Based out of Atlanta, Lil’ Ronnie is a multi-platinum producer and songwriter who’s worked with superstars like Britney Spears, Usher, T.I. and more. Recently, Lil’ Ronnie opened Einnor Studios, a premium multi-room recording studio combining world-class gear with luxury amenities such as butler service and a 24-hour liquor license.

We sat down with Ronnie to learn what it was like working with James Good to outfit the new facilities. Continue reading to hear more about Einnor’s flagship control room and SSL Origin console, its dedicated mix room featuring a Neve Genesys Black, and its custom Dolby Atmos listening room for immersive audio.

Tell me a little bit about why you started Einnor Studios?

My workflow was getting too overloaded for me to just have one room. I felt like it was time for me to build a facility where I can have multiple sessions going on at the same time in different rooms. I’m only one person, but in my studio, I can be in different rooms at the same time.

Why did you choose to use an SSL Origin console in your main control room?

I wanted to have both an SSL option and a Neve option. I think the SSL is nice and clean. Having both SSL and Neve consoles allows me to choose flavors – it’s a personal taste thing. As far as the Origin goes, it’s some of the newest technology that SSL has. It doesn’t use too much power and it's got that vintage look, which I like. I also like that you can put the Origin in Sleep mode, so it saves power and doesn’t make the rooms so hot. People like having something iconic like an SSL to work on, for the experience. 

I also have a UF8 DAW controller, which allows me to use my Origin console almost like a Duality in the sense that it gives me that extra DAW control. I was so happy when they introduced the UF8 because it lets me control my DAW while using my console—plus, it looks cool as hell.

You’ve also got an SSL Fusion—how are you using that in the studio?

My engineers here use the Fusion a lot to run their mixes through, to give them that pumped-up sound. It’s in my Neve room, so it adds a cool SSL flavor to the end of the Neve chain. Usually, when they have a final rough mix done, they just send it through the Fusion to really boost it more before sending it off.

 

What do you feel sets Einnor apart from other studios you’ve been to?

I have a butler service, a full liquor license, and a kitchen that stays open all day—we can really accommodate. We’ve got five rooms with plenty of outboard gear and we’re one of the few studios that have a Dolby Atmos room. The reception has been great so far; both Columbia and Warner Music have come in and done a camp.

You chose the Neve Genesys Black as a centerpiece for the smaller A2 room—what are some of your favorite features?

The workflow of the Neve is amazing. It’s so easy to use. The screen is right where you want it to be and the user experience is great. What I love about the Genesys is that they really figured out how to engineer it for a modern workflow—the average engineer of today will really have fun with that board. It’s really amazing to see an analog console that works so easily with a DAW.

For me, the thing that makes this desk so awesome is having that screen right there where you need it. It makes things way more convenient and really improves the overall workflow. You feel like you’re a part of the music. The sound of the desk and the Neve lineage are incredible, but that integration makes the functionality of this desk amazing. 

What was the process like working with Vintage King to outfit the studio?

Vintage King has been awesome. James Good, my audio consultant, has held my hand throughout the entire process, so to speak. Even before we broke ground, we had to account for all of the wiring and things like that which come into play before all the equipment arrives. There’s so much that goes into it. It helps to have someone there to help make sure every part of it is covered. I really have to give James credit—he answers the call no matter how early or late it is, he’s become like family. 

Tell me about your Dolby Atmos listening room.

Dolby Atmos is becoming a big thing, as I’m sure you know. I don’t think there are many Atmos rooms at all in Georgia, so when labels and clients come in and see that I have an Atmos room, they instantly want to get things going. I chose Genelec’s to outfit that room. It’s a smaller room and it’s actually worked out great with the smaller setup.

James Good If you have any questions about any of the gear mentioned in this blog, please reach out to us! Contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 818.237.9181.