Studio Spotlight: Sphere Studios, London

Audio Pro International’s latest instalment of our Studio Spotlight, produced in association with AllStudios, moves to central London’s Sphere Studios…

Open since 2001, Sphere Studios is a complex of high-end recording, mixing and project studios situated in central London, just a few minutes from Battersea Bridge. With ample parking and easy access to Battersea Heliport and Clapham Junction mainline station, the complex incorporates extensive ISDN and broadband transmission services and also has a large communal lounge and bar area.

Sphere offers three control rooms dedicated to tracklaying and stereo/5.1 surround mixing, all with full sound-to-picture facilities. Studio One houses a 72 channel Neve 88R, HD Pro Tools with Prism interfaces, a Studer 827 and Clasp interface and a collection of new and vintage outboard including a Fairchild 670 and Pultec EQP-1A3s. The live area can hold up to 35 musicians and has several adjoining booths.

Studio Two has an SSL 4060G+ console at its core. A/D conversion in Studio Two is also Prism but there is a separate Print Rig which has a Lavry Gold front end which runs at 96kHz.

Meanwhile, Studio Three is now available for long term let as a mix/overdub suite much like Sphere's smaller production rooms. Chief engineer Francesco Cameli told AllStudios: "At Sphere, we are on a constant quest to offer the best of what is available when it comes to equipment and service. We believe constant mutation for the better is the key to prolonged longevity. Over the years Sphere has invested heavily in the best new and vintage ouboard as well as building up one of the most impressive microphone collections in Europe. Recent purchases include eight Neve 1093s, two 1073s, two 1084s, a pair of CL1-Bs, not to mention a fourth drum kit, and two new snares."