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Metropolis Studios Tour - This Building Once Powered London's Trams - Now It Powers Its Music

Produce Like A Pro via YouTube

Overview

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Explore the legendary Metropolis Studios in London through an in-depth studio tour that reveals how a Victorian-era power station built in 1901 transformed into one of the world's most prestigious recording facilities. Meet Chief Engineer Paul Norris and discover the technical excellence behind three world-class studios, starting with Studio C's upgraded SSL console, hybrid recording workflow combining tape and digital systems, and extensive collection of vintage outboard gear including Summit EQs, Neve preamps, CL1As, AMS reverbs, and EMT plates. Tour Studio A with its SSL J console and restored Fairchild 670, examine the stunning live room featuring a Fazioli grand piano and unique stone chamber for drum recording, then visit Studio B where Mark Ronson mixed Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black" album. Discover an impressive microphone collection spanning U47s, Royers, Coles, and rare periscope mics, while learning about the facility's comprehensive tech department that maintains and repairs vintage equipment. Experience the UK's premier Dolby Atmos mixing room with Mike Hillier, featuring an 11.1.8 Neumann speaker system designed for immersive audio production and spatial formats. Gain insights into the careers of industry professionals, from runners to chief engineers, and understand how Metropolis maintains its artist-first philosophy while preserving the heritage of William Curtis Green's architectural masterpiece that once powered London's tram system.

Syllabus

00:00 – Welcome to Metropolis Studios
00:55 – Meeting Paul Norris
02:00 – Inside Studio C
03:45 – Instruments & Production Setup
05:00 – Hybrid Recording Workflow
07:00 – Outboard & SSL Mix Bus Options
09:30 – Gear Highlights
12:00 – Tech Department
13:15 – Studio A Overview
16:00 – Analogue Character
18:00 – Control Room Gear
18:45 – The Live Room & Fazioli Piano
20:00 – Stone Room & Drum Sound
22:00 – Artist Lounge
23:00 – Studio B Tour
24:30 – Studio B Gear
25:30 – Live Room & Yamaha C7
27:00 – Mic Collection Tour
31:00 – Ribbons & Classics
34:00 – Power House History
35:30 – Dolby Atmos Studio
36:30 – Immersive Audio Setup
38:00 – The Future of Immersive Audio
40:00 – Atmos Mix Playback
41:30 – Stem Delivery Challenges
43:00 – Mike Hillier’s Story
45:30 – Paul Norris’ Journey
47:00 – The Role of Assistants
48:00 – The Spirit of Metropolis
51:00 – Heritage & Service
52:00 – Power House Legacy
54:00 – Closing Thoughts

Taught by

Produce Like A Pro

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