THE STUDIO
Delivered from a purpose built studio in Riverside Youth Hub on the London Rd, Bath.
The studio is an important part of The Making Place.
We wanted young people to have access to a real creative environment - not just a laptop and a MIDI keyboard in a spare room, but a proper studio space that feels exciting, purposeful and professional.
At the same time, it was important that the space did not feel intimidating. Many young people are curious about music, audio and media but may not yet have the confidence to walk into a traditional studio environment.
The Making Place offers a different kind of studio experience: professional enough to inspire, but relaxed and supportive enough for young people to feel comfortable trying things out.
As a lifelong musician, producer, audio engineer & youth worker of 15 years, founder Leroy Mentos, knows how much the right environment can shape creativity. We wanted to create a space where young people can use real equipment, explore their own ideas, make mistakes, build confidence and develop new skills - all with a youth-work-led approach at the centre.
This is a studio where young people are encouraged to create, express themselves and grow.
For those who are curious about the technical side, here’s what’s in the studio. Young people do not need to know any of this before joining — the sessions are designed to make the equipment feel understandable, creative and fun to use. There's also a handy guide for common studio terms at the bottom of the page!
CONTROL ROOM
The brain of studio is built around a MacBook Pro running Logic Pro 11, using Audient, UAD and Behringer interfaces with a full size 61 key MIDI keyboard at the helm.
We have an industry standard mic collection, including Shure SM57/SM58, AKG D112 and some lovely sounding condenser mics to suit a wide range of sound sources., with enough inputs to record a full band live. All with a nice view into the live room
With plugins such as Soundtoys 5, Waves Abbey Road, Amplitude and the world famous pitch correction tool "Melodyne", you'll be using exactly what the pros use.
LIVE ROOM
The Live Room acts as a blank canvas, with enough space to fit a full band, set up a podcast, or film content. Separate from the live room, with a viewing window into the control room, it is a real studio experience.
Backline such as guitar amps, a selection of guitars and pedals are also available
Studio Terms Explained
Some of the words used on this page are common in music studios, but they may not be familiar if you are new to music production. Here is a simple guide to what they mean.
Control room
The room where most of the recording, editing and mixing happens. This is where the computer, speakers, keyboard and recording equipment are usually set up.
Live room
The space used for recording voices, instruments or other sounds. It helps separate the performer from the speakers and gives a better recording environment.
Audio interface
A piece of equipment that connects microphones, instruments and speakers to the computer. It helps capture sound clearly and play it back properly.
MIDI keyboard
A keyboard used to control sounds inside the computer. It does not make sound on its own in the same way as a piano, but it can play virtual instruments such as drums, synths, strings and bass sounds.
Microphone
Used to record vocals, instruments, podcasts, voiceovers and other sounds.
Studio monitors
Special speakers designed for music production. They help us hear the sound clearly while recording, editing and mixing.
Headphones
Used for recording and listening closely to sounds without the speakers being picked up by the microphone.
Logic Pro
The main music production software used in the sessions. It is used to record, edit, arrange and produce music.
Plug-ins
Extra tools inside the music software. They can be used to shape sounds, add effects, create instruments, tune vocals, mix tracks and make projects sound more finished.
Mixing
The process of balancing all the sounds in a project so they work well together. This can include adjusting volume, tone, effects and space.
Mastering
The final polish on a finished track, helping it sound more consistent and ready to share.