Customer Spotlight: Ranger Station Malibu
Can you please tell us who you are, and a bit about your studio?
My name is Ben Wilkins, I’m a Canadian recording artist now living in Los Angeles. I write songs and produce artists for a living. In 2019 my wife and I bought a 1970s A-frame cabin in the Santa Monica Mountains with a stunning view of Malibu Creek State Park. The house had a detached stand alone garage that was begging to be turned into a recording studio. The aim was to create a class A recording studio with uncompromised acoustics while taking full advantage of the unique view. The result is Ranger Station Malibu.
What was the most challenging part of the build?
The most stressful part was definitely moving two custom built 14ft windows on hilly terrain without dropping them. Getting the sound proofing details just right was also stressful. It has to be done thoroughly and correctly or it simply won’t work at all, and you don’t know if you messed up or not till you’re done.
How about the most satisfying part?
The most satisfying part was when it transformed from being an endless list of stressful tasks I was unsure I was even doing correctly, into a fulfilling artistic project in its own right. Once that clicked it really has become a gift that keeps on giving.
How did you first hear about the Shelford Channel?
I’ve always loved working in studios with Neve desks so when I started looking for preamps it was an obvious place to start. It really does feel like it’s Rupert’s greatest hits all in one channel strip.
Do you just use them for tracking, or also for stereo processing?
Production and recording is what I do so I use it mainly for tracking. I often use the line input paired with other preamps to take advantage of the EQ, compression and silk. It just kind of gives any colour you throw at it a Neve console sound. I send stereo busses through them when I want more crunch or sweetness.
What’s one piece of advice you’d offer to someone who wants to build their own studio?
Be patient with yourself. It’ll take longer than you expect to do it right so don’t give yourself a hard deadline. Make sure you’ve got another place you can work till you’re ready to move in. And you may only get to do it once, so try to enjoy the process.
