LSO St Luke’s has opened a new control room after spending millions on the venue’s recording capabilities.
The upgrade at the London Symphony Orchestra’s historic home allows for spatial audio, broadcasting, podcasting, and filmed content alongside traditional music production.
The new control room
At the centre of the work is a bespoke Audio Control Room (ACR). It handles full-scale sessions and post-production tasks. The studio uses a Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 reference monitoring system. ATC speakers provide the sound output, while an Avid S4 console controls the mix. The room stays connected to every performance space in the building.
Sarah Quinn, Chair of the London Symphony Orchestra, said: “The launch of our new Audio Control Room and expanded recording facilities marks an exciting new chapter for LSO St Luke’s. This investment strengthens our ability to support world-class artists and creative teams, while opening up exciting new possibilities for how music, film and broadcast projects are made within this historic space.”
Other room changes
The Master Control Room (MCR) has been updated for high-definition filming, live streaming, and broadcast work. The Clore Rooms are now multi-functional spaces with controlled acoustics. They support rehearsals, creative sessions, and production.
Acoustic improvements throughout the venue offer better sound isolation. The changes do not compromise the building’s historic character.
Becky Lees, Director of LSO Live, said the facilities aim to broaden the venue’s appeal beyond orchestral recording.
She added: “These new facilities allow us to open up the space in a new way, welcoming a broader range of creatives alongside our orchestral, community and education work. We are excited to support artists, producers, filmmakers and audio professionals of all kinds in accessing everything the venue now has to offer, from recording and production through to broadcast and digital content creation.”
Originally built in 1733 as St Luke’s Church, the venue has served as the London Symphony Orchestra’s home since 2003. It has hosted Elton John, Annie Lennox, Bruce Springsteen, PJ Harvey and Sting.
