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Top 10 Recording Studios in Florida: The Ultimate Guide

by | Mar 12, 2024

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While we think Bay Eight is worth the trip regardless of where you live, we understand some of you may need a studio closer to home. If you’re in the Miami area, check out our article on the Top 5 Recording Studios in Miami. If you’re in the greater Florida area, this list of the top ten recording studios in our Sunshine State is for you. If you’re still deciding what makes one studio better than another, our guide on choosing a recording studio in Miami breaks down the features, equipment, and questions every artist should consider before booking.

1 – Bay Eight Recording Studios Miami in Miami, FL

Don’t fault us for starting the list with our own recording studio. We may be biased, but we’ve got the track record to prove why we’re the best. Bay Eight has now been in business for over 20 years, which is commendable in such a tumultuous industry. Our studio continues to attract some of the best artists in the world. Whether it’s Offset recording his album Father of 4, mixing for J Balvin, or mastering Xantos’ tracks, our staff and studio can handle any project you throw at us. Our facilities are acoustically treated and house an array of analog outboard gear for professional artists. Below are some of the features that make Bay Eight the number-one studio in Florida.

Bay Eight Recording Studios front desk staff in Miami

SSL Room and Outboard Gear

First, the SSL Room is one of the most advanced recording, mixing, and mastering suites in all of Florida. With a 24-channel SSL AWS900 mixing console, the SSL Room is what makes Bay Eight stand out from the rest of the studios on this list. This room also has the most analog gear in the studio; the SSL hybrid console grabs the best of digital and analog sound. Another benefit of the SSL Room is the custom flush-mounted Augspurger speakers.

The speakers were installed in 2021 when the SSL Room went through its second renovation, and they give the room a massive sound not found in other studios. TubeTech CL-1B outboard gear in the Bay Eight SSL RoomCovering a massive spectrum of frequencies, the custom Augspurgers are among the best in the world.

The next feature is the analog gear within the studio — outboard pieces like the TubeTech CL-1B, the Avalon 737, and the Neve 1073. Paired with a Neumann U87, you’re set for recording.

We’ve established ourselves as one of the best recording studios in Florida, and the proof is in our clientele. From analog gear to 24-channel mixing consoles, Bay Eight is sure to give you the best recording experience in Florida. If you’re planning a session, you can also learn how much studio time costs in Miami so you can budget your project before booking.

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2 – Cleartrack Studios in Clearwater, FL

Cleartrack Studios control room in Clearwater, FL

Located in Clearwater, Florida, the aptly named Cleartrack Studios contains five recording studios. Studio A features an SSL 8000 G+ with 56 channels, plus Yamaha NS-10s and Dynaudio and Bryston speakers. Cleartrack also has four other smaller studios, each designed for a specific purpose, be it pre- or post-production. Cleartrack Studios live roomMany successful artists have recorded at Cleartrack Studios. Their far-reaching client list includes everyone from French Montana to Michael Bublé and Gucci Mane. Many of their famous clients have left positive testimonials, reinforcing the reputation Cleartrack has built.

3 – Ocean Avenue Studios in Port St. Lucie, FL

Ocean Avenue Studios recording room in Port St. Lucie, FL

With a focus on live recording, Ocean Avenue has an Amek/Neve Recall 56 console with Yamaha NS-10s and HS80M speakers. The Neve character has been a staple in rock music for years. Located in Port St. Lucie, FL, Ocean Avenue’s top-tier studio has drawn rock and metal legends like Iggy Pop, Korn, and Weezer. Of course, the studio is well-equipped for artists of all genres — Boyz II Men, David Guetta, and Nicky Romero have also recorded there. Ocean Avenue offers all the in-studio services you may need, including a full production package, songwriting services, and visual recording services.

4 – Plush Recording Studios in Winter Springs, FL

Plush Recording Studios in Winter Springs, FL

Plush Recording Studios is based in Winter Springs, FL. Plush has been around for over two decades and boasts a client list that includes Plush Recording Studios control roomartists like Lauryn Hill, Justin Bieber, and Migos. Plush has an SSL E Channel mixing console and a variety of outboard gear. The studio contains multiple pieces of vintage gear previously used by some of the biggest names in music — their collection even includes the speakers John Lennon used during his last recording session. Music excellence is built into every aspect of the studio.

In addition to great speakers and a mixing console, the studio has an excellent outboard rack. From API preamps to Lexicons, Plush can offer you a variety of sounds heard in pop music. Finally, Plush offers membership packages, which can be a money saver if you’re working on a large project.

5 – Grand Bay Recording Studios in Tampa, FL

Grand Bay Recording Studios in Tampa, FL

Owned by husband-and-wife duo Alex and Lorena Romero, Grand Bay Recording Studios Inc. is a 5,700-square-foot studio in East Tampa. Alex, also known as “Mixed by Lex,” has served as an engineer on projects such as Larray’s “Canceled” and Iann Dior’s “Emotions.” Containing two recording rooms, Grand Bay is a modern studio with a 32-channel Origin SSL console in their A room, offering recording, mixing, and mastering. Grand Bay has earned RIAA-certified gold plaques for multiple projects, including their work on Lil Yachty’s single “Forever Young (feat. Diplo).” Their equipment list also includes microphones like the Neumann U-87 and the famed Sony C-800G.

6 – Suite 16 Recording Studio in Tampa, FL

Suite 16 Recording Studio in Tampa, FL

Suite 16 Recording Studio features three control rooms, two vocal booths, a live room, a production room, and a green room. Since they’re open 24 hours, it’s an excellent option for night owls and those who enjoy overnight sessions. Suite 16 hosts a number of events that cater to up-and-coming artists, including freestyle showcases with Tampa’s Lyrical Cafe. Artists like Tampa rapper T9ine have recorded here, and the studio also provides videographer and photographer services for those seeking a visual recording of their studio experience. Reviews rave about its excellent engineers and reasonable pricing.

If you’re booking a late-night session, our recording studio preparation tips can help you make every hour count.

7 – Skylab Recording Studio in Gainesville, FL

Skylab Recording Studio mastering room in Gainesville, FL

Established in the early ’90s, Skylab Recording Studio is a full recording, mixing, and mastering studio based in Gainesville, FL. Skylab features a single recording studio for the basic needs of recording and production. They also have a dedicated mixing and mastering suite, which is a standout feature. Their recording studio boasts a GMS 5200-series mixing console modified with Neve preamps. Skylab works with artists across a diverse range of genres, from techno to country and everything in between. Skylab also offers audio restoration, a unique service you’re unlikely to find at most recording studios.

8 – Endangered Wise Men in Jacksonville, FL

Endangered Wise Men studio live room in Jacksonville, FL

Endangered Wise Men is a recording studio in Jacksonville, FL. They attribute their name to the notion that creativity is an “endangered” idea they refuse to let die. Their facilities feature the largest live room in Jacksonville, so they’re ideal for recording live bands, and they also have rehearsal spaces for performance practice. The studio offers a wide range of services including podcasting, ADR, music consultations, and photoshoots — and they even have sleeping accommodations available for visiting musicians. Owner and operator Rick Grice is a producer and engineer; in 2021 he launched a full-service record label under the Endangered Wise Men brand. If you’re in the Jacksonville area, this could be the one-stop shop you’re looking for.

9 – Phat Planet in Orlando, FL

Phat Planet Studios recording room in Orlando, FL

Phat Planet Studios is based in Orlando, Florida. One of their studios features an API Legacy console, and the studio also has an analog tape machine with digital converters to add warmth to your track and give you a vintage sound. Both of their recording studios are artist-geared. With guitars and amplifiers on-site, Phat Planet is especially ideal for rock or indie musicians who need a place to record their vocals and guitars. Phat Planet has also recorded top-tier artists and producers — LL Cool J, Jill Scott, and One Direction are among their client list.

10 – Sound House Studios in Lakeland, FL

Sound House Recording Studios in Lakeland, FL

Sound House Recording Studios is based in Lakeland, Florida. The studio’s owner, Jonathan Gautier, is a producer and engineer who has worked with artists like Taylor Swift, Florence and the Machine, and Lorde. Sound House is a one-room recording studio with a focus on live recording, so it carries guitars, drums, and other live instruments.

Sound House has a hybrid digital and analog recording setup, with vintage tape machines so you can add a vintage sound if desired. They’re fit for any modern band. If you’re interested in recording here, note that Sound House does not have conventional hours — they’re by appointment only, so plan ahead.

Conclusion

If you’re traveling to Miami specifically for a recording session, our guide for out-of-town artists recording in Miami covers hotels, food, and transportation. The Sunshine State is home to some of the best artists in the world, and as a result we have many high-quality recording studios built to meet their needs. No matter what part of Florida you live in, we’re confident you can find a top-notch studio near you. But if not, we’re always happy to welcome you to Bay Eight Recording Studios Miami — we promise we’re worth the trek.

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