A recently completed upgrade of the flagship Studio A at Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne, IN includes the addition of a customized, 32-input Rupert Neve Designs 5088 analog mixing console loaded with 5052 mic preamp & inductor EQ and 5051 inductor EQ & compressor modules.
“Having a tactile experience means that we can grab an EQ or fader and stay focused on the music and the creative process,” says Sweetwater Studios producer/engineer Shawn Dealey. “Most people associate digital with convenience but this analog workflow actually makes mixes come together much faster. The sheer musicality of the console makes our job much easier and more enjoyable, and the results more meaningful for the artists that we work with.”
The staff also took the opportunity to upgrade the entire wiring infrastructure of the facility, including new wall plates as well as new mic, line speaker and instrument cabling from Pontiac, MI-based JUMPERZ AUDIO. “This allows us to create a streamlined workflow to access and connect all our spaces and equipment in Studios A, B and C,” Dealey explains. “Utilizing Avid MTRX converters in all three rooms gives us unrivaled connectivity and expansion. This was a great opportunity to evolve how we do things at Sweetwater Studios. By having all of our most inspirational pieces of equipment seamlessly integrated, we can focus entirely on making music with the finest possible ingredients at hand.”
With additional upgrades on the way, including a Dolby ATMOS 9.1.4 system in Studio B for immersive audio production, Sweetwater Studios continues to grow its production capabilities, Dealey concludes. “We believe in the power of music, and understand how important the feel of the studio is to the creative process. Given that, we’re always looking towards the horizon of how we can make the studios more welcoming, creative, and comfortable for the artists that we love to work with.”
