Blending Rock and Roll Legacy with Cutting-Edge Sound

Marshall Studios, located in the heart of the Marshall Amplification headquarters in the UK, is not just a recording studio—it’s a living tribute to the brand’s 60-year legacy in rock and roll. Offering a world-class environment for both new and established musicians, Marshall Studios is a creative space where modern sound technology meets the heritage of the brand. With the help of Solotech, the studio has recently enhanced its live sound reinforcement system to meet the needs of its growing live events and performances.

Adam Beer, Studio Manager, shares insights into the studio’s journey, its collaboration with Solotech, and the high-quality audio equipment that now defines the studio’s live events.

The Birth of Marshall Studios

Marshall Amplification is a name synonymous with rock and roll. Founded in 1962 by Jim Marshall, the company revolutionised the world of music by providing artists with amplifiers that became the very backbone of iconic sound. Today, Marshall Studios aims to carry forward this legacy while adapting to the evolving needs of modern musicians.

“We built Marshall Studios to give back to the rock and roll community and provide a space where up-and-coming artists could find their sound. We wanted it to be a world-class studio that offered more than just a recording environment—we wanted it to be a hub for creativity, live events, and performances,” says Adam Beer, Studio Manager at Marshall Studios.

Opened in 2020, Marshall Studios was created with one purpose: to continue Marshall Amplification’s commitment to the music industry. The studio is located within the same grounds as Marshall’s manufacturing facility, in the iconic building known as Jim’s Theatre. It includes a 250-capacity live space designed to host everything from live showcases and video shoots to full-band rehearsals.

While Marshall Studios had always been an excellent recording space, the live sound system left much to be desired. Adam Beer recalls, “We had some old Crest monitors from our control room at Linford Manor—fantastic speakers, but they weren’t really suited for band performances or events. We needed something that could handle both live gigs and spoken presentations while maintaining the high-quality standards our brand is known for.”

The original sound system had become inadequate for the growing number of live performances, showcases, and special events that the studio hosted. It became clear that to truly live up to its potential as both a recording and live venue, Marshall Studios needed to upgrade its sound reinforcement system to a more versatile and powerful solution.

“We wanted something that would give visiting engineers and artists a sound they could trust, whether they were performing, presenting, or recording. After all, we needed to match the quality of the studio with the quality of the live sound.”

After realising the need for an upgraded sound system, Marshall Studios sought out a trusted partner with experience in both live events and professional audio solutions. Adam’s past experience in the live events industry made Solotech an easy choice. Having worked with one of Solotech’s predecessor companies, Capital Sound, and knowing many front-of-house engineers who rely on Solotech’s products, Beer was confident they would deliver the level of quality he was seeking.

“We wanted something that would give visiting engineers and artists a sound they could trust, whether they were performing, presenting, or recording. After all, we needed to match the quality of the studio with the quality of the live sound,” says Beer.

Choosing The Right Partner

The final specification was tailored to meet Marshall Studios’ exacting standards. The studio installed an L-Acoustics A10 PA system, paired with L-Acoustics X12 monitors for consistent sound quality. L-Acoustics is renowned for its superior sound reproduction, and Marshall Studios was eager to incorporate the brand’s products into its live setup.

“We chose the L-Acoustics A10 system because it’s known for its incredible musicality and precision. It delivers the kind of sound we were looking for: clear, powerful, and true to the artist’s performance. It’s the gold standard in live sound, and we’re thrilled to have it in our space,” Beer states.

Additionally, Marshall Studios opted for a DiGiCo control package, which is widely regarded as the industry standard for live sound engineering. The DiGiCo system offers exceptional control over mixing, which is crucial for delivering a polished performance, whether it’s a live gig or a more intimate showcase.

“The DiGiCo system is so easy to use, and it allows us to have complete control over our sound. It’s something that visiting engineers will feel comfortable using, and that was really important for us,” Beer explains.

A Perfect Fusion of Vintage and Modern

Marshall Studios’ new live sound system has transformed the studio’s live capabilities. The L-Acoustics and DiGiCo setup has enabled the venue to host events with clarity, precision, and musicality, matching the studio’s world-class reputation. Whether it’s a full band performing live or a corporate event with presentations, the upgraded PA system delivers flawless audio.

“It’s a perfect balance of the vintage and modern elements that we pride ourselves on at Marshall Studios,” says Beer.

“We wanted a system that would reflect today’s production values while maintaining the warmth and character that Marshall’s legacy represents. The L-Acoustics PA system has allowed us to blend these two worlds seamlessly.”

One of the standout features of Marshall Studios is its incredible gear collection, which includes not only Marshall’s latest amps but also rare vintage models. Some of the studio’s prized possessions include amplifiers used by iconic artists such as Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page. When artists step into Marshall Studios, they’re walking into a space filled with the very tools that helped define rock history.

The Legacy of Rock and Roll: Albums Recorded at Marshall Studios

Marshall Studios is also home to some notable recordings. The studio has already seen its fair share of legendary albums and artists. Notably, it was here that ‘Some Girls’ by The Rolling Stones was recorded—a true milestone in rock history. Additionally, Thin Lizzy’s ‘Black Rose’ and Wham!’s ‘Everything She Wants’ are part of the studio’s rich recording legacy. These albums, among others, were created using the studio’s signature blend of vintage and modern equipment, including the famous 1974 Neve 8048 console.

Marshall Studios has successfully integrated cutting-edge live sound technology into its historic environment, enhancing its ability to serve both the needs of modern artists and its role in the legacy of rock and roll. By partnering with Solotech, the studio has upgraded its PA system with the best in the industry: the L-Acoustics A10 line array and X12 monitors, alongside a DiGiCo control package. These products have ensured that Marshall Studios can host live events, performances, and album launches at the highest level, all while preserving its authentic rock and roll spirit.

As Marshall Studios continues to grow, the studio’s commitment to supporting the music community and honouring its 60-year heritage remains at the forefront of its mission. Thanks to the collaboration with Solotech, Marshall Studios is now equipped to provide exceptional sound experiences, making it a cornerstone of both modern and classic rock music for years to come.