Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Studio33:3 was conceived to carry forward the legacy of worship leader Sarah Jannae Rijfkogel, and has chosen SSL’s Duality console and Genelec Smart Active Monitoring to assist its mission.
Pastors Sam and Brenda Rijfkogel, the studio’s creators, were inspired by the life and legacy of their daughter, Sarah, to open a studio where Christian artists and worship leaders could develop worship music for immersive listening. ‘With Apple Music making Spatial Audio the default listening experience, we wanted to equip our clients to translate the energy of a live worship set or their studio session into immersive mixes that fully surround the listener,’ says Executive Studio Director, Drew McElhenny.
Designed Haverstick Designs – also responsible for Polyphia founder Tim Henson’s W6rst Studios with Genelec Active Monitors – and with equipment integration by Vintage King, the studio boasts a 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos mixing environment with Genelec Smart Active Monitors integrated using Genelec’s GLM calibration software.
‘We knew Atmos was no longer optional, it was the future,’ McElhenny says. ‘And Genelec’s system gave us the consistency, flexibility and accuracy we needed to make that future real. The GLM system was a game-changer in dialling in the room to sound just right.’
Studio33:3 combines spiritual purpose with world-class design, including an SSL Duality mixing console and 10.5 miles of hand-installed cabling in a stunning, acoustically optimised facility with design contributions from Simplified Acoustics and Acoustic Fulfillment. The immersive system employs 8350A monitors for LCR, 8340A monitors for surrounds and height channels, a 7382A subwoofer and a 9320A Reference Controller. Finished in white to complement the studio’s minimalist aesthetic, the system’s full-range monitors and a triple 15-inch subwoofer ensure the room not only sounds phenomenal but is visually striking.
‘We’ve been absolutely thrilled with the Genelec system,’ McElhenny says. ‘From the first playback, the clear imaging, detail, and low-end extension stood out. Every guest we’ve brought through the studio has had the same “wow” moment.
‘Studio33:3 opens its doors to artists, churches, and creatives seeking world-class audio production in an atmosphere defined by excellence, compassion, and lasting influence, and Genelec is an essential part of that vision,’ he closes.
More: www.genelec.com