Studio Smetanova Divadla

Czech analog recording studio in Prague, located inside the new service building of Smetanovo Divadlo (Smetana Theatre), presently Státní Opera Praha (Prague State Opera). Founded in 1974 as a scenic music recording studio for The National Theatre in Prague (Národní divadlo v Praze) group of theatres. Also used as orchestra rehearsal room. Free studio capacity was let to external clients, primarily to Panton, but also to Supraphon, Československá Televize or Barrandov Studios. Operated until the late 1990s. Still partially equipped as of 2012 but not in active use as a recording studio. Staff until 1991: Engineers: Aleš Wimmer (chief engineer), Josef Celerin, Ondřej Nosek, Libor Ficek Technicians: Miroslav Loudil, Ladislav Pono, Jiří Černý (3), Jaroslav Coufal Recording supervisors / music directors: Pavel Vondruška, Oliver Rožek, various theatre orchestra conductors, various external Supraphon staff music directors Gear used during the 1970s and 1980s: Initially Studer A80 8-track, three Studer A80 2-track, Tesla Bratislava mixing console, Tesla "cinema combination" monitors, an echo chamber in the basement. Upgraded during the late 1970s to Studer 24/8 (subsequently 24/24) mixing console, Studer A80 MkIV 24-track with Dolby system, JBL monitors, various high quality microphones and effects.