The Sound Issue 2016 Studio Focus: Studios 301

Answered by: Simon Todkill, senior engineer and Owen Butcher, engineer

Studio address: 18 Mitchell Road Alexandria NSW 2015

How long has the studio been running? The studio as a business has been running since 1926, this year is our 90th anniversary! The studio has moved a few times since it opened, however the current facility has been open since 1999.

What makes your studio different? Ninety years of experience, 270 m2 orchestral room, our engineers — best mastering engineers in Australia. We are the last of the traditional large format studios. We can do from large scale orchestras to developmental artists.

What's your favourite piece of equipment you have in the studio? Neve 88R because it does everything we need. Seventy-two channels of Neve Preamp, Line Amps and summing. What else is there to say?

Do you find you specialise in specific genres? We record all genres, every day is different. We are familiar with all genres and are extremely adaptable. Due to our studio set-up we can blend between different styles quickly, our clients take full advantage.

Who have been your favourite artist(s) to come in? Stevie Nicks. Very warm and open, and very easy to work with. She's always giving 100%, when the song is playing she's listening, looking for better ways to deliver the vocal. True legend.

What do believe has been the most well produced album of 2016 so far? PJ Harvey - The Hope Six Demolition Project: They've captured the essence of the performance and energy of the songs, using the technology to help boost the emotions and feelings contained in the lyrics.

What services does your studio offer? We offer everything from recording and mixing to mastering; orchestral to developing the new generation of electronic artists and bands; specialised vocal production to archiving historical recordings. Create, record, master — all in the one building

Do you prefer analogue or digital? We prefer using both to our advantage. We're set up with the ability to use both in any application, from tape machines to consoles/outboard gear. The real question is identifying which is best for the song.

Who would be your dream artist to have record/rehearse in the studio? Robert Johnson, at around 3am.