Sweetwater Studios has completed a program of upgrades to its flagship Studio A in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with the addition of a custom Rupert Neve Designs 5088 Analog Mixing Console as its new centrepiece.
The studio is presently expanding the expressive feel of the complex, while retaining the elements that made it special to begin with. ‘We wanted to find ways to continue doing what we’ve always done – but better,’ explains Sweetwater Studios producer and engineer, Shawn Dealey. ‘What that means for us in a practical sense is making upgrades that will enhance the studio and make it an even more creative and inspiring place to be.’
Opened in 2007, the studio’s mix of skilled engineers and session musicians, and trove of musical equipment have attracted big-name artists including Bootsy Collins, Anthrax, Jared James Nichols, Will Lee, Billy Cobham, Russ Taff, Eric Johnson, Beth Hart, Vinnie Colaiuta, JD Simo and We Came As Romans.
At the centre of the upgrades is Studio A’s new Rupert Neve Designs 5088 Mixing Console. The 32-input desk, fully loaded with Rupert Neve Designs 5052 Mic Preamp & Inductor EQ and 5051 Inductor EQ & Compressor modules, brings high-end analogue sound and hands-on control to the recording experience – elements that have been signatures of Sweetwater Studios’ artist-focused workflow since its inception.
‘Having a tactile experience means that we can grab an EQ or fader and stay focused on the music and the creative process,’ Dealey says. ‘Most people associate digital with convenience, but this analogue workflow actually makes mixes come together much faster. The sheer musicality of the console makes our job much easier and more enjoyable, and the results more meaningful for the artists that we work with.’
The studio’s staff took the opportunity to upgrade the entire wiring infrastructure of the studio. With the help of Jumperz Audio, all of Sweetwater’s studios were fitted with new wall plates and all new mic, line speaker and instrument cabling. ‘This allowed us to create a streamlined workflow to access and connect all our spaces and equipment in Studios A, B and C,’ Dealey says.
‘Using Avid MTRX converters in all three rooms gives us unrivalled connectivity and expansion. This was a great opportunity to evolve how we do things at Sweetwater Studios. By having all of our most inspirational pieces of equipment seamlessly integrated, we can focus entirely on making music with the finest ingredients at hand.’
With additional upgrades on the way, including a Dolby Atmos 9.1.4 system in Studio B for immersive audio production, Sweetwater Studios continues to grow its production capabilities and looks to inspire the next generation of artists. ‘We believe in the power of music, and understand how important the feel of the studio is to the creative process,’ Dealey says. ‘Given that, we’re always looking towards the horizon of how we can make the studios more welcoming, creative, and comfortable for the artists that we love to work with.
‘Sweetwater Studios is a place where musical creativity has no boundaries,’ he concludes. ‘Where the only limit is the artist’s imagination.’
