Dub Studio uses both digital and analogue gear, because we believe a studio needs both to provide the optimum in quality, versatility and value for money for our clients. We use analogue gear for character and attitude, and digital gear for transparency and accuracy. See below for details of the kit we use and why we use it.

Dynamics is performed in the analogue domain with a Millennia TCL-2, one of the finest and purest valve processors around, and in the digital domain we use the Algorithmix LP SplitComp, an extrememly versatile, beautiful sounding, and above all transparent split band compressor/limiter. For EQing we use the very best in digital processing from Algorithmix, their PEQ Red is world renowned for its excellent sweetness and quality. We also have a number of other digital EQs available from Sonnox and Sonalksis. Adding a bit of character to the mix we have the Cranesong HEDD 192, which is great for adding measurable amounts of harmonic enhancement. More details coming soon...

After years of using Pro Tools to handle the complex demands of mastering for digital and analogue, we found we needed a more dedicated mastering system, which could not only handle present mastering standards, but was also a future-proof solution for high definition standards.

Pyramix is the most advanced solution available, so we tried it out and it hasn't left the studio since - sounds amazing and is a dream to use. We still run Pro Tools and Logic with each DAW handling separate tasks.

We have a best-of-both approach when it comes to the equipment we use in the studio - analogue and digital processors, whether hardware and software, have their strengths and weaknesses, so we have no prejudice when deciding which to use - quality and ease of use are the only deciding factors. The biggest challenge was how to link it all together.

We found the perfect answer in the UK-based company Crookwood. Our custom built Crookwood M1 console is the brain behind the studio, seamlessly connecting up all the gear and providing the ultimate in routing and monitoring control.

Good converters are essential both for monitoring and accurate transfer. We need to hear exactly what we are doing, and we also need to preserve the integrity of the signal when inserting analogue gear, so we chose the Cranesong HEDD 192 for the analogue inserts, and Crookwood converters for monitoring and recording with the cutting lathe. Once in the analogue domain, the signal is then sent to a Pass Labs X5 for monitoring on a pair of Lipinski L-505s, and for cutting we use a Bryston 3B ST.

We rigorously test all the equipment we use to ensure we get maximum quality and straight forward functionality at every step. This ensures a super smooth work flow - so we can spend as much time on each track as possible. We believe this approach gives us a winning formula when it comes to providing excellent quality and value for money. All the hard work we have done since we started back in 2003 has paid off, and we are now working with some of the biggest and most exciting names in the business.

Whether you are new to the music scene or a seasoned veteran we will try and meet your mastering needs, and we are always happy to discuss any aspect of the mastering process - from the simple query to the nuts and bolts.