Hivãri Studios: A Thriving Hub of Creativity in Mexico

Hivãri Studios, located in Mexico City, is a rapidly growing hub for creativity and innovation in the entertainment industry. With a focus on music, animation, cinematography and video games, Hivãri Studios is quickly becoming a leader in Mexico's digital entertainment scene.

Construction is now underway of Hivãri Studios Entertainment, a unique audio postproduction facility in Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, that Soundz Fishy is pleased to be involved with.

Designed by the world-leading architectural and sound designer, Horacio Malvicino of the Malvicino Design Group, the facility will offer a Dolby Atmos theatre and studio, and features Soundz Fishy’s Hybrid Integration System, seamlessly integrating an AMS Neve DFC 3D and Avid S6 in one beautifully designed console, with producer desks and screen sliders.

Soundz Fishy's Hybrid Integration System

Driving this project is the composer and sound designer, Uriel Villalobos Alva. He explained, “with Hivãri Studios Entertainment, we are looking to create a beautiful place, where creativity is unleashed. A studio where cutting edge technology meets the best amenities, becoming the epicentre for music, video gaming and cinematography in Central and South America, and even the world.”

Glenn Haddock, MD of Soundz Fishy said, “it’s great to be involved in the development of this world-class facility. Our Hybrid Integration System gives the studio a lot more flexibility and will transform the mix experience by creating a workspace that is functional with a design edge.”

Launching in September, the studio is already taking bookings for services including DOLBY ATMOS final mixes for cinematography, music mixing and sound design, as well as original music composition for film and TV, video games, advertising and digital media.

Hivãri Studios is a shining example of Mexico's growing presence in the digital entertainment industry. With a focus on innovation, creativity, and inclusivity, Hivãri Studios is not only a world-class facility producing engaging content but is also nurturing a community of artists and designers who are helping to shape the future of the industry. As the studio continues to expand and push boundaries, it will undoubtedly remain a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.

To book Hivãri Studios email contact@hivaristudios.com and to find out more about Soundz Fishy and our technical studio furniture, email info@soundzfishy.com or call 01344 952739.

Unlock the Power of an Avid S6 Using Your Existing Euphonix S5 Console

Renowned for taking a design-led approach to console design, Soundz Fishy introduces its new bucket system which accommodates Avid S6 modules into Euphonix System 5 frames. Called the Console Conversion System, it converts the Euphonix S5 or Fusion console into an Avid S6 control surface.

‘It’s a large format console layout which repurposes existing consoles in a budget-friendly way: it works on so many levels! ’ Glenn Haddock, Soundz Fishy

Paul Govey, Pinewood’s audio operations manager originally chose the Soundz Fishy buckets to create a hybrid set up between the Euphonix System 5 and the Avid S6. By replacing the remaining buckets with Soundz Fishy buckets, Pinewood have converted their Euphonix S5 console into a fully dual operated S6.

‘Initially, this was seen as a simple solution to extend the life of the Euphonix System 5. However, it quickly became apparent that the modular nature of the design provided much more flexibility when it came to console layout and maintenance. Our clients love the fact that we can pretty much build the console into any configuration they like.

The benefits of this system are widespread for all studios looking to upgrade their facilities.’

Benefits of using the Console Conversion System

Repurposes the Euphonix System 5 console: the idea of replacing a console is not one that many studios relish so the option to reuse many of its components is both sensible and reassuring.

It’s simple
Just buy the S6 modules, cables, network switch and the Soundz Fishy Buckets (5 or 9 knob) and retain the Euphonix frame, including the legs, beams and buffer. Install the S6 modules in the new buckets, remove the Euphonix buckets and swap them with the new buckets, locate the network switch to the back of the meter bridge, connect all cables and then configure your Avid S6… Simple!

It’s eco-friendly
In a world demanding less waste and environmental damage, it is a natural step to reuse and repurpose where possible.

Budget-friendly
The overall upgrade cost is lower as fewer parts are needed to create the same set up. In addition, savings on equipment, build time and studio downtime during the refurb are greatly reduced. Across a number of studios, the overall savings can be significant.

Minimal disruption
The buckets are pre-prepped in the Soundz Fishy workshop so that the S6 modules can be installed into the existing frame in a day or two without disrupting the studio to install a new console.

Reduces loss of studio time
With such a smooth and quick turnaround time, studios don’t have to face long closures and loss of revenue while the studios are upgraded.

Avoids cosmetic repairs
Installing new consoles leaves large holes in the studio floor and unsightly fixings that all need to be repaired for the S6 installation. By installing this new system, the current frame is reused negating the need for further repairs.

So why not see how we can help you convert today!

Or if you want to integrate S6 modules into your current console then you can talk to us about creating a hybrid set up. This works by integrating the Avid S6 into a Euphonix S5, AMS Neve DFC, Rupert Neve Design or Solid State Logic console.

Contact: glenn@soundzfishy.com +44 1344 952739 www.soundzfishy.com


Props to Pro-Audio

What do Lord Norman Foster, Oompa Loompas, James Bond and Abbey Road Studios all have in common?

They have all benefited from the creative and technical talents of Glenn Haddock, founder of Soundz Fishy, and master craftsman of studio consoles for the TV, film and music post-production industry.

“Prop making for the film industry was the best possible training for what I do now,” explains Glenn. “Turning fantasy into a working reality is a real test of creativity, innovation and problem-solving, and solving studio challenges is at the heart of what we do at Soundz Fishy.”

Starting his working career in Australia as an apprentice pattern maker in the early 80’s, Glenn always enjoyed designing and building things that were both functional and beautiful.

“After a period of back packing around Europe, I settled in the UK during the construction boom of the late 80’s / early 90’s and honed my skills making architectural models for the likes of Lord Foster and Lord Rogers. The precision involved in bringing detailed architectural drawings to life at such a small scale was also great experience,” says Glenn.

Not long after, he made his first foray into the film industry, working for Universal, Disney and then Paramount Pictures, making props for films like Event Horizon, Star Wars Phantom Menace, Robin Hood, James Bond and several movies in the Harry Potter franchise.

“I would basically be told what the film needed by way of props and then I would use my mechanical, electrical and design skills to turn those ideas into a living, working reality,” says Glenn.

From the rotating Core in Event Horizon, to exploding scanners in Bond movies and Oompa Loompa props on the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory remake, nothing was too fantastical for Glenn to create. Working on the first three Harry Potter movies, Glenn’s many creations included the Nimbus 2000 broomstick, a three quarter-sized motorbike for Hagrid and the lantern held by Harry when trying on the invisibility cloak.

It also sparked his passion for the film and TV industry which is where Soundz Fishy do most of their work today.

Having set up a company making props and installations for movies, exhibitions and experiential events, Glenn was approached by Twickenham Film Studios.

“Twickenham had undergone a refurbishment and they wanted to improve the design and workflow of their studios,” explains Glenn. “I could immediately see how my design, build and electro-mechanical skills gained in film pre-production could add real value. Rise and fall legs, sliding screens and producer desks all add to the console functionality, adaptability and improve workflow, while keeping the studio tidy, safe and pleasant to work in.”

Glenn’s next pro-audio customer, Goldcrest Studios, had other challenges. Mixing equipment is traditionally very inflexible and many of these studios are hired by producers and sound professionals that have different needs and their own preferred mixing equipment.

Goldcrest needed flexibility and the ability to integrate different mixing consoles. So, Glenn invented the Hybrid Integration System, allowing different makes of console, such as the AMS Neve and Euphonix System 5 to function on the same control surface with the Avid S6.

“This was unique in the industry and word soon got around as producers used the studios and were impressed by their set up. We were soon approached by other world-leading studios including Abbey Road, Skywalker and Pinewood,” said Glenn.

With this side of Glenn’s business growing exponentially, he decided to focus solely on the pro-audio industry and set up Soundz Fishy in January 2021. With a surname like Haddock, it seemed natural to adopt the fish as the central theme of his branding.

With the COVID pandemic leading to a massive rise in content consumption and streaming, Soundz Fishy is also working with the new generation of TV and film production houses, including Netflix and Apple.

“Lockdown One initially put a bit of a dent in TV and film production and post-production, but now things are really thriving and Soundz Fishy has completed some great projects recently and has more exciting work in the pipeline. We are also scaling up our production capability and have developed an innovative new range of console designs and accessories combining everything we’ve learned during custom design and build projects. These will bring the same ergonomic and workflow benefits, but in a more affordable way,” said Glenn.

To find out more about Soundz Fishy visit www.soundzfishy.com. To discuss your studio challenges, call Glenn on 07976 843675 or email him on glenn@Soundzfishy.com.