The clarity and precision of PMC professional studio monitors was something that musician, producer and composer Beto Hale couldn’t ignore when he heard them for the first time.
“As my new Los Olivos Studio came together, I knew that it was time to evaluate speakers.” Hale explains. “I immediately called Ron Cheney of RSPE Audio Solutions to coordinate a demo of the top brands of studio monitors.”
After a demonstration in PMC’s Flagship Boutique showroom at RSPE in LA, Hale added, “It really opened my eyes and I was blown away. The PMCs translated every type of music across the spectrum with incredible clarity, transparency, and punch. I was convinced right then and there.”
That demo inspired Beto Hale to invest in a PMC 5.1 monitoring system comprising of three IBIS-AIII reference monitors, a pair of twotwo8 monitors and a twotwo sub2 active subwoofer. These have now been installed in his new studio, Los Olivos, which was designed by internationally acclaimed studio designer Jay Kaufmann and wired by Nicole Tafralian, of Nikitek, Inc.
Los Olivos is a 2,000-square foot facility featuring a live room with 20ft ceilings, two isolation rooms and a control room equipped with a Pro Tools | HDX system and an Avid S6 console. The studio features a full complement of outboard gear and an extensive microphone collection featuring a vintage Neumann U-47.
However, the star of the show is the PMC monitoring, which Hale says has made him fall in love with playing, recording and listening to music all over again.
“My PMCs are so faithful that they force me to be an extreme perfectionist in my work, which I already thought I was!” he says. “They are so clear and so precise that they have actually helped me to improve the quality of my recordings. They are a pleasure to listen to.”
Born in Mexico City, Hale moved to the USA in 1992 to attend Berklee College of Music and later received a Masters in Music from University of Denver.
Hale’s new studio gives him a permanent base from which to record his new album, tentatively titled Orbs of Light, with co-producers Pablo Munguía, Brent Fischer, and Sal Ojeda. The first single, Closer To You, is available worldwide on iTunes and other download services.
“My studio is private, but is available to a special cadre of exclusive clients involved in the music, film, TV and gaming businesses that come directly recommended by industry pros,” Hale says. “It is fully integrated for video, facilitating scoring, as well as voice over and ADR recording. The goal of the design was to make it a creative haven; it is surrounded by gorgeous foliage that you can actually see; there are windows to the outside (quite a rarity!) and lots of natural light pouring in.”
Hale adds that the service and assistance he received from RSPE was exemplary, particularly when it came to helping him identify the right PMC monitors for his control room.
“The guys at RSPE have been there for all my equipment needs,” he says. “I get first rate service, great pricing and have developed great friendships there as well. I especially want to thank Ron Cheney who helped me with all the new gear I needed for the studio and continues to be there when I need anything.”