Sweet Spot: Orb Recording Studios – Austin, TX
Ambitious in Austin.
No, that’s not a southern sequel to Sleepless in Seattle. It’s what’s going on all over the capital of the Lone Star State. There are new recording angles abounding here, in one of America’s most vibrant cultural cities. Its musical chops reverberate back to raucous beer halls circa the late 1800’s, then grew to cultivate generations of legendary artists, venues and festivals – SXSW anyone?
Thick in the middle of it all – and also just a comfortable step away — is Orb Recording Studios. There’s a pioneering attitude among audio pros in the area, where there is ample opportunity but an as-yet unproven reputation in recording, despite the area’s live music mastery.
A multidisciplinary practice in the Texas Hill country, Orb’s owners have an unusual – and killer – console/monitor combo, a notable live room, an eye for atmosphere and more. Clients like Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, Skrillex, Third Eye Blind, Pentatonix, and Benny Blanco, have already hopped on board just two years after the facility opened.
What are they doing so right, at just the right time? Read on to get the perspective from Charles Moon: Orb Studio Manager/Engineer.
“A ton of character:” An SSL G+ is the heart and soul of Orb.
Facility Name: Orb Recording Studios
Website: http://www.orbrecordingstudios.com
Location: Austin, Texas
Neighborhood Advantages: You get the best of both worlds. You get a city that everyone wants to be in but the studio is also just far enough outside of the city that you feel like there are no distractions and you can enjoy the scenes of the Texas Hill country.
When people come to Austin one of the things they discover that this is a city that is free of pretension and is full of good people, good food, and good vibes.
Austin Action: The activity is growing rapidly because of the growth of the city. Also with the scope of the world paying attention to Austin, tons of people are moving here and studio growth is going hand and hand with that.
Beyond that, musicians and establish artist are moving here as well. Artists love the vibe of the city and the need for studios is growing more and more. The opportunities are huge because there are not a lot of studios in operation in the city, but the challenge is getting people to view Austin as more than just the “Live Music Capital,” but as a place where records can be made and taken seriously.
SXSW has been a vessel for all of these artists to be exposed to the city first hand. Many artists would never have the opportunity to experience Austin if it wasn’t for the festival. Because of the showcase it introduced them to how beautiful the city’s culture is.
Date of Birth: January 1st 2014
Facility Focus: Tracking, Mixing, Composition, and Post.
Mission Statement: Orb Recording Studios is the brainchild of musicians who understand that the best art comes from the best environment. They know that to make great music, you need great surroundings – a combination of top-notch gear, comfortable work and lounge areas, a relaxing setting, and knowledgeable, capable staff who can work with artists of any level.
A place without distractions, yet accessible, where development is encouraged and prices aren’t prohibitive, but quality is never sacrificed and clients are treated with respect. A place where inspiration flows, and coming back feels like coming home.
A place where hit artists and locals alike can create comfortably.
Clients/Credits: A few highlighted clients would be: Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, Skrillex, Third Eye Blind, Pentatonix, Benny Blanco, Erykah Badu, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Noel Zancanella (Taylor Swift, One Republic), and many more.
We’ve been fortunate enough to have so many great clients and feel guilty leaving them all out.
Key Personnel:
C.B. Hudson and Matt Noveskey: Owners
Robert Sewell: Head Engineer
Caleb Contreras: Engineer
Charles Moon: Studio Manager/Engineer
System Highlights: Everything revolves around our SSL G series console. We love the overall sound and history of the SSL. It leaves every record with a ton of character, providing distinct warmth and punch. With it’s easy-to-use functionality it allows us to have a smooth and efficient workflow with every type of session.
Paired with the SSL are the very-hard-to-ignore Ocean Way Monitors. The Ocean Ways provide the truest sound you can have. You almost feel like you’re in the same world that the sound/record exist in. There is nothing better than being able to turn up the volume while you’re tracking and not lose the true quality of the sound.
Each room is equipped with Pro Tools and every industry standard plugin. Some of our favorite mics are the Sony C800G, Vintage Neumann U67, and our pair of Coles 4038’s.
We also have a live piano room with a 1938 Steinway Baby Grand and a full size Baldwin Concert Grand Piano.
The Orb piano live room holds two classic instruments.
Distinguishing Characteristics: A place that feels like home with a very cozy living room area space surrounded by expertise and professionalism. All the while not losing the sense of feeling like you are working in your very own home studio.
When tracking, the large live room not only provides an aesthetically pleasing space because of the combination of wood and stone wall design, but it also captures an incredible sound for every instrument.
The building is on fire, you only have time to grab ONE thing to save, what is it? The ping pong table. Not a day goes by without a serious ping pong match going down.
Rave Reviews: The overall vibe. We provide the same comfort that they would have at their very own home. Not only will they get a great product but every client feels comfortable confident and has a good time while doing it.
We want to make sure every client leaves having the best recording experience they’ve ever had.
Most Memorable Session Ever: Justin Bieber, because it was during the height of his controversy and we opened our doors and accepted him and not only did we get a great product but we saw true side of him. Not only was he amazingly talented and worked hard, but he had a huge heart and was a great person all around.
Session You’d Like to Forget: We’ve been fortunate enough to not have had one yet and we plan to keep it that way.
Dream Session: A Max Martin, Pharrell, Sade, Fleetwood Mac, and Stevie Wonder Jam session.
Space to Orb Out in the live room.
— Charles Moon, Orb Studio Manager/Engineer.