FEBRUARY NEWS

24/02/2010

FEBRUARY'S FEATURED STUDIOS
HEAR NO EVIL, LONDON SW6
 
  
 
Tucked away down a small private mews near Earls Court's Exhibition Centre, Hear No Evil recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Studio owner and multi award winning music and scoring engineer Steve Parr tells us about his studio and clients.
 
"Since the late '80s I've recorded and mixed music for well over 600 films as well as TV series like Prime Suspect, Silent Witness, CSI, Cranford and Lark Rise To Candleford. In 1990 we installed a Euphonix CS console, ideal for this type of work and arguably the best analogue console for surround sound mixing with instant recalls. We have a large control room capable of accommodating all the clients, composers, directors, producers and editors who invariably turn up to our sessions and I am always on hand to engineer or assist. That way if anyone is unfamiliar with the Euphonix I can handle the technical aspects myself, freeing them up to concentrate on performances. After 20 years working here I know what the room can do, the best mic placements and the logistics of running a complicated session, but I'm always happy to try new ideas if time and budget allow!

 
"We also welcome more 'typical' studio sessions. Our large, bright live room is acoustically flat across all frequencies, with space for up to 30 musicians. Strings sound great recorded here and the acoustics of the room enhance the sound without producing the longer reverb tails associated with a larger room. We offer ProTools, Logic, Digital Performer, Nuendo, Cubase and Radar recording, live rhythm track recording and string/orchestral overdubbing. We also have a Yamaha C6 Grand Piano, a Hammond B3 and Leslie and the live room lends itself particularly well to video shoots of which we've done a great number.
 
"At Hear No Evil we pride ourselves on our ability to work quickly and accurately. Each project is discussed thoroughly with the client beforehand, test files are sent over and we check and set everything up in advance to prevent delays caused by avoidable technical hitches. As for the future, we are increasingly being booked to mix music in 5.1 or to add overdubs to music originating from Producers' own studios. We will continue to tailor our services so that our clients can work efficiently and flexibly within their budgets."
 
To contact Hear No Evil click here. You can also read more about Steve's ideas and working practices in Howard Massey's book about record producers 'Behind The Glass II'.
 
HILTONGROVE MASTERING 
 
  
 
Located in a quiet, cobbled mews in East London, Hiltongrove is run by mastering engineer David Blackman who, since 1986, has worked on thousands of releases for artists including Coldplay, Keane, The Bluetones, Echo & The Bunnymen and David McAlmont.
 
After a recent corporate rebrand including a new logo, website and wall mural, David gives us a brief summary of the studio, "Our main mastering room is a large daylit space which was designed by Sir Clive Kenan and can easily accommodate six people. Analogue processing includes gear from Prism, DAV Electronics, Chiswick Reach and a Barry Porter custom EQ built along the lines of the famous Trident equalisers. We use a TC Electronic System 6000 for the majority of digital processing and a SADiE PCM 8 workstation sits at the end of the chain for audio capture and editing. Monitoring is provided by a pair of B&W Nautilus 801s and various Cedar processes are available for audio restoration.
 
"We also offer exceptional turnaround times on short-run CD and DVD duplication. Paper parts can be printed on site using high quality image disc printers to provide full colour thermal print or simple black text on-bodies."
 
Two rooms have recently become available for rent within the studio complex.

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TO FEATURE YOUR STUDIO
IN OUR NEWSLETTER & NEWS PAGE
EMAIL US AT STUDIO@ALLSTUDIOS.co.uk
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STUDIO NEWS

Miloco's 'original' studio, The Square, has recently undergone a major upgrade. A newly installed and restored, original SSL G Series console, previously located at Olympic Studios now takes pride of place in the control room and replaces the old Amek console. The equipment spec has also been upgraded to include a GML 8200, Lexicon 480L and much more making it a great choice for mix as well as tracking sessions.
 
The studio's large live room with its wooden floor and ceiling includes an upright piano, a Hammond organ and Leslie, a Korg CX3 and a wide selection of mics. Surrounding walls are made up of a number of large mirrors interspersed with dry fabric and there is a stone floor at one end. The booth is large enough to fit a small kit and also has a wooden floor and ceiling.
 
The Square has an enviable client list including Bloc Party, Kasabian, Little Boots, Razorlight, David Sylvian, Rodney P, Ash, Beth Orton and Bjork to name but a few. To make a booking contact Julie on 020 7232 0008 or email julia@miloco.co.uk.
  

 

Contrary to a report in the Financial Times last week claiming that EMI had put its world famous studios on the market, it appears that Abbey Road Studios are not, in fact, for sale. EMI issued their own statement six days later (details here) rejecting claims that the historic studio is to be sold to 'ease debts'.
 
Instead the plan is to work with 'interested and appropriate third parties' to fund a 'revitalisation project' so that Abbey Road can stay under EMI's ownership. Fortunately, worldwide interest in the studios' future has finally given the Culture Minister the incentive to award Abbey Road the Grade II listed buildings status that English Heritage have been chasing since 2003.

Following a challenging 2009, Born In A Barn have rebuilt their website. Take a look and enter a FREE draw to WIN 2 free days on a 'buy one get one free' basis.
www.borninabarnstudio.co.uk/WinFreeStudioTime.aspx


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OTHER NEWS
 
ANALOGUE TO DIGITAL MUSIC EXPO
Sound Gallery Studios present their second Music Technology Expo. The A2D Music Expo, due to be held in Exeter on 6th March, brings together the leading music technology companies from around the world, fresh from the NAMM show in the USA, to present the very latest and best equipment and software for DJs, musicians, live performers, bands, producers and sound engineers.
 
Try out the latest technology, musical instruments and recording systems; speak to experts; experience hands-on demos, masterclasses, workshops and live performances alongside live sessions at Sound Gallery's recording studio. There is also a Prize Draw for the chance to win up to £5,000 worth of gear. For further details check out their website.
 
 
BANKRUPT SELLABAND ANNOUNCES NEW OWNER
"Fan-funded music firm Sellaband has issued an official statement, clarifying reports that it's been declared bankrupt and claiming that it has found a buyer for the company who plans to make a 'fresh start ..."
www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2010/02/sellaband-files-for-bankruptcy.html
http://musically.com/blog/2010/02/23/sellaband-promises-fresh-start
 
 
SOUNDCRAFT Vi - FREE CONSOLE TRAINING
Sound Technology are offering free Soundcraft Vi console training to professional sound engineers. Details about the half day course and registration can be found here.
 
 
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The following Studios have been added to the Directory since our last Newsletter:
 

SNK Studio Two, London;  Amati Symphonic Studios, Bristol;  Amati Mwnci Studios, Wales;  Amati Pro 2 Studios, West Yorkshire;  Amati The Fold Studios, London;  Amati Soundshift Studios, Herts;  Pierce Rooms Programming and Dry Hire Rooms, London;  Matrix Studios, London  

Amati Symphonic Studios, Bristol;  Amati Mwnci Studios, Wales;  Amati Pro 2 Studios, West Yorkshire;  Amati The Fold Studios, London;  Amati Soundshift Studios, Herts

Unity Mastering, London 

   
 

JANUARY NEWS

27/01/2010

JANUARY'S FEATURED STUDIOS
ANGELIC STUDIOS
BANBURY, NORTHANTS
   

This stunning new residential SSL Studio, set in beautiful countryside near Banbury, Northamptonshire, is owned and run by producer and former Jamiroquai keyboardist and songwriter, Toby Smith. Built in 2009, it has now been launched for commercial use in partnership with Miloco Studios and aims to provide a 'completely exclusive and idyllic setting' in which artists can create, record and mix.  
 
Angelic is built around a spacious Sam Toyashima control room which features the SSL 8072 G+ console, complete with Total Recall and Ultimation, previously located in Townhouse Studio 2, a Pro Tools HD3 rig, Apogee convertors and three 192 interfaces. Monitors include ATC SCM200s, Barefoot MicroMain 27s and Yamaha NS10s powered by Quad and ATC amps. Outboard is extensive and includes vintage Neve mic preamps (1084s, 1100s and 33114s). Full equipment spec can be found here.
 
The main Live Room, with its high, gabled roof, beautiful oak floor and 3 stone walls is described as 'producing a fantastic live sound'. Two large windows provide abundant natural daylight. Acoustics can be dampened by drawing the curtains or choosing from a selection of absorbers and screens. There is also a drum kit and a stunning white Yamaha G3 Grand Piano.
 
Live Room Two houses Toby's extensive collection of keyboards, guitars, amps and pedals, as well as a Yamaha upright piano. Large soundproof windows ensure great visibility throughout all of Angelic's rooms.
 
Angelic is a fully residential studio designed to accommodate up to 8 people on-site. For further details or for bookings enquiries please click here.

FABRICAUDIO
PIRAEUS, GREECE     

FabricAudio is a brand new post-production, rehearsal and recording studio located in Piraeus, Athens and housed in a privately owned building near the docks of Greece's main port. Owned and managed by Nikolas and Jordan Pamouktsoglou, FabricAudio provides professional music recording and post production film services.  It is also an events management company and a record label in its own right.
 
Nikolas tells us, "The centrepiece of FabricAudio's business is our recording studio. The 50sq m live room with variable acoustics and 44sq m control room are able to accommodate any music recording or video post-production project. The heart of the control room is our Euphonix-Artist console complemented by Apogee convertors and a collection of mic pre-amps, EQs and compressors. The live room offers a wide selection of valve amp heads and cabinets, new and vintage keyboards, a classic upright piano, a drum kit and a wide range of microphones.
 
"FabricAudio is also a record label, able to realise any music project in terms of recording and publishing. We offer booking-backline-promotion services to bands who want to play and promote their music at various venues in Athens and a number of bands have now started promoting their music through us. Online Greek fanzine www.stereoworld.gr has recently been conducting interviews with artists about forthcoming albums and gigs. All from the comfort of FabricAudio's lounge with its great views of the port."
 
FabricAudio also offer a mastering service in partnership with Odeon Mastering, Athens. For more details and contact information about all of FabricAudio's services please click here.

STUDIO NEWS
SNK STUDIOS OPEN STUDIO TWO

 
SNK Studios are based in the Soho Recording Studios complex just off Tottenham Court Road in central London. Studio Manager, Seb Juviler tells us, "Our new studio is perfect for writing sessions, voiceover recording, sound design and music production. The control room is large enough for three people to work together comfortably and the attached vocal/drum booth can easily accommodate three or four artists. Built with flexibility in mind, Studio Two links to Studio One, allowing Studio Two clients access to Studio One's live room as well as the bigger control room if required for more artists/musicians. The networked Pro Tools HD systems also means both studios share a vast sound effects library and range of equipment.
 
"At SNK we produce audio for worldwide ad campaigns, promos, award-winning films, music demos and platinum-selling albums and we work hard to match the right engineer to the job. Our new studio will increase the availability of our services to an ever expanding list of clients."
 
For further details click here or contact Sam on 020 7387 0050.

DEAN STREET STUDIOS, LONDON W1
Dean Street Studio One now features a new SSL Duality 48 channel recording console. Outboard includes Neve 1073s, 2 new Bricasti M7 reverb units with controllers and, in the live room, a newly hand built Mellotron M4000.  For further details click here.

THE PIERCE ROOMS, LONDON W6
The Pierce Rooms in Hammersmith, West London now have two programming / writing suites and a dry hire room available. For further details check their website or contact Meredith here.

LYNCHMOB STUDIOS, LONDON NW10
Located in Scrubs Lane, Studio Two is available for long term let from February. Previously occupied by Joe Strummer the room is a 15.5 sq m programming/writing room with 3.2 sq m vocal booth. It also has tie lines to Studio One. For further details call 020 8960 1331.

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OTHER NEWS

This month we've been updating the database details we hold for all our registered studios so that our search menus and results remain accurate. Any studios that have not already done so are requested to confirm their details with us as soon as possible or email us for a new form.
 
Following recent discussions with the Music Producers Guild (MPG) not only will AllStudios be uploading all the 'featured studio articles' from our monthly Newsletters to our News page but also to the 'featured studio' page of the MPG's website, as well as our MySpace, MyAPRS and Facebook groups. All the more reason to get your Studio featured soon.

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The following Studios have been added to the Directory since our last Newsletter:

Maybank Studios, Glasgow;  Redwood Studios, London; Vale Studios, Worcestershire; Dubrek Studios, Derby; Rock Hard Studios, Blackpool; Studio 11, Lancashire  

OD Hunte / Treasure Hunte Productions, London; Redwood Studios, London  

Masterdisk Europe, Paris, France; Dubrek Mastering, Derby  

Dubrek Studios (x4 rooms), Derby; Rock Hard Rehearsal Rooms (x3 rooms), Blackpool  

DECEMBER NEWS

12/12/2009

DECEMBER'S FEATURED STUDIOS

FAR HEATH STUDIOS
NORTHANTS
 
   
 
Set in beautiful rural Northamptonshire, overlooking Ravensthorpe Lake, Far Heath Studios has been running for over 20 years and has played host to numerous well known bands such as The Prodigy, Spiritualized and The Fall.
 
Recently refurbished, Far Heath offers all the benefits of a first-class recording studio at an affordable price.  Located just over an hour from London there is onsite accommodation for up to 6 people with a lounge and kitchen in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
 
Studio founder and chief engineer, Angus Wallace tells us, "Our recent refurb has equipped Far Heath to the highest standard.  We've installed an SSL AWS 900+ mixing console, a Lexicon 960L reverb, Exigy monitors and superb acoustics designed by White Mark. Added to this, the studio is flooded with natural daylight from almost every angle, helping to make Far Heath a very attractive destination for artists in need of a well-priced recording environment where they can focus on their project."
 
Angus founded Far Heath in 1987.  Prior to this he studied Audio Production in London and has since obtained a Master's Degree in Sound Design.  In 1993 he was awarded the Ampex Golden Reel Award and then, in 2000, received a Gold Disc for his engineering skills on three of The Fall's albums. An "excellent programmer, arranger and mixer", he has also co-written with artists including Wishbone Ash.
 
To contact Far Heath please click here.  For equipment details click here.

 
JOE PUBLIC STUDIOS
NORTH LONDON
 
 
Owned and run by producer and musician, Joe Lonsdale, Joe Public Studios is a thriving, intimate Project Studio in North London where your music can be refined into dynamic, release-quality records for as little as £160/day.
 
Joe tells us, "The in-house production we offer here includes creative, tight and organic live bass and acoustic/electric guitar all of which are included in the day rate. We don't have the space for a real drum kit, piano or 32 piece orchestra but, using the latest 'virtual instruments' and our exceptional in-house programming skills, we can make people think you've used the real thing at a fraction of the cost and to your exact standards.
 
"Alternatively, for £500/day, we can arrange for you to track live drums, piano, strings etc, at one of a number of renowned London studios. These tracks can be brought over to Joe Public Studios to record your vocals, guitars, keys and virtual instruments as well as for final fixes and mixes, thus reducing your bill considerably.
 
"Whether you're a management company developing a new artist, an artist struggling to find your sound, a singer with a song but no band (or the wrong band!) or a singer/songwriter who wants to capture a raw performance, we can deliver a great product in a relaxed atmosphere for a very reasonable price."
 
Previous clients at Joe Public include Chad Neaves' debut album Something In My Soul, Lucy Cahn, Love Revue and All Gone Dead.  For contact details and further information including a link to Joe Public Studios' website, click here.
 

STUDIO NEWS
MILOCO RELAUNCH THE GARDEN
  
 
Big news from Miloco Studios is the relaunch of their band tracking room, The Garden in East London.  A recent press release states that Miloco have formed a new partnership with producer Craig Silvey (Portishead) and studio owner Matt Johnson (The The) to reintroduce The Garden as "London's very best vintage band tracking room."
 
The new-look, new-feel studio is built around Craig's outstanding collection of vintage analogue gear, including a rare Neve 8026 console, dating back to the early 1970s and stacks of the finest outboard and mics. Click here for full equipment list.
 
The Garden also has a 470sq ft live space comprised of a main live room, a large dry isolation booth, a variety of amp rooms and a unique 'coalbunker' acoustic cellar. A range of backline is available, including a Yamaha Baby Grand Piano, a Hammond and Leslie, various rare keyboards, guitar and bass amps as well as a large collection of vintage mics.
 
For further information and bookings enquiries please check The Garden's contact details and website here.

 
CHRISTMAS OFFER REMINDERS

Metropolis - have a wide range of festive discounts and freebies on offer EVERY DAY until Christmas – Check here each day to see what is still up for grabs!
Konk -15% off both studios til Christmas
MOTTOsound - 50% off all e-mastering til Christmas. Quote Ref: AllStudios
Miloco - discounts on many of their rooms between 21 Dec-3 Jan. Contact Julia
Fifth Avenue Mastering - pay for 2 tracks and get 1 mastered free throughout December
 
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OTHER NEWS
LIVE SOUND MIXING EVENT - 18 DECEMBER
Soundcraft and UK distributor Sound Technology have announced the first in a series of events entitled Mixing with Professionals Live to be held at the Soundcraft Studer factory in Hertfordshire on December 18th.
 
The half day sessions will focus on teaching attendees how to use the Soundcraft Vi Series for live sound mixing 'in the real world', with an in depth talk from Deep Purple's FOH engineer, Gert Sanner, about using this console on tour. Further details here.

PRO TOOLS COURSE FOR LIVE SOUND ENGINEERS
Alchemea College are pleased to announce a new course for 2010 aimed at live sound engineers wanting to learn Digidesign's VENUE Live Sound Desk, a desk used by many prestigious touring artists including U2, Radiohead, Shakira, Coldplay, Peter Gabriel, Arctic Monkeys, Jay Z and many many more.
 
The course includes 3 days of intensive VENUE training at The Fridge in Brixton, preceded by a 2-day Introduction to Pro Tools Course useful for live sound engineers new to the world of Pro Tools.  For more details on the course and how to sign up, click here.

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The following Studios have been added to the Directory since our last Newsletter:

Creation Studios, Glasgow;  Artillery Studios, London;  Born In A Barn Studio, Coventry;  Miloco: The Bridge, London;  Assault & Battery 1, London;  Beatsuite Studio, Newcastle  

Creation Studios (x4 rooms), Glasgow  

AN EARLY CHRISTMAS FOR YOUR MIXES?

21/11/2009

NOVEMBER NEWS

18/11/2009

NOVEMBER'S FEATURED STUDIOS
 
CREAM PRODUCTION SUITES
LONDON NW10

 
 

Cream Production Studios are a fresh, new, large-scale recording and post-production facility conveniently located in NorthWest London.
 
Managed by Siobhan Paine, formerly of Olympic Studios, these high class facilities are offered as dry hire to customers both old and new by the Studios' owners, The CW Pro Group, who also have the ability to supply equipment and resources to suit each client's needs.
 
Siobhan tells us, "Cream Studios have been purpose-built from the ground up, utilising the expertise of eminent industry figures.  We provide a high-spec working environment for the smooth and efficient running of recording sessions, video and audio post work, band rehearsals, launch events and showcases.  Our fabulous Production Suites were designed to be suitable for either Audio or Video Post-Production and each room has its own isolated vocal booth, air conditioning, tie lines and video links to allow visual access to the main live room."
 
Cream's stunning 850 sq ft live room, complete with adjustable ceiling baffles and an isolated drum/overdub room is suitable for all high-quality music recording ranging from bands to string sessions and choirs.
 
For contact details and more information on Cream Studios, click here.


THE SUITE, LONDON NW1



The Suite, part of the former Utopia Studios, is a celebrated Recording Studio and live venue located in Primrose Hill, near Camden.
 
A breathtaking list of clients have previously recorded within these walls, including Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Tina Turner, Sting, Freddie Mercury and Tracy Chapman.
 
The Suite's Manager, Andrew Maurice, provides an update, "We now run Pro Tools and Logic in our control room and our fantastic live room doubles as a live venue meaning we can offer high quality studio as well as live recordings.  On top of all this, we also host and broadcast gigs, thus offering a unique and intimate experience for fans.
 
"Recent artists to record here have been One Little Indian's experimental country artist Emit Bloch, student pop rockers Let's Tea Party, Alan McGee's MOR rockers The Grants and rap/soul/pop stars DMT."
 
For more information about The Suite and bookings contact Andrew on 020 7813 7964 or music@thesuite.sh

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STUDIO NEWS
KONK STUDIOS DECEMBER DISCOUNT
Konk Studios are currently offering a 15% DISCOUNT on both their Studios until Christmas.
 
Located in Crouch End at the foot of Alexandra Palace, Konk was established in the early 1970s by The Kinks and is one of London's oldest privately-owned Studios.
 
Konk's Neve Room has a 1974 custom Neve 8048 console which originally came from Utopia Studios; the SSL Mix Room houses an SSL E Series with G series software. Both rooms also have Pro Tools HD and there are a pair of Studer A820's as well as a choice of 2-track tape machines available.
 
Click here for Konk's full equipment list and here for contact details.

FIFTH AVENUE MASTERING OFFER
Fifth Avenue Mastering (online) have a special offer available during the month of November of up to 3 tracks mastered for just $25 each. All 3 tracks need to be uploaded at the same time so they can be mastered together in one session. Use this special link to upload your tracks.
 
For album mastering please use the regular link and three of your tracks will still be mastered for $25 each.
 
Contact Simon here if you have any questions.

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CLASSIFIEDS & OTHER NEWS
ASSISTANT LOOKING FOR STUDIO WORK EXPERIENCE - previous work experience gained at Gut Records. Contact Dylan at djk1999@hotmail.com

THE PEOPLE'S MUSIC AWARDS ANNOUNCE: THE FINAL VOTE!
Voting for this year's Awards closes on 27th November and TPMA are now down to the final two artists in each category. So, if you haven't already voted, now is the time and you could have the deciding vote on who wins. Click here to register, listen and vote.

STUDIO TIME LAST MINUTE OFFERS
If your Studio has had a last minute cancellation, advertise the available time on our site. Our Downtime page is specially designed to show all 'last minute' available Studio time AND we can also send the information out via email to all our subscribed members (excluding other Studios) or just to members of the Music Producers Guild (MPG). Contact info@allstudios.co.uk if you are interested in using this service.

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The following Studios have been added to the Directory since our last Newsletter:

Shireshead Studios, Lancashire;  Studio 33, Lincolnshire;  Berry Hill Recording Studio, Gloucestershire;  Konk Studios, London;  Whitehall Studios, Germany;  Lion's Den Recording Studio, London;  Fabric Audio Recording Studio, Greece;  The Suite, London

Berry Hill Studios, Gloucestershire;  Chestnut Studios, London   

Fabric Audio/Odeon Mastering, Greece   

Studio 33 The Barn, Lincolnshire   

AllStudios Site is now live!

14/09/2008

Please contact info@allstudios.co.uk if you would like to list your studio, place an advert, offer some downtime or post a news item.

TO ADVERTISE HERE
PLEASE CONTACT
info@allstudios.co.uk