Welcome to Golden Bear Records! Interested in recording with us?
Here's some basic info you should know...

  • We are a recording studio located in Des Moines, IA - We moved here after 8 years in Los Angeles, finally some peace and quiet

  • We have some of the best equipment on the market for recording the highest quality sound possible

  • We have a large selection of high-end instruments to choose from, if you don't feel like bringing your own

  • We have a bunk room that sleeps 4, with a private bathroom, full kitchen and lounge so you can sleep over while you record

  • We have a deep network of professional studio musicians that can play on your record (strings, horns, pedal steel, anything you need)

  • Our rates our reasonable and vary depending on the complexity of the project. Shoot us an email for more info

Vintage King Studio Spotlight

We recently sat down with Bryan to talk a bit about Golden Bear for our new Studio Spotlight series. Continue reading below to find out about the history of the studio, his experience in the industry and the gear he relies on for every session.

Recording Magazine

“As for the individual sound sources, each and every one gets top marks. Seating vocals in a mix successfully is an art form unto itself, and one that a good many of us struggle with. Bryan and Sarah have knocked it out of the park here. The balance and blend between the two voices is spot-on, and there are no signs of artifact or sibilance. Superior work across the board.”

Sweetwater Studio Spotlight

“Golden Bear Records offers top-notch recording and mixing in the peaceful locale of Des Moines, Iowa. In addition to high-end gear, instruments, and production talent, this über-cozy space includes a bunk room, private bathroom, full kitchen, and lounge to accommodate overnight stays… Bryan’s production space is seriously jaw-dropping! “

Pro Sound News

“The real problem with modern workflows is that everyone is using the same plugins, the same preamp emulators and the same reverbs,” he says. “Everything sounds the same. Whenever we add a unique piece of analogue gear to the chain and use our real Neve preamps, it sets the sound apart and makes the recording sound unique (better). The 1073 units helped us sculpt our sound from the very beginning of The Well Pennies music.”

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Des Moines Register

a songwriting powerhouse.. At their recording studio, Golden Bear Records, on a recent Friday, The Well Pennies recalled how moving to Des Moines gave them total control over their latest album. Because they recorded and mixed their music in their own studio and on their own time, this record is more personal than their first...