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11/7/2008

Responding to a flood of requests, LA Sound Gallery has opened its doors on a new room that can handle orchestral recording for up to 65 pieces. The centerpiece of the studio is a 72-channel Solid State Logic Duality console that delivers the sound quality and signal processing of the legendary 9000 K Series while providing the integrated control of a DAW. Academy Award nominated engineer Dan Wallin experienced a flawless performance by the Duality for the hit TV series “Fringe” in the studio’s first session. 

 

“I purchased the Duality and had no place to put it,” confesses Matt Salazar, co-owner of LA Sound Gallery. “I have a smaller studio with an SSL G Series, but once I saw the capabilities of the Duality, I decided to build a whole new room rather than simply upgrade the smaller room. The folks at SSL informed us that the old Enterprise Studios – formerly Evergreen Studios – were now available, so we jumped in and configured the studio to accommodate the Duality.” 

The mission of the studio evolved as well, as Salazar’s history is with rock and pop music recording. “We’ve really gone to great lengths to make sure this room would work for an orchestra. We purchased a generous amount of outboard gear and a huge selection of mics of all types that will appeal to both orchestral and pop clients. Because of the size of the recording room, over 4,000 square feet, we immediately started getting requests from clients producing film and TV, starting with a session with Dan Wallin for the hit TV show “Fringe”.” 

Wallin, notes, “We recently completed a session with a 32-piece orchestra on the Duality. It was immediately apparent that the functionality and sound quality of this console are very desirable for recording an orchestra. The session went flawlessly. Duality has all the nuance of the 9000 K, while delivering a warm sound that works well with acoustic instruments. Recording is all about sound and the Duality sounds great. I’m looking forward to coming back for another session.” 

Salazar likes the ergonomic layout of the Duality, especially the focus of the center control panel. In the past, Salazar related, he would be on his feet reaching over to the ends of the console and making adjustments. With the Duality, he can instantly reassign the channel strips or address any function while staying at the center of the console and, therefore, the center of the sound field. 

“The Duality is an analogue console with a lot of digital control and therein lies the reason this console is so appropriate for both tracking a group and capturing an orchestra,” says Salazar. “I literally select the channels or functions I want from the center section and I only hit one button and I’m there.  In the past, performers would be waiting while we hit every button on the console, every bus switch or every EQ. I can do that now in two seconds. Dealing with a 30 or 40 piece orchestra where everyone is just so on makes the session a high stress experience. One of the most important things is that the technical side of the session needs to happen right away. With Duality, I can just call up things very quickly. Duality just works. I think with this console you can provide the creative atmosphere for both pop/rock-type recording as well as orchestra. Duality – the console lives up to its name.” 

“SSL has always led the industry through innovation, functionality and, of course, sound quality,” says Phil Wagner, president of Solid State Logic, Inc.  “The Duality is our next generation console that marries our legendary analogue traditions with the digital workstation revolution, yielding an enhanced recording experience for engineers and artists from both worlds. We are very excited that LA Sound Gallery has purchased a Duality, and that reknowned engineers such as Dan Wallin are enjoying the console.”

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