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Dappy – Forthcoming album ‘Bad Intentions’ recorded at Angelic Studios and Fisher Lane Studios

Bad Intentions

Dappy has spent his time recording his forthcoming debut solo album ‘Bad Intentions’ at two of our residential studios, Angelic and Fisher Lane. Both set in leafy suburbs on the out skirts of London.

Here is the music video for the first single ‘Good Intentions’

Album due to be released in October 2012.

Jake Bugg – Forthcoming Album mixed by Mike Crossey at Motor Museum

The hotly tipped Jake Bugg, had his EP and forthcoming album mixed by Mike Crossey at the Motor Museum, Liverpool. Both his EP and album are heavily influenced by the likes of The Beatles, Bob Dylan and The Gallagher brothers. Jake found his fan base through BBC introducing and shortly signed with Mercury Records.

‘Lightning Bolt’

Expect to see his album on the shelves in mid October 2012.

Two Door Cinema Club – New Album ‘Beacon’, mixed by Mike Crossey at The Motor Museum

The Northern Irish trio, Two Door Cinema Club are back with their second album, ‘Beacon’. Mixed by our very own Mike Crossey at The Motor Museum, Liverpool.

This album is a clear progression of maturity, moving away from the ‘tinkly’ guitars of their debut and experimenting with 80’s inspired synths, M83-type production and New Order style electronic textures and disco rhythms . Get ready to put your dancing shoes on.

Here is an album teaser:

‘Beacon’ was released on September 3rd

Brand New SSL XPanda console at 123 Studios, Shoreditch

123 Studios in Shoreditch has acquired a brand new SSL Xpanda console, meaning you can now have up to 40 channels of SSL on mix down.

Taken from www.kmraudio.com/…

Building on the success of the highly acclaimed X-Desk, ‘X-Panda’ is a new small format analogue mixer aimed at project studio owners and it packs a versatile feature set into its compact frame. As a standalone product it serves as a high quality 24 input mixer that can be used for tracking (in conjunction with external mic pres) or master mix summing. In conjunction with an SSL X-Desk, X-Panda introduces 24 additional channels, which via the ‘X-Desk Link’ connection, feed directly into the X-Desk Master Buss, Cue and Aux Send/Return system. In conjunction with an X-Rack summing system fitted with a Master Module, X-Panda adds faders and additional inputs to create a versatile mixer. X-Panda can also be used with any other mixer to expand available channel count.

X-Panda provides 8 mono channels (each with Main and Alt inputs giving 16 mono inputs) and 4 stereo channels, giving a total of 24 channels at mix down. All channels feature an input Level Trim with a centre détente at Unity Gain, tri-colour signal indicator LEDs, Phase Invert, an Insert and a Direct Channel Output (which can be switched post fader). Each channel has a Stereo Cue section with dedicated Level and Pan controls. When tracking this is traditionally used to create a monitor feed to the Stereo Cue Buss Output but on mono channels Alt buttons flip the Stereo Cue section controls to adjusting the Alt input Level & Pan for mix down. Each channel features independent FX1 and FX2 send level controls (globally switched Pre/Post fader). Self illuminated heavy duty Solo and Cut buttons, Pan/Balance controls and precision 100mm faders complete the channel strip.

-Panda features a stereo Mix Buss, Stereo Cue Buss and Solo Buss. When linked to an X-Desk using the ‘X-Desk Link’ connection, the X-Panda Mix Buss and Stereo Cue Buss feed into the respective Busses on the X-Desk. The Solo systems are also linked so that Soloing any channel mutes all other channels on all Linked units. Similarly when an X-Panda is Linked to an X-Desk with a Master Module fitted the Mix, Cue and Solo Busses are also Linked. It is possible to cascade up to 8 X-Desk and X-Panda units using the ‘X-Desk Link’ system, enabling very high channel count systems to be configured.

When used as a standalone product the X-Panda main Mix Buss and FX Busses are set to sum at unity gain enabling it to act as a summing mixer without the need for Master Level controls.

Key Features

• Highly versatile compact analogue mixer with SSL SuperAnalogue™ benchmark audio quality
• 24 Ch Expander for X-Desk or any other analogue mixer
• Adds long throw 100mm faders and 24 Ch Inputs to an X-Rack summing system
• Stand alone 24 input summing mixer
• 8 mono fader channels with main and Alt inputs giving 16 mono inputs
• 4 stereo fader channels with Stereo Inserts and Stereo Direct Outputs
• Stereo Cue, and FX1 & FX2 mono Aux send controls
• Heavy duty self illuminated Solo/cut Switches
• Compact desktop design with removable 19” rack ears
• Rear panel connections via DB25 D-Sub

Click here for the full 123 Studios Equipment spec.

Introducing the Incredible Karma Sound Studios, Thailand

With London 2012 wrapped up and assigned to the history books it is time to turn our attention to another part of the world entirely, and so this month we are pleased to be launching the very special Karma Sound Studios in Thailand.

Karma Sound is a breathtaking studio paradise set in the heart of Thailand’s Chonburi province, which is only an hour and a half drive south of Bangkok. It comprises two studios – a state of the art SSL recording and mixing facility and a smaller writing / production suite.

Studio 1 offers 1,000 square meters of recording space split between a large day-lit live room, three isolation areas and a vocal booth. Here you have a huge variety of acoustic options available thanks to a high ceiling, a combination of padded, wooden and stone walls, and the ability to split the main live room into two by using its large glass sliding doors.

The spacious control room is centred around a SSL 4056 E/G+ console that used to belong to UB40. It features Pro Tools HD3, Genelec monitoring and a good choice of outboard.

Also on site is Studio 2 – a smaller writing, overdubbing and mixing/mastering space. It has a comfortable control room and its live space is perfectly suited to recording vocals and guitars.

Find out everything you need to know on both studios at Karma by visiting www.miloco.co.uk/studios/karma-sound-studios/studio-overview/.

Click the following link to view the full Karma Sound equipment specification.

The Karma Sound Residential

The accommodation at Karma Sound takes luxury to a new level. This 6-bedroom villa boasts a contemporary, minimalistic Thai chic throughout, which creates light and airy spaces for clients to relax and unwind in. Five of the guest rooms have an en suite and four have balconies overlooking the private swimming pool, the outdoor barbecue and dining area and the large tropical gardens that bask in sunshine.

Also on site are a massage room, small gym and private bar for guests, as well as access to TVs, DVDs, game consoles and a table tennis table. The beautiful local beach and other amenities are only a short walk away in the sleepy fishing town of Bang Saray.

Find out much more on the Karma Sound residential facilities by clicking here. You can view a gallery of the accommodation here.

What they are saying about Karma…

“The studio had exactly the same mixing desk as we’ve got at home, and it was less expensive to go there, food, all-in, everything included, than it was to carry on in England and sit in miserable British February drizzle!” – Jay Kay, Jamiroquai

“Amazing Studio….Truly Paradise!” – Enter Shikari

“..Best Studio EVER!” – Bullet For My Valentine

“We’re delighted to be working with Miloco and proud to be represented by them. As a Miloco client when I’m hiring studios in the UK, I know the level of professionalism they adopt matches the unique and special environment and facilities we’ve created at Karma. For bands or artists wanting to get way from the ‘real world’ and record away from the distraction of city life, Karma, I think, is second to none in vibe – at least that’s what our clients tell us!”- Chris Craker (Producer and Karma Sound Studios owner).

To find out everything you need to know about Karma Sound Studios, including information on equipment, floorplans, the residential, image galleries, Chris Craker, location and much more, visit www.miloco.co.uk/karmasound.

For all bookings enquiries, call the Miloco office on +44 (0) 207 232 0008 or email bookings@miloco.co.uk

Win a 4-day Session at La Chapelle Studios, Belgium

Here is some exciting news on the chance for you to win a 4-day session at the brilliant La Chapelle studio in the Belgian Ardennes, to celebrate their fast-approaching 1000th booking.

To enter the competition, all you have to do is simply click through to La Chapelle’s Facebook page and upload a video of one of your songs. You then need to get your fans to vote – the video with the most votes as counted on the 21st September will win 4 days in this amazing recording studio.

La Chapelle is a high end facility that boasts of one of the biggest recording rooms in Europe, a large control room and several isolated booths. The recording room is big enough to record a symphony orchestra but also tight and compact enough to handle rock, pop or jazz music. Clients have use of a charming 5-bedroom farmhouse surrounded by the stunning views of the Ardennes region.

To enter the La Chapelle 1000th Session competition, please click here.

To find out more on La Chapelle, please click here.

Long-term Let Room Available in Hornsey

A recently refurbished long-term let studio is becoming available in our Hornsey complex in North London. This is a great space for writers, producers and musicians, and consists of a daylit control room and booth.

The studio also benefits from having air-conditioning, 24 hour access and monitored alarm system. The complex contains shared amenities including a kitchen and rec room.

If you are interesting in this great dry-hire space in North London, contact the office on +44 (0)207 232 0008 or email bookings@miloco.co.uk. You can also find out more on the studio by clicking here.

Introducing the all-new Drumdrops

Miloco is excited to announce a brand new partnership with Drumdrops, the internationally renowned drum sample library founded by producer Mike Pelanconi. Having teamed up to launch a new and improved Drumdrops website and download store, we have set out to build the pre-eminent rhythmic resource for producers – over 300 dedicated multitrack drum tracks across a number of acclaimed albums spanning dub, disco, funk, rock and a host of other genres.

Drumdrops is now the one-stop online shop for crate-digging sample fiends hunting for killer loops, through to primetime producers looking for the best multi-tracked drums money can buy…

The Brand New Drumdrops Website

Months have been spent developing a brand new, powerful and intuitive Drumdrops website that puts you the user fully in control. Every single drum track we have produced is now available to download on a track-by-track basis direct from the Drumdrops site in a number of formats or you can purchase as albums. Flexibility is the key. As well as introducing three of four new albums, the entire catalogue has been fully remastered meaning those tracks sound even better.

We have also introduced the innovative ‘Drumdrops Audition’ feature. Upload your track, search the entire Drumdrops library by genre or tempo, and then play Drumdrops loops alongside your own work to see what works best. Click to view our full series of drum beats here: http://drumdrops.com/downloads

Visit the Audition Feature here: http://drumdrops.com/downloads/audition

At Drumdrops, Quality is Key

The sheer quality of Drumdrops’ recordings is one of the main reasons why this library is a breed apart. The tracks are played to perfection on vintage Sonor, Ludwig and Gretsch kits by some of the best drummers in the business, amongst them reggae greats Style Scott and Horseman, Nasser Bouzida from the cult Blow Up recording stable, Jan Kincaid of Brand New Heavies fame, and London-based session drummer Tim Weller.

All tracks are available as fully downloadable multi-tracks offering supreme flexibility for your own productions – you’ll be given total control at your fingertips. Many of the titles in the series offer additional formats such as stem files that are perfect for getting the drums into a mix quickly, or, if you are a laptop supremo looking for the ultimate breaks and beats, import loops straight into your DAW and get jamming.

Everything is recorded on vintage Neve, API, Helios or Focusrite consoles with Pultec and Lang EQs, Neve, Pye and Fairchild compressors alongside some other classic esoteric outboard, plus a veritable arsenal of vintage AKG, Neumann and Telefunken mics. It is all recorded to 2” tape for a 100% pure analogue production.

Find out more on our Products, Formats and Recording Specs here: http://drumdrops.com/about.html

Expert Tips from the Drumdrops Pros.

There is an entire section on the new Drumdrops website dedicated to providing customers with invaluable drum sampling tips. Written by a selection of the expert engineers who work on Drumdrops’ titles, you can read useful advice on recording and mixing drum tracks, dub mixing, digital editing and looping techniques, as well as key information on time stretching and tempo warping.

You can visit the Tips section to the website by clicking here: www.drumdrops.com/tips.html

Find out why this hugely acclaimed sample library has attracted artists, producers and song writers from around the world, including UNKLE, Manu Chao, Lilly Allen, Hans Zimmer, Guy Chambers, Stephen Street, Chris Potter, Mark ‘Spike’ Stent and many more, by clicking the following link: www.drumdrops.com/downloads

Lloyd Webber’s ‘Superstar’ search comes to Miloco’s Osea Island

Anyone who flicked through the terrestrial channels on Sunday night (8 July) may have noticed that weekend family TV has reached a whole new level of greatness by coming to one of Miloco’s luxury studios. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s search for the next Jesus Christ Superstar, as documented on the ITV show, ‘Superstar’, has landed on Osea Island, Miloco’s exclusive retreat off the coast of Essex.

This is great stuff. ‘Jesus Bootcamp’ is being broadcasted from the beautiful shores of Osea, re-dubbed ‘Superstar Island’ for the purposes of the programme, even if Lord Lloyd Webber himself momentarily forgot the pseudonym at 3:35 in, one of many highlights which also include:

a) One contestant’s remark on Osea’s isolated position in the Blackwater Estuary; “Ironically, the only way we seem to be able to get off this island is to actually walk across water”
b) The look on Lloyd Webber’s face at 25:36 when a participant desecrates one of his famous melodies with an inexplicable attempt at beatbox.

Taking part at ‘Jesus Bootcamp’ is clearly not for the fainthearted. Several Christ hopefuls found this out in merciless fashion, amongst them: an extremely vain Aberdonian guy called Ross, a man who once acted the role of Simba in the West End production ‘The Lion King’, and Jonathan Ansell from G4 who is accused of making the lyrics ‘orange trees’, “smell like farts” by one especially cordial acting coach named Donna.

Also starring: Melanie “I’m not sure Andrew will see the funny side to this” Chisholm, Jason “I like the idea of having fun” Donovan, and Amanda “his eyes are bloodshot and he has red wine stains on his lips” Holden.

If this interests you at all you can catch up with the latest episode of ‘Superstar’, filmed on Osea Island on ITV Player for a limited time only: http://www.itv.com/itvplayer/video/?Filter=320795.

www.miloco.co.uk/oseaisland

Pro Tools and Backline upgrades in The Engine Room, The Bridge and East Point Studios.

The good news from our main HQ building in London SE1 is that we’ve been on a healthy equipment splurge in both The Engine Room and The Bridge and continue to enhance both studios’ specs further.

Firstly, we have installed the super fast Pro Tools HDX in The Engine Room and East Point Studio. Avid’s groundbreaking system provides faster and higher quality ways to record, mix and edit with more tracks, more headroom and up to 5x more dedicated DSP power. It means our both these fantastic mixing studios are now running the latest cutting edge technology. Initial impressions are that it makes an amazing difference; it’s very fast and running Pro Tools now is a breeze. Over the coming months we shall be upgrading all of our rigs to HDX. Check it out at www.miloco.co.uk/engineroom and www.miloco.co.uk/oseaisland.

Next door in The Bridge, our newly refurbished and luxurious writing studio, we have added all sorts of new toys to the spec. Firstly we have purchased the Avid Pro Tools HD 16×16 I/O, the absolute highest quality Pro Tools HD Series audio interface. We have also added a beautiful Fender Rhodes 73 Mark II Stage Piano, a Vox AC30 amplifier and a fantastic selection of guitars: 1960s Epiphone Sorrento, 1968 Fender Mustang, 1970s Fender Stratocaster and a 1969 Fender Telecaster. Enjoy! www.miloco.co.uk/bridge.