The Hit Factory

The Hit Factory is a recording studio in New York City owned and operated by Troy Germano.

History

In 1969, songwriter Jerry Ragavoy opened a recording studio in New York City and named it ''The Hit Factory.'' On March 6, 1975, Edward Germano, a singer, record producer, and one of the principal owners of the Record Plant Studios New York, purchased The Hit Factory (located at 353 West 48th Street) from Ragavoy. Germano incorporated The Hit Factory into a business, redesigned its studios, and created the logo it uses to this day. At that time, The Hit Factory consisted of 2 studios; Studio A2 and Studio A6. Eventually, a third was added, Studio A5. Notable albums from this location include Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder, One-Trick Pony by Paul Simon, Fear of Music by Talking Heads, Voices by Hall & Oates, Bat Out of Hell by Meat Loaf, Foreigner by Foreigner (band), I'm in You by Peter Frampton, Peter Gabriel ("Scratch") by Peter Gabriel, Emotional Rescue by the Rolling Stones, Double Fantasy by John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

In 1981, The Hit Factory moved to a new location at 237 West 54th Street, across the street from Studio 54. Dubbed The Hit Factory Broadway, the new location had five studios designed by Germano: A1, A2, A3, M1, and M4—the last of which was later transformed into the first mastering suite for Herb Powers Jr.

Albums that were recorded and/or mixed at this location include '' Graceland'' by Paul Simon, '' Born in the U.S.A.'' by Bruce Springsteen, ''Undercover'' by the Rolling Stones, ''Under a Blood Red Sky'' by U2, '' The Rhythm of the Saints'' by Paul Simon, '' Live/1975–85'' by Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band, '' True Colors'' by Cyndi Lauper, '' Whiplash Smile'' by Billy Idol, '' Steel Wheels'' by the Rolling Stones, ''Long After Dark'' by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, ''Agent Provocateur'' by Foreigner, '' Tunnel of Love'' by Bruce Springsteen, '' Riptide'' by Robert Palmer, '' Up Your Alley'' by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, ''Forever'' by Kool & the Gang, the ''Bodyguard'' soundtrack by Whitney Houston, '' Hell Freezes Over'' by Eagles, ''August'' by Eric Clapton, '' Talk Is Cheap'' by Keith Richards and '' Dangerous'' by Michael Jackson.

In 1987, Germano opened another location, The Hit Factory Times Square, at 130 West 42nd Street. Previously known as Chelsea Sound, the studios were redesigned by Ed and Troy Germano. This facility had two recording studios, Studio C and Studio B, as well as three mastering rooms under the moniker The Hit Factory DMS, for digital mastering studios. The mastering rooms were for engineers Herb Powers Jr., Chris Gehringer, and Tom Coyne. The Times Square recording and mastering studios existed until 1992. Albums of historical importance recorded or mixed at this location include ''Freedom'' by Neil Young, '' Foreign Affair'' by Tina Turner, ''Down with the King'' by Run-DMC, '' Don't Sweat the Technique'' by Eric B. & Rakim, ''Storm Front'' by Billy Joel, and Mariah Carey (album) by Mariah Carey.

In 1991, Ed Germano acquired a 100,000-square-foot building at 421 West 54th Street. It opened in 1993 as simply The Hit Factory. Ed and Troy designed and built this facility with David Bell, Derek Buckingham, Alan Cundell of White Mark Limited and Neil Grant of Harris Grant Associates UK. As the main headquarters for The Hit Factory, the studios expanded to seven recording-and-mixing studios (Studios 1-7), five mastering studios (The Hit Factory Mastering) and five private writing-production suites, including rooms for Mark Ronson, Kevin Shirley and Trackmasters. Studio 1 was built for orchestral recordings that could accommodate up to 140 musicians. In 2002, Troy Germano consolidated the New York City operations into this building. Some of the albums recorded or mixed at this facility include HIStory by Michael Jackson, Butterfly by Mariah Carey, Let's Talk About Love by Celine Dion, Dangerously in Love by Beyoncé, CrazySexyCool by TLC, Ray of Light by Madonna, No Strings Attached by NSYNC, Falling into You by Celine Dion, Daydream by Mariah Carey, Life After Death by the Notorious B.I.G., the Titanic soundtrack album, Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey, Duets by Frank Sinatra, My Life by Mary J. Blige, Rhythm of Love by Anita Baker, Songs by Luther Vandross, The Velvet Rope by Janet Jackson, Invincible by Michael Jackson, Pop by U2, '' Space Jam'' with Seal, X&Y by Coldplay, Music by Madonna, River of Dreams by Billy Joel and Sogno by Andrea Bocelli.

From 1989 to 1993, the company also operated The Hit Factory London. In 1989, Ed and Troy, in a joint venture with ''Sony Music UK'', took control of CBS Studios on Whitfield Street in Soho, London. They redesigned the facility and reopened at the beginning of 1990 with the Rolling Stones working on their album Flashpoint. Sade recorded her album Love Deluxe in Studio 2 and Alison Moyet recorded her album, "Hoodoo" in Studio 3. The studios were designed by Ed, Troy, and the team from Harris Grant Associates UK (David Bell, Derek Buckingham, Alan Cundell & Neil Grant). This facility had three recording studios: Studio 1, Studio 2, and the Rooftop Studio 3, as well as five mastering rooms and hosted many of the artists from that era from Sony Music's UK labels (primarily Columbia Records & Epic Records). Studio 1 was designed for orchestral recording and could accommodate 100 piece orchestra. The film score for Basic Instinct, by composer Jerry Goldsmith, was recorded here. The Hit Factory London remained through 1993 until the Germano's sold their interests back to Sony Music ending the partnership and retaining The Hit Factory name and trademark. This facility later became Sony's Whitfield Street Studio.

In 1998, Ed and Troy purchased Criteria Recording in Miami, Florida, revamping and reopening the studios under the new name The Hit Factory Criteria Miami. The studios were designed again by Ed, Troy, and White Mark Limited UK (David Bell, Alan Cundell & Derek Buckingham). The facility had five recording studios–Studio A, Studio C, Studio D, Studio E, and Studio F–a completed mastering room used as a writing and production room for guest producers and artists. In 2012, the Germanos sold the studio as Criteria Recording Studios and retained The Hit Factory name, logo and trademark.

Edward Germano died in 2003 and The Hit Factory closed its main headquarters in 2005. Contrary to reports in the media that the studios in New York City were shuttered due to the advancement of home digital recording, the building at 421 West 54th was sold for estate planning purposes.

In 2008, Troy Germano, completed Germano Studios in Manhattan's Noho neighborhood. Germano Studios changed its name to The Hit Factory in 2023, and is now the only "The Hit Factory" or "Hit Factory" recording studio in the world. Notable albums recorded here include "Hackney Diamonds" by The Rolling Stones, "Jose" by J Balvin, "Crosseyed Heart" by Keith Richards, "Manana Sera Bonito" by Karol G, "Astroworld" by Travis Scott, "Hollywood's Bleeding" by Post Malone, "DAMN." by Kendrick Lamar, "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga, "21" by Adele, "Blonde" by Frank Ocean, "Uptown Special" by Mark Ronson, "Love in the Future" by John Legend, "Éxodo" by Peso Pluma, "Luv Is Rage 2" by Lil Uzi Vert, "Unvarnished" by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, "My World 2.0" by Justin Bieber, "4" by Beyoncé, "2014 Forest Hills Drive" by J.Cole, "Clapton" by Eric Clapton, "Scarlet" by Doja Cat, "Beauty Behind The Madness" by The Weeknd, and "Music" by Playboi Carti.

Locations

The studios occupied several spaces in and around Midtown West, Times Square and Noho. Locations:

* 7th Avenue (The Hit Factory) 1969-1972
* 353 West 48th Street, (The Hit Factory, West 48th Street) 1972–1981
* 237 West 54th Street (The Hit Factory Broadway), 1981–2002
* 130 West 42nd Street (The Hit Factory Times Square), 1987–1992
* 31–37 Whitfield Street (The Hit Factory London), 1989–1993
* 1755 NE 149th Street (The Hit Factory Miami), 1998–2012
* 421 West 54th Street (The Hit Factory Headquarters), 1992–2005
* 676 Broadway (The Hit Factory, Noho), 2008–present

RIAA Diamond Awards

26 RIAA Diamond Awards albums and songs have been recorded at The Hit Factory:
* Stevie Wonder "Songs In The Key Of Life"
* Bruce Springsteen "Born In The USA"
* Whitney Houston "Whitney"
* Celine Dion "Falling Into You"
* TLC "CrazySexyCool"
* Santana "Supernatural"
* Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band "Live 1975–'85"
* Whitney Houston "The Bodyguard"
* Billy Joel "Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II"
* "Titanic" soundtrack
* Meat Loaf "Bat Out Of Hell"
* NSYNC "No Strings Attached"
* Celine Dion "Lets Talk About Love"
* Michael Jackson "Bad"
* Mariah Carey "Daydream"
* Lauryn Hill "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill"
* Adele "21"
* Travis Scott "Sicko Mode"
* Justin Bieber "Baby"
* John Legend "All Of Me"
* Maroon 5 "Moves Like Jagger"
* Mariah Carey "All I Want For Christmas Is You"
* Whitney Houston "I Will Always Love You"
* The Notorious B.I.G. "Life After Death"
* Kenny G "Breathless"
* Beyonce "Halo"

Album of the Year Grammy Awards

The Hit Factory has 10 wins and 33 nominations for Album of the Year:
* 1977 "Songs in the Key of Life" Stevie Wonder
* 1980 "Double Fantasy" John Lennon and Yoko Ono
* 1987 "Graceland" Paul Simon
* 1992 "Unforgettable... With Love" Natalie Cole
* 1994 "The Bodyguard" Whitney Houston
* 1997 "Falling Into You" Celine Dion
* 1999 "The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill" Lauryn Hill
* 2000 "Supernatural" Santana
* 2012 "21" Adele
* 2023 "Mañana Será Bonito" Karol G (Latin Grammy Award)

Academy Award for Best Original Song

The Hit Factory has three wins and seven nominations for Best Original Song
* 1988 Working Girl "Let the River Run" by Carly Simon
* 1995 Pocahontas "Colors of the Wind" by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz
* 1997 Titanic "My Heart Will Go On" by James Horner and Will Jennings (Celine Dion)

John Lennon's last recording session

Public awareness of The Hit Factory increased after the death of John Lennon on December 8, 1980. Lennon had recorded his final album at The Hit Factory at 353 West 48th Street, a fact mentioned in some newspaper accounts of the murder. There are contradictory reports as to whether he was recording and mixing at The Hit Factory or the nearby Record Plant on the day he was murdered. Most publications give the Record Plant as the location, as do producer Jack Douglas and others who were with Lennon that day. However, Keith Badman, not an eyewitness, writes in his book ''The Beatles: After the Break-up, 1970–2000'' that Lennon had been at The Hit Factory the night of his murder. He also writes that Lennon had been at the studio the previous few days working on and mixing tracks for Yoko Ono.

Th
obituary
of British DJ Andy Peebles to whom John Lennon gave his last interview mentions that Lennon postponed the interview at 'The Hit Factory' until 6pm on Saturday 6th December as he and Yoko had been up all Friday night mixing her new single 'Walking on Thin Ice' suggesting they were at the 353 Est 48th Street location. The obituary also shows
picture
of Andy Peebles and BBC crew outside that 353 location. It was at the studio, that John Lennon gave his last ever interview. British DJ Andy Peebles had spoken with the former Beatle just two days before his murder outside his Upper West Side apartment building.

Notable recordings

Albums

*'' Hackney Diamonds'' by The Rolling Stones 2023
*'' Graceland'' by Paul Simon 1986
*'' Songs in the Key of Life'' by Stevie Wonder 1976
*'' Double Fantasy'' by John Lennon and Yoko Ono 1980
*'' Emotional Rescue'' by The Rolling Stones 1980
*'' Born in the U.S.A.'' by Bruce Springsteen 1984
*'' Mary'' by Mary J. Blige 1999
*'' Fear of Music'' by Talking Heads 1979
*'' It Was Written'' by Nas 1996
*'' Dangerously In Love'' by Beyoncé 2003
*'' Milk and Honey'' by John Lennon and Yoko Ono 1984
*'' This Is Me... Then'' by Jennifer Lopez 2002
*'' Flashpoint'' by The Rolling Stones 1991
*'' Scarface'' by Giorgio Moroder 1983
*'' Hell Freezes Over'' by Eagles in 1994
*'' River of Dreams'' by Billy Joel 1993
*''Ready to Die'' by The Notorious B.I.G. 1994
*'' Pop'' by U2 1997
*'' Octavarium'' by Dream Theater 2005
*''Under a Blood Red Sky'' by U2 1983
*'' Chimes of Freedom'' by Bruce Springsteen 1988
*''Daydream'' by Mariah Carey 1995
*'' Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life'' by Jay-Z 1998
*'' Falling Into You'' by Celine Dion 1996
*'' The Bodyguard'' by Whitney Houston 1992
*'' Titanic: Music from the Motion Picture'' 1997
*''We Live Here'' by Pat Metheny Group 1995
*'' Space Jam'' 1996
*'' No Strings Attached'' by NSYNC 2000
*''Nellyville'' by Nelly 2002
*'' Duets'' by Frank Sinatra 1993
*''Bat Out Of Hell'' by Meat Loaf 1977
*'' Foreigner'' by Foreigner 1977
*''Hands All Over (album)'' by Maroon 5 2010
*''Unforgettable... with Love'' by Natalie Cole 1991
*'' True Colors'' by Cyndi Lauper 1986
*''HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I'' by Michael Jackson 1995
*'' Dangerous'' by Michael Jackson 1991
*'' CrazySexyCool'' by TLC 1994
*''Celebrity (album), Celebrity'' by NSYNC 2001
*''What's the 411?'' by Mary J. Blige 1992
*''Merry Christmas'' by Mariah Carey 1994
*'' Riptide'' by Robert Palmer 1985
*''Big Willie Style'' by Will Smith 1997
*''Swept Away (Diana Ross album), Swept Away'' by Diana Ross 1984
*''Forever'' by Kool & the Gang 1986
*''Machismo (album), Machismo'' by Cameo (band), Cameo 1988
*''Live at the Hollywood Palladium, December 15, 1988'' by Keith Richards 1988
*''Green (R.E.M. album), Green'' by R.E.M. 1988
*'' Rhythm of Love'' by Anita Baker 1994
*''Down with the King (album), Down with the King'' by Run-DMC 1993
*''Live and Sleazy'' by Village People 1979
*''Britney (album), Britney'' by Britney Spears 2001
*''Main Offender'' by Keith Richards 1993
*''I Am... (Nas album), I Am...'' by Nas 1999
*''Valotte'' by Julian Lennon 1984
*''Greatest Hits (Lenny Kravitz album), Greatest Hits'' by Lenny Kravitz 2000
*''Dream of Life'' by Patti Smith 1988
*''Boys and Girls (album), Boys and Girls'' by Bryan Ferry 1985
*''More Than You Think You Are'' by Matchbox Twenty 2002
*''Up (R.E.M. album), Up'' by R.E.M. 1998
*'' The Velvet Rope'' by Janet Jackson 1997
*'' X&Y'' by Coldplay 2005
*''Songs'' by Luther Vandross 1994
*''Time, Love & Tenderness'' by Michael Bolton 1991
*''A Very Special Christmas'' by Various Artists 1987
*''Back to the Future (soundtrack), Back to the Future'' Soundtrack 1986
*''Supernatural (Santana album), Supernatural'' by Santana (band), Santana 1999
*''Night Music (Joe Jackson album), Night Music'' by Joe Jackson (musician), Joe Jackson 1994
*''Men Without Women (album), Men Without Women'' by Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul 1982
*''Rocky IV (soundtrack), Rocky IV'' Soundtrack 1985
*''Sacred Love'' by Sting (musician), Sting 2003
*''Mariah Carey (album), Mariah Carey'' by Mariah Carey 1990
*'' Foreign Affair'' by Tina Turner 1989
*''The 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration'' by Bob Dylan 1993
*'' Tunnel of Love'' by Bruce Springsteen 1987
*''Whitney (album), Whitney'' by Whitney Houston 1987
*''Black Tie White Noise'' by David Bowie 1993
*''Bedtime Stories (Madonna album), Bedtime Stories'' by Madonna 1994
*''Survivor (Destiny's Child album), Survivor'' by Destiny's Child 2001
*''Back to Broadway'' by Barbra Streisand 1993
*'' Sogno'' by Andrea Bocelli 1999
*'' Love Deluxe'' by Sade (band), Sade 1992
*''You Can Dance'' by Madonna 1987
*''Hollywood's Bleeding'' by Post Malone 2019
*''Astroworld (album), Astroworld'' by Travis Scott 2018
*''Damn (Kendrick Lamar album), Damn'' by Kendrick Lamar 2017
*''Living In A Ghost Town'' by The Rolling Stones 2020
*''Stoney (album), Stoney'' by Post Malone 2016
*''The Life of Pablo'' by Kanye West 2016
*''Crosseyed Heart'' by Keith Richards 2015
*''Brightest Blue'' by Ellie Goulding 2020
*''Born This Way (album), Born This Way'' by Lady Gaga 2011
*''21 (Adele album), 21'' by Adele 2012
*''4 (Beyoncé album), 4'' by Beyoncé 2011
*''My World 2.0'' by Justin Bieber 2010
*''Beauty Behind The Madness'' by The Weeknd 2015
*''Clapton (2010 album), Clapton'' by Eric Clapton 2010
*''Blonde (Frank Ocean album), Blonde'' by Frank Ocean 2016
*''Queen (Nicki Minaj album), Queen'' by Nicki Minaj 2018
*''Battle Born (album), Battle Born'' by the Killers 2012
*''Bridges (Josh Groban album), Bridges'' by Josh Groban 2018
*''Uptown Special'' by Mark Ronson2015
*''Yeezus'' by Kanye West 2013
*''Prism (Katy Perry album), Prism'' by Katy Perry 2013
*''Threads (Sheryl Crow album), Threads'' by Sheryl Crow 2019
*''Play On (Carrie Underwood album), Play On'' by Carrie Underwood 2009
*''Luv Is Rage 2'' by Lil Uzi Vert 2017
*''A Town Called Paradise'' by Tiesto 2014
*''Cloud Nine (Kygo album), Cloud Nine'' by Kygo 2016
*''At.Long.Last.A$AP'' by A$AP Rocky 2015
*''Harmony (Josh Groban album), Harmony'' by Josh Groban 2020
*''The Blessed Unrest'' by Sara Bareilles 2013
*''async (album), async'' by Ryuichi Sakamoto 2017
*''Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel'' by Mariah Carey 2009
*''Stronger With Each Tear'' by Mary J. Blige 2009
*''Life Is Good (Nas album), Life Is Good'' by Nas 2012
*''Vibras (album), Vibras'' by J Balvin 2018
*''Rêvolution by IAM (band), IAM'' 2017
*''Title (album), Title'' by Meghan Trainor 2015
*''The Element of Freedom'' by Alicia Keys 2009
*''Native (album), Native'' by OneRepublic 2013
*''Rebirth (Lil Wayne album), Rebirth'' by Lil Wayne 2010
*''Rated R (Rihanna album), Rated R'' by Rihanna 2009
*''Love in the Future'' by John Legend 2014
*''Girl (Pharrell Williams album), Girl'' by Pharrell Williams 2014
*''This House Is Not for Sale'' by Bon Jovi 2016
*''Unvarnished'' by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts 2013
*''Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent'' by Lewis Capaldi 2019
*''2020 (Bon Jovi album), 2020'' by Bon Jovi 2020
*''Invasion of Privacy (album), Invasion of Privacy'' by Cardi B 2018
*''Stranger Songs'' by Ingrid Michaelson 2019
*''Tha Carter V'' by Lil Wayne 2018
*''My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy'' by Kanye West 2010
*''Seal the Deal & Let's Boogie'' by Volbeat 2016
*''Anti (album), Anti'' by Rihanna 2016
*''Before I Self Destruct'' by 50 Cent 2009
*''MDNA (album), MDNA'' by Madonna 2012
*''Merry Christmas II You'' by Mariah Carey 2010
*''I Am... Sasha Fierce'' by Beyoncé 2009
*''Oasis (J Balvin and Bad Bunny album), Oasis'' by J. Balvin and Bad Bunny 2019
*''The Beginning (Black Eyed Peas album), The Beginning'' by The Black Eyed Peas 2010
*''No Mercy (T.I. album), No Mercy'' by T.I. 2010
*''I Decided (album), I Decided'' by Big Sean 2017
*''Christmas (Michael Bublé album), Christmas'' by Michael Buble 2011
*''Cradlesong (album), Cradlesong'' by Rob Thomas (musician), Rob Thomas 2009
*''Mind of Mine'' by Zayn Malik, Zayn 2016
*''The Blues Is Alive and Well'' by Buddy Guy 2018
*''Swing Symphony'' by Wynton Marsalis 2019
*''Soulbook'' by Rod Stewart 2009
*''Light (Matisyahu album), Light'' by Matisyahu 2009
*''Everybody (Logic album), Everybody'' by Logic (rapper), Logic 2017
*''Malice N Wonderland'' by Snoop Dogg 2009
*''Suga (EP), Suga'' by Megan Thee Stallion 2020
*''I Look To You'' by Whitney Houston 2009
*''Sweetener (album), Sweetener'' by Ariana Grande 2018
*''Dark Lane Demo Tapes'' by Drake (musician), Drake 2020
*''The Revenant (soundtrack), The Revenant'' Soundtrack 2016
*''Beauty and the Beast (2017 soundtrack), Beauty and the Beast'' Soundtrack 2017
*''Mary Poppins Returns (soundtrack), Mary Poppins Returns'' Soundtrack 2018
*''Despicable Me: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack'' Soundtrack 2010
*''Over The Moon (2020 film), Over The Moon'' Soundtrack 2020
*''Hello Dolly!'' (Bette Midler) Broadway Cast Recording 2017
*''Creed (film), Creed'' Soundtrack 2015
*''Minamata (film), Minamata'' Soundtrack 2020
*''Black Mirror'' Smithereens Soundtrack by Ryuichi Sakamoto 2019
*''Bad Reputation (2018 film), Bad Reputation'' Soundtrack 2018
*'' Talk Is Cheap'' by Keith Richards 1988
*'' Steel Wheels'' by The Rolling Stones 1989
*''Undercover'' by The Rolling Stones 1983
*''Live/1975-85'' by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band 1986
*''Nine Lives (Aerosmith album), Nine Lives'' by Aerosmith 1997
*''August'' by Eric Clapton 1986
*''Kamakiriad'' by Donald Fagen 1993
*''On The 6'' by Jennifer Lopez 1999
*''Storm Front (album), Storm Front'' by Billy Joel 1989
*''Music'' by Madonna 2000
*'' Whiplash Smile'' by Billy Idol 1986
*''Freedom (Neil Young album), Freedom'' by Neil Young 1989
*''Rhythm of the Saints'' by Paul Simon 1990
*''Let's Talk About Love'' by Celine Dion 1997
*'' Invincible'' by Michael Jackson 2001
*''Romances (Luis Miguel album), Romances'' by Luis Miguel 1997
*''Never Let Me Go (Luther Vandross album), Never Let Me Go'' by Luther Vandross 1993
*''Butterfly'' by Mariah Carey 1997
*''Babylon and On'' by Squeeze (band), Squeeze 1987
*''You're the One (Paul Simon album), You're the One'' by Paul Simon 2000
*''Goddess in the Doorway'' by Mick Jagger 2001
*''Brian Wilson (album), Brian Wilson'' by Brian Wilson 1988
*''Animalize'' by Kiss (band), Kiss 1984
*''Long After Dark'' by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 1982
*'' Voices'' by Hall & Oates 1980
*''Lick It Up'' by Kiss (band), Kiss 1983
*' by Bon Jovi 1985
*''State of Confusion'' by the Kinks 1983
*''Across the Borderline'' by Willie Nelson 1993
*''Your Filthy Little Mouth'' by David Lee Roth 1994
*''Come Out and Play (Twisted Sister album), Come Out and Play'' by Twisted Sister 1985
*'' Up Your Alley'' by Joan Jett and The Blackhearts 1988
*''Steppin' Out (Tony Bennett album), Steppin' Out'' by Tony Bennett 1994
*''Forty Licks'' by The Rolling Stones 2002
*'' Ray of Light'' by Madonna 1998
*''Paul Simon's Concert in the Park'' by Paul Simon 1991
*''John Lennon Anthology'' by John Lennon 1998
*''Taste of Chocolate'' by Big Daddy Kane 1990
*''Bad (album), Bad'' by Michael Jackson 1987
*''Greatest Hits (Bruce Springsteen album), Greatest Hits'' by Bruce Springsteen 1995
*''Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II'' by Billy Joel
*''Heavy Nova (album), Heavy Nova'' by Robert Palmer 1987
*'' My Life'' by Mary J. Blige 1994
*''My Love Is Your Love'' by Whitney Houston 1998
*''The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus'' by The Rolling Stones 1996
*''Share My World'' by Mary J. Blige 1997
*''Still Waters (Bee Gees album), Still Waters'' by Bee Gees 1997
*''Temple of Low Men'' by Crowded House 1998
*''Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix'' by Michael Jackson 1997
*''A Night to Remember (Cyndi Lauper album), A Night to Remember'' by Cyndi Lauper 1989
*''Ooh Yeah! (album), Ooh Yeah!'' by Hall & Oates 1988
*'' I'm in You'' by Peter Frampton 1976
*''Big Science'' by Laurie Anderson 1982
*''Sons of Soul'' by Tony! Toni! Tone! 1993
*''I Am... (Nas album), I Am...'' by Nas 1999
*''Groove Approved'' by Paul Carrack 1989
*''The Hunter (Blondie album), The Hunter'' by Blondie (band), Blondie 1982
*''Special'' by Jimmy Cliff 1982
*''True Blue (Madonna album), True Blue'' by Madonna 1986
*''Shaka Zulu'' by Ladysmith Black Mambazo 1987
*''Power of Love (Luther Vandross album), Power of Love'' by Luther Vandross 1991
*''Mr. Happy Go Lucky'' by John Mellencamp 1996
*''Soul Searchin' (Glenn Frey album), Soul Searchin''' by Glenn Frey 1988
*''18 Tracks'' by Bruce Springsteen 1999
*''Uh-Oh (David Byrne album), Uh-Oh'' by David Byrne 1992
*''Station to Station'' by David Bowie 1976
*''Agent Provocateur '' by Foreigner 1984
*''It's a Game (Bay City Rollers album), It's a Game'' by Bay City Rollers 1977
*''Stripped (Christina Aguilera album), Stripped'' by Christina Aguilera 2002
*''Music (Playboi Carti album) by Playboi Carti 2025

Equipment

1975–1981

The Hit Factory's facility at 353 West 48th Street used a mixture of recording equipment. Consoles included a Neve Electronics, Neve 8068 32-channel console, a Custom Automated Processes, Inc., API 32 input console, an Music Center Incorporated, MCI JH-500 36-channel console, and an MCI JH-636 36 channel console. The analog tape machines were Studer A80 24-track 2-inch (''wide body'') analog recorders, Studer A80 16-track 2-inch (''narrow body'') analog recorders, Studer A80 2-track 1/4-inch analog recorders and an MCI JH-24 24-track 2-inch analog recorder. The outboard gear was a combination of numerous custom pieces from that period plus Eventide, Neve, Lang, Teletronix, Universal, Pultec, Orban, Kepex, EMT, Fairchild and API. The monitoring was a combination of Westlake, Hidley, Altec, UREI and Auratone. Microphones were Neumann, AKG, Sennheiser, Sony, Norelco, Shure, and Electrovoice. The studios also had EMT 140 plate reverbs, Cooper Time Cubes and Spring reverbs.

1981–2002

This period saw multiple locations: The Hit Factory Broadway, at 237 West 54th Street, and The Hit Factory Times Square, at 130 West 42nd Street. There were a mixture of desks between the locations as the consoles moved between the seven studios. An MCI JH-636 36 channel console with MCI automation in Studio A2 (''moved from West 48th Street''). A Neve 8068 32 channel console with Necam 1 moving fader automation, then GML moving faders in Studio A1 & Studio A (''moved from West 48th Street''). A Custom API 32 input console without automation in Studio A3 (''moved from West 48th Street''). A pair of Solid State Logic Solid State Logic SL 4000, 4000 SL48 E Series 48 channel consoles in Studio A1 & A2, then an additional SSL 4000 SL64 G Series with Ultimation was added to Studio 2. A Solid State Logic 4000 SL64 E Series 64 channel console in Studio M1 and a Solid State Logic 6000 SL72 E Series console in Studio M1. A pair of Neve VR 60 channel consoles in Studio A1, A2 & A3, a Neve VR 36 channel console in Studio A3, a Neve VR 72 channel console in Studio A1, a Neve V Series Vatican 60 channel console in Studio A3, a Neve 8068 40 channel console with Necam II moving fader automation, then GML moving faders in Studio A3 & Studio B, and a Neve 8128 28 channel console in Studio A4. The tape machines were Studer A800 24 track 2 inch analog recorders, Studer A820 24 track 2 inch analog recorders, Studer A827 24 track 2 inch analog recorders, Studer A80 2 track 1/2 inch & 1/4 inch 2 track analog recorders, a Studer A810 2 track 1/4 inch analog recorder, a Studer A80 4 track 1/2 inch analog recorder, and Otari MTR-90 24 track analog recorders. The digital machines were Sony 3324A 24 track 1/2 inch digital recorders with Apogee filters, Mitsubishi X880 32 track 1 inch digital recorders, and Mitsubishi X80 & X86 2 track 1/4 inch digital recorders. The outboard gear was a combination of AMS, Quantec, Eventide, Publison, Lexicon, Universal Audio, Teletronix, Tube-Tech, Pultec, GML, SSL, Neve, API, EMT, Apogee, Focusrite, Manley and Avalon. The monitoring was a combination of UREI, Quested, Tannoy, Augspurger, Yamaha, Auratone, Westlake, Genelec, Meyer, Altec, and David's. The microphones collection included Telefunken, Neumann, Sony, B&K, RCA, Schoeps, Beyer Dynamic, AKG, Sennheiser, Norelco, Electrovoice & Shure.

1993–2005

This paragraph focuses solely on the main headquarters at 421 West 54th Street -- known as The Hit Factory. The consoles consisted of a Neve 8068 72 channel console with Flying Faders in Studio 2. Also a Neve VSP 72 channel console with Flying Faders in Studio 1, and a Solid State Logic 9000 J Series 9080 80 channel console in Studio 1. A Solid State Logic K Series 9080 80 channel console in Studio 2, a Solid State Logic G+ 4064 64 channel console in Studio 3, and a Solid State Logic J Series 9080 80 channel console in Studio 3. In Studio 4 there was a Solid State Logic 4000 SL96 E Series 96 channel console, followed by a Solid State Logic AXIOM 80 channel digital console in Studio 4, and then a Solid State Logic 9000 J Series 9080 80 channel console. There was a Sony Oxford digital console in Studio 5, followed by a Euphonix System 5 digital console. A Solid State Logic K Series 9080 80 channel console was in Studio 6 and a Solid State Logic K Series 9080 80 channel console was in Studio 7. The analog tape machines were Studer A800 24 track 2 inch analog recorders, Studer A827 24 track 2 inch analog recorders, a Studer A827 16 track 2 inch analog recorder, Studer A820 2 track 1/2 inch analog recorders, and Studer A80 2 track 1/2 inch analog recorders. The digital tape machines were Sony 3348 48 channel 1/2 inch digital recorders, Sony 3348HR 48 channel 1/2 inch digital recorders, Mitsubishi X880 32 track 1 inch digital recorders, Sony PCM-3402 DASH 2 track 1/4 inch digital recorders, and Sony PCM 1630 2 track digital recorders. Digidesign Pro Tools systems were introduced as part of the new hard disk recorders for all of the studios as of 2000. The monitoring systems changed from Boxers to Augspurgers as well as a selection of Yamaha, Genelec, ProAcs, Auratones, Dynaudio and Mastering Lab for the near field speakers. The outboard gear included AMS, AMS Neve, Lexicon, Eventide, API, Focusrite, SSL, Avalon, Manley, Weiss, Tube-Tech, Pultec, Universal Audio, Teletronix, GML, EMT and Quantek. The microphone collection grew to include Coles, Neumann, Telefunken, Sennheiser, AKG, Schoeps, B&K, Sony, Shure, RCA, Norelco, Beyer Dynamic & Electrovoice.

1989–1993

The Hit Factory London was located on Whitfield Street in Soho London. There were three studios and the consoles consisted of a Neve VR 72 channel console in Studio 1 for orchestral recording & mixing, a Neve VR 72 channel console in Studio 2 for overdub recording & mixing and a Solid State Logic 4000 SL56 E Series 56 channel console for band recording & mixing. The analog tape machines were Studer A820 & Studer A827 24 track 2 inch analog recorders and Studer A80 2 track 1/2 inch analog recorders. The digital tape machines included Sony 3348 48 channel 1/2 inch digital recorders, and Sony PCM 1630 2 track digital recorders. The monitoring systems were Boxer's as well as Yamaha, Genelec & Auratone near field speakers. The outboard gear was a large selection of AMS, Neve, SSL, GML, Lexicon, EMT, Pultec, Tube-Tech, Teletronix, Universal Audio, Manley, Eventide, API & Focusrite. The microphone collection consisted of Neumann, Telefunken, Sennheiser, AKG, Sony, Shure, Electrovoice, Beyer Dynamic, Coles, B&K.

2008–present

The Hit Factory in New York's Noho consists of two studios. The consoles are a pair of Solid State Logic Duality Delta 48 channel consoles for recording and mixing in Studio 1 and Studio 2. Both studios are equipped with Avid Pro Tools PT Ultimate 2024.6 HDX3 64/64 systems with the Apple Mac Studio M1 computers and Sonnet expansion racks. The monitoring systems are custom Exigy S412G monitors with custom dual 18" subwoofers in each of the control rooms. The near field speakers are Genelec 8040B active monitors, Amphion One 18 passive monitors, Avantone CLA-10 active monitors, Avantone CLA-10 passive monitors, Yamaha NS-10M Studio passive monitors, Avantone Mix Cube passive & active monitors, KRK Rokit 7 G4 monitors, and Auratones. The outboard gear is an arsenal of selected pieces from Neve, API, Chandler, Retro Instruments, Lavry, Bricasti, AMS, Focusrite, Universal Audio, Tube-Tech, Moog, Heritage Audio, Empirical Labs, Black Lion, SSL. The microphone collection consists of Telefunken, Neumann, Coles, Sennheiser, DPA, Schoeps, AKG, Shure, Austrian Audio, Royer, AEA, Electrovoice, Beyer Dynamic, Tul, Yamaha and Sony. The collection of plug-ins include Avid, Eventide, Waves, Antares, Apogee, Fabfilter, Focusrite, Izotope, MCDSP, Native Instruments, Oeksound, Plugin Alliance, Abbey Road Collection, Audio Ease, Metric Halo, Universal Audio, Softube, Sonnox, Soundtoys, Slate Digital, SSL, TC Electronic and The Hit Factory Plugins HitVerb.https://www.thehitfactory.com/studio-2/

References

External links

*

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hit Factory
Recording studios in Manhattan
1975 establishments in New York City
2005 disestablishments in New York (state)
Midtown Manhattan