UK-based Super Audio Mastering is the first studio in Europe to takedelivery of an ATR analog mastering deck with Aria Reference SeriesClass-A discrete electronics by David Hill. Equipped for playback inboth 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch stereo and full track mono formats, theATR/Aria machine was custom-modified and remanufactured by MichaelSpitz of ATR Services in York, Pa.
Pictured: Super Audio Mastering’s owner/chief engineer SimonHeyworth and his new ATR/Aria
Heyworth confesses that he invested in the ATR/Aria deck withoutever having heard a live, in-person demonstration of its capabilities.“I knew of Mike Spitz’s history with Ampex, and I wasfamiliar with Dave Hill’s electronics design,” he says.“Also, I had heard the Rolling Stones SACD reissues, which camefrom Aria transfers, so I expected it would be absolutely spot-on. AndI was right.”
Super Audio Mastering is housed in a round stonebuilding—originally built as part of a farmhouse complex in the1860s—located near the village of Chagford in Devon.“Thestone walls are two feet thick and mounted on bedrock, so nothingreally moves,” Heyworth notes, “except themusic!”
For more information on Super Audio Mastering, visit www.superaudiomastering.com. Additional informationon the ATR can be found at www.atrservice.com.
