Eight years after opening its doors, Chris da Graça’s JavaJam Studio has taken delivery of an Audient ASP8024 Heritage Edition – the first of the enhanced, large-format consoles from Audient to be installed in Benelux.
Based in the small Burgundian town of Oudewater, da Graça describes JavaJam as ‘a well-run, popular professional recording studio and theatre space’ – one that previously used the more compact ASP4816 mixing desk. ‘We were very happy with the ASP4816, but we needed the extra channels,’ he reports.
Assisted by Audient’s Benelux distributor, Pro Media Connect, the upgrade includes the cabling required to accommodate extra input channels and direct outputs. And adding the Dual Layer Control (DLC) option, ensures da Graça has a range of DAW control features at his fingertips: ‘I used to use the ASP4816 with MC Mix from Avid, but with the Heritage DLC, all the control is completely integrated in the desk, and I really like that,’ he explains. ‘One click on the DLC and you can switch between Logic and Pro Tools.’
The Retro Iron output card on the new Heritage console has also made an impression, providing subtle Low Bump and High Lift Mix EQ and for more spacious mixes: ‘The tonal shaping options and John Hardy Co 990C Mix Bus amplifiers allow many possible routes while mixing,’ says da Graça.
‘I love the whole concept of Audient,’ he continues. ‘Great sounding, beautiful products that are still affordable. There is no real competition in this price range at this quality. The desk itself is well finished and has a clear and simple layout. The walnut finish gives an extra special touch, and even the vintage vu meter is very useful, as well as looking the part. Furthermore the great-sounding preamps, functional EQ and speed of working on the desk make it a pleasure to work with.’
JavaJam clients include local bands, solo musicians, choirs and other projects: ‘We do lots of pre-production recording work and some full album projects where the Audient mic preamps come in very handy indeed.’
Together with the Audient mic preamps and a comprehensive collection of outboard gear, da Graça draws on his own musical background to help him connect with and understand his customers. ‘My father played jazz guitar and my mother and sister piano. I wanted to be a drummer – specifically Ringo Starr. I ended up learning to play guitar, starting on an old pre-WW2 Resonator Dobro and progressing to playing in various bands.’
The coming months see JavaJam continuing to be busy: ‘The talented Amsterdam band The Loot will be here, plus Aemstelbeat and Seyl & Treyl. We also have sessions planned with a jazz trio, and a solo bass guitar,’ So it seems da Graça has found his balance; working in a relaxed and professional environment with others, he’s happy. ‘I can serve both my own creativity and those of my customers,’ da Graça says.
