Located just west of Austin, Texas, Pedernales Country Club was purchased by Willie Nelson in 1979 and opened as a studio in 1981. Now, after a number of dormant years, Nelson has brought the studio back to life with the installation of a 5088 console from Rupert Neve Designs.
‘The initial discussion about the 5088 was brought up by Buddy Cannon, Willie’s producer,’ explains Chief Engineer Steve Chadie, who has worked with the studio since 1995. ‘He knew someone in Nashville that suggested we contact Rupert Neve Designs, since they are close to us in Wimberley, and the rest is history.’
The 40-input modular console comprises 24 mono input modules with Shelford 5052 mic preamp/EQs for each, plus eight stereo input modules flanked by Portico 5043 compressors, with a further eight 5043s above the master section.
‘Twenty-four mic preamps are plenty for recording Willie and his band – and the eight stereo faders at the end act as a 16-channel summing system. With so many people working in the box these days it just seemed like the thing to do,’ Chadie says.
‘I love the sound of this console. It’s clear and punchy with highs that aren’t crispy, but pleasant and smooth. And I like the fact that the EQ is based on different classic Neve preamps coupled with modern design and mega headroom,’ he continues. ‘I worked on an 8024 for close to 20 years at Pedernales, so grabbing the EQ on the 5052 is comfortably familiar – all the benefits without all those scratchy pots.
‘This board is built like a tank, I can patch from anywhere to anywhere, there’s headroom to boot, and I have yet to distort a preamp or a channel. Plus, Josh and Martin and really everyone over at RND have been super helpful and accommodating. It’s great having them just 30 miles away – and come to think of it, I still owe them some BBQ…’
More: http://rupertneve.com
