Behringer X32 - Audio Media

geofocus belgium
Native
Speakers
Stijn Verdonckt,
Studio Manager
La chapelle
22 November 2012 | audiomedia.com
RecoR ding Studio & Media c entR e
La chapelle & gam
Located in the village of Waimes in the
heart of the Belgian Ardennes is one
of Europe’s largest recording studios. La
Chapelle & Gam Recording Studios consists
of two studios – La Chapelle (Studio 1)
and Gam (Studio2) situated a couple of
hundred metres from one another and
close to converted farm buildings that
house the delightful residential facilities.
The recording facilities date back to
1995 and were previously the relocated
Katy Studios where Marvin Gaye recorded
his final album Midnight Love. For the past
three years, the studios have been under
the ownership of recording engineer and
How is business for your studios at present?
“Business is going well. We have the
impression that things are better than two
or three years ago. I think our strong point is
that we attract Belgian artists as well as international
artists, which means we have a huge potential market.
Being a residential recording studio complex, we
offer accommodation, which facilitates a stay for
international artists. For example, we just finished
recording the new album for Stephen Malkmus &
The Jicks. We were also contacted earlier this year by
Miloco in London to join their roster of international
recording studios. We do see a clear development in
the international markets.”
What sort of projects are you attracting?
“We are attracting mainly album recording projects.
That’s our core business. Our biggest assets are our
big recording hall, our great mic collection, and the
beautiful setting of the studios. And of course the nice
‘feel at home’ vibe makes people come and record
here.
From time to time we also do orchestral movie
soundtracks. These productions are mainly coming
musician Stijn Verdonckt.
“I think it’s fair to say that we are
now the only true residential recording
studio in Belgium, as we offer the
accommodation for no extra charge at
all” says Verdonckt who first came to La
Chapelle when they needed a Flemishspeaking
assistant. “Happily, there still
appears to be a role for facilities such
as ours in the international recording
market.”
The main studio is housed in a
former hat factory that dates back to
the 19th century and was once a leasing
employer in the region. The building was
from the Luxemburg film business.
Over the past year, we have also opened up the
studio to audio companies looking for a great place
to present new products to their customers. The 250
metre square recording hall allows us to receive up to
200 persons for product launches, demos... and all this
in a unique setting.”
How is the business in general in Belgium right
now?
“First of all, I think the financial crisis is hitting
everyone, and we can’t deny we also feel it. I hear a
lot of people complaining, but myself, I am rather
optimistic.
I don’t take part in the eternal discussions on
the future of large recording studio complexes, on
mixing in the box, or home recording... I feel there are
a couple of key points that are important to running
a successful studio: offer good service, make sure
everybody leaves the studio more than happy, and
most of all, make sure that what you offer is unique
and irresistable. For us, this is the key to our success,
and this is what ensures our future.”
completely acoustically treated by Harris
Grant & Associates and Tom Hidley.
The recording area is one of the biggest
in Europe and can easily accommodate a
full symphony orchestra. Acoustic panels
and curtains allow the recording space
to be altered acoustically and physically.
At the heart of the control room is an
analogue Euphonix console backed up
with a full range of outboard gear – both
vintage and state of the art.
www.lachapellestudios.com