Based just outside Plymouth city centre, Devon, our air conditioned three room Recording & Rehearsal facility offers high quality service at a very competitive price.
Owned & operated by Tim Brooks & Alex Malric-Smith
Owned & operated by Tim Brooks & Alex Malric-Smith
Previous Clients include
Crazy Arm
Brotherhood of the Lake Jill Cole Castor Troy Bearfight! F.T.O | The King Blues
Flood of Red Steve Strong The Blowouts Less Than Me Luke Scott Dumper |
Recording
The Vocal Booth
We aim to build a good working relationship with our clients as, not only do we believe the recording process should be fun, but by it gives us a better ability to tailor the end product more towards your expectations.
Our average Bespoke Recording rate is £15 Per Hour.
Production and Mastering are both charged at £12.50 Per Hour.
Our All Inclusive Packages:
Demo:
4x "Live" Studio tracks with vocal overdubs & up to 8 hours Production/mastering** FOR ONLY £117!* (with this package you qualify for discounted CD manufacturing)
Basic:
21 Hours (3 Days) Recording time, Production, Mastering & 50 CDs, Full colour Printed in PVC wallets. £468* Deluxe: 42 Hours (2 x 3 Days) Recording time, Production, Mastering & 50 CDs, Full colour Printed in jewel cases. £745* |  |
If you would like to make a booking please take a look at our calendar and contact page
Engineer Biographies
Dan Couch
Despite his particular enthusiasm for extreme Metal and Punk music he has a wide range of musical tastes and the ability to work within any genre, recently working with the Black Metal/Thrash band Holodomor as well as the Hip-Hop artists J Man and Gramma K.
Dan’s keen interest in unorthodox recording methods such as location recording and tape recording for a creative lo-fi sound quality means he is always open to suggestions in relation to experimental recording techniques.
Dan is currently studying for an Fda in Audio and Music Production at Deep Blue Sound Music college in Plymouth and holds distinctions in music and music technology B-tecs respectively as well as Pro Tools 101 and 110. He plays in Grindcore band Chemical Tomb and is a regular fixture in all aspects of the Plymouth underground music scene for recording and production to booking and performance.
Dan’s keen interest in unorthodox recording methods such as location recording and tape recording for a creative lo-fi sound quality means he is always open to suggestions in relation to experimental recording techniques.
Dan is currently studying for an Fda in Audio and Music Production at Deep Blue Sound Music college in Plymouth and holds distinctions in music and music technology B-tecs respectively as well as Pro Tools 101 and 110. He plays in Grindcore band Chemical Tomb and is a regular fixture in all aspects of the Plymouth underground music scene for recording and production to booking and performance.
Alex Malric-Smith
Alex has been working in Plymouth’s music industry since 2002, as a both live and studio engineer. An ex-student of Deep blue sound he has worked in most live rock venues in Plymouth either as a resident or freelance; holding residencies in Voodoo Lounge, the Phoenix, the Skiving Scholar and the White Rabbit.
Since establishing The Studio in 2010 with business partner Tim Brooks, Alex has been happily working in all genres of music from pop and show tunes to hip-hop and rock. He is also employed as a sound operator for Royal Caribbean cruises, where he runs a team involved in the implementation and engineering of on board sound design.
Alex has worked with many bands such as Grave, Trap Them, Rotten Sound, Crazy Arm, Human Cull, Brotherhood of the Lake, Flood of Red, Castor Troy, Ishmael, Chemical tomb, Deez Nuts, The King Blues, The Skints, The Blowouts, Russel Can’t Drive, Kate McGill, Carpet face & Audible and many more.
Since establishing The Studio in 2010 with business partner Tim Brooks, Alex has been happily working in all genres of music from pop and show tunes to hip-hop and rock. He is also employed as a sound operator for Royal Caribbean cruises, where he runs a team involved in the implementation and engineering of on board sound design.
Alex has worked with many bands such as Grave, Trap Them, Rotten Sound, Crazy Arm, Human Cull, Brotherhood of the Lake, Flood of Red, Castor Troy, Ishmael, Chemical tomb, Deez Nuts, The King Blues, The Skints, The Blowouts, Russel Can’t Drive, Kate McGill, Carpet face & Audible and many more.
Rehearsals
'Hold Fast' The Main Room
We Have Two Rehearsal rooms, one for Bands and one for individual musicians
The Main Room:
Fully Air conditioned, acoustically treated and big enough for up to a 6 piece band; this is the perfect rehearsal space. A P.A system, a drum kit and all the microphones and cables you need are included. We do ask that you bring your own Cymbals and Snare for the drum Kit.
£7.50 Per Hour *
£25.00 Per 4 hour session *
The Main Room:
Fully Air conditioned, acoustically treated and big enough for up to a 6 piece band; this is the perfect rehearsal space. A P.A system, a drum kit and all the microphones and cables you need are included. We do ask that you bring your own Cymbals and Snare for the drum Kit.
£7.50 Per Hour *
£25.00 Per 4 hour session *
The Individual Room:
If you play a loud acoustic instrument such as a Drum kit or a Trumpet, then you are most likely aware it the issues it can cause practicing at home, which is why we offer a low cost room for individual musicians. No frills, just an acoustically treated space for you to master your art (I say no frills but we do include the luxuries of a metronome and a music stand!). £10.00 for 2 hours. * If you would like to make a booking please take a look at our calendar and contact page |  The Drum Room |
Tuition
Drum Tuition By Tim Brooks
www.tim-brooks.co.uk
I've been teaching now for the past five years. Developing an approach tailored towards each student's aspirations and goals.
My style of teaching is an amalgamation of concepts taught at a speed relative to the student's progress.
I act as a personal Coach using material from a wide range of renowned teachers such as Bob Armstrong, Pete Riley, Fredie Gruber, John Riley, Mike Sturgis, Dom Famularo and Gary Chester.
I believe strongly that drumming is not just about theory, technique, reading etc. It's about playing! Getting behind the kit, being inspired by others and HAVING FUN!
Grades are taught if desired. Rockschool Debut - 8 & Guildhall 1-8
I teach days and weekday evenings, I will arrange teaching at times to suit your routines.
Please contact me to find out availability and to arrange the best time for you.
I teach beginners to advanced from 8 through to 50+. Generally a good age to start is 10-11, but it's never too late to start or refine your skills.
All I ask for in a student is focus and determination.
Student Jack Toy - Mapex Drummer of tomorrow Runner Up.
www.tim-brooks.co.uk
I've been teaching now for the past five years. Developing an approach tailored towards each student's aspirations and goals.
My style of teaching is an amalgamation of concepts taught at a speed relative to the student's progress.
I act as a personal Coach using material from a wide range of renowned teachers such as Bob Armstrong, Pete Riley, Fredie Gruber, John Riley, Mike Sturgis, Dom Famularo and Gary Chester.
I believe strongly that drumming is not just about theory, technique, reading etc. It's about playing! Getting behind the kit, being inspired by others and HAVING FUN!
Grades are taught if desired. Rockschool Debut - 8 & Guildhall 1-8
I teach days and weekday evenings, I will arrange teaching at times to suit your routines.
Please contact me to find out availability and to arrange the best time for you.
I teach beginners to advanced from 8 through to 50+. Generally a good age to start is 10-11, but it's never too late to start or refine your skills.
All I ask for in a student is focus and determination.
Student Jack Toy - Mapex Drummer of tomorrow Runner Up.
Vocal Tuition By Kat Savage
After attending The Academy of Contemporary Music, Kat has been actively involved in music ever since. Whether it was with writing her own music (Her originals project was taken into the hands of 'Ace' from Skunk Anansie and got to number 3 in the MTV new music charts), session work or gigging through many summers of festivals ( including Guildfest, Brighton Skate Festival, Lanhydrock and more) she is also involved with the ten piece soul band Joey the Lips and the Mama Stone's house band.
Whilst working towards her LAMDA acting diploma, Kat works with the artist development group at Mama Stone's, musical home of Devon soul singer Joss Stone, teaching young people about performance technique, writing their own material and vocal coaching. She also works with private students outside of the course and teaches in local Plymouth based schools ; teaching the kids about confidence and having a laugh through music. When shes not involved with music, you can find Kat curled up on the sofa with a good book, walking the dog or dancing in her kitchen!
After attending The Academy of Contemporary Music, Kat has been actively involved in music ever since. Whether it was with writing her own music (Her originals project was taken into the hands of 'Ace' from Skunk Anansie and got to number 3 in the MTV new music charts), session work or gigging through many summers of festivals ( including Guildfest, Brighton Skate Festival, Lanhydrock and more) she is also involved with the ten piece soul band Joey the Lips and the Mama Stone's house band.
Whilst working towards her LAMDA acting diploma, Kat works with the artist development group at Mama Stone's, musical home of Devon soul singer Joss Stone, teaching young people about performance technique, writing their own material and vocal coaching. She also works with private students outside of the course and teaches in local Plymouth based schools ; teaching the kids about confidence and having a laugh through music. When shes not involved with music, you can find Kat curled up on the sofa with a good book, walking the dog or dancing in her kitchen!
Manufacturing
We can provide high quality, low cost CD and Vinyl manufacturing through our affiliation with an off site plant. We are able to give quotes for small runs and we integrate CD manufacturing into some of our all in one packages.
Already got your music Printed?
Not a Problem, we can manufacture the cases for you!
The Equipment List
Microphones
Rode NT1-A - Large Diaphragm Condenser mic
2x sE 2200 - Fixed cardioid Large Diaphragm Condenser mics
sE Titan - transformerless, multi-pattern, Class A FET, condenser mic
sE Ribbon - single ‘Figure of 8’ polar pattern Ribbon mic
sE Icis - Large Diapragm, Valve mic
sE GM10 - acoustic guitar mic
2 x (Matched Pair) SE3 - Small diaphragm condenser mics
Sennheiser MD421 - Vintage Dynamic mic
2x (Matched Pair) Shure Sm57 - Dynamic mic
Shure Sm57
3x Shure Sm58 - Dynamic mic
Heil Fin - shock mounted, large diameter element dynamic mic
AKG D112 - Bass Reference Dynamic mic
ST1000 - X Y Capsule Stereo Condenser mic
CC-75 - Gooseneck Small Diaphragm Condenser
NJD 7 Piece Drum Mic Kit
Audio Technica MB/DK7 - 7 Piece Drum Mic Set
Audix F series Drum mics - F6, F5, 2x F3
2x sE 2200 - Fixed cardioid Large Diaphragm Condenser mics
sE Titan - transformerless, multi-pattern, Class A FET, condenser mic
sE Ribbon - single ‘Figure of 8’ polar pattern Ribbon mic
sE Icis - Large Diapragm, Valve mic
sE GM10 - acoustic guitar mic
2 x (Matched Pair) SE3 - Small diaphragm condenser mics
Sennheiser MD421 - Vintage Dynamic mic
2x (Matched Pair) Shure Sm57 - Dynamic mic
Shure Sm57
3x Shure Sm58 - Dynamic mic
Heil Fin - shock mounted, large diameter element dynamic mic
AKG D112 - Bass Reference Dynamic mic
ST1000 - X Y Capsule Stereo Condenser mic
CC-75 - Gooseneck Small Diaphragm Condenser
NJD 7 Piece Drum Mic Kit
Audio Technica MB/DK7 - 7 Piece Drum Mic Set
Audix F series Drum mics - F6, F5, 2x F3
Preamps
Focusrite OctoPre MK2
SMPro Pr8E
MIC2200 Ultragain Pro 2 Channel Valve Preamp
ULTRAVOICE DIGITAL VX2496
SMPro Pr8E
MIC2200 Ultragain Pro 2 Channel Valve Preamp
ULTRAVOICE DIGITAL VX2496
External Processing
TL Audio Fat-1 Valve Compressor
Alesis Midiverb
2x Alesis 3630 Dual Channel Compressor / Limiter
Pedals and Boxes:
Boss DS1
Boss DD7
Big Muff
Jim Dunlop Cry Baby Wah
Morley Classic Wah
Alesis Midiverb
2x Alesis 3630 Dual Channel Compressor / Limiter
Pedals and Boxes:
Boss DS1
Boss DD7
Big Muff
Jim Dunlop Cry Baby Wah
Morley Classic Wah
Monitoring
6x Sennheiser HD 201 Headphones
Smason Resolv120A Powered Subwoofer
Avantone Active Mixcube
2x Samson Rubicon R6A
2x Edirol MA-15D
JBL MSC1 - Monitoring Controller
POWERPLAY PRO-8 Headphone Distribution Amplifier
Smason Resolv120A Powered Subwoofer
Avantone Active Mixcube
2x Samson Rubicon R6A
2x Edirol MA-15D
JBL MSC1 - Monitoring Controller
POWERPLAY PRO-8 Headphone Distribution Amplifier
P.C
Custom built studio PC with external screen output to vocal booth for ADR and voice over
Software:
Pro Tools 9
Cubase 5
T Racks 3
Plug-ins from:
Sonnox
Oxford
Antares
Native Instruments
& Others
External Hardware:
MOTU 24 I/O - 24/24 AD/DA Converter
Acer tablet touchscreen interface
Software:
Pro Tools 9
Cubase 5
T Racks 3
Plug-ins from:
Sonnox
Oxford
Antares
Native Instruments
& Others
External Hardware:
MOTU 24 I/O - 24/24 AD/DA Converter
Acer tablet touchscreen interface
Tape
Philips EL 3558 - Stereo reel to reel
Akai 1720L - 4 Track reel to reel
Tascam Casette Portastudio
Akai 1720L - 4 Track reel to reel
Tascam Casette Portastudio
Miscellaneous
BTR 2000 - 19" Chromatic Tuner
sE Electronics Reflexion Filter
sE Electronics Reflexion Filter
Mods and Builds (Click for tutorials)
10" Extended range Subkick
6.5" Yamaha Subkick clone
MB57 modified for better low end response
Self built Orange distortion clone with Big muff Mod
6.5" Yamaha Subkick clone
MB57 modified for better low end response
Self built Orange distortion clone with Big muff Mod
Instruments and Amplifiers
Marshall MG series A guitar cab and head
Zoom modelling guitar combo amp
Ashdown Perfect ten Mini bass stack
Remo 5 piece Drum Kit
Zoom modelling guitar combo amp
Ashdown Perfect ten Mini bass stack
Remo 5 piece Drum Kit
Rehearsal Setup
Up to 9x EXM-1800s Dynamic Mics
Yamaha MG12/4FX Mixer
Pro Sound 400w Power Amp
2x Full Range AC Euro P.A Speaker Cabinets
Yamaha MG12/4FX Mixer
Pro Sound 400w Power Amp
2x Full Range AC Euro P.A Speaker Cabinets
* Prices accurate at time of publication (09/09/2011)
** To qualify for this package there must be no more than 4 instrumentalists in your band (e.g Drums, 2x Guitar & Bass) each extra instrument will incur a charge of £10. This offer is limited to 4 tracks or 7 hours recording time (whichever is fewer). A maximum of 8 hours Production and/or mastering will be given at the engineer's discretion.
** To qualify for this package there must be no more than 4 instrumentalists in your band (e.g Drums, 2x Guitar & Bass) each extra instrument will incur a charge of £10. This offer is limited to 4 tracks or 7 hours recording time (whichever is fewer). A maximum of 8 hours Production and/or mastering will be given at the engineer's discretion.
