The move is certain to be seen as adventurous in the current climate and watched with interest by senior industry figures. The studio industry has been in a state of flux for a couple of years with a change in the way records have been made, resulting in a number of mid to large studios closing. Metropolis created studio E, one of the world’s first purpose-built music surround mix rooms in 1996 and was the first major studio complex to embrace the ProTools revolution in the early 90s. The Group was also unique in offering ProTools workstations for every session with Prism converters included in their standard rates.
Metropolis Group’s Head of Technical John Goldstraw, who constructed the studios with Chairman Carey Taylor, said: "We recognized early that the multi-channel music format was only waiting for a commercial carrier. These now being available [SACD, DVD-A, DVD-V] guarantees the success of this art-form in music."
The new XL will form the core of studio E, Metropolis’ premier stereo and 5.1 surround mix and overdub room, which boasts past artists such as Robbie Williams, Westlife, New Order and Slipknot to name a few. Studio A has been the scene of some of the finest recording sessions in Metropolis history, perhaps most notably George Michael’s ‘Listen Without Prejudice’ album and Queen’s swan-song album ‘Inuendo’. The extensive refurbishment and enhancement of both the control room and live areas, installation of the SSL 9000 J, coupled with a huge selection of outboard equipment and the ability to transfer recall information from studio A to E, is sure to stand Studio A well in the coming year.
(Ruth Rossington)
