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Windmill Lane Recording Studios has hosted some of the most significant recordings in music history. But what is it about this legendary Dublin facility that keeps world-class artists and producers returning? In this episode, Tony Perry takes us on a journey through three distinct studios, each with its own character and sonic signature. Studio One—designed by Andy Munro—features a 144-input Neve console and was built to work beautifully with orchestras. Studio Two, housed in what was once an art deco electricity supply hub, features a 40-channel SSL G Series and has become the go-to room for rock and pop. Studio Three is a smaller, intimate space perfect for vocals and voiceover work.
But the real story isn't about the gear—it's about the people. Tony explains how the studio's three directors (Tony, Naomi Moore, and Aidan Alcock) have built a culture of excellence from top to bottom. The team goes the extra mile. The interns are treated as valued members of the community. Engineers and producers who work there become part of something bigger than themselves. Tony also shares the critical role that mentorship and education have played, from founding Pulse College in 1994 to developing Ireland's first formal audio engineering degree program.
You'll hear about the importance of institutional knowledge—techniques for miking orchestras that have been passed down over generations, the nooks and crannies of each room, and the lessons learned from working alongside world-class producers and engineers. Most importantly, you'll understand why the vibe in a control room matters just as much as the equipment, and what it really takes to build and maintain a legendary recording facility in 2026.
In This Episode:
- The legendary artists who've recorded at Windmill Lane: U2, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, Metallica, and many more
- Studio One: The 144-input Neve console, orchestral recording, and why 'if an orchestra sounds good in a room, anything can sound good in a room'
- Studio Two: The art deco heritage, the SSL G Series, and why Tony prefers working with rock and pop there—plus the 18-month transformation by mixer Spike Stent
- Studio Three: The journey to creating the perfect vocal booth through trial, error, and acoustic expertise from Pat McCall
- Institutional knowledge: How legendary techniques for miking orchestras and understanding room acoustics are passed down through generations
- The role of Genelec monitoring systems in eliminating guesswork and resonant frequencies
- Building a culture of excellence: the three directors' philosophy and how they've created an environment where interns and assistant engineers thrive
- From imposter syndrome to ownership: Tony's journey from engineer to co-owner and the responsibility that comes with it
- The importance of mentorship and education: developing Ireland's first audio engineering degree program and why teaching matters as much as doing
- Studio etiquette and tension management: using Irish humour to ease high-pressure recording sessions while maintaining professionalism
- The difference between pre-production era sessions (quick turnarounds) and the old model (full projects from start to finish)
- Why passion is non-negotiable in this industry—and what happens when you stop caring
About Our Guests
Tony Perry
Tony Perry is Director of Audio and co-owner of Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin, alongside Naomi Moore and Aidan Alcock. He began his career in the late 1980s working in a music shop, where he discovered a passion for MIDI and sampling technology. This led him to establish Fourth Floor Productions, which eventually evolved into his acquisition and operation of the legendary Windmill Lane facility in 2009. Over his career, Tony has recorded and worked with artists including Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, New Order, and Bryan Adams. He is deeply committed to the craft of engineering, the mentorship of young professionals, and the development of audio education in Ireland. Tony is also a co-founder of Pulse College and has been instrumental in bringing formal qualifications and degree programs in audio engineering to Ireland. He continues to engineer sessions and work on music technology while overseeing one of Europe's most respected recording facilities.
Windmill Lane Recording Studios: windmilllanerecording.com
About Our Host
Ashea
Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. Her production and mixing credits include work with Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, and SVT1 (Sweden). Through the Production Expert Podcast, she brings industry insiders together to explore the craft, process, and philosophy behind the world's greatest records and the facilities that make them possible.
Website: asheamusicofficial.com
Key Resources & Links
- Windmill Lane Recording Studios: windmilllanerecording.com
- Pulse College: pulsecollege.ie
- Genelec UNIO Monitoring: genelec.com/unio
- University of Central Lancashire (UCLan): uclan.ac.uk
- Spike Stent (mixer/engineer): spikestent.com
- Abbey Road Studios: abbeyroad.com
- Ocean Way Recording (Los Angeles): oceanwayrecording.com
