Music and sound recording studios have drastically evolved since their inception. Existing in an industry dependent on the rapid innovation of technology causes demand for constant and quick adaption to changing trends, the commercial studio, once an isolated trade, now competes for survival with well-maintained and affordable project studios. Because of the availability of quality equipment and more readily accessible opportunities to produce high quality finished products on a lower budget, commercial studios must adapt to trends in order to hold onto the status as a lucrative industry. This paper will combine research into the history and evolution of the commercial studio with original data collected from a variety of first-hand sources, including interviews, design analysis, surveys, and reflections to define the status of the commercial recording studio and the methods employed to maintain that status
