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Universal closes mastering operation at Capitol Studios
By Andy Malt | Published on Wednesday 13 January 2021
Universal Music has closed the mastering facilities at its Capitol Studios complex in LA – which is particularly known for its vinyl mastering. The two mastering studios at the facility will be converted into recording studios. The company blamed a lack of demand for the decision.
In a statement, a Universal spokesperson said: “At Capitol Studios, while demand for recording studios remains high, there has been an overall decline in requests for mastering services – to the point where we have decided to close Capitol’s mastering facility and focus on other areas of the recording process that are in higher demand by artists, including using the space to build additional recording suites”.
The tape restoration operation at the studios is also being closed. It had previously been responsible for digitising old Universal masters, but the company says that most of that work has now been outsourced to the nearby Iron Mountain company.
Several staff have been made redundant as a result of the closures, including Capitol Studios’ Vice President Paula Salvatore, who recently celebrated her 30th anniversary at the company.