Sony Music Studios, one of Japan’s premier recording facilities, has installed a 72-channel Neve 88RS analogue recording console in its five-studio complex.

The large-format analogue console replaces an Avid System 5. Despite the trend for digital consoles in this kind of environment, replacing the Avid console with a wholly analogue console was a conscious choice by chief engineer Koji Suzuki and the team.

The 88RS is designed for greater flexibility in surround mixing and together with what AMS Neve describes as ‘superior aural quality and longevity’, provides the perfect solution for the studios.

“The original concept for Studio 5 was for surround format mixing,” stated Suzuki. “Back in 2001 when the studios were first established, it was easier for us to handle surround formats with a digital console, so we chose the Avid System 5. After 15 years, the console became difficult to maintain and so we made the decision to replace it.

“Although there are operational advantages to a digital console, the Neve 88RS is timeless and durable, and its attraction does not depend on technical specification or trend,” he continued. “As a matter of fact, the three 88R consoles in our Studios 1 to 3 have been used for over 15 years, and moreover they will continue to be used for much longer.”

https://ams-neve.com/