 1 (Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Rolling Stones) is booked for variety of sessions from single voice to 70-piece symphonic orchestra. Spanning over 61,000 cubic feet with a vibrant sound, the iconic studio comes complete with a spacious isolation booth and a beautiful Bechstein D-280 Concert Grand Piano. The control room features an 80 channel Neve 8078 Console, the largest in the world (originally commissioned for Michael Jackson's best-selling album, Thriller). Each room is equipped with a DB Technologies db4496 A/D-D/A Converter and ATC house monitors along with NS10/ProAc speakers and are set up with Pro tools HD. Studer 827, Ampex ATR124, Ampex ATR102, Studer J-37, Studer C-37 Analog recorders are available on request.

studio 2

Simply put, Studio 2 is one of the best rock recording rooms in the world. Its high ceilings and mid-ambience provide a tight punchy sound constantly sought after by top producers like Rick Rubin. The studio has an additional drum isolation booth, a vocal isolation booth, and a Yamaha C7 grand piano that has been used on many rock albums. The Red Hot Chili Peppers like this room that offers a Neve RCA Custom 8028 Console (40 channel) --one of only 2 built with Class A discrete electronics. Each room is equipped with a dB Technologies db4496 A/DD/A Converter and ATC house monitors along with NS10/ProAc speakers and are set up with Pro tools HD. Studer 827, Ampex ATR124, Ampex ATR102, Studer J-37, Studer C-37 Analog recorders are available on request.

control Room 3

Each lounge (designed by Philippe STARCK) offers a unique sense of opulence. The VIP Lounge pulls out all the stops: 65” Sharp Aquos HD flat-screen television with satellite DIRECTV (including premium channels), DVD player, State of the Art audio system, pool table, private restroom & shower, complimentary wireless Internet connection, and most importantly, a simply stunning outdoor terrace with private cabana. (Please note: The VIP Lounge must be booked at the same time you book the studio, please discuss rates and availability with the studio manager

Reception Hall

Gilded History: For over 50 years, EastWest Studios has attracted the best in the industry and has garnered more engineering awards than all others.

Frank Sinatra recorded such hits as “My Way”, “That’s Life”, “Strangers In The Night” and “The Lady Is a Tramp”, along with “Somethin’ Stupid” – the famed duet with his daughter Nancy in studio 1. Elvis Presley revived his career here with his 1968 Comeback Special. The Mamas and The Papas recorded “California Dreaming” and “Monday, Monday” in studio 3. The Beach Boys ushered in a new era of sound with their masterpiece album Pet Sounds in studio 3. Famous themes for film and television were recorded here including the themes from M*A*S*H, Mission Impossible, The Monkees, Hawaii Five-O, The Partridge Family, The Beverly Hillbillies, and The Godfather.

Western Recorders Circa 1960 In 1957, audio engineer
Bill Putnam moved to California in search of a new studio. The founder of the prestigious Universal Recording studio in Chicago, Putnam looked to recreate his successes in Hollywood. In the early 60s, with the backing of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, Putnam constructed these recording studios in what was previously Radio Center Theater and then Western Recorders at 6000 Sunset Boulevard. He retained the Western Recorders name, and this studio and what is now EastWest Studios were collectively known as United/Western Recorders.

gourmet kitchen

In 1989, the studios were acquired by Allen Sides and renamed Ocean Way. In 1999 Rick Adams purchased the studios and renamed it Cello. In January 2006 the current owner, Doug Rogers acquired the building and saved the historic studios from its demise. In May 2005 issue of studioexpresso, the editor writes: "Perhaps business is slow for those lacking imagination. There's room for commercial studios in the future, as long as studios (owners) are willing to move ahead with technology and combine strategically complementary businesses." Fortunately for us the landmark studios now have an owner with Rogers's imagination and execution.

Studio 1

studio 3

The smallest but arguably the most famous of our three studios, the design of Studio 3 has been copied over and over by recording studios across the globe. But only here can artists channel the lush, syrupy sound that catapulted acts like The Mamas and The Papas into the annals of music history. Comes complete with a Steinway B grand piano and Hammond B3 Organ. The Beach Boy’s 1966 masterpiece Pet Sounds were recorded here. Studio 3 comes equipped with a classic Trident “A” Range Console (40 Channel with Neve Flying Faders Automation), the “original” and one of six surviving in the world. Each room is equipped with a dB Technologies db4496 A/DD/A Converter and ATC house monitors along with NS10/ProAc speakers and are set up with Pro tools HD. Studer 827, Ampex ATR124, Ampex ATR102, Studer J-37, Studer C-37 Analog recorders are available on request.

Control room 2

"EastWest Studios is dedicated to raising the bar on what a full-service modern recording studio can offer to discriminating artists and producers," says Stewart.
After two years of construction, EastWest Studios is open to a new generation of artists. Thanks to the vision of Doug Rogers and Philippe Starck, this American cultural icon will survive to record the music of today and tomorrow.

Studio 3

Visit the website for a list of impressive microphone and gear collection and studio floorplans. Better yet, call Candace for a personal tour reserved specially for studioexpresso artists!

Candace Stewart, studio manager
Tel: (323) 957-6969
candace@eastweststudio.com