May 1, 2001 12:00 PM, Dan Daley

The name Sheffield has been synonymous with high-end professional audio for over 30 years, and as part of the larger Sheffield Audio Video Productions, Sheffield Remote Recording has been in existence for over 20 years. Sheffield's remote truck has evolved in that time, starting with a 30-foot Mack truck loaded with a Neve 8068 console, and is considered by many to be one of the best-sounding remote recording trucks in the world.

Designed by Sheffield Audio Video Productions CEO John Ariosa, Sheffield Remote's new 48-foot truck came online five years ago. This spaciously configured air-ride trailer houses the only Solid State Logic Axiom MT digital console on wheels in North America, confirming Sheffield's position at the forefront of recording technology. With the Axiom MT, Sheffield Remote can offer up to 96 digital inputs; the signal chain includes a fiber-optic connection to remote A/D converters/mic pre's, which can be placed on the stage. “The integrity of the signal is simply amazing,” observes Vance, president of Sheffield Remote Recording.

The need to keep clients on the cutting edge of new digital audio technologies stems from Sheffield's roots in both music and audio and video post-production. The company maintains state-of-the-art facilities in Maryland, where there are digital editing suites and a full soundstage, as well as a fully equipped 48-foot video remote truck. However, adds Vance, “As much as we keep the technology up to date, we always make sure that it's proven, tested and reliable technology. The very core notion of remote recording is that you're going out there, and you are going to have one chance and one chance only to get it right. So the equipment has to be the best, the people running it have to be the best, but the technology has to be totally reliable.”

Flexibility has been another key feature of Sheffield's operations. For instance, the Axiom MT has Instant Reset of all parameters on the console, allowing instantaneous transitions between events onstage or in the studio. Also, the truck's patchbays and external interfaces allow it to shuttle between diverse situations with ease. “In less than a month, we had worked with NFL Films on the Super Bowl doing voice-overs, set up next to Mariah Carey's house for music recording and we just got back from Ellis Island, where we recorded the Three Irish Tenors for a PBS show,” Vance notes.

Sheffield Remote is also equipped with the latest in monitoring — a full 5.1 surround playback system includes Genelec 1031 self-powered speakers and a sub, soffited in the control room area. In addition, a TC Electronic 6000 multichannel processor has been added to outboard racks that are already laden with a wide array of state-of-the-art processors.

“This is a high-end, cutting-edge truck, this is a digital truck, and digital high-technology is the language of the future of music, television, film and Internet audio,” says Vance. “But the beauty of this truck is that it strikes a perfect balance between what clients in all those areas need now and what they'll need in the future. It's a tight line for us to walk; it takes constant vigilance. But it's worth that effort to stay on top.”

SPEC SHEET

Company Name: Sheffield Remote Recording. Contact: Vance, President. Services Offered: Audio location recording, editing, mixing, voice-over and overdub capabilities. Main Technology Platforms: 96-input SSL Axiom MT; 48-track Studer D827; Otari MTR-90 MkII; DA-78 (48 tracks). Truck Information: 48-foot air-ride trailer with White Freightliner with super sleeper cab. Layout: 10-foot ceilings throughout, 8×8 raised client area; 40×8 control room. Partial Client List: Mariah Carey, Luis Miguel, Sting, New Orleans Jazz Festival, Boston Pops, NFL/Super Bowl.

Sheffield Remote Recording
13816 Sunnybrook Road
Phoenix, MD 21131
Tel.: 410/628-7260
Fax: 410/628-1977
Website: www.sheffieldav.com E-mail: vance@sheffieldav.com

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