John Keane Studios General Information
 
     John Keane Studios resides in a large 1920s era house on a quiet side street in a residential historic district. Located in the center of Athens, Ga, the studio is within walking distance of several hotels and the downtown area, home to numerous restaurants, clubs, and shops.
     Opened in 1981, the studio has been host to a wide variety of artists such as R.E.M., Indigo Girls, Nanci Griffith, Cowboy Junkies, Widespread Panic, Robyn Hitchcock, Uncle Tupelo and Vic Chesnutt. Originally the home studio of owner John Keane, it now occupies the entire structure, which incorporates a 500 sq. foot live room with hardwood floors, a 16 foot ceiling and panels that swing out from the walls to change the room acoustics. A large 50 sq. foot vocal booth is provided, as well as two other iso booths that can be used for remote speakers or performers.
     The large 18 x 11 living room opens out onto a comfortable front porch complete with porch swings. A smaller 11 x 14 lounge is also provided which can be used for practicing or overdubbing, or just a private place to finish up some lyrics or call home. Many clients have remarked that the relaxed homelike atmosphere and abundance of elbow room is very conducive to making records.
     The control room features a Trident 80-B 30 input console with 54 channels available for mixdown. The Otari MTR 90 MKII can be synched via Microlynx to a Sony PCM 800 for 8 additional digital tracks. An 8-track Pro Tools system is available for multitrack editing and sequencing of 2 and 4 track material. The grand piano sits in a 200 sq. foot live room with a 10-foot ceiling. A kitchen is also provided for meals and snacks.
     One aspect of Keane Recording that sets it apart from most studios is the availability of a wide variety of well maintained musical instruments and amplifiers. Artists are encouraged to experiment with different sounds and textures to help make their recordings more interesting and diverse. It also saves the artists from the considerable expense of having to transport or rent additional gear. It is not unusual for a group to come in and make a record without bringing in any gear at all!
 

Studio Floor Plan