J.studio is a commercial recording studio founded in 2019 by audio engineer Zhu Chiao Chen. Located in the center of Taipei, it offers recording, mixing and mastering facilities to all types of musical genres, including classical, jazz, EDM and pop.
Zhu Chiao Chen’s background in audio ranged from live sound to composing, producing and directing music festivals. His love of recording led him to establish J.studio.
The studio recently replaced its older console with an AMS Neve 8424. The Neve console allows the studio to use their extensive collection of analog outboard equipment in a digital workflow.
“Our approach is to bridge old school gear and apply modern techniques to achieve sonically unique results,” explained Zhu Chiao Chen. “The studio is equipped with Urei 813C main monitors and we love collecting all types of vintage audio gear. The 8424 console is what connects everything together.”
Zhu Chiao Chen added that he prefers to use a hybrid workflow that delivers the best of both analog and digital worlds. The 8424 console has helped him optimize his workflow.
“Another benefit of the 8424 is that it retains an analog signal path, but allows digital control,” he said. “This means we can preserve a vintage tone while still benefiting from modern workflow enhancements.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has been harmful to the music sector, especially live music, and the studio owner wanted to be part of the solution. He hosted an innovative jazz show that was broadcast from J.studio to Japan.
“The show was performed by Taiwanese musicians playing in our studio, and broadcast via the internet to another jazz band in Japan,” said Zhu Chiao Chen. “They performed the show in real time with the Taiwanese musicians for a live audience. Being able to connect musicians from two different countries and have them play as if they were in the same space was a very humbling experience and it was a huge honor to be involved in this project.”