The recording studio
The story
In 1980, while strolling through the streets of Paris, Olivier Bloch-Lainé ran into a musician friend who invited him to an auction at the renowned Barclay Studios, a legendary recording complex often referred to as Paris’s answer to Abbey Road. The studio was closing its doors and selling all its equipment. With no intention of buying anything, Olivier attended out of sheer curiosity.
As a lighthearted gesture, he placed the first bid on the studio’s custom 1973 Neve console. To his astonishment, no one else countered. Suddenly, he found himself the owner of the iconic mixing desk. Caught off guard and unprepared, he spent the night securing the necessary funds to complete the purchase.
This serendipitous moment marked a turning point. Needing a place to house the console, Olivier discovered an elegant old manor near the Seine River, just outside Paris. Recognizing its potential, he sold his city apartment and acquired the property in La Frette. This decision laid the foundation for what would become a unique and inspiring studio space, blending history, creativity, and exceptional sound.
Even today, the Control Room in the basement houses the custom-built Neve A646 36-input console, along with Studer A820 tape recorders and an array of vintage effects racks.
The studio is filled with extensive collection of analog and vintage gear, including microphones, compressors, preamps, EQs, and reverb units. Some of the standout pieces include the Fairchild 670, two Teletronix LA2A, Pultec EQs, the EMT 140, the Fairlight CMI IIx and a variety of high-end tape machines.
The studio’s rooms have been professionally treated and soundproofed, following designs by Tom Hidley. Over the years, we’ve found creative uses for almost every room in the building. With a total floor space of approximately 650 square meters, the studio offers endless possibilities for artistic exploration.
Control room
Centered around a custom Neve A646 console and Studer A820 tape machines (24 & 2 tracks), this space features ATC SCM45A and NS10 monitors alongside rare analog outboard gear.
The Control Room opens onto three isolated yet interconnected rooms, offering a dynamic and creative environment. The ground-floor lounge is also connected to the studio, adding an additional flexible and comfortable space for creativity and collaboration.
Piano room
A 35m² space featuring elm paneling and bass traps, housing a 1908 Steinway B piano, Fender Rhodes, and Wurlitzer.
This room offers clear sightlines to the Dead Room, the Stone Room, and the Control Room.
Stone room
A 35m² vaulted cellar with stone walls and bass traps, housing legendary guitar amps and vintage synthesizers such as the Minimoog, Oberheim OB-XA, and Fairlight CMI IIx.
This room is also frequently used for drum recording, providing a unique acoustic environment.
Dead room
This ultra-dry acoustically treated space is designed to capture vocals, drums, and guitar or bass amps with exceptional precision.
Its total absence of resonance ensures absolute control over the sound.
Live salon
On the ground floor, the grand entrance hall with its imposing wooden staircase leads into a spacious double music salon, connected to the studio.
This space offers exceptional natural acoustics and a view of the outdoors, making it perfect for organic group recordings. It features a Bosendorfer piano and a Hammond B3 organ, creating a unique atmosphere for live sessions. It also serves as a relaxing listening space, equipped with Rogers speakers, a vinyl player, and a selection of books.
