Hansa Studios: By the Wall 1976-90 (documentary 2018)

 

Oh yea, back in the late 80's I sat in on a session with Nile Rodgers in his studio when he was producing my friend's girlfriend Lorelei McBroom. I don't think that the album was ever released.

 

Had mastering done at Metropolis, The Exchange and at Abbey Road in Uk and attended for the sessions on many occasions.
Refused the master's from Abbey Road on 2 occasions... would never use them again regardless of their reputation.

 

I'm challenging your assumption that you're missing out on much. Is it really the studio which is legendary? Or is it the staff with talent and creative vision who were connected to the studio that made the legendary music?

I'm challenging your idea that any "magic" is going to rub off by visiting.

 

I understand that i may not be missing out on much, but i think it bothers me more that i am not sure of that. If i am sure...it would be better anyway...

What am i missing out on (what will i lose i mean) if i do it once and be disappointed?

 

Often both.
I completely agree though that you're not going to somehow absorb any special mojo visiting a famous place. It's simply nice to go to a shrine and see it for yourself. I would enjoy seeing Abbey Road for instance, it would feel like a church almost. I don't feel compelled to work there though.

 

Fair assessment.

You may have to dispel the notion that there's "magic" involved in the production process before you can move on. A lot of people keep looking for that next VST, the next DAW, the next tutorial, the next bit of gear, the next interview with a pro, etc. thinking if they could just get that secret sauce then they'd be pro.

Only you will be able to determine that for yourself, if that's your belief system.

 

Probably the most well known place I've recorded at was Brittania Row, Pink Floyd's studio. Nice Neve desk. Coincidentally, I went for a curry last night with an old friend who mentioned he'd bought their massive plate reverb when the studio closed in the 90s. Small world.

Exactly this, and me too. I just missed out on visiting Abbey Road last year when they opened their doors for their Stories in Sound days, which were hosted by Kevin Ryan and Brian Kehew (authors of arguably THE authoritative and definitive book about recording the Beatles, titled somewhat appropriately "Recording The Beatles")
@stav keep your eyes peeled for the next time:
https://www.seetickets.com/tour/abbey-road-studios-presents-stories-in-sound

Yeah, no. There's obviously no magic pixie dust in the air, it's just a room... BUT it would be a blast to stand in the space where the Fabs did the majority of their recorded work. Curry mate who has recorded and mixed there a number of times says it's surprising how dead and non-reflective the huge Studio Two is.

I'd also love to visit all of the aforementioned in this thread just because I'm massively interested in the history of recorded music: Sun, Capitol, Hansa, Electric Lady (good call @Lois Lane ) Muscle Shoals, Motown, Stax...my inner nerd would be wanking himself into a frenzy at each of them, IDGAF. Also Rudy Gelder's Van Gelder studio.

And that Hansa documentary that @Radio posted is excellent, and a must-see. Slightly jealous you've visited, and I'd love to record there. Same with @shinyzen visiting the Capitol chambers

Edit: almost forgot, I've also recorded at Peter Gabriel's Real World. Nice view of the pond from the main room there.

 

Last edited: Mar 22, 2025 at 9:01 AM