Among the largest independent television studio complexes in the UK, Maidstone Studios has installed a Calrec modular Type R mixing console.
‘We recently invested in a 12-fader Calrec Type R setup with 16 channels of AES I/O, as part of a number of upgrades to the Sound Gallery for our 12,000sq-ft Studio 1,’ confirms studio Technical Manager, David Treywin.
The studio is known for hosting a variety of popular light entertainment shows, live sports coverage, film and eSports events, including TV shows Catchphrase, Blankety Blank, Family Fortunes and Alan Partridge.
Other notable shows previously shot at Maidstone include Later... with Jools Holland, Jools’ Annual Hootenanny and Take Me Out, as well as children’s favourites Mister Maker and Let’s Play for CBeebies.
‘The Type R was chosen for the Grams position, and has so far been used for a range of light entertainment productions including music and game shows,’ Treywin says. ‘The flexibility the desk provides is invaluable. In a facility where no two productions are the same, the degree that the operators can tailor the desk to their individual preferences is a major plus point.
‘Being able to recall custom soft panel layouts and surface configurations on a show-by-show basis saves rig time, and puts the functions the operators need easily at hand, whilst the ability to add additional hardware at a later date will allow us to easily tailor the facilities to meet any future needs.’
Treywin attributes Maidstone’s choice of the Calrec Type R to a combination of factors. These include his own experience with Calrec desks in the past, as well as the positive feedback received from several other audio professionals, when asked about their preferred brand of broadcast audio console.
‘I’ve been familiar with the Calrec brand and their consoles for a number of years, having worked previously in a facility with a number of different Calrec desks – from the Calrec C and T series, through to the Apollo and Summa desks,’ Treywin says. ‘Having sought the advice of a number of Sound Supervisors as to their preferences before deciding on a particular product, the Type R came out as being the Grams desk of choice.
‘It’s important to have the products that the operational staff are familiar with and happy using,’ he adds. ‘We had a site visit from Calrec and a demonstration of the desk, so could see itwould be ideal for our requirements.’
The desk was supplied by Synthax Audio UK, Calrec’s UK and Ireleand distributor for the Brio and Type R consoles. ‘Synthax Audio are very proud that the Calrec Type R has been chosen once again as a grams mixer,’ says Synthax UK Broadcast Sales Manager, Simon Roome. ‘I am sure that the flexible nature of the Type R will fit very well in such a busy studio as Maidstone Studio 1.’
‘Our Type R consoles are proving very successful across a range of broadcast and radio applications,’ says Calrec International Sales Manager, Anthony Harrison. ‘We’re glad Type R is also finding success as the grams desk of choice for high-profile entertainment facilities. This is testament to the desk’s inherent configurability, unmatched flexibility and sheer usability. We’re delighted to welcome Maidstone Studios to our growing list of Type R users via our UK partner, Synthax Audio.’
More: www.synthax.co.uk/calrec
