ABBEY ROAD INSTALL NEW SSL J SERIES CONSOLE

LONDON’S famed Abbey Road Studios have recently installed an SL 9096 J Series SuperAnalogue console in Studio Three.
The 96-channel console, the largest J Series in the capital, is fully equipped for 5.1 surround mixing with a custom panel, and has replaced a 72-channel SL 8000 G Series console installed six years ago. The newly-equipped Studio Three will be open for business at the end of March 2001.
Abbey Road Studios’ new SL 9000 J Series console has an 8-channel surround sound master control panel fitted in the centre section, incorporating full 5.1 compression on all outputs. Additionally, a recently introduced optional feature enables the console to be easily switched between stereo and 5.1 modes at the touch of a button.
Peter Cobbin, Senior Recording Engineer at Abbey Road Studios, said: “We have traditionally had SSL consoles here since 1984. The SL 9000 J Series delivers outstanding sonic quality and incorporates technology that make it particularly suitable for surround sound mixing. Having a greater number of channels will give us increased flexibility in the way in which we derive the surround mix. Also, a key advantage of this customised desk is that Studio Three will be able to adapt easily between stereo and surround sound DVD projects.”
‘Gimme Some Truth’ - the making of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ Album, Eurythmics ‘Peace Tour’ and Freddie Mercury’s ‘The Untold Story’ are just some of the DVD Video projects recently re-mixed into surround sound in Studio Three.
Designed by Sam Toyoshima, Studio Three is both visually and technically impressive with one of the largest control rooms in London.
The studio is over 7m high with 75 sq.m of floor space and incorporates a separate vocal booth, gallery, variable acoustics and a spacious main recording area which can accommodate 15 musicians. A fully mirrored, isolated live room generates unique acoustics owing to the absence of any parallel surfaces.
Client comfort and privacy is assured by the provision of a self-contained lounge and kitchen area attached to the studio. (CD)