Cypress Hill's Studio Becomes New Focus of Focusrite's Undertaking
L.A. Studio Wise with Christian Olde Wolbers and Focusrite
It's June 16, 2025, in the heart of LA, and Christian Olde Wolbers, a legendary figure in California's metal scene who now ventures into the realm of hip-hop with Cypress Hill, has taken a leap forward in his studio game. His device of choice? Focusrite's RedNet and ISA products.
Olde Wolbers, a multitalented musician and producer, explains the transformation: "Switching to RedNet felt like night and day. Everything in the studio seemed more professional all of a sudden."
With Red 16Line and RedNet A16R interfaces, Olde Wolbers boasts 32 channels of crystal-clear audio conversion designed for live instrumentation and efficient recording. He adds, "I capture a lot of drums and upright bass, and with Focusrite, I precisely dial in every signal path."
The ISA preamps, starring center-stage in Olde Wolbers' studio, are a staple for both tracking and mixing. "I've been using them for years," he says, "and with their consistent, dependable tone, my setup has really become a powerhouse."
Olde Wolbers, who moved to the West Coast in 1993 to join Fear Factory and later collaborated with crossover thrash bands Beowülf and Vio-lence, can't afford downtime with tight schedules and family obligations. Focusrite's high-fidelity products ensure he's always capture-ready—even if it's just a demo recording.
Olde Wolbers' latest project? Producing Cypress Hill’s upcoming album, containing unique collaborations with the London Symphony Orchestra in a spectacular fusion of genres. In a recent event commemorating the 30th anniversary of Black Sunday, they artists delivered bespoke orchestral arrangements under the baton of a full 70-piece ensemble slated for release this very month.
"Today's music world demands top-tier sound quality across the board," Olde Wolbers emphasizes. "If your interface isn’t up to the mark, it’s hard to compensate later on."
Specialized Insights:- RedNet Ecosystem: Olde Wolbers' setup boasts the RedNet ecosystem, enabling extensive routing flexibility and seamless integration of external preamps and processors.- Modular and Mobile Patchbays: Olde Wolbers' gear is organized in concert-style mobile patchbays that allow for quick reconfiguration and efficient signal management in various recording scenarios.- High-Quality Audio: The use of ISA preamps brings Olde Wolbers' studio a distinctive, classic analog sound that is both transparent and punchy. The ISA preamps are renowned for their unparalleled sound quality, making them suitable for capturing everything from electric bass to orchestral recordings.- Efficient Workflow: Pre-configured signal paths and devices ensure that Olde Wolbers can enter the studio, select tracks, and start recording with minimal setup time, supporting his work on a wide range of genres without extensive reconfigurations.- Adaptability: The system's scalability and sound quality make it suitabe for projects spanning hip-hop, metal, and even collaborations with orchestras. The combination of RedNet and ISA products enables Olde Wolbers to adapt to diverse recording scenarios and consistently deliver high-quality results in both live and studio environments.
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In the Los Angeles studio, Christian Olde Wolbers harnesses the power of Focusrite's RedNet ecosystem and ISA preamps with gadgets like Red 16Line and RedNet A16R interfaces, integrating technology that offers 32 channels of pristine audio conversion for versatile and efficient recording sessions.
With a focus on maintaining a quick workflow, Olde Wolbers pre-configures signal paths and devices, ensuring seamless transitions between diverse music projects, from hip-hop with Cypress Hill to collaborations with the London Symphony Orchestra, exemplifying adaptability at its finest.
