Mediasound Studios
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Recording studio |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Founder | Harry Hirsch, Bob Walters |
| Fate | Acquired by Michael Hektoen in 1983; ceased operation in the 1990s |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Key people | Joel Rosenman (day-to-day management), John P. Roberts (financial matters) |
Mediasound operated as an independent recording facility located at 311 West 57th Street, New York City. It was established in 1969 by Harry Hirsch and Bob Walters, with financial support from Joel Rosenman and John P. Roberts.
History
The studio was created by former JAC Recording engineer Harry Hirsch alongside Bob Walters, backed financially by Rosenman and Roberts. The location was a repurposed Manhattan Baptist Church. Originally designed as an 8-track studio, the project expanded to a 24-track setup after the budget increased from $100,000 to $700,000. Mediasound officially opened its doors in June 1969, featuring a spacious main room characterized by high ceilings and stained glass windows.
Throughout its operation, Mediasound accommodated a variety of recording sessions including commercial jingles, film soundtracks, and full-length albums. During the 1970s, the studio attracted notable performers such as Barry Manilow, Kool & the Gang, Stevie Wonder, Frankie Valli, Lou Reed, Gloria Gaynor, Engelbert Humperdinck, Ramones, and Blondie. A significant portion of Sesame Street’s music was also produced there through a longstanding residency.
The studio employed renowned session musicians like Paul Shaffer, Bob Babbitt, Allan Schwartzberg, Will Lee, and Marcus Miller. Its engineering team boasted professionals such as Bob Clearmountain, Tony Bongiovi, Godfrey Diamond, Michael Barbiero, Ron Saint Germain, Michael Brauer, Ed Stasium, Robert Margouleff, and Malcolm Cecil.
In 1973, Harry Hirsch exited to establish additional studios including Sound Mixers and the corporate studio for GRP Records. Bob Walters left in 1977 to co-create Power Station alongside Tony Bongiovi. Joel Rosenman oversaw the studio’s day-to-day management while John Roberts was responsible for financial matters.
Mediasound was acquired in 1983 by Michael Hektoen, who continued its operation until it ceased functioning during the 1990s.