Recording Studio Sweet Spot: Sabella Studios — Roslyn Heights, Long Island

You don’t have to go long in Long Island to find a classic studio. For three-plus decades, those in the know have been taking a short trip from Manhattan – and from all points North, West, East, and South – to take advantage of the world-class tracking and mixing facility in Roslyn Heights known as Sabella Studios.

Launched in 1980 by Jim Sabella, the Frank Comentale-designed studio puts an equal emphasis on equipment, engineering, hand-made amps, and community. Read on to discover gear with an impressive heritage, all put to use by a highly recognizable client list that’s gone platinum with their Sabella sessions — the next time you seek a creative destination away from the city but still within striking distance, this place better be on your list.

The touch of designer Frank Commentale (Hit Factory) is easy to see at Sabella Studios.

Facility Name: Sabella Studios

Website: http://www.sabellastudios.com

Location:  Roslyn Heights NY

Neighborhood Advantages: Just 25 min outside Manhattan by car and close to the LIRR. We offer a relaxed recording environment in the suburbs.

Date of Birth: 1980

Facility Focus: Recording, Mastering, Talent Development and more –see it all at  http://www.sabellastudios.com/services

Mission Statement: To put out good-sounding music!

Clients/Credits: Catch 22, CIV, Dearly Departed, Derek Trucks, Edna’s Goldfish, General Motors, Ginger Moon, Gov’t Mule, Grey Matters, Heavy Hollow, Jack s Waterfall, Jayne Critelli, Jewels & John Paul, John Ford, John Hampson, John Sullivan Brigade, Kill by Inches, LL Cool J, Mabou Loiseau, Marcy Playground, Marshall Sampler, Nine Days, Plastic Jesus, Public Enemy, Stefania Owens, Suicide Kings, Sund, The High School Football Heros, The Upwelling, Toots and the Maytals, True, Will Arnett, and many more.

Key Personnel: Jim Sabella (owner, producer, and engineer), Mike Mulieri (producer/engineer)  Will “splash” Harris (Engineer), and Matther Murphy (Engineer). Read more at http://www.sabellastudios.com/about

Room to move some air

System Highlights : Neve 8068 console previously owned by Phil Ramone, 24 track Studer, Protools 10, SSL digital converters, a large collection of vintage Neumann microphones, 9 Pultec EQ’s and many classic guitars. For more: http://www.sabellastudios.com/gear

We have recently upgraded our digital system, adding in a SSL XLogic Alpha-Link MADI-AX alongside our Apogee AD-800. We also have a Studer A80 to allow ultimate flexibility with regards to digital and analogue recording. You can read more on our systems at http://www.sabellastudios.com/gear/Console_and_Tape.

We also recently put our EMT 140 reverb unit back into use. You can see a video where we discuss the unit and show some of the calibrations here. The EMT 140 is the first and one of the all time best reverb units ever made.

Hand-made amps and reverb units, by Jim, are also part of the program.

Distinguishing Characteristics: 35+ years of experience, platinum albums, relaxed environment

We recently conducted our first songwriter’s workshop and will soon be planning a followup. As a way to give back to the musical community as well get our studio’s name out there, we have a free workshop were songwriters of all levels can come share their songs with our experienced staff and get critiques and pointers. We are also starting up some other programs such as our recording club and music club. You can read more about them at our services page: http://www.sabellastudios.com/services. Click on the bold titles or pictures to read more for each.

Rave Reviews: Jim’s expert insight.

Most Memorable Session Ever: Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks (tie). Both of them were just amazing.

Session You’d Like to Forget: Not gonna tell you that.

Dream Session: Keith Richards

— Jim Sabella, Owner/Producer/Engineer, Sabella Studios

Manning the Neve 8068, formerly owned by Phil Ramone.

Outboard on duty

Wall of sound — with a clear affinity for Pultecs.

Amplification nation

Got Neumann???

Jim Sabella (l) and his team on call.

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