Encore Studios was built in the early 70’s by the renowned studio designer Tom Hidley to serve as his model recording studio. Clients from around the world would visit Encore to view a model of what he would build for them. It was also home to the famous speaker company, Sierra Sound, whose products are still in use in both studios. Encore in that era was the top studio of choice for many major recording stars. It was one of the first studios in Los Angeles to purchase an SSL console. Michael Jackson recorded his album “Thriller” at Encore. REO Speedwagon recorded “Roll With The Changes” and other clients included Neil Diamond, The Gap Band, Talking Heads, Diana Ross, John Lennon and Kiss.

In the 80’s, the studio went through a big upgrade by buying one of the first SSL G series consoles and coincidentally selling its old SSL B series to the young studio owners of Paramount Recording Studios, Adam Beilenson and Mike Kerns. At this time artists like Whitney Houston (“My Bodyguard” soundtrack), Barbara Streisand, Quincy Jones, Smokey Robinson, John Cougar Mellencamp, Madonna and Stevie Wonder were recording. The legendary mixer Barney Perkins ruled the roost in studio B, mixing for Anita Baker, Luther Vandross, George Benson, Babyface, Lionel Ritchie, Blondie, and Aretha Franklin, among others.

In the mid 90’s Encore again went through another upgrade of their A room to an SSL G+ with Ultimation, becoming one of the first studios in Los Angeles to do so. The Waterland Design company also did a complete redesign of studio A. Premier mix engineer Tom Lord Alge made the new room his home for most of the decade, mixing for such artists as Blink 182, the Rolling Stones, Metallica, U2, Sarah MacLachlan, Liz Phair, Dave Matthews, Marilyn Manson, INXS, and No Doubt. Later, Studio B was exclusively locked out to Dr. Dre and Interscope Records where Dre produced multi-platinum records for Eminem, 50 Cent, The Game, Mary J. Blige, Dre himself and many others. In a short period of time this one studio churned out releases that sold more than 100 million copies worldwide.

Finally in May 2005 Encore was sold to partners Adam Beilenson and Mike Kerns of Paramount Recording. They had finished upgrading their other studios, Paramount, Thirdstone, and Ameraycan with state-of-the-art room re-designs and equipment purchases. The acquisition of Encore fits in perfectly with these studios. The Burbank location has always been a great draw for artists and producers alike. Many other clients had recently been put out when The Enterprise studios abruptly closed their doors a few months previously. Encore has acquired those clients that want to continue to work in Burbank and also purchased the SSL J 9000 from Dave Pensado’s studio at The Enterprise.

Both studios at Encore have gone through major renovations over the last 3 months. Studio A received the 104-input SSL J 9000 and the control room has been redecorated with a 21st century theme. Many new pieces of outboard gear including Focusrite, Avalon, Neve, API, and Distressors have been added, as well as a Pro Tools HD Accel with (4) 192 modules. No more extra charges, it’s in the room permanently! As for studio B, a distinctive re-design has also occurred along with the addition of the Pro Tools HD 192 Accel and tons of new outboard gear. The room also has gotten an SSL 4000 G+ with 80 inputs and Ultimation. The upper lounge and mezzanine for studio B have also been completely redecorated and now have hardwood floors. Don’t worry, though – the luxurious marble-tiled bathroom with the huge hot tub is still there!

Already this year Justin Timberlake, Black Eyed Peas, Macy Gray,Toni Braxton, Pink, Stevie Wonder, Gwen Stefani, Rob Thomas, Dido, Common and Kanye West have recorded or mixed new releases at Encore. The tradition continues…