Associated Independent Recording

Associated Independent Recording (AIR), an independent recording company, was founded in London in 1965 by Beatles producer George Martin and his partner John Burgess after their departure from EMI.

Since 1969 AIR has operated its own professional audio recording facilities.

Oxford Street

AIR's first facility was on the fourth floor of 214 Oxford Street, containing four studios and a MIDI programming room. The facility included two large studios (one 58×32 feet, the other 30×28 feet) and two small ones. The studios contained two Bösendorfer pianos, many soundproof booths, and a 56-channel mixing console, custom-designed by Neve to AIR's specification.

AIR Montserrat

The company built another recording studio on the Caribbean island of Montserrat in the 1970s. In 1986 the facility was described as:

"Recently refurbished control room now featuring 60 channels by SSL with automation and TR and 12 fully integrated channels by Rupert Neve of Focusrite, two 32track Mitsubishi X850 digital machines and 24track Studer A800. Digital mixing on two Mitsubishi X86. Very comprehensive ancillary equipment list."

Elton John recorded three albums there during the 80's, and Dire Straits recorded their super selling album Brothers in Arms in -84/-85. Other bands such as The Police, Rolling Stones and Supertramp have also recorded albums there.

The Montserrat facility was mostly destroyed by Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

AIR Lyndhurst Hall

In 1991, AIR Studios took over Lyndhurst Hall, a Grade II listed building designed by Alfred Waterhouse, located in the Hampstead suburb of northern London. The space was revamped as a recording facility and opened for business in December 1992. AIR Lyndhurst is now a key London facility for classical and popular recordings, as well as film scores, television post-production, and dialogue, sound effects and music for video games.

References

• AIR Studios website
• Video tour and producer interviews shot at Air Studios