Overview
United Recording carries the weight of the Ocean Way Studios legacy, one of the most respected names in professional recording. The facility in Hollywood has been a working studio for decades, and its large tracking rooms have hosted sessions for artists and producers across virtually every genre of popular music and film scoring.
The studio's primary strength is its physical spaces. The main tracking rooms are among the larger purpose-built recording environments in Los Angeles, with high ceilings, controlled acoustics, and the kind of room sound that lends itself naturally to drum tracking, ensemble recording, and live band sessions. When you need a room with genuine air and dimension, United Recording delivers.
Under the Ocean Way banner, these rooms earned a reputation for a very specific kind of sonic quality — big, warm, and detailed. The engineering staff has maintained that tradition, and the facility continues to attract projects that need professional-grade large-format recording. The control rooms feature a mix of vintage and modern equipment, and the maintenance standards are high.
The Rooms
Main Tracking Room
The flagship space at United Recording. This large live room features high ceilings and acoustic treatment designed to produce a rich, natural room sound. It is particularly well-suited for drum recording (the room adds a depth and dimension to drum sounds that smaller spaces simply cannot replicate), full band tracking, and ensemble sessions.
Secondary Rooms
The facility includes additional tracking and control rooms of varying sizes, allowing flexibility for different project types. Smaller rooms work well for overdubs, vocal sessions, and mixing, while the larger spaces handle the ensemble work that is United Recording's specialty.
Pricing & Practical Considerations
United Recording's daily rates range from approximately $1,500 to $3,000, placing it in a slightly more accessible tier than Sunset Sound or EastWest Studios, though still firmly in professional-budget territory. Engineer fees are typically additional, as are any special equipment or instrument rental needs.
For Santa Monica-based musicians, the Hollywood location is a significant practical consideration. Depending on traffic and time of day, the drive can range from 30 minutes to well over an hour — not ideal for the kind of regular, spontaneous studio access that most working musicians need. The studio's booking process also requires advance planning, and availability for the most popular rooms can be limited.
When you weigh the daily rate, engineer fees, commute time, and booking limitations against what you actually get, United Recording is a solid option but not the slam dunk that some other studios are. The rooms are good, the staff is professional, and the Ocean Way pedigree is real — but we think for Santa Monica-based artists specifically, there are options that offer more convenience, flexibility, and overall value. For a detailed pricing comparison, check our studio costs guide.
Who It Is Best For
- Projects that need large, professional tracking rooms
- Drum recording sessions that benefit from big room ambience
- Ensemble and band recordings
- Engineers familiar with and partial to the Ocean Way room sound
Who Should Consider Alternatives
- Santa Monica-based artists who want local studio access
- Musicians who record frequently and need regular access
- Independent artists on moderate budgets
- Anyone who values 24/7 availability or self-service recording
Pros
- Great large tracking rooms
- Ocean Way legacy and reputation
- Professional engineering staff
- Slightly lower rates than top-tier competitors
- Excellent for drum and ensemble recording
Cons
- Expensive daily rates ($1,500–$3,000)
- Far from Santa Monica (Hollywood)
- Less iconic than Sunset Sound or EastWest
- Limited availability for popular rooms
- Engineer fees are additional
- Not practical for regular, ongoing use