Sony Music Studios

Sony Music Studios was a recording facility on West 54th Street containing 50 rooms designed for different types of audio and visual production work. The complex provided services for recording, mixing, mastering, and post-production of television content.

The building's recording history began in 1926 when William Fox and Theodore Case developed the Movietone sound system for talking newsreels. This pioneering audio technology later influenced how the space would be used for professional music production.

The studios became known for hosting MTV Unplugged performances where artists recorded stripped-down concert versions of their songs. These sessions shaped how many people experienced music during the 1990s.

The studio operated from 1993 to 2007 and provided a wide range of recording and post-production services for music and television projects. Its location in Hell's Kitchen made it convenient for artists and production teams working across the city.

The studio contributed to the development of Sony's Direct Stream Digital audio system and Super Audio CD format in its facilities. Engineers tested and refined these technologies before they were introduced to consumers worldwide.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1993

GPS coordinates: 40.76688,-73.98905

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:21