The Edge recording studio upgrades

The Edge Recording Studio has recently undergone a series of significant upgrades, enhancing both the quality and scope of its audio recording capabilities. The studio has introduced new professional equipment, including the TG500 mic preamp, LA500A Opto Compressor, and FC500A Fet Compressor, alongside the Moog Grandmother and Behringer Monopoly analogue synthesisers. Additionally, we've installed a new switch for the air conditioning to minimise noise interference and added a new rug for a better studio vibe. Further improvements include the acquisition of more mic stands, high-quality mic and guitar cables, and the innovative Kaotica Eyeball pop filter. 

JLM TG500 Microphone Pre-Amplifier 

The JLMTG500 is a 2 FET 6 transistor Class A design giving 75dB of gain. It is based on early NEVE, BBC, EMI gear simple transistor gain stages fully redesigned to include heaps of extra useful features.  While the device isn't a direct clone of an EMI TG, its tonal qualities are comparable. It offers a richer, smoother sound with enhanced clarity in the low mid-range compared to a Neve 1073. This distinction in sound profile emphasises its unique character while acknowledging its roots in classic audio design. It is the go-to pre for Electric Guitars. If you want old school tone all over your recording that will gel it together without turning everything to mud this is the one. 

JLM LA500 Compressor 

The LA500A Opto Compressor is an adaptation of the classic LA3A/LA2A compressors, redesigned for the API500 series. It retains the distinctive compression characteristics of its predecessors but adds variable ratios (5:1 to 10:1) and a high-pass filter with settings for FLAT, 100Hz, and 200Hz. This allows greater control over low-end compression, ensuring a balanced sound. The revamped audio path boosts signal-to-noise and headroom while maintaining clarity and warmth. Versatile and user-friendly, the LA500 excels in various settings, from tracking to stereo bus duty, delivering exceptional performance even at extreme settings. 

JLM FC500A Compressor 

The FC500A Fet Compressor reinvents the iconic 1176LN compressor for the API500 series. The new A version introduces a Pull high gain on the input pot for simplified compression settings and extends the Sidechain High-Pass Filter (HPF) to 500Hz. A unique feature is the 2nd Harmonic boost, activated by pulling out the Output pot, paying homage to the original 1176 types A & B. 

While preserving the classic audio characteristics and deep compression of its predecessors, the FC500A offers a variable ratio from 3:1 to 20:1 and an HPF range from 10 to 500Hz, allowing for precise low-end control. The Fet component's constant temperature heating ensures stability, and its advanced linking system enables easy pairing of multiple units. 

The FC500A also functions as a medium-level mic preamp with a 45dB gain path and has been redesigned for better signal-to-noise ratio and headroom, maintaining clarity and warmth. This makes it versatile for both tracking and stereo bus duties. Designed to excel even under extreme settings, the FC500A ensures superior sound quality in various recording environment 

Moog Grandmother Synthesiser 

The Moog Grandmother synthesiser blends classic elements from the 60s and 70s with modern innovations, all within a fully analogue framework. At its core are two analogue oscillators, providing a solid base for sound synthesis. Additionally, it features a unique third analogue oscillator that functions as an LFO, offering a range from 0.1Hz to 1.3kHz for diverse sound modulation. The sound shaping capabilities are further enhanced by a versatile 4-Pole ladder filter and a patchable high-pass filter. Its analogue ADSR and KB Release Envelope Generator give users precise control over sound dynamics. The 32-key Fatar keyboard, along with pitch and modulation wheels, an arpeggiator, a sequencer, and octave controls, make for a responsive and comprehensive interface. The Grandmother also includes velocity expression, a hardware spring reverb for added effects, and a variety of external control options like DIN MIDI and USB MIDI, making it a highly versatile tool for the studio.  

Behringer Monopoly Synthesiser 

The Behringer Monopoly is a synthesiser that marries vintage charm with modern capabilities. At its core are four analogue voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), offering a rich and diverse sonic range. Its design is both polyphonic and paraphonic, supporting modes like mono, unison, and polyphony, adding layers of versatility to its use. 

The keyboard boasts 37 semi-weighted, full-size keys with velocity sensitivity, ensuring an expressive and tactile playing experience. Faithfully reproducing circuits from the 1980s, the Monopoly channels the spirit of classic analogue synthesis while incorporating a host of contemporary features. These include dual analogue low-frequency oscillators (LFOs) with various waveform options, a resonant 24 dB filter, dedicated ADSR envelope generators, and a multitude of input/output options for extensive connectivity. The Behringer Monopoly stands out as a synthesiser that offers both nostalgic analogue warmth and the precision of modern sound design 

New studio peripherals!  

More mic stands, top-quality microphone and guitar cables, and the innovative Kaotica Eyeball pop filter. The Kaotica Eyeball is a unique, sphere-shaped filter that effectively isolates the microphone from ambient noise, enhancing vocal clarity and reducing unwanted pops and hisses, making it a valuable addition to our recording setup.  

No more air conditioning noise!  

A low-mode switch for the air conditioning system has been added, which is a game-changer for recording clarity. This makes the AC noise inaudible, a significant benefit when recording with condenser microphones. Condenser mics are highly sensitive and are capable of picking up subtle nuances in sound, including unwanted noise like AC hum.  This improvement is particularly beneficial for capturing the detailed frequencies of vocals and acoustic instruments.  

Supporting The Edge Recording Studio into the future

We hope these upgrades support The Edge recording studio in creating a space that's both functional as well as welcoming and creatively inspiring. Stay tuned for more upgrades in the future! 

If you are interested in learning more about the studio or want to connect with other audio creatives, there is a free Audio At The Edge meet-up that takes place on the first Wednesday of each month at 6 pm.  (January 2024 excluded due to Christmas holidays)