In the early 1980s, amidst the vibrant Bay Area music scene dominated by iconic studios such as the Automatt, Wally Heider's, and the Record Plant, a collective vision emerged for a recording space that transcended the prevalent acoustical norms. Studio D was born from a shared aspiration among accomplished engineers, spurred by a desire to break away from the prevailing dead sound of the era and create an environment that exuded liveliness, energy, and an unparalleled attention to live performance. Studio D was conceptualized primarily by a team of Record Plant engineers & producers, with technical direction from Dr. Richie Moore, an acclaimed engineer who cut his teeth as a tape operator for The Rolling Stones, Beatles, Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, & Led Zeppelin at EMI Studios (now Abbey Road) & helped design the Village Recorder & Wally Heider’s Los Angeles studios, Studio D was designed as the state of the art studio of its time with some of the brightest minds in audio involved.

Commencing construction in 1983 and culminating just over a year later, Studio D opened its doors for business in mid-1984, swiftly establishing itself as a recording powerhouse. Studio D represented in many ways the sonic transition from the 1970’s to the 1980’s, some of the first sessions to take place at D include the final Jefferson Starship sessions before their 1984 split, and the first sessions of the reinvented Starship. Early recordings include Huey Lewis and the News' "Fore!", Bruce Hornsby’s smash hit “The Way It is”, Santana, and artists such as Aretha Franklin & Earth, Wind, & Fire as they worked to develop a new sound with modern production teams. Studio D graced the cover of Mix Magazine and various audio publications, solidifying its status as a beacon of recording excellence, winning the first of many Grammys in 1987 with Bobby McFerrin & Jack Nicholson’s collaborative project “The Elephant’s Child”.

Into the 90’s, Studio D booked many of the most popular acts of the period, including Soundgarden, Faith No More, Third Eye Blind, Smash Mouth, Chris Isaak, The Verve Pipe, Kenny Wayne Sheperd along with many others. Housing acclaimed producers such as Joe Chiccarelli, Rick Rubin, Jerry Harrison, Mike Clink, Matt Wallace, J Mascis, & Mark Needham to name a few.

Into the 2000’s, the studio mainly served as a home for our founder, Joel Jaffe’s productions & immersive mixing projects, bringing artists such as Ringo Starr, Night Ranger, Cake, Carlos Santana, & Wayne Shorter, & engineering work with Bonnie Raitt, Train, & The Doobie Bros. This period also brought contributions to various films, shows, & games including Night At The Museum, Pineapple Express, The Muppets, & the Sims franchise.

The studio's success continues with a remarkable track record of Gold, Platinum, and Grammy Award-winning records, earning it the distinction as a preferred studio for tracking and mixing among discerning engineers. Today, Studio D stands as a testament to a rich legacy of sonic innovation and unwavering dedication to musical artistry. With the recent installation of an SSL 9000J console (purchased from Green Day) along with various upgrades to our facility, we aim to function as the ideal analog & digital hybrid recording facility, where any kind of artist, talent, engineer, or producer feels comfortable & excited to create.

“We virtually lived at Studio D, It was truly our home away from home”

- Johnny Colla (Huey Lewis & The News)

“I’ve enjoyed working with Joel and all the team at Studio D. Fine folks, nice vibe, quality gear and very professional”

- Bonnie Raitt

My sister, Tracy Blackman invited Carlos Santana & me to play on one of her tracks. Recording at Studio D was a blast! The room itself has an awesomely high ceiling which allowed my drums to sing the way they’re supposed to! Joel had my kit dialed in quickly & the session was smooth & easy!

- Cindy Blackman Santana

“The acoustics are beautiful and the atmosphere is full of history... I always feel welcome and at home at Studio D. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. You won't be disappointed if you book a session at Studio D. Your project will come to life!"

- Sakai Smith (Session Vocalist & member of Train)

Record Labels

Atlantic Records • Arista • RCA Records • Elektra Records • Island Records • Interscope Records • Polygram • Capitol Records • Universal Music Group • Warner Records • A&M Records • Qwest Productions • BMG • Def American • Subpop

Other Clients

A&M • Apple Music • Audible • Golden State Warriors • 21st Century Fox • EA Games • Honda • Toyota • Ernie Ball • CBS • DreamWorks • Disney • NPR • VICE • TD Ameritrade • BBC • NHL • Warner Bros • ABC • SEGA • Simon & Schuster • Paramount • Canon • San Francisco Giants • Virgin