Professional studios have been central to making records — and making those records sound a certain way — for ages. Artists and producers seek out specific locations for acoustics, equipment, ambience, approach, geography, reputation, experience and more. The practice has helped Rockfield thrive for decades. Here’s an overview of 20 other iconic studios that continue to play (or played) a crucial role in how we hear what we hear.
Abbey Road Studios
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By Misterweiss, Wikimedia Commons, 2007
Alan Blumlein patented stereo, the Beatles strolled across Zebra Crossing, producer George Martin sat behind the boards, engineer Ken Townsend invented automatic double-tracking and everyone from the Fab Four and Pink Floyd to Radiohead and Kanye West recorded at what’s likely the most famous studio in the world. Now in its 90th year of operation in London, the British institution continues to expand, having recently become a hub for half-speed vinyl mastering.