Recording Studio Sweet Spot: Crosby Collective Studios — SoHo, Manhattan

SOHO, MANHATTAN: If it’s possible to be an under-the-radar street in New York City, the downtown string of blocks known as Crosby somehow accomplishes it. Tucked in between the famed buzz of Broadway and the stylish miles of Lafayette, Crosby’s cobblestones somehow escape notice by the masses.

Crosby Collective Studios — it’s worth the search.

Hiding right out in the open is Crosby Collective Studios, a three-room facility whose artistic atmosphere has led it to a quick takeoff. Founded in 2010 by the trio of A. Bains, Michael Brian, and Billy Gastfield, Crosby Collective has a focus on vocals, but excels at a number of other functions as well.

If its high fidelity — and a low-key location amidst the fray — that you seek, then look no further.

Facility Name: Crosby Collective Studios/Productions

Website: http://www.crosbycollective.com, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CrosbyCollective

Location: SoHo, Manhattan

Neighborhood Advantages: Trendy, Fashion Forward Classically cool/Hip Neighborhood. Conveniently located in the worlds trendsetting epicenter. Features lots of street parking and close to the B,D,F,M,N,R,6,A,C,E trains.

Date of Birth: December 20, 2010

Facility Focus: Crosby Collective specializes in vocal recording and mixing. We also have a talented team of in-house producers and songwriters.

Mission Statement: The Crosby Collective Recording Studios are a full-service recording and mixing ateliers located in the heart of New York City’s SoHo district. We specialize in vocal recording, live recordings and mixing as well as production and songwriting. Our clients include some of the most prevalent acts in music today.

Clients/Credits: 2 Chains, Battleroy, Brandyn Burnette, Busta Rhymes, Chiddy Bang, Consequence, Currency, Emilio Rojas, Eve, Fred Da Godson, Gunplay, Jared Cotter,  Jesse Boykins III, Mario Winans, Mistah F.A.B, Michael Malih, The Mystery Lights, Nadine Coyle, Neon Hitch, Ninjasonik, Olivia, Owl City, Reek Da Villan, Robopop, Shirazi, Serius Jones, Skyzoo, Teddy Geiger, Torch, Upper Class Men, Wynter Gordan, Young Breed  and many more…

(l-r) Two of CRC’s co-founders, Michael Brian and A. Bains

Labels: Sony ATV, EMI, Columbia Records, Atlantic Records, Warner Bros. Records, Def Jam, Universal Music Group, BMG, MMG

Key Personnel: A. Bains (Founder/Owner/Chief Engineer), Michael Brian (Founder/Owner) , Billy Gastfield (Founder/Engineer), David Stanaj (Producer/Studio Designer), Lauren DeLia “Lola” (Songwriter/Engineer), Alex Oliverez (Engineer), Johnathan Rogers (Engineer), Robert Arbelo (Producer), Chris Montgomery (Engineer), Hybrid Infamous (Songwriter), Orlando Delacruz (Assistant Engineer), Amit Hingorani (Booking Consultant)

System Highlights: Neve 1272 x 8, 1961 Neumann U67, Blue Bottle Microphone, SSL Alpha Channel, UA 610. We recently acquired a Neve 5116 48 Channel Console that we will be installing over the next few weeks, it will be up and running for the summer of 2012.

Soon to be installed — the Neve 5516 48-channel board.

Distinguishing Characteristics: When we built our studios, we wanted to create an environment where everyone would feel comfortable and be at their creative best. To cater to clients from all aspects of society and different genres of music, we themed each of our rooms based on different moods.

Our A room has a calming feel to it with subtle tones centered around a Bonsai tree, we have branded it the “Zen Room”.

Studio B is flashy with bright colors and we call it the “Retro Room”

Our clients love Studio C, it has a certain warmth to it that just inspires creativity, it goes by the “Hawaii room”

The building is on fire, you only have time to grab ONE thing to save, what is it? All I need are my files!! And maybe a microphone — I’ll go with the storage server in one hand, the 1961 Neumann U 67 in the other.

Rave Reviews: One of the most common reviews our clients give us is that they love the warm and inviting vibe our spaces offer. Our amazing staff is always on hand, ready to make sure all of the clients needs are being met, swiftly and with a smile. Our exceptional and professionally-trained team of engineers insures that each client will get the best possible sound and mix on each record.

Most Memorable Session Ever: We’ve gotten to work with some amazing people over the past few years and have made great music and memories that will last a lifetime. I can’t possible narrow it down to one session.

Session You’d Like to Forget: While most people don’t like to bad-mouth their past clients, this one is easy for me: DJ Lolli Lux with Nino Caccavale producing has to have been the most painful sessions I have ever endured. She couldn’t hold a note and no amount of Melodyne or Autotune could salvage it.

Dream Session: How do you answer a question like this without sounding corny? I know Mike would say The Beatles or Frankie Lymon. For me it would be recording Jimi Hendrix playing guitar or Jay-Z rapping. Another dream would be to mix a record with Dave Pensado and Jacyen Joshoua.

It’s a beehive inside.

— A. Bains (Founder/Owner/Chief Engineer), Crosby Collective Studios

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