Tape based recording takes place on our Studer A800 mkIII 2" 24 track recorder. A regular maintenance program ensures the tape machine is kept at peak performance and is free to deliver all the sonic benefits of tape-based recording. Available to run at 15 or 30 ips (no noise reduction), this machine delivers precision Swiss engineering and sonic standards un-matched by any other manufacturer.
The A800 is aligned before every session. House alignment using RMGI SM900 is +3/355nWb/m with 4db overbias at 10K for 15ips (CCIR/IEC1 EQ) or 1.5db at 30ips (AES/IEC2 EQ). For a plackback-only session machines are aligned to reference tones on tape. Line-ups always include azimuth check/adjustment and flutter verification. Alternatively, we'll happily align the machine to whatever flux level, overbias or EQ standard a client asks for.
The mixing console is a large format Neotek Elite 358 featuring 50 mic pre's, 8 stereo channels, and 26 busses. The Elite is Neotek's flagship console with a reputation for transparent mic pre's, musical EQ, extremely flexible routing options and head room for days. The console features a centre master section (including 8 stereo submaster faders) with 26 mono channels to the left and 24 to the right, all of which feature in-line monitor channels allowing the console to handle quite a silly amount of inputs at mix down. Modifications to the console include balanced insert points for the master bus, upgraded power supplies and power distribution wiring, multi-point talk-back system and substantial recapping work.
Digital recording takes place on our 28 in/out DAW system. This can be complete projects from start to finish or used in combination with the tape machine. Transfers are available from 2" via 24 input Lynx Aurora converters.This can also be performed on the fly utilising the 2nd output of the Studer A800 . Quite handy really.
Our digital recording software platform of choice is Samplitude. For day to day studio requirements and workflow we believe it to be the best software available. Some important features to us are, first and foremost, sonic integrity, followed by a complete non-destructive object-based editing and automation environment, hardware and software latency compensation, native PQ editing and CD burning, non-restrictive track-count, GUI customization and offline bouncing.
Monitoring is available on custom-made TDF mid-fields or Yamaha NS-10's powered by a Bryston power amp. Engineers are also welcome to bring in their own monitors of choice.
Dynamic Mics
AKG D112
Audio Technica ATM25
Shure SM57 x 2
Shure SM58
Sennheiser 421 x 3
Sennheiser 441
Sennheiser E604 x 3
Heil PR20
Heil PR30
Condenser Mics
Audio Technica 4033 x 2
Oktava MC012 with 3 capsules (Sound Room matched pair)
Shure KSM 32 x 2
Shure KSM 44 x 2
Oktava MK319 x 2
Rode NT1 x 2
Rode NT2
ADK SC1 SD
Groove Tubes AM40
PZM x 2
Ribbon Mics
Beyer M260 x2 (with RCA 77dx ribbon)
Royer R121
Shure 330
Oktava ML52
Beyer M500
RCA BK5 x 2
Mic Pre's / DI's
Quad Eight AM-10 mic pre with DI input and vari z x 2
Neve 1272 mic pre with DI input x 2
Telefunken V672/2 x 2
Jensen transformer passive DI x 2
Little Labs IBP
Outboard
Empirical Labs Distressor EL8-X x 2
Urei 1178
FMR Audio RNC
LA audio GCX 2
Klark Teknik DN780 reverb
Lexicon MPX100 multi-effects
Lexicon Alex multi-effects
Digitech TSR12 muti-effects
Boss DM-100 analogue delay
Boss RX-100 spring reverb
Boss SE 70 multi effects
Deltalab Effectron 2
Roland SRE-555 chorus echo
Roland Revo 30
Roland DC-10 analogue echo x2
Behringer Intelligates x 3
Digital
Stealth Audio Systems DAW
Samplitude 10.1
Lynx2 A
Lynx AES 16
Lynx Aurora 8 AD/DA converters
Lynx Aurora 16 AD/DA Converters
Benchmark Dac1 DA converter
Timeline Microlynx
Tascam DA30 MK2 DAT x 2
Guitars & Amplifiers
70s Fender Bassman 100 Head
Sovtek Mig-50 Head
2 x 12" speaker cab (50 watt Celestions)
Fender Jaguar MIJ reissue
Ibanez steel string acoustic
Yamaha nylon string acoustic
Lap steel
Pedals :
Boss OD-1, HM-2
MXR Phase 90 (script), Distortion+
E.H. Big Muff (black Russian)
Cry Baby Wah
Ibanez Digital Delay, UE400 multi effects
Drums and Keyboards
Tama Swingstar 4 piece Drumkit
Korg MS 10 Synth
Korg Polysix
Roland Juno 60
Available for hire is an Ampeg 8x10" fridge.
