Inside Studio B: Revolutionizing Sound in Indio

A New Era of Sound in Indio

Indio, known for its vibrant festivals like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, the Indio International Tamale Festival, and the Stagecoach country music festival, is now making waves in a different way. The city has become home to Studio B, a cutting-edge mixing facility that specializes in Dolby Atmos technology, marking a first for the Coachella Valley. This new studio, supported by the city, is already gaining attention for its unique capabilities.

Understanding Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos is an advanced sound technology that enhances the listening experience in both music and film by adding height and movement. It creates a more immersive experience, whether you're in a movie theater, using a surround sound system, or listening through headphones. Introduced in 2012 in movie theaters with the Pixar film "Brave," it has since expanded to home theaters, streaming platforms, and more.

During a visit to Studio B, owner Ron Mesh demonstrated the technology by playing songs by Queens of the Stone Age and Wilco. The sound moved around and within the room, creating an immersive experience. The space, though cozy, is designed for critical listening, with a focus on precision and accuracy.

The Design of Studio B

Studio B is a 600-square-foot room that meets exact specifications for Dolby Atmos. The design includes a mixing console, speakers, and a sofa, with a couple of guitar amplifiers and vocal microphones available. However, the facility is intended for projects that are already finished in a studio and ready to be mixed for Dolby Atmos and spatial audio.

A company called Hear360 was involved in designing the studio, which features a 360-degree microphone. This allows users to experience sound moving all around their head when using headphones, making it ideal for testing and refining audio content.

The Role of Studio B

Brian Moore, Studio B's audio engineer, explained that the studio is designed for "critical listening." He emphasized that the small size of the room helps it disappear, leaving a blank canvas where music can sound like a concert hall or rehearsal space. This approach sets Studio B apart from other studios.

According to dolby.com, there are over 1,000 studios worldwide equipped with Dolby Atmos technology, and this number continues to grow. The technology is currently available to Apple Music customers, featuring albums in the spatial audio catalog, and can be experienced on Apple's AirPods.

A City-Backed Project

Building a cutting-edge studio in a city like Indio might seem unexpected, but for Mesh, the location offers affordability, growth, and strong city support. When he presented his business plan to the Indio city council, they were supportive, voting almost unanimously in favor of the project. The city owns a lot of property downtown and is selective about what it chooses to develop.

Mesh is also a co-owner of The Church Studios in Palm Springs, a music recording studio with a secluded vibe. His ventures are part of a growing trend in the desert, where studios like Good Noise Studio, Rancho de la Luna, and Fireside Sound have recognized the area as a creative haven away from major cities.

A Career in Music and Touring

Mesh's career began as an audio engineer for touring bands after graduating from a vocational audio engineering program in Ohio. He worked with bands like The Chesterfield Kings and opened his own touring sound company before becoming a tour manager. His experience with major artists such as Guns N' Roses and Collective Soul has given him a deep understanding of the industry.

Although he is no longer an active engineer, Mesh remains involved in the studio's operations. He mentioned that many projects at Studio B are not for bands but focus on research and development for companies in aerospace, automotive, and audio technology sectors.

The Future of Spatial Audio

When a project is mixed in Dolby Atmos, every element is positioned within a three-dimensional space, allowing sounds to move above, behind, or across the listener. This format is featured on platforms like Apple Music, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Disney+. Mesh noted that Apple Music pays artists a premium for Dolby Atmos mixes.

Moore, who started his career mixing in stereo, described the process of working with Dolby Atmos as "liberating." He emphasized that the technology represents a creative evolution, much like the transition from monophonic to stereophonic sound in the late 1960s.

As the technology continues to evolve, Moore is curious about how consumer accessibility will expand beyond Apple products. He believes that advancements in consumer technology could lead to broader adoption of Dolby Atmos.

The Shift Between Digital and Analog

Mesh highlighted the ongoing shift between digital and analog recording. While digital technology has dominated for some time, there is a growing interest in analog techniques. Studio B and The Church Studios are equipped to handle both types of recording and mixing, reflecting the evolving landscape of the industry.

In conclusion, Studio B is not just another studio in the desert; it is a pioneering facility that is changing the way music and sound are experienced. With its focus on Dolby Atmos and spatial audio, it is setting a new standard for audio production in the Coachella Valley.