L' AMAR Recording Company Ltd. - The Caribbean Sound Basin - VA (1990)

Описание: Launched in 1990, experts rated CSB as one of the three best-equipped studios in the world. It was the realisation of Robert Amar’s dream “to offer both local and international artists state-of-the-art technology in every step of the recording and marketing process.” Amar promised to deal with “all dimensions of the local music art form in its broadest sense: soca, chutney, steelpan.”

Located in Maraval, an upmarket suburb of Port of Spain, CSB was a purpose-built studio complex housing three separate studios as well as hospitality facilities: swimming pool, gym, sauna, photographic studio and bedroom suites. The interior of the complex is spacious and flooded with natural light, in contrast to the darkened norm.

CSB’s three studios were named after Robert Amar and his two brothers. The main studio, Rob, was designed by Sam Toyoshima and John Flyn of The Acoustic Design Group in London. With its 64-channel SSL 4064G console, three isolation booths (vocals, piano and drums) and a massive performance area (60 by 70 feet, and 18 feet high) large enough to accommodate a full-size steel band, Studio Rob elicited a rapturous response from Mix: “Its woodwork and appointments are of an intensity and complexity that suggest religious fervour. ” The room feels like a shrine to the pan drummers and calypso rhythms of Trinidad.”

Studio Rick, designed by Kronos Acondicionmientos of Venezuela, complements the main studio, offering a 48-track Neve console with flying faders, and a more intimate design. Studio Rawl upstairs is a smaller facility with an Amek BC2 console. CSB offered both analogue and digital technology in addition to instruments, a record pressing plant, a disc mastering room and tape duplication facilities.

CSB created it's own Kissdidee Label and launched the careers of many artists.