Control Room A in Spectrum Recording Studios
August 14, 2014 will mark the thirtieth anniversary of James Kalamasz founding Spectrum Recording Studios in Pompano Beach, FL. Over the years, the long-running facility has hosted names both big and small, all the while adapting to the changing times.
Some of the notables who’s come through the doors of Spectrum Recording include Juan Luis Guerra, The Four Tops, Clarence Clemons of The E Street Band, Dion DiMucci, Lorrie Morgan, Ronnie Milsap, Juice Newton, and The Doors of the 21st Century, among others.
Spectrum’s facilities include a Ross Alexander/Synergetics-designed 4,500-square-foot recording space that was built from the ground up in 1993. The resulting studio features two control rooms, four ISO booths and a musicians’ lounge. The control rooms are geared-up with Avid Pro Tools HD systems, vintage outboard units and an extensive mic locker, while the live room features numerous keyboards, including a grand piano, a Eric Clapton/George Terry Leslie and a classic 77-key Fender Rhodes.
Key to the studio’s longevity has been Kalamasz’s own music. “The chance to write music for Parry Music Library, ABACO Music Library and Sonic Quiver over the years has helped us keep the studio a viable facility even in these difficult economic times,” he said.
Writing that music library work shouldn’t be dismissed either—thanks to it, you’ve heard Spectrum’s recordings many times, in movies like Wedding Crashers and Halloween 4; sporting events like the NFL on FOX and the NHL Playoffs; comedies like SNL, Everbody Hates Chris and Full House; and a wide range of dramas—everything from The A Team to Desperate Housewives. And that’s just a drop in the bucket. In all, Kalamasz has recorded and written or co-written nearly 400 published works at Spectrum.
With three decades under the studio’s belt, Kalamasz is glad to look back, but has no intention of slowing down. “Except for a few minor bumps in the road, it has been a productive and interesting experience,” he said, looking forward: “Life goes on.”
Spectrum Recording Studios
spectrumrecording.net
