To this point, Surround Sound technology has been relegated mostly to movie sound tracks. But with DVDs now poised to replace CD's, it looks like audio is the way of the future.
Renting for $3,000 per day, the new 5.1 room at Metalworks will attract big-name bands from around the world.
Canadian Music Week Award
And it further solidifies the Mavis Rd. facility's status as one of this country's first stops to record music. In fact, Metalworks has received the Canadian Music Week Award as the nation's top recording studio for the past three years - in a vote by its industry peers.
"The last three years have been really good. And, the new studio kind of elevates our professionalism," said owner Gil Moore, the drummer with the mega-band Triumph during the 1970s and '80s.
"Once you experience the 5.1 sound, stereo (sound) is really nothing… it's like watching black-and-white TV."
A native Mississaugan, Moore started Metalworks as a hobby studio back in 1978 with Triumph bandmates Rik Emmett and Mike Levine. Ten years later, he bought them out and got serious.
Attracts International Stars
The father-of-three spent more than $1 million building the 5.1 studio from the ground up. It's one of six separate studios found within Metalworks spacious, 10000 sq. ft. environs.
"I was here when it was just one room," said L. Stu Young, a senior staff engineer. Of the 5.1 Surround Sound studio, Young said, "It's a lot more exciting to work with. From a technical standpoint, it gives you more of a soundscape."
Over the years Metalworks has attracted international stars like David Bowie, Mick Fleetwood, The Cranberries and recently, Christina Aguilera.
Repeat Canadian clients include Tom Cochrane and Prairie Oyster. But, long-time general manager Alex Andronache will always set aside some studio time for promising independent bands -- at a generous discount.
That includes local alternative popsmiths, Vent 508, who were there to master their new five-song CD, Strange Days, at the suggestion of producer Krisjan Leslie.
"I like the atmosphere. It's conducive to making music and it's very relaxed," said the band's bass player and singer, Rhon Teruelle. "Obviously, their equipment is state-of-the-art."
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