RCA Studios, New York

RCA's recording and mastering studios in New York City, New York, USA from 1969 to 1993 (previously known as RCA Victor Studios, New York). In 1969, RCA moved its corporate offices and recording studios to 1133 6th Ave. (Avenue of the Americas) at 44th Street in Manhattan. Also referred to as "RCA Recording Studios," "RCA Records Recording Studios," "RCA's Sixth Avenue Studios," and later, "BMG Recording Studios," the building was architected by Emery Roth, and built at a cost of $1.5 million, and the studios designed by John E. Volkmann and Alan Stevens. The entrance was at 110 West 44th Street. RCA occupied 10 floors of the 45-story building. It comprised six studios: Studio A: The largest, for opera and symphonic recordings. Studio B: For semi-classical and pop recordings. Studio C: For pop and hard rock recordings. Studio D: For small hard-rock group recordings. Studios E and F: Overdubbing. Studios A and B included variable acoustic design features. The studios were modernized in 1989, when Bertelsmann invested $3 million for upgrades. In 1993, the property owner (Durst) agreed to rent all 10 floors to the Internal Revenue Service, and renovated the space. Studio session booking ceased March 31, 1993. Bertelsmann Music Group opened new offices at 1540 Broadway near Times Square. Eventually 1133 6th Ave. became the headquarters for Steinway & Sons pianos. Prior to 1969, RCA Victor had two studios in Manhattan for recording music. Studio A and B (sometimes also referred Studios 1 and 2). The studios were located on the ground floor of the building at 155 East 24th Street, on the block between 3rd Avenue and Lexington Avenue, which had originally been built in 1907 as a livery stable. Victor acquired the property in 1928 to build a studio, which became the location of many notable recordings in the 1930s to the 1950s. By 1969, RCA had outgrown the facility, and relocated to 1133 6th Avenue. The building and surrounding properties were acquired by CUNY (City University of New York) in the 1980s, which used them until the late 1990s, and the building was razed in 1998, replaced by the Baruch College Newman Vertical Campus. RCA Victor Studios, New York, was active from 1928 to 1969. Known engineers: Ed Begley, Jack Adelman