Universal Sound
Information

Introduction

Universal Sound is a unique facility being the only one in the country to specialise solely in Foley. As such we have an unprecedented knowledge and ability in the production of high quality Foley tracks, and can provide these at an affordable cost.

We have three purpose built, fully soundproof and acoustically treated Foley studios, together with a large heated water effects pool. The superb facility is complimented by the vast experience of our in house Foley artists, Paul and Ian, together with the technical prowess of the Foley mixers, Phill and Simon.

Location

Universal Sound is situated in the historic market town of Amersham in Buckinghamshire. Access from central London is 30 minutes on the Chiltern Line from Marylebone, or the Metropolitan tube line, both arriving at Amersham station. The studios are easily accessible by car with close proximity of the M40, M25 and M1.

The area offers a peaceful location to record in, with many local hostelries and restaurants.

Foley

Universal Sound has vast experience in the production of Foley tracks, from feature films to television drama, animation to natural history, computer games and commercials. We can provide Foley tracks to enhance any production, irrespective of budget, adding reality and drama while facilitating easy production of international deliverables.

Unlike most other facilities that use the dubbing theatre to record Foley in, hiring freelance Foley artists when required, we have dedicated Foley suites and in house Foley artists allowing an unprecedented focus on the production of Foley. There is no compromise at Universal Sound, we aim to create the very best Foley tracks on every occasion.

We do however fully appreciate the excellent work freelance Foley artists provide, and understand that clients like to draw on the diversity they can offer. We are more than happy to work with other artists whenever a client has a specific preference.

History

Universal Sound is a family business having been set up in 1973, with studios in Perivale, primarily as a dubbing theatre. However over the years we increasingly specialised in the production of Foley tracks, to the extent that in 2000 we designed and built the Foley studios in Amersham. We saw a niche in providing the very best Foley, while being able to offer unmatched flexibility and cost effectiveness. The use of primarily in house artists and mixers, together with having three Foley suites, allows Foley to be produced with no compromise, but allows for today’s tight deadlines and movable schedules.

Studios

Universal Sound has three purpose built Foley suites, each comprising a fully soundproof and acoustically treated Foley studio and its associated mixing theatre.

Studio One is primarily designed for feature films, with the spacious theatre overlooking the sunken Foley studio, separated by an eight meter soundproof glass wall. Picture is provided by an eight meter projected screen, allowing a superb view of artists and picture at once. The Foley studio has a vast array of props and surfaces together with an integral water effects area, allowing just about any conceivable effect to be made.

Studios Two and Three are primarily designed to provide Foley for television productions. They each have a wide range of surfaces and props, and their own water effects area.

In addition is a heated and air conditioned 10m long water effects pool for those water effects requiring a large volume of water.

Cost and Scheduling

Universal Sound can tailor the Foley produced to meet the artistic and budgetary requirements of any production. Having three studios allows for great flexibility, both in terms of cost and scheduling. We can cater for anything, from meeting the full Foley requirements of a high budget feature, to that single elusive effect. We are happy to provide a quotation for an individual production, or work on an hourly basis as shown in our rate card.

We can offer the flexibility of booking a Foley session with no cancellation charge if schedules move or the time is no longer needed. We are happy to book Foley sessions in advance, but can provide Foley at the last minute when required.

Technical Information

Foley:
The Foley is recorded using Pro Tools TDM HD. Studio One can record at any sample frequency up to 192kHz, either 16bit or 24bit, while Studio Two and Three can record at either 48kHz or 44.1kHz. Foley can be supplied as Pro Tools or OMF sessions, on DVD, CD, hard drive, memory stick, Tascam DA88 or via Digidelivery or ftp site.

Picture:
Picture can be provided as QuickTime movie, ideally DV PAL 720x576 or DV NTSC 720x480 or on Betacam SP tape. Other formats are fine and can be transferred before the recording session.

Further Information

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions page or
for any information please call Phill Barrett on:            01494 723400 or 07973 518561 or e-mail Foley@UniversalSound.co.uk

We look forward to working with you soon!