University of Wolverhampton with SSL AWS 948

SSL console chosen for new Performance Hub – to attract students and commercial clients

The Walsall Campus of the University of Wolverhampton recently completed building a new, multi-million pound performing arts centre, The Performance Hub, with a Solid State Logic AWS 948 chosen for the centerpiece recording studio.

The Performance Hub integrates the music, dance and drama teaching provision – along with related technical support – into one building. The AWS provides the university with a platform that allows students to experience traditional analogue workflow and DAW control within one studio room, saving on construction costs.

“The main idea behind The Performance Hub was to bring absolute cutting-edge technology to the facilities, covering all aspects of expression for the performance arts,” says Andrew Lowe, music technician for the University of Wolverhampton, Walsall Campus. “While we looked at other consoles for our main recording studio, it was immediately apparent that the AWS was in a different league than the competition. The console has a quality sound that you can’t get anywhere else. When you run a file that has been primarily coded in the box through the AWS, it has more depth and clarity, and that was a big part of the attraction. Audio simply sounds better using the AWS.”

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The University offers an innovative Bachelors of Arts degree in Music Technology intended for aspiring, creative users learning an advanced range of music technology skills for creating and producing sound in a variety of contexts. Graduates typically find employment as studio engineers, producers, film, TV and game sound designers with a strong background in studio recording techniques, music production, music for multimedia as well as live sound engineering. The AWS is a necessary tool for this programme because it bridges the gap between contemporary in-the-box recording techniques many students are already aware of and crafting sound through high-end analogue electronics.

“Being able to teach proper analogue recording techniques is extremely important for our students,” explains Lowe. “With a strong background in analogue signal flow, our students gain an understanding of what good sound is and how to create that sound. However, having the flexibility to offer analogue signal flow combined with control of our Pro Tools® system from one console surface is spot on. The AWS allows us to maximize the educational experience from one studio and, in these days of strict budget considerations, being able to accomplish what we need from one control room is very valuable. The AWS gives us both learning and space utilization efficiency.”

Another important aspect the AWS brings along is the market appeal gained through owning an SSL console.

“While the primary focus for us is educational, down the line we will attract external income by renting the studio out during quiet periods to commercial clients,” says Lowe. “We have contacts with popular international artists and several have said that when their schedules allow they are going to drop in. Having a facility that will be on par with what they would expect in a professional recording studio is obviously quite important for us. The AWS gives us that professional recognition.”

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