Orange Studios (1968)

Founded in 1968, Orange Studios hosted legends like Stevie Wonder and Robin Gibb, and launched careers in world-class sound engineering.

Cliff Cooper, Founder and CEO of Orange, remembers: “We started building the Orange Studio in the basement at 3 New Compton Street in the summer of 1968. I worked alongside Brian Hatt, a close friend, a talented producer and musician, and a member of Candy Choir. That summer, we burned the midnight oil for months, wiring up the space and preparing equipment. Every jack socket and loom had to be cut, stripped, wired, and soldered by hand, which took what felt like forever.

“I remember wondering if we’d ever get it finished, or if it would even work at all. Luckily, it did. We opened for business that same summer, equipped with an ex-IBC 24-channel mixing desk that did the job brilliantly.”

Heat, Valves, and Handbuilt Gear

“In those pre-digital days, each module in the desk used four preamp valves, and with 24 modules, that meant serious heat output. In winter it was a bonus. In summer, not so much. Valves wear out too, especially when they’re running 24/7, so we had to keep a close ear on things. A good engineer could detect subtle differences between channels: any dip in sound quality, and it had to be fixed fast.

“We brought in Roger Jeffrey, a gifted designer who kept everything running and later developed our Amity 24-track tape machines. I also invested in an AG440 Ampex 4-track, which was state-of-the-art at the time. With this and a stereo Ampex, we were able to bounce tracks, which was a big step forward in our engineering setup.”

A Studio with a Reputation

“Thanks to its gear and atmosphere, the studio soon attracted serious names: Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Robin Gibb, Mickie Most, John Miles, Paul Anka, and more than a few heavy metal bands. It helped that our basement was huge, with no neighbours either side, so volume was never a problem. Most artists preferred to book night sessions, and the studio took on a life of its own after dark.

“Hot Chocolate recorded one of their early hits, Love Is Life, at the studio with Mickie Most. And many of our engineers went on to major careers. Steve Churchyard got his start with us, learning from Brian Hatt. We gave him his first job when he was 18. Three years later, he joined Sir George Martin’s AIR Studios, and never looked back. These days, Steve lives in LA and has worked with some of the biggest artists in the world, including The Eagles, The Darkness, George Michael and Sheryl Crow.”