It’s over 20 years since the island of Ibiza became the prominent party destination for the world’s more hedonistic travellers, but this jewel of the Iberian peninsula is renowned for a lot more than partying. Set back from the idyllic beaches and the rustic villages that ring the island you’ll find Sonic Vista Studios, without doubt one of the busiest Recording Studios on the planet.



Why do people come to Sonic Vista Studios? A look out across the pool on the terrace of this 400 year-old villa to the verdant hillsides that draw the eye onwards to the Mediterranean Sea are clearly a big draw, but for owner and renowned engineer L. Henry Sarmiento II, it’s all about the equipment they offer their clients.

“Essential components of a great Recording / Mastering studio? It’s the speakers. It’s all about the speakers, which is why we’re all about Dynaudios at Sonic Vista. They are the last piece in the audio chain. If you can't hear exactly what you’re doing, then really… what's the point? It's like trying to fly a plane with a dirty windscreen. Good luck with the landing!”

Henry, who has spent over two decades involved in the music industry, is adamant that Dynaudio is the only way to go when it comes to clarity and precision of sound. How else does one amass a client list that reads like a who’s who of the music industry? Lady GaGa, Akon, Andy Taylor, Ms. Dynamite, Goldfrapp, Adam Freeland and Café Del Mar make up the beginnings of a client list that runs in to the hundreds.



“We’re Dynaudio through and through at Sonic Vista. We’re using Air 15s, and Air 20s and Air 25s, both of which we’re running with Base 24 sub units. Oh, and we’re just waiting to get a pair of Air 6s for The White Room Studio. Actually we’re going to need some more for the bedrooms as well.”

“My history with Dynaudio goes back to 1999. In my opinion the clarity and bottom end surpasses much of the competition. Ultimately I need to be able to reach right in to the mix or track that I’m either mixing or mastering and hear everything that’s going on in there.”

“With Dynaudios it’s not just about the sound, though – they also have Word Clock and AES inputs, and these are so important. Every studio at Sonic Vista has a Master Word Clock that connects directly to the Dynaudios. They’re also connected to Pro Tools via AES. Dynaudios are essential for this. And the competition? I’m sorry, but it’s really time for the rest to catch up, I say!”



“I liken my studio talents to driving a Formula 1 car. At the end of the day, anyone can buy an F1 Ferrari, but if you don't have the right driver then you won't win any races. I guess that means I am the right driver and my team is Dynaudio!”


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