Hartland International opens recording studio and live room
Having distinguished itself as a school specialising in music and drama, Hartland International is well positioned to become a prominent centre for students dedicating themselves to the performing arts. The school’s multi-purpose auditorium is a fitting venue for a professional actor, dancer or musician, but the 5-18 year olds rarely suffer stage fright on this dais. Encouraged by their tutors, tomorrow’s artists extensively rehearse and practice within the faculty for their big nights under the spotlight. In addition, the music department has been further enriched with the addition of a recording studio and live room.
Thomsun Trading was called upon to design and build a turnkey solution for the music department’s new studio. The year 9 and below students record their Yamaha keyboard, guitar and violin instrumental pieces using a selection of Røde microphones, including NT5 matched pair cardioid condensers, M1 dynamics and M2 cardioids. Vocals and voiceovers are recorded over a pair of Røde K2 large diaphragm condensers. The microphones are interfaced to the studio via a 20-input patch bay that is then connected to a Yamaha O1R-96i 40-channel digital console.
Cubase 10 Pro DAW recording, sequencing, arranging and post-editing control can be conducted from the Steinberg CC121 advanced integrated controller connected to the O1R-96i console. ‘I particularly like the integration controller knob as it negates the need for mouse control,’ confirmed head of music Gareth Ansell. Additionally, up to eight channels of mic preamps are available for the musicians from the controls of the rack-mounted Audient ASP800. The control room is furnished with a customised desk and Yamaha HS5I monitors, while the live room is fitted with Primacoustic Voxguard portable acoustic screens for optimising the vocal quality.
‘It’s a functional space rather than a showpiece,’ furthered Mr Ansell. ‘Although the students using the studio are below GCSE and A-level age, they are starting to become increasingly confident as singers, musicians or indeed budding engineers. In addition to working on projects, we will conduct promotional materials here rather than off-site. It’s a relatively simple setup, but it’s not too dissimilar from a professional one. The Cubase computer-based recording platform produces a fast workflow and is very intuitive for today’s students.’
‘Having discussed the music department’s requirements, we have implemented a studio setup that perfectly fits the space,’ added Thomsun Trading project manager Ragesh. ‘We designed and built the desk to not only fit the recess wall, but integrated the O1V-96i console in a location where it can be operated within the reach of young students.’
