>> Cups 'N Strings Studios Celebrates 1st Anniversary

Bruce Maddocks
photo by David Goggin

Cups 'N Strings' comfy 300 sq. ft. control suite houses Sony's DMX-R100 digital console, Maddock's custom built monitor system, Hafler Trans NOVA power amplification, and calibrated Bass Management system. The automated console has been configured to create 8 channels of digital and analog outputs simultaneously. Mixes can be made to the studio's 2-inch 8-track analog multitrack system or any type of digital multitrack, MO drive, or hard drive recording system. Utilizing the TC electronics Model 6000 "unwrap" software, surround mixes can be easily created from 2-track masters. Mixes can be encoded into Dolby digital (AC-3), DTS, or DVD-A bitstreams. The studio also features vintage gear, including two Pultec EQP 2s, Neve 1083s, a Spectrasonic 710 Limiter, Urei 1178 Limiter, Magnatec 29 3-band mastering EQ, an Altec tube mic preamp, some ARX mic pre's, gates, EQ and compression, and a Behringer Magician tube processor.

Bruce Maddocks began his career in New York at A&R Recording, studying the art of multitrack recording and mixing under such luminaries as Phil Ramone and Elliot Scheiner. His next stop was The Hit Factory, working with a top roster of rock and roll artists and engineers, where he shifted his focus to the technical side of the music industry. In 1980, Maddocks moved to LA and took on technical responsibilities at LA's Record Plant. In addition to his studio responsibilities, Maddocks recorded tours across America in Record Plant's recording trucks and supervised the complete rebuilding of the Scoring Stage M at Paramount Pictures. During this period, he developed a line of monitor systems for which he received a TEC Award nomination.

Moving from recording studios to the sound stage, Maddocks joined Sony/Culver Studios where he designed and developed several innovative modular sound and video recording packages for use in both sitcom and motion picture location work. In the mid-90s, Maddocks joined Capitol Recording Studios as chief engineer, where he redesigned and rebuilt the Mastering Suites, the vintage Studio "B" control room, updated the audio paths of all 12 studios, and refurbished the legendary underground live echo chambers. During his tenure at the nation's top recording studios and post-production centers, Maddocks has participated in numerous Oscar and Emmy Award-winning projects. By integrating his extensive knowledge of sound and music, motion picture/television scoring, and studio design, he has utilized his diverse engineering background to its entirety in the creation of the innovative Cups 'n Strings.

For info, visit: www.cupsnstrings.com, or phone (310) 656-9356.