HHB Communications Ltd. has supplied dBs Music with an API 1608 console and the latest Pro Tools HDX systems for its new Higher Education Facility in Bristol, UK.
The new dBs Music premises recently opened on St Thomas Street, Bristol to cater for a range of recently launched Higher Education Degree pathways in Sound Engineering, Music Production and Game Audio. The new facility features five studios, music ICT classrooms and a lecture theatre that will provide music production training for students across the West of England. dBs Music is also an authorised training centre for Ableton, Apple Logic and Avid Pro Tools.
¨HHB has been a long-term supplier to dBs Music and recently supplied a package of music technology equipment that includes an API 1608 analogue recording consoles with 17 motorised faders fitted with moving fader automation, Avid Pro Tools HDX systems, two sets of SSL XDesk controllers with UAD Apollo and Avid Artist controllers and various outboard processors from Universal Audio and Warm Audio. This is in addition to a Genelec 5.1 monitoring system and video projectors, a comprehensive set of microphones and accessories and synthesisers from Korg, Dave Smith, Moog and Arturia.
¨The API 1608 is the first console of its kind to be installed in a UK educational facility and will be used with the latest Pro Tools HDX hardware and version 11 software. dBs Music wanted to install a premier analogue mixing console in the main studios and after considering the main contenders, decided on the API 1608. A key feature was that the mixer, in addition to being used for analogue tracking and mixing, had to provide remote control of DAW faders. The 1608 was specified with API P-Mix moving fader automation, which can switch between control channel gain and DAW control.
The installation of the API 1608 allows dBs Music’s students to enrol in the API Visionary Scholarship Program, an international education scheme open to any student studying at a facility that has an API console installed.
Ben Philcox, Centre Manager for the new HE facility, comments: “We are thrilled to bring such a ground-breaking facility to Bristol, that offers both state-of-the-art studio technology with student focussed learning environments that encourage higher level creativity and academic progression. The focal point of the facility is Studio 3, which offers the UK’s only API 1608 recording console in education. This brings unparalleled tracking capability to music production training and students will literally be learning on the best. We’re also really excited about the API scholarship, which all our students now have an opportunity to apply for.”
HHB Educational Sales Manager Andrew Hingley comments: “The API 1608 console installed at dBs Music Bristol elevates the studio to a truly world-class standard, and its students now have the enviable opportunity to learn their craft on the best modern mixing console available. The 1608 console combined with Pro Tools represents the pinnacle of modern audio recording technology and dBs is the only facility of its kind in the UK to offer these facilities.”
“The students can’t get enough of this desk! The straight forward recording workflow coupled with world class pre’s & EQ have made it an instant hit.” Chris Littlewood, Tutor BA Music Production & Sound Engineering
“This API 1608 is quick and easy to use as well as sounding warm, clean and exciting” Kris Burton, Underworld/Tutor FdA Music and Sound Production
“We tracked and mixed some drum recordings through this desk with staggering results. A truly exceptional piece of pro audio equipment which I feel very lucky to have bee given the opportunity to use” Ben Philcox, centre Manager (dBs Music HE, Bristol)/Tutor, Music Production & Sound Engineering.
“I was a little scared of using this desk as it looked quite complicated but I soon got used to the functionality and definitely noticed a difference in the quality of recording and mixing when using it” Student, BA Music Production & Sound Engineering.
Contact Andrew Hingley on [email protected] or +44 (0)20 8962 5000.
www.dbsmusic.co.uk
Editor’s Information:
HHB Communications Limited
Founded in 1976 and located in London, HHB Communications is a global leader in the supply of professional audio technology. Serving in the broadcast, recording and media production sectors, HHB’s unique expertise is also recognised by major manufacturers and innovators, many of which have appointed the company as exclusive distributors of their products. The specialist division, Scrub serves the needs of the television and film post production industry from premises in the heart of London’s Soho.
