Just west of Austin, Pedernales Country Club was originally purchased by Willie Nelson in 1979 and opened as a studio in 1981.
After a number of years in non-operation, Nelson decided to bring the studio back to life, and the end result was the installation of a 40-input 5088 console from Rupert Neve Designs.
Chief engineer Steve Chadie has worked with the studio since 1995. “The initial discussion about the 5088 was brought up by Buddy Cannon, Willie’s producer. He knew someone in Nashville that suggested we contact Rupert Neve Designs, since they are right there close to us in Wimberley, and the rest is history.”
The modular console is made up of 24 mono input modules with Rupert Neve Designs’ Shelford 5052 mic preamp / EQs for each, plus 8 stereo input modules flanked with Portico 5043 compressors, with another 8x 5043s above the master section.
“24 mic preamps are plenty for recording Willie and his band – and the 8 stereo faders at the end act as a 16-channel summing system. With so many people working in the box these days it just seemed like the thing to do,” says Chadie.
“I love the sound of this console. It’s clear and punchy with highs that aren’t crispy, but pleasant and smooth. And I like the fact that the EQ is based on different classic Neve pres coupled with modern design and mega headroom,” Chadie continues. “I worked on an 8024 for close to 20 years at Pedernales, so grabbing the EQ on the 5052 is comfortably familiar – all the benefits without all those scratchy pots.”
“This board is built like a tank, I can patch from anywhere to anywhere, there’s headroom to boot, and I have yet to distort a pre or a channel. Plus, Josh and Martin and really everyone over at RND have been super helpful and accommodating. It’s great having them just 30 miles away – and come to think of it, I still owe them some BBQ…”
