Is that machine part of tech they sold or do they still make it--see bold below
Future Disc Systems Remodels Original Studio
HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 17, 1999--Future Disc Systems (www.futurediscsystems.com), one of the world's largest and finest mastering facilities, Wednesday announced the completed remodeling of its original Studio One.
Eighteen years ago, founders Gary Rice and Steve Hall proudly wrapped the first project mastered by Future Disc Systems. Hall designed Studio One, which was then their only studio. Since then, five other unique, cutting-edge studios have been added to meet the needs of a diverse clientele that includes most major labels and many independents.
Over the years, artists such as Bobby Brown, Patti LaBelle, Madonna, Gladys Knight, Elton John, Chris Isaak, Rod Stewart, Tom Petty, Earth Wind and Fire, Al Jarreau and a host of others had their projects mastered in Studio One.
And now Studio One is new again. Future Disc Systems president Rice said: "Our business keeps growing and our rule is still leading-edge expertise and facilities. We're excited by the changes made in Studio One."
Mastering engineer Kris Solem, new resident of this studio, directed the remodel. Solem has mastered artists as disparate as Spice Girls, ShadowFax, Michael Feinstein and Master P. He also makes time to design and teach a successful mastering course in cooperation with UCLA Extension.
The room design is by Steve Hall; acoustical treatments by Chris Pelonis.
New Mastering Console
The new console (concept and design by Solem), was built with custom electronics. This new console, together with an acoustical tune-up, has opened up and evened out the sound of the room considerably.
"The most striking aspect of this console is the low profile. I wanted to have all of the analog and digital processing at my fingertips, computer screens in the center, all with the minimum intrusion into the listening field," said Solem.
The handcrafted cherry wood and inlay console houses analog equalizers and compressors by Sontec, Focusrite, GML and Manley. The digital equipment includes the control surface for the Weiss bw102 console (the Weiss mainframe is located remotely), the Pacific Microsonics HDCD processor, an Apogee UV-22 encoder, and various flavors of A-to-D and D-to-A converters.
Custom Class A circuits connect and route the analog chain and monitor switching. A custom AES patch bay routes the digital gear. The screens for the Sonic Solutions workstation occupy a well in the center of the console. All of the computer equipment and peripherals are located remotely.
Acoustical Treatments
Solem described the process of tuning up the room: "This room has had a great track record for years, so we didn't want to make sweeping changes. After the new console went in, Steve Hall and I did a lot of listening, and we felt that the sweet spot was too small and a bit tricky, with some midrange comb filtering going on.
"We opened the back studio walls and put in new broadband bass traps. We fixed the sweet spot by taking out two side walls and creating a partial trap/dispersion scheme in their place. Originally, we thought we would need additional treatment changes, but the room sounds great now, so I think we'll just let it be for a while."
Monitors
The main monitors are Tannoy dual 15s biamped with Haflet Transnova amps for the highs, and a pair of Audire Otez amps for the 15-inch drivers.
Equipment List: Studio One Offers Complete Analog and Digital
Processing.
Digital equipment includes the Weiss console (eq, compression, limiting, de-essing, sample rate conversion, reverb), the Pacific Microsonics High Definition Compatible Digital System (HDCD), and Apogee UV-22 encoder, and analog to digital converters by Manley, Focusrite and Pacific Microsonics.
The analog chain begins with the custom Ampex ATR-102 tape machine or the Manley "Designers Reference Series" digital-to-analog converter, and includes Focusrite and Sontec eqs, and the Manley tube limiter/compressor in a custom Class A console.
A Sonic Solutions 24-bit usp workstation is used for editing and assembly, and is networked to the production rooms (all reference materials and parts are made directly from the original files on hard disc).
The new Future Disc Systems Web site will provide more information about its studios and projects. See www.futurediscsystems.com.
Future Disc Systems is a world-class music mastering facility with six state-of-the-art studios. The studios incorporate full 24-bit digital mastering, HDCD(r) processing and Sonic Solutions editing. The company supp |
