New console to be flagship facility for advanced degree program
GUILDFORD, UK – The Academy of Contemporary Music, a three-building complex located in Guildford, UK with satellite academies in the United States, South Africa and Italy, has purchased a 24-channel Solid State Logic Duality SE console for its advanced degree program.
The school, founded over fifteen years ago and accredited by Guildford College, Middlesex University and Surrey University, offers degree programs in everything from music production and performance to music business and sound design for new media. The new SSL Studio with Duality will be the flagship facility for the entire franchise.
“The Duality is the best technology out there, it’s the latest kit and that is what we need for our new studio,” says Antony Greaves, head of audio production for the Academy of Contemporary Music. “The Academy here in Guildford has 1,200 full-time and 300 part-time students and all of our studio-based lectures for a degree will be in the SSL Studio classroom. Students will have dedicated lectures on how to use all of the functions on the desk and also will be able to use the studio for their own projects. We believe Duality will be an excellent teaching platform.”
The Academy of Contemporary Music differs from more traditional music academies because of its focus on rock and pop music, and its vocational approach to teaching. It offers diploma, higher diploma, bachelor of arts and masters degree programs and is constantly looking to upgrade its facilities to stay current. The SSL Studio with Duality is the latest example of offering the very best experience for its students.
”Duality is a combination of traditional analogue signal flow with DAW control, so we can offer all aspects of modern recording from one room,” continues Greaves. “Because of Duality’s analogue roots, we can teach the fundamentals of signal routing and that knowledge will apply to any console in the world, helping our students gain employment. Duality also allows us to address newer technology and production methods through its comprehensive DAW control. Combined with Total Recall™ and automation, Duality gives us the tools to keep our students very current while giving them a strong fundamental audio backbone to work from.”
The SSL Studio, the ninth studio at the Guilford location, is purpose-built around Duality for the production degree program. The choice of outboard gear is designed to give students experience with different sonic colors. The primary signal path of mic pre, EQ and dynamics on Duality offers industry standard sound quality. As a teaching platform, Duality gives students the opportunity to understand the nature of good sound, while the SSL pedigree gives the Academy a leg up on the competition.
“Part of the justification in procuring Duality is the marketing advantage it gives us,” states Greaves. “We have a lot of students looking to work on an advanced console. Having the absolute latest technology and a better version of what our competitors offer is a huge advantage to us. Duality is by far the best product out there and that works to help us attract and keep students.”
Solid State Logic is the world’s leading manufacturer of analogue and digital audio consoles and provider of creative tools for music, broadcast and post production professionals. For more information about our award-winning products, please visit: www.solidstatelogic.com.
