Kazbar Systems has completed the recording studio
installation plus Acoustic Treatment for both Control Room & Live Room at
the Petchey Academy East London.
The Petchey Academy needed a solution which would meet
current professional standards in terms of software, hardware and sound quality
but also inspire the students too while working within their budget.
To start with, the Control Room was a simple Piano Room for
teaching within, which was adjacent to a large class room. During a school
break, under advice from Kazbar Systems, the in-house maintenance team
installed a double window between the Piano Room and the Class Room to create a
Control Room. All existing work benches were removed to create enough space for
a Kazbar Systems Studio Furniture system while still retaining the Piano.
When the in-house work was complete, Kazbar Systems came in
and installed custom Acoustic Panels for the Control Room and the adjacent
classroom so it could be used as a live ‘performance’ room too. We also
installed live audio feeds between the Live Room and Control Room too.
When all Acoustic and pre equipment installation works were
complete, we then commenced the installation of the chosen studio equipment.
Starting with installing a 10-way wallbox (eight microphone feeds and two
headphone sends) which are connected to an Audient ASP008 8 Channel Mic Preamp
and Art Headamp Pro 6 for the headphone control.
For recording, we recommended an Apple iMac due to its power
and connectivity, for the audio interface, the Petchey Academy’s preference was
Logic Studio Pro X working alongside Avid Pro Tools. Also installed is an Apogee Ensemble audio interface which is connected to the Audient ASP008 via
the Adat digital connection. This allows up to 16 channels of analogue input
with a total of twelve mic pre’s.
For reference monitoring, we recommended the KRK RP8 Rokit G3 active monitor speakers. These offer an excellent full range of sound due to
their 8” active bass drivers but are also excellent value too. To offer an
alternative mix comparison, we installed a pair of Avantone MixCube Active’s.
These are a highly useful speaker for comparison for when you wish to hear how
your music would sound on the radio. Both the KRK R8 G3’s and Avantone
MixCube’s are controlled via a Presonus Monitor Station.
For vocal and acoustic recording, the Petchey Academy chose
the Avantone CK6 Large Capsule Valve Microphone. This is a truly excellent
microphone offering a sensitive and warm recording full of character.
Lastly, for controlling Logic Studio software or Pro Tools,
we recommended the Mackie MCU Pro control surface. This is an excellent tactile
work surface providing immediate fader control of your DAW in banks of eight.
On each channel is a display mirroring the information on your DAW software.
The Mackie MCU also provides Plugin access, Scrub Wheel and Transport Control
too.
