Aussems Music Productions

When we surf the Web or play a new game we don't immediately stop to think about the amount of attention that has been paid to the design of images and sound. The engineers, designers and sound designers, who take care of these usually very stimulating features, have usually completed a very specific training for this. For example, the course Mediavormgeven Interactief at the Grafisch Lyceum Rotterdam.

Leo Aussems has deep roots in education and is involved in composing music especially for children. For example, he is involved in the SchoolTV/Teleac programs Koekeloere and the Liedmachien, and is a main subject teacher in the music teaching department of Codarts at Rotterdam Conservatory. A long-cherished wish of Leo was to be able to offer productions completely under his own management as well as a professional studio that could be used as a facility. To realize this, an old cowshed behind the house underwent a true metamorphosis.

At the start of the studio construction, the floor - which had been fitted with gruppen (gutters) to drain the manure - had to be leveled first. One of the Aussems couple's wishes was to be able to use part of the available space multifunctionally as a recording room, but also for such things as presentations, exhibitions and recitals. The studio design and construction therefore included a partition wall that would separate this "garden room," which overlooks the former manure yard (now a terrace), from the studio spaces. Underfloor heating and appropriate lighting were installed in the garden room, and all studio spaces were air-conditioned or air-conditioning-prepared.

A control room and a separate drum/vocal booth were realized in the part that was set up as a music studio. Spaces that are suspended from S.M.R.T. elements and are acoustically separated from each other and from the garden room. The acoustically designed control room and booth are also equipped with an active air treatment system. The acoustic design took into account the possibility of maintaining eye contact with musicians and technicians from all rooms. In addition, there was a desire to be able to use the music room in the house, which contains a grand piano, as an additional recording space.

The control room is the central point where the three recording rooms come together. The heart of the studio consists of a Pro Tools system extended to HD-3 and - in addition to the existing Digidesign interfaces - equipped with SSL MADI interfacing. Thus, all analog sources, midi outboard but also the outputs of a separate Logic Pro system (also equipped with MADI) enter without the need for patching on 96 inputs of Pro Tools HD. To control this extensive Pro Tools system in an "analog" way, a C24 controller was deployed. The workflow and cable plan was designed by Mutrox in close collaboration with Leo and all cabling was newly laid.

To minimize disruption from blowing cooling fans and the like in the contol room, the systems were placed outside the control room in a custom engine room.

The new setup is basically a transformation from a midi-oriented working environment to a professional audio studio. Midi, however, continues to play an important role in composing and arranging. A studio cabinet was therefore built around a Yamaha Motif at Leo's request to accommodate the master keyboard and two generously sized monitors. It also allows keyboard and mouse to be placed within easy reach and provides space for a second pair of speakers.

The C24 is housed in a kidney-shaped top set on thickened legs. Under the top is room for floor-standing 19" racks and a generous cable tray. All displays are placed on attractive ergonomic supports.

A smaller version of the central cabinet was built for the second midi keyboard with a top placed on drawer slides. This allows a comfortable playing position to be created if necessary while plenty of 19" built-in space is available under the cabinet for peripherals and a custom-designed microphone patchbay.

All studio furniture is designed by Mutrox and finished in a durable dark finish, creating uniformity and tranquility. A pleasant workplace where exceptional music productions are created.

What makes this music studio so special - apart from Leo Aussems' craftsmanship and the warm welcome as soon as you drive into the yard - is its atmospheric location. From every room you look out over the farmland where in the spring the lambs literally hop past the studio. The tranquility and direct contact with free nature is the ultimate invitation to achieve creative highlights. And after a day of filming, there is plenty to do in Groet, Schoorl or nearby Bergen to pass the evening. In addition, the Aussems family has beautiful accommodations for groups so that projects can also easily cover several days or weeks.