Constructed in rocker Alice Cooper’s former house in 2008, Canyon Hut Recording Studio has recently acquired and installed an API 1608 mixing console.
According to co-owner Tim Hutton, picking a fully analogue all-discrete console was an easy decision once he heard the 1608: ‘I knew it had to feel “right” in my gut,’ he says. ‘I tested many, and most of them were fairly linear. The 1608 was the only console that was un-darkened, incredibly warm and all embracing. Its design is flawless and I felt right at home when I first sat down and started tracking.’
Hutton is a songwriter, producer and bassist, and co-owns the Canyon Hut with his brother, Dash. The brothers were born into a musical family, as their father, Danny Hutton, was a founding member of classic rock band Three Dog Night. Touring as children with the group, Tim and Dash were able to interact with influential musicians such as Brian Wilson, Van Dyke Parks, Glen Campbell and America. After attending the Hamilton Music Academy and later touring with his band, the Telacasters, Tim started to record and produce tracks for some of his friends’ bands. The recording hobby later turned into a full-time gig, and Tim knew he needed to find a professional soundboard.
‘Things really took off at that point,’ he says. ‘I decided I needed the best console. I was already very happy with my API 554s and 525s, so I decided to test the 1608. I was floored. It was exactly what I needed, wanted, and demanded to make the Canyon Hut one of the best studios in Los Angeles.’
Two famous studios were the inspiration for Canyon Hut’s ‘2001 meets the 1950s’ design, with the control room situated so that it looks down into the live room, similar to Abbey Road and Motown. Canyon Hut’s live room also shares dimensions close to those of Motown. The studio offers an extensive microphone selection, a 1959 B3 Hammond organ and a 1929 Parlor grand piano. Canyon Hut’s past clients include Film School, TS and The Past Haunts, Three Dog Night and HB Surround Sound.
‘I really want the world to know that we are a one-stop shop. We can engineer, produce, mix, play, sing, whatever the record needs, all with the best gear – the 1608.’
More: www.apiaudio.com
More: www.myspace.com/canyonhut
