Australian National University unveils ‘state-of-the-art’ studio

The Australian National University (ANU) School of Music has opened a new recording studio that it says is the cornerstone of its vision to become the world’s leading 21st century music school.

According to the ANU, the new studio will give Australian musicians and bands access to a world-class facility with equipment on a par with some of the great recording studios, including Abbey Road in London and Ocean Way in Los Angeles.

The studio was made possible through the work of the School’s Music Technology Convenor Associate Professor Samantha Bennett. Professor Bennett received funding from the ANU to install a new AMS Neve console and revamp the outdated studio. The 48-channel Genesys desk is the largest of its kind in Australia, and will allow for flexible analogue, digital and hybrid recordings.

“The creative research and educational value is huge. Recording opportunities will underpin all of our majors especially in the delivery of our new undergraduate Composition for Film and Video Game Major, as well as being an invaluable resource for postgraduate students and researchers,” Professor Bennett said. “The new studio and console will also be able handle full orchestral recordings, with more than 100 new lines linked to the nearby concert venue Llewellyn Hall."

Head of the ANU School of Music, Professor Kenneth Lampl, believes the new facility will be the training ground for the next generation of young music artists and researchers in Australia.

He stated: “This new recording studio provides students a unique 21st century musical experience by creating a vibrant intersection between performance, composition and technology, nurturing the values of creativity, excellence and entrepreneurship."

Mark Opitz, a Visiting Fellow at the School and a multi-ARIA award-winning record producer, said he is impressed with the new equipment. "The School has built a world-class recording facility capable of recording the most intimate solo performance up to a large scale orchestras,” Opitz commented. "This bodes well for all students choosing to study any genre of music at ANU.”

Staff and students will be able to use the new recording studio from June this year. 

Picture: Mark Opitz in the new studio (credit: Stuart Hay, ANU)

http://www.adu.edu.au