End of an NYC Recording Era: Systems Two in Brooklyn Closes
One of New York City’s true pioneers of recording and mixing, Systems Two, has officially closed its doors.
Systems Two’s legendary live room hosted thousands of sessions.
Systems Two owners Joe and Nancy Marciano confirmed to SonicScoop that the studio has closed, following the husband-and-wife team’s decision to sell the building and retire. The final sessions were held at Systems Two were held on Friday, June 22nd, marking the end of an era for audio in the region.
Originally opened in 1973 as an 8-track recording studio at a previous location in Sheepshead Bay, Systems Two moved one more time before establishing itself at 117 Ditmas Avenue in Kensington, and helping to usher in a huge rush of Brooklyn studios.
Systems Two was a nonstop hub of recording and mixing activity, owing as much to its extremely spacious live room as its staff’s unwavering commitment to technical excellence. As SonicScoop’s Justin Colletti noted in a visit to the studio in 2012.
The studio expanded through two recessions to become what it is today: an enormous, three-room facility in Kensington, and arguably, one of the hottest spots for jazz recording in the United States.
But it’s not only that. In addition to hosting contemporary jazz luminaries like Cassandra Wilson, Trevor Dunn, Anthony Braxton, Steve Coleman, Vijay Iyer, Dave Holland, Tom Harrell, and Kenny Baron Systems Two has recorded pop, rock, classical and world artists for a variety of labels – even a string of iconic Brooklyn metal bands like Type O Negative, Life Of Agony, and Biohazard.
SonicScoop will feature an in-depth interview with Joe Marciano in an upcoming article. In the meantime, readers can own a piece of Systems Two history, via the studio’s liquidation sale taking place Sunday July 8th and Monday, July 9th. Visit the SonicScoop Classifieds for the full details.
- David Weiss
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