Studio 75 FAQ
Is an engineer available?
We recommend booking your studio time with our in-house engineer, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the room. Studio 75 offers extensive routing and equipment options, and the learning curve can be steep. Working with an engineer helps you spend more of your session creating and less time troubleshooting.
Our engineer can be available simply to answer questions or can remain throughout the session to assist with setup, routing, and tracking.
Can I use my own computer?
Personal computers may not be used to control Studio 75’s equipment. The studio computer contains the drivers, software, and system configurations required for the room to operate reliably.
You may, however, bring your own audio interface and connect its monitor outputs to the studio computer’s audio system. This setup is encouraged because it creates a flexible multi-computer workflow while preserving the studio’s established configuration.
You may also bring your own MIDI equipment and connect it to a MIDI input on the Cirklon. This allows you to control a synthesizer of your choice in the studio without using the studio computer.
How does audio routing work?
Studio 75 uses an RME HDSPe MADI FX PCIe system with up to 390 audio channels. Nearly every piece of equipment in the studio can be recorded through this extensive interface system.
TotalMix FX is the primary audio-routing mixer on the studio computer. It can route signals between instruments, effects, mixers, recording software, and other equipment, allowing you to create complex hardware signal chains.
For example, you can route a synthesizer through the TASCAM M-320B mixer for dub-style mixing. Using TotalMix FX, send the synthesizer’s signal to an input on the M-320B, then route the mixer’s output back into your DAW for recording. You can also record the dry synthesizer signal and the processed mixer signal simultaneously for parallel recording.
Audio routing can become complex very quickly. Studio 75 includes presets for common workflows, but the routing may be customized when necessary.
How does MIDI routing work?
Studio 75’s MIDI system runs on a sophisticated RTP-MIDI Ethernet network using several mioXL interfaces located throughout the room. Each station with MIDI equipment has its own mioXL, which functions as a virtual MIDI patchbay. This makes it possible to control or sequence virtually any connected instrument from another compatible device in the studio.
The studio is organized into four main stations:
Station 0: Cirklon, the studio’s primary MIDI sequencer, located on a mobile desk
Station 1: Extrusion shelving containing the main synthesizers
Station 2: Sampler rig and Amiga computers
Station 3: Modular synthesizer corner
Station 0 provides the simplest way to control the entire studio. From the Cirklon, connected equipment can be selected through the instrument list for sequencing and control.
The RTP-MIDI network also allows equipment to communicate across stations. For example, you can control a sampler at Station 2 using a sequencer or synthesizer at Station 1.
You are also welcome to bring your own MIDI equipment. If you prefer not to use the studio computer, your device can be connected to a MIDI input on the Cirklon and routed to control a synthesizer of your choice in the room.
Auracle is installed on the studio computer and can be used to route MIDI inputs and outputs between devices. Studio 75 includes preset routing for common configurations, but custom routing can be created when needed.
Does the studio have air conditioning?
Yes. Studio 75 has an air-conditioning unit that can be operated from the control panel in the back corner of the room, near the acoustic panels.
How should the mobile acoustic panels be used?
Studio 75 is a large, open room with considerable natural reverberation. Mobile acoustic clouds along the back wall work together with the ceiling clouds to help control reflections.
For vocal recording, four or five mobile clouds can be arranged to create a partially enclosed recording area. This will not provide complete sound isolation, but it will produce a closer, drier sound with significantly less room ambience.
Please do not move or arrange the acoustic clouds unless the in-house engineer is present and has approved their use. The panels can become unstable and have previously fallen near equipment. Guests may be held responsible for damage caused by moving or using the panels without permission.