We worked with Manchester Regional High School to design and install a professional recording studio built around high-quality equipment and smart system architecture. While the space itself is compact, it was designed intentionally so its size does not limit what students can create. Every component was selected to maximize capability within a focused footprint.

The system is supported by a Cisco network switch to ensure stable, reliable connectivity across all studio devices. Audio mixing and processing are powered by an Allen & Heath AVANTIS digital mixer equipped with a Dante 64x64 networking card, allowing seamless integration throughout the room. We incorporated an Allen & Heath DT164-W Dante wall-mounted audio expander to provide flexible routing and high-performance preamps, giving students the ability to connect microphones and instruments easily while maintaining professional audio quality.

At the center of the studio is an Apple Mac Studio with the M2 Ultra chip, featuring a 24-core CPU, 60-core GPU, 192GB of unified memory, and 8TB of SSD storage. Running Logic Pro and paired with a high-resolution display, the workstation delivers the power needed for multitrack recording, editing, and full production workflows. The space also includes a Silver Series Vocal Booth with integrated silent ventilation and lighting, creating a controlled acoustic environment for clean vocal capture.

We selected a versatile microphone package to support a wide range of applications, from vocal tracking to full drum kit recording and direct instrument input. Monitoring is handled through Yamaha HS7 powered studio monitors to ensure accurate playback and confident mixing decisions.

Beyond the technical installation, the room itself became part of the experience. The school brought in a muralist to transform the space, incorporating custom artwork and musical notes from the school anthem into the walls. That creative touch added personality and pride, turning the studio into more than just a recording room.

The system was designed with scalability in mind. Its modular layout and Dante-based infrastructure allow additional microphones, instruments, and devices to be integrated as the program grows. The result is a compact, high-performance studio that proves a smaller space can still deliver professional-level results for student creators.