Maida Vale Studios - Current Use

Current Use

  • Studio MV1 is one of the largest recording spaces available in the UK. Equipped with a Studer D950 digital desk, MV1 is currently home to the BBC Symphony Orchestra. It was also used by the BBC Radio Orchestra on some of its larger sessions until the early 1990s.
  • Studio MV2 had its technical installation decommissioned some years ago. It currently provides rehearsal space for the BBC Singers and the BBC Symphony Chorus.
  • Studio MV3 is another large studio (equal in size to MV2). With a SSL 9000J series analogue desk installed, MV3 is used for a large number of BBC Radio 2 programmes and some BBC Radio 1 session recordings and live audience shows. Bing Crosby made his last recording session in this studio in 1977 – 3 days before he died of a heart attack on a golf course in Spain.
  • Studio MV4 is a smaller studio with vocal booth and balcony. Utilising a SSL 9000J series analogue desk, MV4 was home to the Peel sessions and has continued to be used to record the BBC Radio 1 sessions for shows that have replaced John Peel's.
  • Studio MV5 is now one of two spaces used for the Live Lounge and plays host to a large number of current pop acts.
  • Studio MV6 is a drama studio still in regular use to produce programmes for BBC Radio 4.
  • Studio MV7 was a drama studio but is now decommissioned and used for tape storage.

The studios have been under regular threat of closure by BBC management: the building is in need of constant maintenance and due to its location in a residential area there are limits to the hours of operation and access. In July 2007 the BBC announced that the studios were "wholly unsuitable for the 21st century", and it was reported that it would be sold to property developers as part of cost-cutting measures. However, no viable alternatives have been found to house Maida Vale's various activities, and therefore the studios are still in constant use.

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