Cherokee Studios

Founded in 1972

Address: 751 North Fairfax Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Fiounder: The Robb Brothers

Current Status: Defunct

Cherokee Studios Los Angeles was one of the most iconic recording facilities of the 1970s through early 2000s, renowned for its warm analogue sound, state-of-the-art equipment, and creative atmosphere. Founded by the Robb Brothers in 1972, Cherokee Studios became a cornerstone of the Los Angeles recording scene, hosting a long list of legendary artists including David Bowie, Steely Dan, Frank Sinatra, Mötley Crüe, and Michael Jackson. Known for its perfect balance of technical precision and relaxed, musician-friendly vibe, Cherokee earned the nickname “The Home of Hits”, a title that reflected its unmatched run of chart-topping records over three decades.

Notable Recordings from Cherokee Studios

Cherokee Studios History

Cherokee Studios was established when the Robb Brothers, all professional musicians and engineers, purchased a small studio in Hollywood formerly known as MGM’s Studio C, which had been used for soundtrack recording during the 1950s and 1960s. They rebuilt and expanded the space into a modern multi-room recording facility, guided by a philosophy of sonic integrity and artist comfort.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Cherokee became synonymous with the California recording boom. The combination of Neve and API consoles, custom acoustics, and an in-house technical team made it one of the most reliable and best-sounding studios in the world. Artists including Steely Dan (Aja overdubs), Fleetwood Mac, and Tom Petty recorded there, drawn by its smooth sound and the professionalism of the Robb Brothers.

The 1980s saw a golden era for Cherokee, with albums by Michael Jackson (Off the Wall sessions), Journey, Mötley Crüe, and The Cars all completed within its walls. The studio’s five control rooms, each with distinct acoustics and console layouts, provided flexibility for simultaneous projects. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Cherokee remained active with sessions from Foo Fighters, Jane’s Addiction, and Dave Matthews Band.

Despite its success, the Fairfax location closed in 2007 due to redevelopment, but in 2011 the Robb Brothers re-established Cherokee Studios on Fairfax, a smaller but modern reincarnation that preserved the name’s historic legacy and analogue spirit.

Cherokee Studios Signature Sound / Design

Cherokee Studios was designed for musicality, not sterility. Its rooms were built around natural acoustic principles rather than isolation booths, with diffusive surfaces, high ceilings, and hand-crafted wood panelling contributing to a warm, cohesive sound. Each room had its own tonal character, with Studio 1 used for full band tracking, Studio 2 for overdubs and vocals, and Studio 3 for mixing and post-production. Cherokee’s console selection was legendary. Neve 8048, API 2488, and later SSL 4000E desks gave engineers exceptional tonal control and headroom. Custom tape machines, echo chambers, and a microphone collection filled with vintage Neumann, AKG, and Telefunken models defined the studio’s unmistakable sonic character.

Associated Engineers & Producers

Cherokee Studios has been home to some of the most influential recording engineers and producers in history.

Cherokee Studios Los Angeles was one of the defining recording spaces of the modern era, a place where cutting-edge technology met artistic soul. Its influence stretched from the golden age of analogue through the dawn of digital, producing countless landmark albums and fostering a community of engineers and musicians who valued tone, warmth, and performance. Though the original building is gone, the spirit of Cherokee Studios endures as a lasting symbol of Los Angeles’ greatest era of music-making.