Real World Studios install custom-built SSL XL 9000 K Series

Real World Studios made good use of the Christmas break by installing a new custom-built Solid State Logic XL 9000 K Series console in its main studio, The Big Room.

The residential facility, which is owned by internationally acclaimed artist Peter Gabriel, hasn’t had a face-lift of this magnitude since it opened in 1988.

Nearly a year ago Real World Studios started negotiating the purchase of a new console for the Big Room with the intention of equipping it for 5.1 and high resolution audio so that it could handle more complex productions. As the order was placed, SSL revealed that the company was being put up for sale. Rather than cancelling the order as some clients would, Peter Gabriel decided to buy the company.

Alongside the installation of the new console, The Big Room has also had its monitoring and acoustics upgraded for 5.1 surround sound. The new desk may be large but thanks to the dimensions of The Big Room, there is still plenty of space. Its shape copies the U-configuration of the studio’s previous SSL G Series console and it is positioned so that it works well ergonomically, with everything in easy reach of the operator.

Solid State Logic’s XL 9000 K Series is the first analogue console to provide the dual benefits of a full 5.1 surround architecture and the increased bandwidth and resolution needed for DVD-Audio and SACD. These were important considerations for Peter Gabriel who creates the majority of his music in surround, with stereo handled as a separate interpretation. Currently working on music for this year’s World Cup as well as a number of movie scores, Gabriel says it is the sonic quality of SSL consoles that inspires him and makes him such a huge fan of the company’s desks.

Real World’s studio manager, Owen Leech, says the choice of console for The Big Room reflects the studio’s determination to stay ahead in the UK residential studio market.

“This is a very exciting development for Real World and one that we have been eagerly anticipating for a long time,” he says. “We have always been known as a musician’s studio and this is undoubtedly the best sounding console on the market. Being able to offer full 5.1 surround mixing and sound to picture facilities is vitally important because it allows us to maintain our reputation as the UK’s premier residential recording facility.” (CD)