Pioneer of the first professional home recording studio, acoustic consultant and designer Eddie Veale was recognised for his considerable contribution to the world of audio when he received a Sound Fellowship from the Association of Professional Recording Services (APRS), one of the highest industry accolades.
Veale, Principal of Stevenage-based Veale Associates, was presented with the prestigious award, the first to be granted to an acoustician, by music legend Sir George Martin, at a November luncheon to recognise outstanding contribution to the art, science or business of recording.
In his own acceptance speech, fellow recipient The Who lead guitarist Pete Townshend thanked Veale for his innovative approach to studio design which led to the creation of Townshend’s floating Dutch barge studio, created by Veale in the early 80s and still in use today.
Veale’s career began back in 1960 working on noise control in passenger aircraft for De Havilland. A chance meeting with John Lennon resulted in Veale designing and building the country’s first professional home recording studio at Tittenhurst Park.
For Veale, who subsequently became an engineer on the iconic ’Imagine’ album, a new career unfolded. Today he is acclaimed as one of the UK’s most influential studio designers, responsible for the private studios of George Harrison, Gus Dudgeon, Eric Clapton, and Mike Oldfield among others, and studios at Sarm, The
Mill, Roundhouse, Dean Street, Trident, Decca Records, GMG Radio, Virgin, Channel 4, and Carlton TV.
Eddie Veale (right) with Sir George Martin
Eddie Veale (right) with Sir George Martin
Other Veale firsts include:
• the creation of the sweet spot the width of the console
• the high level control room reference loud speaker monitor system.
• the quadraphonic joystick pan pot
• technology for measuring room acoustics
• the first presenter driven radio station
• the first Rock ‘n’ Roll film dubbing theatre for Advision
Veale also introduced the Moog and ARP synthesizers to Europe, a move which undoubtedly revolutionised the sound of music.
Accepting his APRS Sound Fellowship Veale said: “I am greatly honoured to receive this award, particularly as it marks a first in the acoustic world. It is more than I could have imagined, when I set out in business all those years ago, to be recognised alongside such prestigious names as those already afforded the honour of the Fellowship. Many thanks.“
