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School of Physics, Engineering and Technology
HomeSchool of Physics, Engineering and TechnologyAbout usFacilitiesEngineering facilitiesRecording studios

Recording studios

We have three studios for recording and production of audio and music in stereo, surround or 3D audio formats.

Key features:

  • Three 16-track, Dante Enabled digital recording studios across two campus locations
  • All studios use Focusrite, AVID and Genelec hardware
  • Over 100 microphones, extensive drum hardware, guitars, amplification as well as pianos and synths from Nord, Sequential Circuits and Moog
  • A large collection of external recording equipment and microphones
  • Studios are open 24/7 during the semester.

Studio 1

  • Focusrite Preamps via a Dante Controlled interface connect to a custom-built PC running a variety of DAW software paired with an Avid S3 digital control surface
  • I/O is provided by a Focusrite Rednet A16R audio interface and additional Focusrite microphone preamps provide extra recording options
  • 5.1 surround sound monitoring with Genelec 8040 BPM speakers and a stereo pair of Yamaha NS10s
  • Nord Stage and Lead keyboards provide MIDI input and a wealth of high-quality sounds for production
  • 65” LCD monitor is available for sound-to-picture work as well as a Focusrite ISA Two preamp for vocal work
  • Software includes: Steinberg Nuendo and Cubase Pro, Pro Tools, Reaper and Ableton Live Studio including plug-ins from Izotope.

Studio 2

  • 5.1 surround sound monitoring with Genelec 8040A speakers and a stereo pair of Yamaha NS10s
  • Custom-built PC provides the same software suite provided in Studio 1, paired with an Avid S3 digital control surface
  • Focusrite preamps provide microphone input and a Focusrite Rednet A16R interface provides I/O
  • 65” TV for sound-to-picture work, as well as an SPL Goldmike preamp for vocal work
  • 88-key Nord Piano is installed for MIDI/sound input, alongside a Dave Smith Prophet analogue synth.

Live room

Our live room has 16 microphone lines each to Studio 1 and 2. It includes a monitor that can mirror the displays in Studio 1 or 2 for sound-to-picture work. There are two adjacent storerooms containing an array of equipment for recording work:

  • a range of 100+ microphones for vocal and instrumental applications
  • eight headphone channels
  • Pearl drum kit with a selection of snare drums and cymbals
  • a range of percussion items
  • electric, acoustic and classical guitars, plus a bass guitar
  • Fender, Laney and Vox guitar amps plus DI and Re-amp boxes.

Genesis 6 Studio, York Science Park

  • Custom-built PC provides the same software suite provided in Studio 1, plus a Focusrite Rednet A16R audio interface and Focusrite microphone preamps
  • 7.1.4 surround sound monitoring (Genelec 8040A/8030A)
  • 32” LCD TV for video work
  • 16-channel Avid Artist control surfaces and transport controls
  • Nord Stage 2 and Roland Juno-Di keyboards
  • An adjacent live room contains Fender, Vox and Laney guitar and bass amplifiers and 4-channel headphone monitoring
  • A range of microphones and other equipment.

External recording equipment

  • A wide range of equipment is available for location recording of assignments or personal projects.
  • A large selection of microphones are available for loan, along with portable recorders and USB audio interfaces up to eight tracks.