Who would have thought that a Charleston recording studio would ever be on the COVER of Mix magazine? The definitive resource for the professional recording and sound production technology industry, Mix is featuring Charleston Sound in the July issue. Look for never-before-seen photography of the studio space along with an interview with Jeff Hodges and designer Wes Lachot. Copies are available online or on newsstands worldwide now.

Charleston Sound's control room featured on the cover of Mix Magazine July 2009

Charleston Sound is dedicated to working with local artists. That’s why we’re partnering with Lowcountry Local First, an organization working to promote and preserve the local economy. In the coming months, look for local artist releases that will benefit LLF and be available for purchase through member retailers.  Also, mark your calendars for LLF’s special event on July 10 to promote awareness for Lowcountry goods and services. Charleston Sound favorites Part-Time Heroes will perform live; for more information log on to www.lowcountrylocalfirst.org.

Local favorite Mac Leaphart stopped by Charleston Sound this week to record a new song. Fresh off his Honky Tonk Angels benefit show at the Tin Roof, Mac came in to debut new material featuring Charlie Thompson on slide guitar. For more on Mac and his upcoming appearances, check out http://macleaphart.com.

Charlie Thompson lays down pedal steel for Mac Leaphart.

We’ve gotten to know a great collection of local artists over the past few weeks, each one with a unique sound and approach to their craft. The studio has hosted established local bands like Dangermuffin, Gaslight Street and The Plainfield Project, emerging acts including Firework Show and Milhouse, and talented singer/songwriters like Skye Paige. Check back soon for updates on recording sessions with all these artists and more.

In more news, API featured Charleston Sound on their website last month. Check out the article and photo here.

In a new post touting Charleston Sound’s API 1608 console, Mix Magazine Online discusses the studio and console functionality.  The article can be found here at Mixonline.com

Just a few weeks into 2009 and the secret is out – Charleston Sound was featured in the Post & Courier, the Lowcountry’s premier daily newspaper.

Mount Pleasant Studio Set to Rock ‘n’ Roll
By Allyson Bird
Tuesday, February 10, 2009

With his new recording studio in an out-of-the way and otherwise quiet business strip in Mount Pleasant’s Park West, Jeff Hodges promises to rival facilities in New York, Los Angles and Nashville, Tenn. “This is the kind of place where you can make a world-class record,” Hodges said, sitting in the control room at Charleston Sound. “You don’t have to go anywhere else.”

Click here for the rest of the story…

What a difference a year makes. In 2008, Charleston Sound went from a great idea to a living, breathing, state-of-the-art recording facility. It wouldn’t have been possible without the brilliant folks at Wes Lachot Design, API, Sonic Circus, GC Pro,  Atlanta Pro Audio, and Kevin Hair & Associates. Our thanks to all the designers, craftsmen, engineers, and everyone else that helped make Charleston Sound what it is today.

Once the pieces were in place, the real fun began. We hosted a series of incredible artists last year, including Mark Bryan of Hootie and the Blowfish, Martin Chalk, and Raleigh, NC’s Providence Baptist Church.

(Anna Schaad, January 2009)

If the first few weeks are any indication, 2009 will be just as busy. Stay tuned for updates on live events, artist encounters, Charleston Sound in the news, and much more.  

In the past few months we’ve begun to realize the incredible functionality and potential of the studio design here at Charleston Sound. From tracking the awesome seven-foot Yamaha grand piano, to recording drums and percussion, full band, vocals, guitar overdubs and more, we’re getting a quality of sound that has exceeded our expectations in every way.

We’ve also been pleased with mixing results as well. Because of the control room’s acoustical design, we can really hear what’s going on in the mix. The low end response is massive on the Dynaudio M3’s main speakers, and the Barefoot near field speakers provide an incredibly precise audio picture of the mix balance.

We invite you to contact us about your next or ongoing projects!

 

Here are some nice shots of our actual console being burned-in and tested at the API factory in Maryland. (Some of the panels and cards are not yet installed).   These pictures were taken about a week ago.  A thing of beauty to the eye of the beholder!