Boasting a sun-drenched setting on the coast of Southern California, Los Angeles is one of the world’s most iconic cities. As the main hub of the American film industry, it’s home to countless celebrities and boasts exceptional museums that delve into the worlds of art, science, and history.
L.A. is also a major center for the music industry, with both American and international artists choosing the city's recording studios to create their albums. As a result, there is an abundance of music studios in Los Angeles where you can host sessions, no matter the style or genre of music you’re creating. The best recording studios in the area offer a range of full recording services, from vocal recording to mixing and mastering, equipped with recording equipment and staffed by experienced sound engineers and audio engineers.
Los Angeles is not just about music production; it's a place where artists can also shoot music videos, thanks to the numerous locations across the city. The flexibility of recording studio rental and rates allows projects of all sizes to find a suitable music studio space, whether it's for a single recording session or monthly lockouts. Most recording studios in Los Angeles even offer hourly rates to help save money, making it easier for fellow musicians to access the best equipment and more space for their projects.
Whether you're an upcoming artist, or an established producer looking to create your next big hit, the top recording studios in Los Angeles provide everything you need.
When you’re searching for a recording studio in Los Angeles, there are plenty of options to consider, each with unique features catering to a wide range of music production needs.
Homes
You can find a variety of recording studio spaces in Los Angeles, from lofts in Highland Park to homes on the hills in Echo Park. Because there are so many different architectural styles, you are bound to find a space to be creative. Homes are ideal for those looking for a more intimate recording session as they provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for musicians.
Warehouses
Warehouses in Los Angeles are great places for recording studios. With their industrial look, these spaces serve as a blank canvas for a sound engineer. You can add your own creative touch to them, whether you want something gritty or a space that's been beautifully dressed up. With ample room, these warehouses can accommodate a vocal booth, control room, and even live room, providing a flexible environment for music production.
Studios
Most studios in Los Angeles are purpose-built for filming or recording so they are an obvious choice as a recording space. Many offer studio rental options that include access to production suites, iso booths, and pro tools, enabling both vocal recording and instrumentals. They come with all the gear an audio engineer might need, as well as green rooms or behind-the-scenes spaces for your crew to utilize. Plus, studios often allow clients to bring their own engineer so that every aspect of the recording process meets your standard.
Rooftops
Want a project with an incredible view? Los Angeles boasts several open-air terraces and rooftops where you can set up your recording studio space. They’re a great option if you’re making recordings accompanied by music videos, providing a unique backdrop for your creative work.
Bars and Clubs
Some of Los Angeles' bars and clubs are well-equipped for hosting recordings. These venues often cater to specific genres like hip hop, creating a vibe that can add character to your recording session. Additionally, their rental rates vary, providing options for various budget levels.
Need help planning your L.A. recording session? There are plenty of event management companies, sound engineers, and audio rental businesses that can help.
360 Destination Group
This Los Angeles event management company is based on Sunset Boulevard and has been serving the city for more than 20 years. They can turn their hands to a wide range of events, from corporate parties to weddings and recording sessions.
Passage Pictures
Based in Los Angeles, Passage Pictures is one of the city’s leading production companies in the television and film industries. It was founded by Uri Singer, who has won multiple awards for his production services, and comprises a team of highly experienced professionals in the audio-visual industry.
Westknolls Pro-Audio
Providing high-quality audio systems for a range of events, Westknolls Pro-Audio is a leading name in Los Angeles’ sound tech industry. They can provide professional live audio services and all equipment, no matter how big or small your gig.
When you take into account the city’s thriving live music scene, Los Angeles is one of the best places in the United States to record music. But there are a few disadvantages to renting a studio space in the city.
Live music scene
Los Angeles boasts one of the best live music scenes in the United States, with a buzzing energy and a reputation for hosting some of the world’s biggest recording artists.
Diversity of venues
Finding a recording studio space in Los Angeles doesn’t mean you’re restricted to purpose-built studios, with everything from industrial warehouses to contemporary lofts where you can host your session.
Experienced professionals
With its extensive network of creatives, Los Angeles has an abundance of highly experienced sound engineers and performers who can bring your recording session to life.
Easy international connections
Los Angeles International Airport makes it easy for your sound engineers and performers from other cities to get to and from your recording studio. If they’re coming from out-of-state, they can also take advantage of the train services to Union Station.
Good year-round weather
Los Angeles’ weather makes it the perfect place to host recording sessions throughout the year, whether you’re using studio time indoors or outdoors.
High costs of living
With its high costs of living, Los Angeles isn’t the most affordable place to host a recording session. Rental rates for recording studios and music studio spaces reflect the city's overall high cost of real estate.
High costs of location fees
The city’s property prices are also exceptionally high, so you can expect to pay more for a recording studio space in Los Angeles than you might in other Californian cities.
Traffic
The traffic in Los Angeles is terrible, and the city often stops moving during rush hours. When choosing your recording studio space, this is something to keep in mind.
Parking
Parking spots can be difficult to find in L.A. Finding somewhere with private parking could save you a lot of time during your project.
Crime
Generally speaking, Los Angeles isn’t a dangerous city to walk around at night, but some neighborhoods have high crime rates and are best avoided.
Capitol Studios
This famous recording studio was built to produce Capitol Records artists. It has been an important part of the careers of Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, and Oasis. Throughout its history, it has been updated many times and now has the newest sound technology.
United Recording Studios
United Recording Studios has been a major player in the Los Angeles music scene for over 50 years. Madonna, Jay-Z, and Eric Clapton all recorded here. Located on Sunset Boulevard and built in 1958, this studio is known for its simple design and excellent sound quality.
Henson Recording Studios
Once featuring the sound stages of Charlie Chaplin, this Hollywood recording studio was established in the 1960s and spent many of its years as A&M Records. It was taken over by the family of famous puppeteer Jim Henson and has played host to recording artists such as John Lennon, Coldplay, and Joni Mitchell.