Legendary Ardent Studios in Memphis Installs 48-channel Solid State Logic Duality Fuse SuperAnalogue™ Mixing Console in its Studio B

Ardent Studios continues its legacy of sonic excellence and technological innovation with Solid State Logic Duality Fuse and forthcoming Oracle Future Analogue Consoles

Memphis, Tennessee, September 16, 2025 — Ardent Studios, established in 1959, has been busy renovating all four studios at its historic facility in Memphis over the past three years and recently completed the installation of a new 48-channel Solid State Logic Duality Fuse SuperAnalogue™ mixing console in Studio B. One of the two original rooms at the Madison Avenue location, Studio B has long been a favourite of Ardent’s most notable clients and offers the facility’s largest control room, with a 400-square-foot tracking space and a dedicated isolation booth.

Summing up the appeal of the new SSL console, Mark Danger, Ardent Studios’ CEO, says, “We chose the Duality Fuse to enhance our production capabilities and efficiency. The console’s advanced automation and routing features allow seamless transition from mixing and working in the analogue domain to DAW control and in-the-box production. The Duality has enhanced productivity without the necessity for workaround solutions.”

Optimised mixes without compromise
The new setup in Studio B has been optimised for the needs of today’s producers and engineers, Danger comments. “We’ve observed a clear trend in music production: artists and producers are increasingly comfortable working in their personal studios. However, they seek an acoustically optimised environment equipped with a large-format console to record and mix without any compromise.”

The Duality Fuse perfectly addresses this need, he continues. “It gives users the capability to seamlessly transfer their DAW automation onto the console through SSL’s exceptional Delta Control plug-in or traditional SSL automation, while simultaneously allowing for in-the-box work with its integrated DAW control, all at the touch of a button. The Duality empowers users with the best of both hybrid and traditional analogue mixing approaches, offering dual SuperAnalogue^TM and Variable Harmonic Drive mic pres, and SSL dynamics processing on every channel, as well as providing extremely flexible routing options and insert points to utilise all our available outboard gear, if desired.”

A legacy of firsts
Ardent has long been on the leading edge of audio technology. For example, it was the first facility in the American South to operate 4-track recorders and utilize EMT reverbs. It was one of the first U.S. studios to adopt 3M M56 16-track machines, Dolby A301 units and the MCI 24-track tape machine. Following the most recent upgrades, Studio B’s control room is also now outfitted with Dolby Atmos mixing and monitoring capabilities.

The multi-room Ardent complex has a long history with SSL. “This year also marks a special milestone for Ardent Studios — our fortieth anniversary of working with Solid State Logic,” Danger reports. During the past four decades, Ardent has been home to 6000 and 9000 series consoles as well as a Duality SE, now replaced with the new Duality Fuse.

“This Duality Fuse embodies the latest advancements in a well-established industry standard that has been trusted ever since the original Duality console was launched,” he continues. “Any initial uncertainties about its sound compared to the classic SSL sonic footprint were completely dispelled following SSL’s impressive on-site demonstration. To us, it sounds like a 9000 with modern features and much easier automation to operate. The desk also has a great footprint; you don't need to stand up to reach the bus controls, for example.”

Danger also notes, “We proudly hold the record for the quietest noise floor of a Duality installed anywhere in the world. We look forward to continuing our legacy of sonic excellence and technological innovation with this incredible new addition.”

While some people romanticise older consoles, he says, “We don't miss them at all. We would rather have happy clients and less downtime. Because people now use DAWs and desks in a hybrid workflow, some features of the classic consoles — which were not expected to last for so many decades — have become outdated and simply increase maintenance.” It makes sense, then, to buy a new console, he contends. “And Solid State Logic offers the best service and support of any console manufacturer.”

Ardent’s Madison Avenue location, in operation since 1971, is described as a warm, creative space favoured by artists and engineers for its character and versatility. Many world renowned artists, including Led Zeppelin, Sam & Dave, ZZ Top, R.E.M., Isaac Hayes, The Staple Singers, Cheap Trick, Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, The Bar-Kays, The White Stripes, Big Star, Bob Dylan, The Raconteurs, The Gin Blossoms, Stevie Wonder, Steve Earle, Smashing Pumpkins and the Allman Brothers, Alan Jackson, Huey Lewis & The News, Booker T. MG’s, have worked at Ardent.

Future Analogue with Oracle
Looking ahead, Ardent is proud to be one of the very first studios in the world to invest in SSL’s groundbreaking Future Analogue console, Oracle, carrying forward its long-standing legacy of being at the forefront of recording technology. This next-generation technology, destined for Studio C, represents a bold new era in music production, and its arrival will further solidify Ardent’s reputation as a pioneer at the intersection of classic analogue warmth and cutting-edge digital innovation.

About Solid State Logic
Solid State Logic is the world’s leading manufacturer of analogue and digital audio consoles and provider of creative tools for music, broadcast, live and post production professionals. For more information about our award-winning products, please visit: www.solidstatelogic.com.