Acknowledging the legacy of Miraval Studios, French engineer, producer and composer Damien Quintard has added Eventide’s current flagship H9000 multi-effects processor, two classic H3000 Ultra-Harmonizers and a pair of the world’s first digital effects processor, the H910 Harmonizer, to one of the facility’s racks.
Quintard and Hollywood star Brad Pitt jointly renovated the historic recording facility, located on the 2,200-acre Château Miraval vineyard in the south of France, and reopened it in summer 2022.
‘At Miraval Studios, we understand that the artist’s vision is of utmost importance, and our gear and equipment serve as tools for the engineers to help the artists bring that vision to life,’ Quintard says. ‘With this in mind, we aim to provide as many options as possible to help artists achieve their desired sound. I like to have fun with the classic H910 or the modern H9000. The more flavour and colours we have, the merrier.’
The residential facility has hosted countless world-class artists and projects in the years since it was established by French jazz pianist and composer Jacques Loussier and sound engineer Patrice Quef in 1977. Pink Floyd put the studio on the map when the band visited in 1979 to record portions of The Wall, followed by AC/DC, Judas Priest, The Cure, UB40, Wham!, Yes, Sting and many others. In the early 2000s, Rammstein, Courtney Love and Muse added their names to the list of artists who have recorded at Miraval.
‘One of the most challenging decisions we faced was whether to renovate or completely rebuild,’ Quintard continues. ‘The legacy of this iconic place is so rich that we knew we had to preserve and protect it, yet also propel it into the future. We wanted to honour its history by using the equipment that has defined the sound of countless great albums, while also creating something fresh and innovative. Ultimately, we chose to push the boundaries by expanding the physical space, opening up windows to offer breathtaking views and a story to watch for the musicians and engineers who work here. We poured all of our passion into creating an environment that would inspire artists for generations to come. No compromise; all-in for inspiration.’
The Studio One offers 25ft ceilings with a 1,000sq-ft control room separated from the 3,500sq-ft wood and stone tracking space by a floor-to-ceiling expanse of glass. The control room is equipped for Dolby Atmos productions with a custom ATC monitor system and is anchored by a space age custom console, dubbed the Spaceship, housing vintage analogue and modern digital audio equipment. The room also still has the studio’s original SSL 4000 G+ analogue mixing console.
‘While it’s exhilarating to have access to top-of-the-line gear for major sessions, I am increasingly drawn towards the beauty of simplicity in the creative process,’ comments Quintard, who is primarily known for his catalogue of work in the classical genre, won an Emmy Award for the live and direct-to-tape mix of the 2015 European Olympic Opening Ceremony in Baku and was a pioneer of the Dolby Atmos format in France. ‘I always strive to keep my equipment set-up as straightforward as possible.’
The facility additionally offers postproduction, film scoring, e-mixing and film editing services. There are three video and sound editing suites, a microphone locker housing Quintard’s 170-plus collection, reverb room, kitchen and other guest amenities and accommodation.
Beyond the technical design and integration at Miraval Studios, the timing of the reopening was also a challenge, Quintard says: ‘It was no easy feat, especially amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, to reopen a historic place, but the joy of finally opening our doors has made it all worth it. We are thrilled with the overall response we have from the music industry.’
Sade was the first artist to record at the facility after it was remodelled and relaunched, and others have followed, but it’s still early days for the latest chapter in the story of Miraval, Quintard believes. ‘I don’t think it’s time for us to be proud of anything yet. There is still so much to do, to learn, to enhance. Here, we’re really passionate about being a part of something greater, creating beauty each day. I really think we’ll know if we did something great in 10 or 20 years. In the meantime, we have to work and work.’
More: www.eventideaudio.com
