In an era where the music industry often gravitates towards digital, there’s a surge of interest in the warmth and depth that only analog can deliver. For those seeking that authentic sound, Clear Lake Recording Studios in North Hollywood stands out as a gem among the best recording studios in LA. Here’s why:

1. Unparalleled Depth and Warmth: Analog tape machines, such as the revered Studer 827 at Clear Lake, offer a warmth and fullness that digital often can’t replicate. The Studer remains one of the most revered 2” analog recorders thanks to it preserving the classic analog sound while maintaining a low noise floor, an extended high-frequency response, rock-solid durability, and advanced features like being able to sync with Pro Tools.
2. The Vintage Factor: In an age of plugins and emulations, there’s nothing like the real thing. The Trident 80b console, vintage Pultec EQP1A3s, Neve 1073 modules, and multiple Urei 1176s at Clear Lake bring a timeless character to recordings.
3. Historical Legacy: When you record with equipment that has seen countless hits, you’re partaking in history. Clear Lake, a top Los Angeles recording studio, has an arsenal of vintage microphones. Some of our more notable vintage tube and solid-state microphones include a Neumann U67, the stereo tube Neumann SM2, Neumann U47 Fet, and a pair of tube Sony C37As. These vintage microphones and the rest of our extensive mic locker have played vital roles in capturing the sonic excellence of classic albums.
4. Character and Authenticity: The ADR Vocal Stressor and Spectrasonics 610 found at Clear Lake can impart a unique harmonic coloration yet unparalleled versatility, setting the studio apart from many recording studios in LA.
5. The Clear Lake Touch: This North Hollywood recording studio’s Otari MTR-12 2 track 1/2″ ensures the final mix will have that distinct touch of analog magic. It also allows our clients to record and mix an entire project using only analog equipment. Working within the limitations and utilizing the processes that nearly all recorded music prior to the 1990s used creates a unique atmosphere for our clients. This atmosphere can help bring out the best in many musicians and artists because they know their part can’t be manipulated or compiled from a massive list of alternate takes. Everyone knows the stakes are higher, and it’s a fulfilling accomplishment to know your recordings are purely your own artistic expression.
6. An All-Encompassing Experience: The tangible nature of analog, from adjusting knobs to seeing reels spin, offers musicians a tactile and immersive recording experience.
7. A Step Away from Over-processed Sound: In a digital age, many productions can sound overly polished. An analog recording studio in Los Angeles, like Clear Lake, brings back organic imperfections that can deeply resonate with listeners.
8. Unique Room Acoustics: It’s not just the gear but also the space. Clear Lake’s studios, designed by renowned acoustician George Augspurger and originally built as an analog studio, make it a prime music production studio in LA for recording to tape.
9. A Hub of Creativity: Located in the heart of North Hollywood, Clear Lake is surrounded by a community of artists, writers, and producers, fostering a creative atmosphere unparalleled by other studios.
10. Keeping the Tradition Alive: Choosing to record in an analog environment is also a nod to preserving the traditions of music production. While technology advances, there’s an art to analog that deserves to be celebrated and continued. Furthermore, Clear Lake can synchronize our Pro Tools system to the tape machine so that we can utilize the best of both worlds!

In conclusion, while we always maintain the latest, state-of-the-art computers, converters, and Pro Tools Systems, a functioning analog studio like Clear Lake stands as a testament to the timeless quality and artistry that recording to tape can provide. Furthermore, it creates the opportunity to blend modern and vintage tools in infinite ways and allows our clients to develop their own unique sonic palettes. Whether you’re a budding artist or a seasoned musician, the lure of a top-notch analog recording studio in Los Angeles is hard to resist. If you seek depth, warmth, and authenticity in your recordings, Clear Lake Recording Studios awaits.