Electrical Audio is a recording facility founded in Chicago, Illinois by musician and recording engineer Steve Albini in 1997.[1] Hundreds of independent music projects have been recorded there. Unlike most producers, Albini refused to take any royalties from musicians who record at the studio.[2]
Founded during an era of increasing popularity for digital recording, Electrical Audio was unusual for using only analog recording technology, including mixing consoles, tape recorders and many outboard sound effects.[citation needed] The rooms are also designed to offer natural reverberation rather than adding the quality in post-production.[citation needed]
In a 2007 post on the studio's message board,[3] the studio's technician Greg Norman revealed that the studio had acquired a Pro Tools rig for computer-aided recording and editing, saying it had become "as important to have as a piano". Norman also went on to write that Albini, who disliked digital recording, "won't be recording with [Pro Tools]. So don't ask him about it."[4]
Studio layout
editThe facility was built by gutting an existing building and customizing the space to Albini's specifications, including walls made of adobe bricks shipped from New Mexico.[5] Electrical Audio comprises two separate studios, A and B.
Studio A
editStudio A is the larger of the two studios and has three separate performance rooms. Center Field is the largest at 1,200 square feet (110 m2), Alcatraz is a 'dry environment' room and Kentucky is a brighter live room with improved low frequency linearity. The control room runs a 48 channel Neotek Elite console and can accommodate up to 132 inputs.[1]
Studio B
editStudio B is the smaller of the two studios with an 800 square feet (74 m2) live room and a 300 square feet (28 m2) isolation room. The control room runs a 36 input Neotek Series II console.[1]
See also
edit- List of Steve Albini's recording projects, many of which were recorded at Electrical Audio
References
edit- ^ a b c Tingen, Paul (September 2005). "Steve Albini: Sound Engineer Extraordinaire". Sound On Sound. SOS Publications Group. Retrieved 23 February 2022.
- ^ "From 1994: Steve Albini and the Life of the Iconoclast".
- ^ EA Forums: Pro Tools and Digital Performer at Electrical
- ^ Electrical Audio – Equipment
- ^ Haines, Garrett (November 2004). "Bill Skibbe & Jessica Ruffins: Behind the Gear with Key Club Recording Company". Tape Op. Tape Op. p. 22. Retrieved 23 February 2022.
