The Studio One Revamp

As part of the refurbishments of Studio One at Downtown Studios, the studio was kitted out with a "state-of-theart" Solid Statio Logic Duality SE Mixing Console ... the only one of its kind on the continent. 

Video: Sandile Sethi

Look who was at the Downtown Studios ...

Rebecca Malope and Taryn Gill in Studio One

Guess who was recording in Studio One at Downtown Studios last week ... none other than the Queen of Gospel herself, Rebecca Malope. Taryn Gill popped in to chat to her.

Downtown Studios hosts SSL Duality SE training

Tue, 01 Jul 2014 11:47

At 10am on Monday, 30 June, the iconic and newly refurbished Downtown Studios in Johannesburg hosted a training session in Studio 1 on their brand new Solid State Logic Duality SE mixing console. The training session, conducted by Kevin Manas, owner of local SSL distributors Hi-Tech Audio, aimed to educate local professional audio engineers on the inner workings of the state of the art console.

Accordingly, a handful of local engineers attended which quickly turned into a frenzy as they lusted to get their hands on and wrap their head around one of the most flexible and desirable mixing consoles on offer today. Needless to say, the bedlam settled as everyone realised there was more to this console than met the eye and the features were slowly worked through with the aid of Manas.

The SSL Duality SE in Studio 1 is a 72-channel version, custom built-to-order. The Duality SE is currently SSL’s flagship offering with over 200 consoles sold worldwide. Other customers include the Royal College of Music, Sweden; Abbey Road, UK; Hit Factory Criteria, USA; and Humber College, Canada.

The Duality SE is offered in frame sizes up to 96 channels and features SSL’s on-board automation system and constant visual feedback via multiple TFT displays mounted in the meter bridge. The console is able to operate as a purely analogue console and also comes with the added benefit of allowing simultaneous DAW control (two DAWs, actually) via a simple push of a button which flips the console into DAW mode. The new A-FADA feature allows your DAW automation to drive the analogue faders.

SSL control software, the Duality Logictivity Browser, running on your DAW host PC offers a variety of features such as channel naming and saving, recalling of console settings and routing options. The input section features dual microphone preamps – SSL’s SuperAnalogue, the base preamp technology, and VHD which allows the introduction of 2nd and 3rd order harmonic distortion into the microphone signal path. The usual SSL features that everyone knows and loves are also available such as SSL’s iconic dynamics and EQ on every channel and the G-series inspired buss compressor that can be inserted into any of the three stereo busses. The EQ can be switched between E and G-series curves at the push of a button.

Check out the July/August issue of Pro Systems where we take a look at the past, present and future of Downtown Studios and examine the upgrades that have taken place there. 

© Pro Systems

Taking Note: The sounds of struggle

SOUNDING OFF: 'A Glimpse of South African Music Heritage', curated by Vusi Mchunu, is now on at Downtown Studios 
Image by: ALON SKUY

By Penelope Mashego, The Times | 30 July, 2014

Struggle sounds have been immortalised at a new museum at Downtown Studios in Johannesburg, where visitors can hear the songs that shaped South Africa's rich and vibrant music heritage.

"We haven't had a music museum. This is a scandal," curator Vusi Mchunu said lamenting the lack of historical music spaces in South Africa.

"There are music collections in universities as part of music departments, but we haven't had dedicated spaces to show our musical tradition."

The studios, declared a heritage site by the Department of Arts and Culture, are where many struggle sounds were created.

Mchunu gave some background: "This was a white town. Blacks used to wait [to record] and sleep in their cars because they couldn't use the hotels here."

The current exhibition,A Glimpse of South African Music Heritage, offers insight into how and why artists recorded here, from 1979 when Downtown Studios was first established.

The pictures on the walls and the antique musical instruments transport visitors to another era, when music was a form of protest and escape. Legendary musicians such as Chicco Twala, Lucky Dube, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, Miriam Makeba and Yvonne Chaka Chaka worked at the studios. Chaka Chaka, among others, still does.

To reflect its rich and diverse history, the museum has a msamo (shrine) containing the Bible, Koran, Bhagavad Gita and Tibetan Book of the Dead, along with African religious artefacts.

"Musicians regard this as a holy and sacred place," Mchunu said, adding that many artists like to pray at the studios before recording or performing.

He said the museum, which opened this month, will grow to include more exhibitions and memorabilia over time.

"Can you imagine us laying our hands on Miriam Makeba's wardrobe and having it on display? That would be mind-blowing."

Jazz legend and Downtown Studios chairman Don Laka said he has been recording at the studios since they opened.

"It's been a historic journey for me," Laka said.

"It is emotional because it is a story of who we are musically and who we are as artists."

Laka said he enjoyed recording at the studios back in the day, and he is looking forward to recording some new music using the revamped facilities.

• The museum is at 62 Goud Street, Johannesburg Johannesburg.info@dtmh.co.za

Two minutes with Sbu Dludlu

We had time for a quick chat with Sbu Dludlu, one of the winners in the Downtown Studios Studio One Lock Out competition ... this is what he had to say:

Where are you from?
I am from Duduza in Nigel on the East Rand

What is your background in music?
My background in music has been an adventure because I have worked
with the best in the industry. Artists such as Mbuso Khoza, Berita,
Kelly Khumalo, Bheki Nqoko, Xoli Nkosi, Andy Narrel and Musa Manzini.

When did you know that you wanted to be an artist?
I knew that I wanted to be an artist when I was about 8 years old.

What's steps have you taken to realising your dream?
I have tried to get a recording deal but have never succeeded and so I went ahead and registered my own company, Mtima Records.

What does winning the Studio One Lock Out competition mean to you?
Winning this competition is big for me because I have always hoped to be able to record my album in a big studio such as Downtown Studios.

Where do you hope to see yourself in the next five years?
In 5 years I hope to have have sold many CDs and to have my own studio as well.

What advice can you give younger aspirant artists just like you?

The best advise that I can give to younger and aspiring artists would be that they must know the business side of music as well so that they can know what not to sign in some contracts.
Thanks Sbu, we wish you the best of luck! 

Two minutes with Stephen van Deventer

We caught up with Downtown Studios Studio One Lock Out winner Stephen van Deventer, for a quick chat and this is what he had to say.

Where are you from?
* Centurion, Pretoria

What is your background in music?

* I took it as a subject when I was 14, felt a bit forced by my mom to be honest, but it was the best thing that could have happened to me. I taught myself guitar when I was 16, and started looping at 18.

When did you know that you wanted to be an artist?

*At 14, when I performed for the first time, I knew this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

What’s steps have you taken to realising your dream?

*I've learned instruments, started performing and being active on social media as an artist.

What does winning the Downtown Studios Studio One Lock Out competition mean to you?

* Winning means a lot because the recordings will help me create an excellent demo for my future, hopefully help me with a recording label.

Where do you hope to see yourself in the next five years?

* I see myself on stage with some fans knowing the lyrics to my songs and some just jamming out wanting to learn my songs :) 

What advice can you give younger aspirant artists just like you?

* Not that I'm in a position to give advice because I'm also starting out but I would say to never give up, don't always do what people say, just follow your heart.

Thanks for the chat Stephen, we wish you the best of luck! 

Meet our winners!

Studio One Lock Out competition winners Sbu Dludlu and Stephen van Deventer

We got to spend the morning with two of our Studio One Lock Out competition winners last Wednesday morning, Sbu Dludlu and Stephen van Deventer.
They joined us at The Downtown Music Hub along with some media, Darryl Heilbrunn, GM of The Downtown Music Hub and Harvey Roberts of Bula Music.

And the winners are ...

Darryl Heilbrunn, seasoned SAMA's judge

After an overwhelming number of entries, and much deliberation, we are pleased to announce the winners of the Studio One Lock Out competition.

To enter, these guys had to submit a song to seasoned SAMA judge Darryl Heilbrunn. Darryl and his panel, which included Levy Mhlongo and Douglas Hook, were pleased to note that many of the entrants went to a lot of trouble to ensure that they presented decent demos that were well recorded and listenable. 

"The standard of the entries received was pretty good," said Darryl. "The production standards were high and finding the top three proved to be quite a challenge."

The congratulations goes to Richard Hala, Sbu Dludlu and Stephen van Deventer who have each won a two day lock out in the iconic Studio One, with a sound engineer.

We can't wait to hear what the outcome of their sessions!

Back in Business!

The 72 Channel SSL Duality Console in Studio One

After months of renovation and refurbishment, The Downtown Studios, boasting the best recording equipment this side of the continent, is back in business.

Not that we ever completely closed our doors but after 35 years in the South African music industry, it was time for a face-lift, courtesy of the National Arts Council and Department of Arts and Culture.

The Downtown Studios which form part of The Downtown Music Hub, an initiative by the Department to create a creativity hot-spot for the music industry, are made up of three recording studios, namely Studio One, Studio Two and Studio Three. While most of the DTMH building has received a complete overhaul, all the studios with the exception of Studio Three have remained pretty much the same. The upgrades have taken place in the form of new “state-of-the-art” equipment.

Studio One, the largest of our three studios, is freshly kitted out with a brand new 72-channel SSL Duality console, a 64-channel Avid HDX system with MADI I/O, SSL MX Alpha Link converters, Adam S3x monitors and an Apple Mac Pro to run the recording software.

Studio Two has remained largely unchanged with the original Harrison MR-series. However, a Pro Tools system, SSL MX Alpha Link converters and an Apple Mac Pro have been installed.

Studio Three, the smallest of the three studios, has undergone a complete facelift. The control room has been redesigned for better acoustics and offers a 48-channel SSL AWS 948 II mixing console and Pro Tools HDX, MADI and Alpha Link.

And as part of our relaunch, we’re offering you the chance to book a session in one of our studios at our pre-refurbishment prices until the end of August!

Studio One will you cost you R388 per hour or R4 147.60 for a lockout (12 hour session)

The rates for Studio Two are R265.60 per hour or R2 858 for a lock out and Studio Three at R242.60 per hour or R2 528.60 for a lockout.

Digitial mastering is R144.40 per hour and sound engineers range between R100 and R250 per hour.

We also have a number of rehearsal rooms of different sizes available to you from between R245 and R350 per day.

Contact Levy Mhlongo on 011 334 7230 or email: levy@dtmh.co.za to discuss your requirements and to book your spot. 

Hhayi Khona, Mafikizolo pipped at BET awards

Mafikizolo joins the growing list of local stars who have been nominated, but fallen at the final hurdle. File photo
Image by: TOMMASO BODDI/GETTY IMAGES

Andile Ndlovu | 30 June, 2014 01:05

South Africa had yet another bitter pill to swallow last night when Mafikizolo were pipped by Nigerian star Davido, at the Black Entertainment Television awards in Los Angeles.

Davido was voted 2014's Best International Act (African) ahead of the duo of Nhlanhla Nciza and Theo Kgosinkwe, Nigeria's Tiwa Savage, Tanzanian Diamond Platnumz, Ghanaian Sarkodie, and Togolese star Toofan.

Davido was recently spotted headed for a record studio with US rapper Meek Mill.

He was also crowned Artist of the Year, and Best Male Artist at the recent MTV Africa Music Awards, in Durban.

Davido tweeted, after his win, last night (South African time): "Thanks to all my fans!! WE WON @BETAwards BEST AFRICAN ACT 2014!! So happy!! Time to party!"

Ahead of the main awards show, Mafikizolo performed their hit Khona, at the BET Experience concert, also in Los Angeles.

Mafikizolo joins the growing list of local stars who have been nominated, but fallen at the final hurdle.

Last year it was Toya Delazy and Donald.

The previous year it was Lira, before that, Teargas stumbled and, finally, HHP missed out in 2010.

The BET Awards celebrate African Americans and other minorities in music.

Mafikizolo swept the MTV Africa Music Awards - performing, and picking up awards for Best Group, and Song of the Year for Khona.

Performers at the BET Awards, included Jennifer Hudson, Pharrell, Nicki Minaj, Lionel Ritchie, Trey Songz, Usher, Robin Thicke, Lil Wayne, and John Legend.

Courtesy of The Times

The Greatest Gift is Music

Vusi Mchunu, CEO of House of Memory, talks to us about the importance of South African music heritage and the exhibition of the collection of Downtown Studios photographs and memorabilia that he has curated at The Downtown Music Hub.

Still a Chance to Win Studio Time in Studio One

The competition has been extended!

You still have a chance to win R10 000 worth of studio time in the legendary Studio 1 at Downtown Studios where some of South Afirca's greatest musos have recorded.

Three young artists can win this fantastic prize which includes two lock-outs - that is two full day sessions with a sound engineer! 

Email your music portfolio to darryl@dtmh.co.za by 17 June 2014 to stand a chance to win your lock-out at one of SA’s most legendary recording music hubs.

* The judges decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into. 

Want to book a session?

Levy Mhlongo

Want to know how to book your spot in one of the fantastically refurbished studios at The Downtown Music Hub?

This is your man. Levy Mhlongo.

International Faces

Nevermind our locally bred talent ... did you know that some international artists and acts have recorded here at Downtown Studios over the years too?

Check out who ...

U2

The Awesome SSL Duality ... the New Studio Standard

It's just a few more weeks before the SSL Duality will be fully installed and operational in Studio One at the legendary Downtown Studios. 

With over 200 consoles sold, Duality has firmly established itself as the finest music console money can buy, and provided a new industry standard for professional audio production.

Akin to previous generations of classic SSL consoles, Duality achieves success by enabling engineers and producers to work quickly and ergonomically, as well as delivering superior sonic results. Duality’s innovative hybrid approach has found many fans, by combining a traditional analogue path and signal processing along with exceptional DAW control, all within a single hardware surface.

The Upgraded Equipment

Downtown Studios at 62 Goud Street, Johannesburg

As you all know, Downtown Studios at 62 Goud Street has undergone a major refurbishment, overhauling its studios.

This is the upgraded equipment available to you in each studio.

Out With the Old, In With the New

by Paul Martin

The hole in the wall that the Solid State Logic 4000G exited through 

Well, we tossed a thoroughly used Solid State Logic 4000G through the first story window (literally!) and thanks to the negotiations by our board of directors, we were blessed with a new one… a better one.

Meet the Downtown Music Hub Board Members

Don Laka
Don Laka is Chairperson of The Downtown Music Hub board. He is an entrepreneur and was also one of the first black people to own a fully-fledged record company and recording studio. He is the only qualified mixing and mastering engineer on the SADC region.

Nothemba Mlonzi
Nothemba Mlonzi is the Deputy Chairperson of the board. She is a lawyer by profession and has been an acting judge of the High Court. She is currently an entrepreneur.

Yvonne Mhinga
Fondly known as Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Yvonne Mhinga is a musician, businesswoman and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador.

Oupa Lebogo
Oupa  Lebogo is a producer, the former Secretary General of the Creative Workers Union of South Africa, a songwriter and the Vice President of the Federation of International Musicians Chair.

Lindumizi Mngoma
Lindumizi Mngoma is a musician with a special focus on choral music.

Mandla Maseko
Mandla Maseko is a qualified arts projects management specialist. He is also the Managing Director of Black Eagle Sound cc, the Deputy Chairperson of the Association of Independent Record Companies, the former Treasurer of Moshito Conference and Exhibitions, and is currently a member of the Music Industry Federation of South Africa.

Greg Moloka
Greg Moloka is the Station Manager at Kaya FM.

Win R10 000 worth of studio time at The Downtown Studios

Legendary Studio 1, where some of SA’s great musos have recorded, will be made available for three young artists in June 2014. 

Two lock-outs - that is two full day sessions with a fully trained sound engineer - are worth R10 000 and these new artists will be given full access to the new sound decks, refurbished to the value of R3 million. 

Email your music portfolio to darryl@dtmh.co.za by 17 June 2014 to stand a chance to win your lock-out at one of SA’s most legendary recording music hubs.

Welcome to Downtown Studios

Downtown Studios has a long, rich history in the African music landscape. The Department of Arts and Culture, having met with artists and various stakeholders in the industry realised that access to good quality recording studios is difficult for many South African artists to come by. And so when Gallo decided to stop the recording side of their business and sell the Downtown Studios, the Department of Arts and Culture snapped them up.

"The Downtown Studios are a historical landmark, a heritage site and have an important story to tell about South African music history," says Chola Makgamathe, CEO of the The Downtown Music Hub. 

When the Department purchased the studios, and the Fox Street building, they created the Downtown Music Hub. The purpose of the Hub is to create access and economic opportunities for all the music role players, to develop musicians, establish state-of -the-art recording, manufacturing and distribution facilities and create a competitive advantage for the local music sector in the global market. An inaugural board was appointed, made up of people from highly esteemed members music financial and legal sectors, tasked with managing the Hub.

"South African artists have a problem," says Chola. "First with accessing good quality facilities, and when they actually do, they have major problems with accessing post-production that enables them to send quality products to the market".