The ProTools HD 2 Accel system - supplied with 192 I/O,192 AD and DA expansion cards, Sync I/O, DigiSnake cables plus a G5 Apple Mac - has been installed into west London-based Studio Y, which Islam co-owns with producer Martin Terefe (KT Tunstall, A-Ha) and who is assisting him on the new album.
Engineer and studio manager Kelly Pribble has a long-established relationship with FX which meant that they were his first choice when it came to purchasing the Pro Tools rig. "I've built up a strong relationship with them over the years, and I know they're very experienced when it comes to selling ProTools systems," he says. "The fact that they're open 24/7 was also very important, as it goes beyond just buying a rig from a dealer. FX can provide spares or even a complete unit if this one needs servicing. It was a wise move to buy from them because the service I'm getting is unbeatable; the fact that they know the industry and how it works is second to none."
Owning a ProTools rig means Islam is now fully compatible with other setups wherever he chooses to work - which includes recording sessions in LA as well as at other London studios.
(Lee Baldock)
