John Ross’ 424 Studio Redefines Film Mixing

State-of-the-Art Euphonix Facility Rivals that of Hollywood Studios

Palo Alto, July 10th 2008

When mixing engineer/sound supervisor, John Ross wanted to work in a state-of-the-art mixing environment; he built one in his Hollywood home. The result, 424 Inc., is a large film dubbing stage on par with any major film studio around the world. For the studio’s finishing touch, Ross recently upgraded his Euphonix System 5-MC turning it into a dual-operator, 80-fader Euphonix System 5 digital audio mixing system adding over 300 channels of DSP and EuCon Hybrid DAW control for each operator. The System 5 is fed with five Pro Tools and four Nuendo Systems, used for editing, as recorders, and playback.

“I wanted to provide clients with a world class dubbing experience in a unique and special environment tailored to the needs of their project and their privacy,” explained Ross. “The Euphonix System 5 is the only mixing system that can achieve these goals right now, and I especially like the EuCon Hybrid connectivity to the workstations we use for playback – no other system comes close to this mix of DSP and DAW control. It’s also very important for me to be able to bring in top film mixers when necessary, and the System 5 gives them the confidence and familiarity they need to work at their best.” 

The original Euphonix dual-operator System 5-MC was installed in January 2006 and was used to mix a number of movies including Take the Lead, Home of the Brave and Rendition. Ross explained why he made the upgrade, “The upgrade to System 5 from the System 5-MC controller came as a result of needing a lot of dedicated DSP, including the Euphonix mix automation system, to handle the huge number of tracks we now deal with on every movie. I also really needed a very large dedicated monitor matrix which System 5 provides.  Thanks to the EuCon Hybrid option, I now have a great deal of flexibility. Basically each operator has the choice of working with DSP channels, DAW control via EuCon, or a mix of the two to suit the task at hand.”

Ideal for film scoring and dubbing, the System 5 digital console is specifically configured for feature film mixing. Working closely with major film mixing studios such as Pinewood-Shepperton in the UK, Park Road Post in New Zealand and Todd A-O in the US, Euphonix has been able to create an uncompromised digital audio system that is easy to learn as well as designed for fast access to film-specific mix controls. When the EuCon Hybrid option is added, the System 5 is able to extend the control capabilities of the console beyond the dedicated DSP Cores to the outside world, bringing Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) tracks onto the console surface for mixing. The DAWs communicate with the console via the EuCon high-speed Ethernet control protocol.

“John’s studio rivals that of any major film stage in Hollywood. I think right now, with the John Ross install, and the installation of two new System 5 dubbing systems at Pinewood, Euphonix is the top choice for feature film dubbing around the world,” said Martin Kloiber, Euphonix CEO. “We have known John as one our most valued clients since the early 90’s, it’s great to see him so successful and realizing his dream with our help.”

Ross has enjoyed a long and successful career in both television and feature films. His credits range from Austin Powers to Sex and the City to Pride and Glory. Ross’ next project is a comedy entitled Seventeen Again starring Mathew Perry and Zac Efron slated to be released February 2009.