OUR STUDIO

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Recording studios generally consist of at least two rooms: the studio itself, where the sound for the recording is created (often referred to as the "live room"), and the control room, where the sound from the studio is recorded and manipulated. Recording studios are carefully designed around the principles of room acoustics to create a set of spaces with the acoustical properties required for recording sound with precision and accuracy. This will consist of both room treatment (through the use of absorption and diffusion materials on the surfaces of the room, and also consideration of the physical dimensions of the room itself in order to make the room respond to sound in a desired way) and soundproofing (to provide sonic isolation between the rooms). A recording studio may also include additional rooms, such as a vocal booth - a small room designed for voice recording, as well as one or more extra control rooms.

Nelson Kruschandl - Group Manager

Our studio started in one large room housing just about everything.  We are now building a two room purpose built studio to enhance our recording capabilities.  

Equipment found in a recording studio commonly includes:

• Mixing console

• Multitrack recorder

• Microphones

• Reference monitors, which are loudspeakers with a flat frequency response

And may also include:

• Digital Audio Workstation

• Music workstation

• Outboard Effects, such as compressors, reverbs, or equalizers

Studio development

Early recording studios often lacked isolation booths, baffles, and sometimes even speakers. Designed for live recording of an entire band or performance, they attempted rather to group musicians and singers than to separate them. Modern sound stages sometimes use this approach for large film scoring projects today.

With the introduction of multi-track recording, it became possible to record instruments and singers separately and at different times on different tracks on tape. Therefore, the emphasis shifted to isolation and sound-proofing. In the 1960s, recordings were analog recordings made using ¼-inch or ½-inch eight-track magnetic tape. By the early 1970s, the technology progressed to using various types of multi-track tape. The most common of which is the 2-inch analog tape, capable of containing up to 24 individual tracks. 

I started out on a Yamaha 4 track machine, which used 1/4 inch tape.  The only way to improve the quality of recordings, was to use very high quality tape.  This was of course very expensive.  Having only 4 tracks was a major limitation.  In those days I could not afford a 1" reel to reel 24 track, and I remember both drooling over and dreaming of owning one.

In the early days after an audio mix is set up on a 24-track tape machine, the signal is played back and sent to a different machine which records the combined signals (called printing) to a ½-inch 2-track stereo tape, called a master. Prior to digital recording, the total number of available tracks onto which one could record was measured in multiples of 24, based on the number of 24-track tape machines being used. Today, analog tape machines are well sought after as some purists label digitally recorded audio as sounding too harsh. This is widely attributed to the fact that digital recording will sample a sound wave many times per second allowing an illusion of solid sound waves to be created, where in contrast, analog tape captures a sound wave in its entirety.  There is a lot in this.

The scarcity and age of analog tape machines greatly increases their value, as does the fact that many audio engineers still insist on recording only to analog tape. Presently, most recording studios now use digital recording equipment which only limits the number of available tracks based on the capacity of the mixing console or computer hardware interface.

Ordinary domestic computers are assuming a larger role in the recording process, being able to replace the mixing consoles, recorders, synthesizers, samplers and sound effects devices. Especially so, as most PCs are 100s of times more powerful than justa few years ago. 

A computer thus outfitted is called a Digital Audio Workstation, or DAW. Popular audio-recording software includes Digidesign Pro Tools, Cubase and Nuendo by Steinberg, Motu Digital Performer, Ableton Live, Cakewalk SONAR and Apple Logic Pro. Apple Macintosh hardware is most commonly found throughout the recording industry, however because many of these software applications are so much more reliant on the audio recording hardware than the computer they are running on, many of the computers used today are not as current as the average home computer. 

Much software is available for Microsoft Windows and Linux, and a sizeable portion of both commercial and home studios can be seen running PC-based multitrack audio software. If no mixing console is used and all mixing is done using only a keyboard and mouse, this is referred to as Mixing in the Box. There are also dedicated machines which integrate a recorder, preamps, effects, and a mixing console; these devices are frequently referred to as DAW's, generally in advertising.

A small, personal recording studio is sometimes called a project studio. Such studios often cater to specific needs of an individual artist, or are used as a non-commercial hobby. The first modern project studios came into being during the late 1980s, with the advent of affordable multitrack recorders, synthesizers and microphones. The phenomenon has flourished with falling prices of MIDI equipment and accessories, as well as inexpensive digital hard-disk recording products.

You can now purchase equipment capable of producing professional results at a fraction of the cost of yesteryear.  To kick you off, all you need is a computer with a half sensible sound card and a few programs, which usually come with the equipment.

As you progress, you will need to buy decent microphones and effects boxes.  This will make the world of difference to the end product.  Just as a musician needs quality instruments to produce decent sounds.

INSTRUMENTS

No studio would be complete without ............................ to be continued ..........

A to Z of Music Instrument and Equipment Suppliers in the UK

ALEN ORGAN STUDIOS (LONDON) LTD

Extensive range of pipe organs built by Allen.

A wholly owned British company established in 1969 to handle the sales, service and hire of Allen Organs in the U.K., with, over 3500 instruments installed in churches, schools, crematoria, concert halls, and private homes.

Trada Business Campus, Stocking Lane, Hughenden Valley, High Wycombe,
Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND. ENGLAND.
Telephone: 01494 563833   Fax: 01494 563546  sales@allenorgans.co.uk

BAGPIPES of CALEDONIA 

Bagpipe retailer in Leith, Scotland, whichbegan in1981 with the setting up of the "International Piper" magazine with the late Captain John A MacLellan, former director of the Army School of Bagpipe Music at Edinburgh Castle.

Lorn House, Links Gardens Lane, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 7JQ

+44 (0) 131 553 5503   +44 (0) 131 553 5550  enquiries@bagpipesofcaledonia.com

BARNES & MULLINS   Suppliers of guitars, PA's, effects, saxes and more.

BONNERS

BONNERS  A range of musical instruments for sale at Bonners Music instrument shops in Brighton and Eastbourne.

BOOSEY & HAWKES  Publishers, online catalogue of instruments, music books CD's.

BRITISH RESERVE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT INSURANCE 

Insurance from Cornhill for musical instruments.

Allianz Cornhill Musical Insurance is one of the UK's leading specialist musical instrument insurers. Pioneered cover for the music industry over 40 years ago, under the British Reserve Insurance Company and continue to offer flexible cost effective policies.
Allianz Cornhill House, 6 Vale Avenue, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1EH

Tel:  0870 2400 303

BROADWOOD PIANOS LTD 

Probably the oldest prestige piano companies in the world.  Holds the Royal Warrant as manufacturer of pianos to Queen Elizabeth II.

COPEMAN HART ORGANS 

Organ builders with a base in Northamptonshire. Founded in 1960, Copeman Hart enjoy an international reputation for producing not only the most pipelike sounds but the most comfortable, authentic consoles.

COPEMAN HART & COMPANY LIMITED  Finedon Road, IRTHLINGBOROUGH, Northamptonshire, ENGLAND, NN9 5TZ
Tel +44 (0)1933 652600  Fax +44 (0)1933 652288  Email info@copemanhart.co.uk

Courtney Pianos 

Oxford based specialists in restoration and retail of traditional pianos, particularly the better-known makes/models built between the 1890s and 1940s.

DEAL TIME  

(7,246)Drums, Drum Sets, and Accessories (4,459)Live Performance Equipment and Accessories (3,360)Keyboards / MIDI and Accessories (2,133)Guitars, Amps and Accessories (1,787)

DIGITAL VILLAGE

Digital Village is one of the UK's most comprehensive studio equipment, pro-audio and computer music website. Digital Village have dedicated teams of experts that will help you choose the right equipment for all your music technology needs. For telephone mail-order, expert advice, price-beating enquiries and the best package deals on your studio equipment, please contact your nearest DV branch.  Whether you choose to purchase on-line, in-store or via telephone mail-order, contact Digital Village – a supplier of professional recording equipment for over 25 years.
562 Brighton Road, South Croydon, Surrey, CR2 6AW United Kingdom
Tel: 020-8407 8444 Fax: 020-8407 8438
Email: southlondon@digitalvillage.co.uk   exportsales@digitalvillage.co.uk

DOLPHIN MUSIC  Next day delivery on all orders.

EBAY.CO.UK 

eBay is the world's largest online marketplace with over 10 million items for sale and 42 million registered users, eBay is the place to find the things you want or sell the items you have. Simply follow the instructions to register.

FENDER (UK)  Fender guitars and amplification UK dealers and prices.

GUITAR SUPERSTORE  Great site for guitars and everything guitar related.

GUITARIST MAGAZINE  Well known magazine for guitarists.

GUITAR SCALE 

Guitar lessons on DVD, CD and video helping guitarists improve including beginners, intermediates and advanced players. Based in Hampshire. Tel: 0800 781 0414.

HERTFORD MUSIC
At this musical instrument and accessorie shop you can buy guitars, drums, percussion instruments and all of the accessories to go with them. Delivery is free on orders over £15.

H.J. FLETCHER & NEWMAN LTD 

This piano parts company, with an online catalogue, has been supplying piano tuners, manufacturers, technicians, schools, colleges and universities all round the world for over 120 years.
5 Bourne Enterprise Centre, Wrotham Road, Borough Green, Kent. TN15 8DG
TEL: 01732 886555   FAX: 01732 884789   E-MAIL: info@fletcher-newman.co.uk

HOBGOBLIN MUSIC
Hobgoblin are specialists in traditional and acoustic musical instruments, selling guitars, banjos, whistles, flutes, mandolins, concertinas, harps, accordions and more.

iMUSIC SHOP
Online musical instruments and accessories. guitars, violins, mandolins, strings, capos and leads, fender, ernie ball, martin plus many more. All orders £50 and over are delivered free.

INSTRUMENT ZONE
Sell or buy your musical instruments and equipment simply. Vintage, brand new and second-hand musical instruments, equipment and accessories are traded.

INSURANCEWIDE 

Protect your musical instruments against theft, damage and accidental loss. Policies can also provide new for old cover, hiring of replacement equipment, personal accident protection and public liability cover.

JACQUES SAMUEL PIANOS LTD 

In 1935 Jaques Samuel began what was to become London’s largest independent piano house.  142 Edgware Road, Marble Arch, London, W2 2DZ 

Tel: +44 (0)20 7723 8818      Fax: +44 (0)20 7224 8692

JEFFREY SHACKELL

Concert piano technician also offering piano accessories, transportation and hire service.

JOHN and ARTHUR BEARE 

Violin dealers, makers, repairers and restorers based in London.

MACARI'S MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 

Amusing online journey around this excellent London guitar shop.

MACHINE HEAD  Stockists of extensive range of guitars, amps, and accessories.

MARSHALL AMPLIFICATION 

The world famous Marshall Amplification Plc began in 1962 in London England where Jim Marshall had a music shop and taught the drums.

+44 1908 375411  +44 1908 376118   spares: 01908 375411

sales@marshallamps.com  support@marshallamps.com

MUSIC CENTRAL UK
Music Central sell musical instruments and accessories including guitars, drums, keyboards, amplifiers, effects, dj & disco, lighting and more.

MUSIC CORNER
A site selling everything you need and things you don't need, including sheet music, metronomes, music stands, electrical equipment, rosettes and much more!

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE 

Online advert site for musicians, instrument manufacturers and traders. Our categories cover all musical instruments and accessories

MUSICAL WAREHOUSE 

New & second-hand musical instruments, mail order music shop with a personal touch, advertise concerts, instruments & services FREE, concerts, repairers, teachers, GCSE Help Page, music links, joke page.

MUSICROOM.COM 

This site has a fantastic selection of sheet music, books about music, tutor methods and music accessories - covering a wide variety of instruments and genres.

MUSIC STREET
Amplifiers, drum machines, effect pedals, acoustic guitars, bass guitars, electric guitars, travel guitars, microphones, leads, sheet music, strings and more. UK delivery is free on orders over £100.

MUSICAL WAREHOUSE  Australian musical instruments.

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