Ocean Way Studios Plugin Review: Capturing Legend with Universal Audio's Capitol Chambers and Ocean Way Studios Plugins

January 28th, 2020 by Jake Goodman

Universal Audio has once again set the bar high for musicians and producers seeking to recreate the iconic sound of some of music history’s most legendary recording studios. With their latest release – the Capitol Chambers & Ocean Way Studios plugin bundle – audio engineers now have access to two of Hollywood's most revered rooms, right in the comfort of their own studio.

The Capitol Chambers plugin is an accurate recreation of Studio A at Los Angeles' iconic Capitol Records Building. This legendary recording space has played host to some of music history’s greatest names, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and The Beach Boys, among many others. From its rich, warm basses to the sparkling high-end clarity that defined so much classic American pop and rock from the 1950s through to the present day, Capitol Chambers captures it all with astonishing fidelity.

On the other side of the Atlantic lies Universal Studios’ Ocean Way Studios in Los Angeles – home studio to some of music's most legendary names including Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsey Buckingham. With its distinctive soundproofing design and state-of-the-art recording equipment, this historic facility has been responsible for many a classic album over the years. From Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours through to Guns N’ Roses' Appetite For Destruction, Ocean Way Studios’ warm, punchy drum sounds have become synonymous with 80s rock.

Both plugins are available as part of Universal Audio's UAD-2 plugin platform – which means they can be easily integrated into your existing studio setup using an interface such as the Apollo or Pro Tools HD. Once installed and configured (a process that couldn't be simpler), you're ready to roll with two of music history’s greatest sounding studios at your fingertips.

But what really sets these plugins apart from other software emulations on the market is their attention to detail. From subtle nuances in room reverberation through to the accurate recreation of classic studio hardware, Capitol Chambers and Ocean Way Studios truly transport you back into one of Hollywood's most legendary recording environments.

In conclusion, Universal Audio has once again delivered an outstanding product with these two plugins – essential listening for any serious producer or musician looking to add some real magic to their mix. Whether it’s recreating the sound of classic rock legends like The Beach Boys or Fleetwood Mac, or simply wanting to experience what working in one of music history's greatest studios is really like without breaking the bank, Capitol Chambers & Ocean Way Studios by Universal Audio is an absolute must-have addition to any serious studio setup.

Ocean way studios plugin review