A Hidden Gem Deep in the Woods

Pierce Recording is located four hours from Atlanta in a wooded mountain setting, just a short drive from downtown Asheville, North Carolina. The studio prides itself on carefully selected gear that provides the analog warmth and character often found only in big budget studios, while offering prices geared toward independent artists.

This is a true hybrid studio, relying mainly on the analog domain for sound quality while taking advantage of the flexibility afforded by modern technology. Laine Pierce, head engineer and owner, elaborates, “A few years ago I really got into Daniel Lanois [U2, Brian Eno]. I adopted his open room, off-the-floor style of recording using Neve preamps, transformer-balanced outboard gear, vintage sidecar mixers, and ribbon mics.”

This approach means that most of the final quality is captured during tracking. Pierce says his best sounds often come from real people in a room together, simply playing a good song. Plug-ins, if used at all, are mainly from the Waves SSL 4000 bundle. “They’re very reactive and great for tightening up a mix,” he explains. “Of course, we offer over-dubbing and editing, but absolutely no Auto-Tune, and punches are kept to a minimum.”

The rooms in the studio play a major role in the character of the sound produced at Pierce Recording. The main live room has a 22′ cathedral ceiling, perfect for tracking drums and plenty of space for a full band to lay down live tracks. Other options include a 14′ ceiling loft area and a tile hallway. Vocals and instruments can be made to sound large and expansive, or tight and controlled with the right mic selection and baffling system.

Some of the projects Pierce Recording has been involved in include those of Sidney Barnes (former Motown writer, Rotary Connection), Ahleuchatistas (John Zorn’s Tzadik label), The Sweet Meat Love and Holy Cult (featuring Jarboe of Swans), and Asheville’s own up and coming electronica group Sonmi (Skew Records). The studio has also garnered endorsements for API/ JDK outboard equipment and Accusound cables.

KEY GEAR:

Neve 1073 and Avedis MA5 preamps

Vintage Yamaha M916 summing mixer with transformer warmth

Mastering grade Prism Orpheus AD/DA converters and clocking

JDK/API outboard compression and EQ

Otari MX-5050B Series II 2-track tape machine

Vintage JBL 4412 3-way monitors with 12” woofers

AEA ribbon microphones

Telefunken AK-47 multi-pattern tube microphone with NOS tube

CONTACT INFO:

Laine Pierce

(828) 515-0500

www.piercerecording.com

info@piercerecording.com