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Soul Studios is located in Matangi, Hamilton, New Zealand and is run by (me) Matt Bentley, an accomplished mastering engineer and mixer (apparently!). It is a digital studio, preferring to focus on an in the box approach to soundwork. The Pro Audio FAQ explains the preference.
Click on one of the categories below to read more.
Soul Studios uses the Steve Slate Virtual Console (see FAQ as to why this is a better solution than an outboard console), along with Izotope Ozone and Alloy plugins, and a variety of effects in pretty much every category you can name. Tracktion is the host of choice, but projects can be exported to pro tools, cubase, logic audio and many other formats, if desired.
Mics include modified Rode NTK's (U87-equivalent sound though slightly brighter), both stock and modified Octava MC012's, shure SM58's and a variety of drum and miscellaneous mics.
All audio is recorded into a state-of-the-art Black Lion Audio 896HD with their custom-built MK2 wordclock (similar to, but better sound quality, than an Apogee Rosetta). All recordings are done at 24-bit 96khz. The setup can record 16 mono tracks at once (or 8 stereo tracks) and process unlimited tracks at once.
Mastering and monitoring speakers are a combination of Ultimate Isotronic 7000's and Acoustics of Finland AF-2's.
For any further questions, please contact.
Soul Studios has a portable high-quality 8-input 24bit 96khz recording setup, featuring a MOTU Ultralite, laptop and many microphones. You will be charged the same hourly recording rate as usual (see services page), but this will also include pack/unpack & travel time (there and back), and set up time.
Over the past few years I have had the need to call upon the excellent services offered by Matt Bentley at Soul Studios. Matt has provided me with remarkable technical expertise, professional service and the support and encouragement to realise my musical aspirations.
Not being a natural musician or singer, Matt has facilitated the production of some songs I have been absolutely delighted with. With only a tune and some lyrics he has composed and produced music totally in keeping with the context for which it was created. That he assisted and heartened me to perservere with singing the songs was a testimony to his qualities as a teacher.
Matt is a patient and supportive musical teacher; his professionalism as a producer is underpinned by his passion for sonic perfection. Many times the hours spent on my compositions far exceeded that which he charged me for. His passion for musical perfection being the reason for this.
I have found my experience with Matt an incredibly positive one. That the songs he manufactured for me from almost nothing have been so positively received by the public who have heard them, speaks volumes for his professionalism and passion for musical production.
I have been highly impressed with the recording I have done at Soul Studios. Matt Bentley delivers excellent quality work and I would highly recommend Soul Studios to anyone looking for top quality composition and recording. The end results are fabulous.
I'm Matt Bentley, the sole proprietor and engineer in Soul Studios (cue cheesy grin). I've been recording since 1994, mixing since 1997, and mastering since 2001. I'm a composer too! In the years following 2001 I've produced music in most genres- yodelling being the exception. I am quite big on transferring old records to CD for future preservation of music, and have an interest in sound theory and hearing... here's a photo of me looking suitably profound:
I may be able to source talent for you if you need a particular instrument played as part of your recording, usually I prefer if you source those people yourself though. I may be able to provide you with contacts to people who can help.
Here are some people who may be able to help you: