Films At 59 chooses Pyramix Audio Workstations

Bristol based post-production company Films At 59 has taken to Pyramix Audio Workstations in a big way since installing their first systems.
The company now has seven systems in use across two different sites providing a creative and cost-effective range of services for film and video programme makers.
Services include pre-production co-ordinating, crewing, shooting equipment hire, picture editing, sound track-laying and sound dubbing.
Senior dubbing Mixer Chris Domaille explained some of the thinking behind their choice: “Since our first NED Synclavier, Films at 59 have always been keenly interested in what equipment would enable us to best meet the needs of our clients. With shortening timescales and shrinking budgets, we had been particularly looking to invest in audio workstations that would enable us to complete projects more easily, whilst flexibly handling our clients’ requests for changes and enhancements to their programme sound.
“Total Audio Solutions, the UK distributors for Pyramix, provided a demo unit and, after about four hours, we were keen enough to invite the team to stay on for another day. We were eventually allowed to keep the demo machine for a few more days, and really test it.
“With enough time for the dubbing mixers, dubbing editors and technical department to test the Pyramix, we soon made the commitment to buy a couple of machines. We still had reservations of course; after all we weren’t buying one of the current market leaders. Who were Merging Technologies? What was their company profile? Were they going to be there in the long term?
“As much as we had evaluated the machines, we still had questions that could only be answered once we had the machines installed. With our first two machines we had a list of criteria that Total Audio agreed the Pyramix would handle - things like MADI interoperability with our AMS DFC consoles. We bought the first two machines with the promise that these criteria would be met, and they were.
“The first job we did was a two hour natural history documentary for Tigress in Bristol called ‘Return to Gombe’. We thought that a two hour digitised picture, an OMF import, followed by editing of dialogues, atmospheres, effects, foley, music and commentary would be a gentle test!
“Throughout that first real project, Pyramix performed impeccably, boosting our confidence in the new platform immeasurably. Within six weeks an increasing number of jobs got put through with different dubbing editors and dubbing mixers.
“All 9 episodes of the new series of Channel Four’s ‘Teachers’ are now scheduled to make use of the Pyramix, from track-laying through foley recording, ADR and mixing. We have received positive feedback from the clients already, particularly when it comes to making changes during the final mix.”
Total Audio Solutions’ Business Manager Paul Mortimer said: “It was a pleasure to work with a team that knew exactly what they were trying to achieve. Their decision was made surprisingly quickly to adopt the Pyramix System and their dedication to the training and integration of the procedures was total. It’s very satisfying to hear that their customers are gaining the benefits of their investment already”
(GB)