A 5088 for Distillery II in Bristol
Would you please tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Matt Tait and I’ve been working as a professional recording engineer for nearly three decades. Over that period of time I’ve had the privilege of working in many different studios all over the world with some very talented people.
Aside from being a recording engineer I’m also the Technical Director here at Distillery II, and as such I’ve been very involved with all of Distiller Music’s various studio builds over the past ten years, from the technical design all the way through to the equipment choices.
So what is Distiller?
Distiller Music is a fully independent group of companies that covers Records, Publishing, Recording Studios and a Content hub, Distiller TV.
And Distillery II?
Distillery II is the evolution of the original Distillery Studio which was conceived as a more private facility that catered mainly to the needs of the artists on the Distiller Music Label. Now bigger and better, Distillery II is open as a fully commercial facility just outside of Bristol in the UK.
How did you first hear about Rupert Neve Designs?
Throughout my career I’ve never been too far away from one of Rupert Neve’s consoles, whether it was the 8014/8036 combination that I was fortunate enough to begin working on in my introduction to recording back in the early 90’s, or to making records on the incredible Focusrite Console at Metropolis Studios in London – or more recently in 2015 coming full circle back to a beautiful vintage 8036 masterfully restored and modified by Blake Devitt that I helped spec for the original Distillery Studio. Rupert Neve’s consoles have never been off the radar so I was instantly intrigued when the 5088 made its appearance and it was, of course, top of the list of console choices when it came time to fit out our new room.
What does the 5088 bring to this space? What’s your favorite thing about it?
For me the 5088 is the centrepiece of the whole studio – it’s a real statement of intent! – and it goes without saying that my favourite thing about the console is the SOUND! As a big fan of the 80 series Neves the 5088 does not disappoint and actually far exceeds any expectations we had. As soon as you put the faders up, you know!
What makes Distillery II a unique space for artists and creatives?
For a start the size of the main room is very impressive and unique. “Big rooms”, unfortunately, are very few and far between these days. The room sounds fantastic so it’s an inspiring space to be in for an artist. The other unique aspect of the studio is of course our 32 channel RND 5088 which is one of only a handful in the UK currently. The control room also boasts a vintage 18 channel 53 series Neve, lovingly known as “Gertie”, and an extremely rare Universal Audio 610 console, which is rumoured to have been originally owned by Frank Sinatra.
How should artists or producers get in touch to book the studio?
Andy Leese
Studio Business Manager
Distillery II
T: +44 7955 273307
E: andy.leese@distillermusic.com
