The SABC’s M1 music recording studio in Auckland Park, Johannesburg has become the
first in Southern Africa to embrace new digital technology used by international
recording artists like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Mariah Carey. Part of the studio’s two-
year revamp as undertaken by Radio Broadcast Facilities (RBF) includes the installation
of a C200 Solid State Logic Audio Production Console.
The studio was built 38 years ago and previously used for symphonic music concerts
and live CD recordings, counting Miriam Makeba, Johnny Clegg and Ray Phiri among its
former clients.
Digital radio specialist and project leader Junior Qwabe says the console makes the
transition from analogue to digital technology smooth and easy.
“The controls and engine of the console are digital, but the surface is analogue, so you
still feel like you’re working on analogue, but the process is digital,’ explains Qwabe.
He says the digital upgrade has several important benefits. Among them is the fact that
support and monitoring is much easier because it can be done remotely and only two
fibre optic cables are now connected to the stage box instead of over 50 cables,
simplifying the logistics around recording.
The new SSL console also offers seamless integration with Pro Tools and records in 5.1
surround sound for high definition (HD) television, as used by Fox and CBS in the US.
Live radio feed
In addition, the studio can feed directly to the SABC’s radio main control, which allows
anything recorded there to be broadcast live on all 18 SABC radio stations. The launch
event in March was distributed live to Metro FM, Lesedi FM and Radio 2000. Qwabe says
there is not a lot of manpower involved, since stations get the feed directly from radio
main control.
This also gives recording artists the flexibility to record and send the music directly to
the SABC in-house radio stations, without the necessity of CDs being cut and delivered.
“It was quite a challenging project, but South African musicians appreciate the space
and want to use it. For me, seeing the demand means we’ve done a very good job,’
says Qwabe.
According to SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago the technology symbolises a new
bond between the SABC and the music and performing arts industries, and presents a
new era of digital technology.
The venue is now registered with Computicket and will be hired out to host music
productions, DVD recordings and SABC corporate promotions. The stage has been
made wider with a 12.5metre motorised track curtain. Seating capacity was increased
from 160 to 300 and a fully motorised lighting rig was added to allow for TV and video
productions.
The revamped studio also features a Business Zone, meant to provide an area where
artists, sound engineers, music producers and recording company owners can network.
According to RBF general manager Gelfand Kausiyo staff worked night and day shifts to
finish the studio before the end of the fiscal year deadline.
