Overview

Each studio has the same computer and software suite, and is equipped with high-quality stereo loudspeaker and headphone monitoring. Composition and production work can be moved easily from one space to another.

All the studios have extensive internal acoustic treatment. Studios 1-4, 6 and 7 have silent air handling. Studios 1, 2 and 3 form an interconnected recording suite, with thorough isolation from the outside world and each other, and with sightlines through acoustic sliding doors.

Any studio can be used flexibly as a ‘recording in the control room’ facility.

Different studio rooms have extra facilities allowing specialised uses.

Common to all studios

Apple Mac Studio computer with expanded memory and storage.

Full size weighted piano keyboard (except Studios 5 & 6).

MIDI controller keyboard.

Option to plug in laptop computer, to make use of the audio monitoring.

Software suite including: Apple Logic Pro, Avid Pro Tools Studio, Reaper, Max, Ocenaudio, iZotope RX 11 Advanced.

Digital instrument library including: Spitfire Audio BBC Symphony Orchestra Professional, EastWest (Quantum Leap Symphony Orchestra Platinum, Hollywood Orchestra OPUS edition, Symphonic Choirs, Ra, Silk, Stormdrum 2, The Dark Side), Native Instruments Komplete Ultimate (Absynth, FM8, Battery, Kontakt, Guitar Rig, Massive, Reaktor, etc.), Toontrack Superior Drummer 3.

Plugins: a wide range including FabFilter FX bundle, Waves Gold Bundle.

This list is not exhaustive. Software is usually maintained at the most up-to-date stable release. New acquisitions and evolutions are constantly being made.

Studio 1

Premium stereo monitoring: Genelec 8341A tops and 7370A subwoofer.

Audio interfacing and preamplifiers from Metric Halo, Earthworks, Warm Audio, Focusrite, Audient, ART

Studio 1 can be used as the control room for recording sessions, and has multiple audio lines to the Auditorium and Recital Room, and to Studios 2, 3 and 4 for use as live rooms.

Studio 2

Studio 2 is equipped for stereo and 5.0 surround monitoring, based on an Apogee Quartet interface and Event 20/20BAS studio monitors.

The room is acoustically dry and may also be used as an additional booth for large-scale recordings or, with added treatments, as a near-anechoic space for capture of source materials for electroacoustic composition and sound design.

Studio 3

Studio 3 is equipped for high-quality stereo monitoring with Genelec 1031A monitors.

It is also a large live room for recording instrumentalists, singers, and ensembles; and is ideal for developing and rehearsing works that involve live performers, electronics and interactive systems.

A collection of mobile acoustic treatment panels from Auralex and GIK Acoustics enable the acoustics to be tailored for different uses.

Studio 4

Studio 4 is equipped for high-quality stereo monitoring with Mackie HR824 stereo monitors.

It has extensive workbench space for experimentation and development work with sensors, interfacing and interactivity. Tools and equipment include a TENMA 72-6805 dual-trace oscilloscope and function generator, hand tools, interface devices and hardware. Legacy audio hardware (for adaptation etc) is available from store.

Studio 4 usually houses our historic EMS VCS3 analogue synth (Synthi) and DK1 keyboard (‘The Cricklewood’).

Studio 5

Studio 5 is a larger room used for studio seminar teaching. It is equipped with Genelec 8050 monitors and 7070 sub, allowing monitoring in stereo and in spatial configurations up to 7.1 surround and octaphonic. For teaching, there is a 70" LCD screen. When not used for timetabled classes, Studio 5 is available for individual use.

Studio 6

Studio 6 is equipped for high-quality stereo monitoring with Focal Shape 65 loudspeakers.

Studio 7

Studio 7 is equipped for high-quality stereo monitoring with Dynaudio LYD 48 loudspeakers.