AIR Studios Montserrat

AIR Studios Montserrat was a recording studio located on the island of Montserrat in the Caribbean. The studio was owned by George Martin (producer of Beatles fame) and first opened in 1979.

It was known for its extensive list of well-known clients; those who recorded there included the likes of Elton John, Dire Straits, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Duran Duran, The Rolling Stones and many others recording there. However, in 1989, the studio was hit badly by Hurricane Hugo, forcing its closure. Today the studio remains a derelict building.

The Police had recorded albums Ghost In The Machine and Synchronicity at AIR Studios in Montserrat.

Sting made guest appearances on Stephen Bishop's "Hall Light" and Dire Straits' "Money For Nothing", both of which were recorded on Montserrat when he was on vacation. He recorded demos for The Dream Of The Blue Turtles album, and the entirety of Nothing Like The Sun at this studio.

Tape machines

 * MCI JH-24 2" 24-track
 * MCI JH-110 2" 24-track
 * Ampex ATR-102 1/4-inch (x3)

===Mixing consoles''':
 * Neve A4792 8078 custom-built console /w NECAM automation

Outboard gear

 * ADR SCAMP units including F300 Expander/Gate(s), S03 Sweep EQ and two MXR M110 Autophasers & two MXR M111 Autoflangers
 * ADR F769X-R Vocal Stresser - added later
 * AMS dm2.20 tape phase simulator
 * AMS DMX 15-80 digital delay/harmonizer (x3)
 * Marshall time modulator model 5002 A system
 * EMT 140 plate
 * EMT 240 gold foil plate
 * UREI 1176 compressors (x4)
 * UREI 545 Parametric EQ (x2)
 * UREI 527-A Graphic EQ (x2)

Noise Reduction:
 * Dolby M16 24-track
 * Dolby 361 Processor /w CAT 22 Dolby A noise reduction card

Monitors

 * Altec 604s
 * Auratones
 * JBL 4350
 * JBL 4343
 * Tannoy HPD
 * UREI crossovers

Instruments

 * Bosendorfer 225 Imperial

Equipment upgrades
As of 1986 refurbishment, there was an installation of the following:
 * SSL 4000E console /w Q-mix system
 * Mitsubishi X-850 32-track
 * Mitsubishi X-86 2-track (x2)