Pat McMakin, Sony Tree Studio’s manager, producer and engineer needed a solution for sharing access and storage for the recording studio’s very large, multi-track audio files. Several years ago he finally found exactly what he needed from the industry’s storage and workflow technology specialist, Studio Network Solutions.
“I have served as manager of Sony Tree Studios in Nashville for 25 years and during that time I have worked with numerous suppliers, manufacturers, and technical entities. In finding Studio Network Solutions, I have discovered a rare jewel.”
– Pat McMakin, Sony Tree Studios
It was just over five years ago that Pat discovered Studio Network Solutions and began using the company’s A/V SAN PRO shared storage system together with its SANmp software for the Nashville studio’s audio files and post-production work. Ever since then, Studio Network Solutions has made a huge difference in this growing studio’s entire workflow system. Not only did SNS offer both high-speed and centralized storage, but their technologies also provided multi-user access and ultra-reliability in addition to hands on support.
“Their products have truly revolutionized our workflow. They have worked flawlessly for over 5 years and the SNS technical support has been tremendous.”
Prior to deploying Studio Network Solutions’ technology, assistant engineers spent hours shuffling FW drives around, backing them up and trying to keep up with which projects were on what drives. The combination of A/V SAN PRO and SANmp software allowed the studio complete centralized and shared data management and backup.
“SANmp is a real problem-solver that has allowed us to unify our entire production workflow. Prior to the installation of the system my assistant engineers spent most of their time moving and managing hard drives throughout the entire facility. Now that we can access any drive from any room — my assistant engineers can go back to being an assistant engineers.”
Sony Tree Studios uses Macintosh G5 workstations loaded with ProTools 7.3 specifically for audio and midi applications, and eight drives are shared among three workstations that back up to a Quantum LTO carousel. With the SNS shared storage system, virtually all data is either live on the network or on an LTO tape until it is needed, and then restored to a network drive. It is then manipulated and backed up to the project LTO and all of the drives are backed up daily to the LTO carousel. The improved workflow at the studio has cut labor costs, increased productivity and reliability, and has provided ‘peace of mind’ for Pat knowing everything gets backed up daily.
Studio Network Solutions technology is the backbone for any audio/visual studio facility by employing Fibre Channel technology to connect multiple systems such as Pro Tools™, Final Cut Pro™ and Avid™ to one shared storage/access location. Studio Network Solutions systems are designed to remain stable under the most extreme conditions and their scalable technologies have earned respect among industry leaders as being nothing less than bulletproof.
Company: Sony Tree Studios
Industry: Audio post production
Working Environment: Pro Tools
About SNS
Studio Network Solutions (SNS) specializes in the development of shared storage hardware and software solutions for the Media and Entertainment industry. Since day one we’ve applied unmatched ingenuity and experience to create outstanding products that exceed industry expectations while providing outstanding support to our customers.
Our customers range in size from individual freelance engineers to multinational media powerhouses. Our solutions are used to produce everything from books on tape to full track scoring for major Hollywood films. Our products have been at the technical core of the music you listen to, the games you play, the shows you watch and the movies you see.
We have a valued network of resellers located throughout the United States… and the world. Whether you have a product question or you’re ready to place an order, we encourage you to contact us today.