HHB supplies Digidesign ICON to Metropolis Studios

HHB Communications has supplied a new ICON integrated console to London’s Metropolis Studios.
Part of a major upgrade at what is now Europe’s largest independent recording facility, the newly-installed ICON is being used to perform both post and recording duties in Studio D at Metropolis.
John Goldstraw, Head of Technical Development at Metropolis, explained the reasons for choosing ICON and its role in a recording environment: "We had the opportunity to do several films and needed a console that would suit this initial post-production work, and yet still complement our core music production business. We were extremely happy with ICON’s performance on the films, and the flexibility of the system has allowed us to configure a first rate overdub and mix suite, offering a cost-effective alternative to our main recording rooms.
"While most of our clients are comfortable with analogue recording, they’re really turning on to the recording advantages of a DAW and the greater control of Pro Tools which simply isn’t possible with an analogue console. With ICON, the typical reticence of bands to new technology is dissolving fast as they discover the massive power available at their fingertips. We’ve had very positive feedback from Black Eyed Peas for instance, and the desk is currently lined up for overdubs and pre-mixing for Babyshambles."
Over its 16-year history, the Metropolis Group has undertaken a number of expansions and boasts five operating divisions, making it a dominant force within the industry. With a continuing commitment to service and technical advice, HHB has remained an important supplier to the Group, and once again Goldstraw is delighted with the way things went.
"We took delivery of the desk and had it assembled and installed within a day – even with lunch breaks!
"Dean Wilmarsh from HHB was instrumental in outlining the possibilities of the system from the outset which was vital to our understanding of potential pitfalls. HHB did a tremendous amount of legwork and really followed the project through. The after-sales service has been second to none throughout and I particularly value the one-to-one nature of our relationship with the HHB team."
HHB Sales Director Steve Angel said: "We’ve enjoyed huge success with the ICON in the post sector over the last 12 months. We’re delighted that Metropolis has now attracted a new audience to the powerful facilities that this console provides."
HHB, www.hhb.co.uk
(SP)