Located just outside Glasgow, Chem19 Studios is run by independent Scottish record label Chemikal Underground and owned by engineer / producer Paul Savage, who recently won ‘Breakthrough Producer 2010’ at this year’s MPG Awards (see pic above).
Studio manager Emma Pollock told us a bit about the background and specification of the studios, ‘Chem19 first opened in 1997, however, a recent change of premises brought about a complete rebuild, from the ground up, which has resulted in two custom-built, professionally designed and equipped studios, with bright and airy rooms that greatly benefit from natural daylight.
‘Studio One offers a high-ceilinged, 42sq m live room, large enough to accommodate all manner of instruments, choirs and orchestral ensembles, as well as a generously sized vocal booth and two amp booths. The standard set-up in the control room centres around Pro Tools HD2 running through a 66 channel Amek Einstein desk but, every now and again, we dust off the Otari 24 track 2″ tape machine for those who remain committed to analogue. Outboard gear includes a Universal Audio 6176, Manley Massive Passive EQ and Empirical Labs Distressor, amongst other notable names (equipment list here.)
‘Studio Two has a slightly smaller (30sq m) live room, used mainly for overdub recording. It’s a great choice for demo artists or budget-conscious bands but can also partner up with Studio One for bigger sessions as both studios use the same Pro Tools HD2 set-up making file transfers between the two rooms easy and efficient. Both studios’ live rooms contain a Brodmann acoustic piano and we have a varied and extensive mic collection, including Neumann, Coles and Schoeps models, which is available for shared use between the studios.’
Past clients at Chem19 include Chemikal Underground signings Mogwai, The Delgados and Arab Strap. These have been more recently complemented by an impressive cross-section of current talent from Franz Ferdinand, Calvin Harris, King Creosote and Camera Obscura to Twilight Sad and Teenage Fanclub.
For more information on Chem19 Studios please email them or check their website. (May 2010)
