Fresh Ground Sound is a professional recording studio, rehearsal space, and live sound production company located in Ventura, California. Built on four decades of experience, the studio traces its roots to 1983 and has been home to an extraordinary range of artists — from household names to Ventura's finest local acts.
The studio runs an SSL-XL console, a deep collection of vintage outboard gear, and Pro Tools with UAD processing — delivering professional quality in a comfortable, focused environment on the Southern California coast.
Mark opened Valley Center Studios in Van Nuys in 1983 and has been behind the console ever since. After relocating to Ventura in 2006, he re-launched as Fresh Ground Sound in 2012, bringing four decades of engineering expertise to the coast.
A long-time collaborator who co-founded Valley Center Studios alongside Mark in 1983. Dave relocated to Ventura County in 2014 and rejoined Fresh Ground Sound, bringing his deep production experience back to the team.
Mark Antaky and David Jenkins open Valley Center Studios in Van Nuys, CA, starting with two rehearsal and showcase rooms.
VCS expands to five full rehearsal rooms, becoming a hub for LA area bands and performers.
One room is converted into a 24-track recording studio, with four pre-production and rehearsal rooms remaining.
A second room is remodeled, adding a second 24-track recording studio to the facility.
Valley Center Studios is sold and leased to legendary recording artist Elliott Smith, who operated the space as his personal studio.
Following Elliott Smith's passing, managers Joel Graves and Robert Cappadonna continue operations under the name "New Monkey Studio."
Mark Antaky relocates to Ventura, CA and establishes a private studio, beginning a new chapter on the Southern California coast.
The studio is renamed Fresh Ground Sound / Fresh Ground Records and opens to the public with a Pro Tools and SSL console setup, three isolation rooms, and a full rehearsal configuration.
Long-time collaborator Dave Jenkins moves to Ventura County and begins recording and producing at Fresh Ground Sound, reuniting the original team.
Four decades in, Fresh Ground Sound continues to serve musicians, producers, and bands with the same commitment to quality sound and experienced engineering that started it all.