Customer Spotlight: Vertigo
Can you please tell us who you are, and a bit about the studio?
We are Ben and Pierre, founders and engineers at Vertigo, a recording studio based in Montpellier, France. We specialize in recording, mixing and Dolby Atmos mixing. Every piece of equipment in the studio has been chosen with intention, based on way it contributes to the final record. Our goal has always been to combine a modern workflow with timeless analog character.
What was your first experience with RND equipment?
Our first experience was with the 542 Tape Emulator. We were impressed by how musical it sounded. It added a subtle sense of weight, warmth and character that felt natural without feeling over-processed, even when pushed to its limits. Pierre also once used a 5088 console and was very impressed by it. This sparked our interest in Rupert Neve Designs products, and when we were looking for a summing solution, it led us to incorporate the 5057 Orbit into our workflow.
Most of our sessions stay in the box until the final stages, where we route stems through the Orbit for analog summing before printing them back into Pro Tools. It gives us the flexibility and recall of a modern digital workflow while adding the cohesion, depth and transient response that we look for in a finished mix. It has become the final step before mastering.
What differences do you notice working with it?
The first thing we noticed was how effortlessly the mix opens up. Low-end feels more solid, the stereo image becomes wider without sounding exaggerated, and individual elements naturally find their place. It’s not about dramatically changing the sound, it’s about making everything feel more connected and three-dimensional.
What does the name Rupert Neve mean to you?
To us, Rupert Neve represents a philosophy of engineering that always serves the music. His designs have shaped countless records, but what inspires us most is the lasting impact of his ideas.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to open a commercial studio in 2026?
Great equipment matters, but artists come back because of the experience, the trust you build, and the environment you create. Look for equipment that genuinely improves your workflow, don't buy it just because it’s trendy. A studio’s reputation is built one session at a time.
