Genelec monitoring supports growth at LA Studios in Mohali, India
LA Studios boasts multi-room recording environments, Dolby Atmos facilities and a philosophy rooted in authenticity. The studio represents a new generation of independent Indian studios that blend technical precision with a warm, creative atmosphere. We spoke with Arron and Karan to delve into their journey, their approach and the pivotal role Genelec plays in their workflow.
What sparked the journey of turning a home setup into a full-scale professional studio in Mohali?
Our journey began with a modest production and engineering setup in our apartment. During COVID, everyone was home and the low-end rumble travelling through the building made it evident we needed a dedicated space. Initially conceived as a compact mastering room, the idea gradually expanded. We were looking at potential prospects for a dedicated space. Two adjoining showrooms merged into one large unit and the build continued to grow until we finally opened in early 2023.
From the initial sketch to the final acoustic treatment, our plan evolved as we better understood our needs and desire. What began as a personal workspace for two brothers has transformed into a multi-room facility that continues to grow alongside us.
What kind of work takes place at LA Studios, and what can artists expect when they walk in?
We define ourselves as an “audio solutions” team, because we cover everything from lyrics and composition to production, recording, mixing, mastering and even film audio. Our deliberately warm and relaxed environment makes artists feel instantly at home. Our simple idea is that creativity thrives in comfort, and our space is designed to encourage that.
How would you describe LA Studios' role within the wider Punjabi and international music landscape?
Punjabi music reigns supreme in North India, and naturally our work comes from that industry. Interestingly, we also receive a significant number of projects from Mumbai, particularly when artists desire the distinctive punch and weight characteristic of Punjabi mixes.
Internationally, the Punjabi community often opts to record in India rather than booking studios abroad. High-end equipment like a Sony C-800G can be expensive overseas. In many cases, it's cheaper for artists to fly home, record with top-tier gear and our team here, and return. Mainly because costs of renting out studio spaces abroad can be extremely expensive, due to the equipment and studio spaces. This unique combination of local expertise and international demand keeps the music ecosystem here vibrant and competitive.
What does the portfolio at LA Studios look like today?
We collaborate with both established and emerging artists. Recently, we mastered two tracks on Diljit Dosanjh's album and three tracks from Jassie Gill's latest album. A breakthrough project came in 2018 when we mixed two songs from Diljit's Confidential album. We do, however, equally value new artists. Growing with them from their early days and witnessing their success is just as rewarding.
‘Big or small, every project carries the same weight for us.’
What philosophy guided the design and atmosphere of the studio?
We wanted to make a space that was quite different from the usual dark, strict studio look. We wanted it to feel artistic, cosy and like a place where people could unwind, think freely and be themselves. The working rooms are precise and well-designed, but the rest of the area feels warm and welcoming.
Building our Dolby Atmos room was a significant learning experience. As completely self-taught individuals, we had to grasp complex new concepts. We didn't have any professional guidance to help us achieve our vision. Every decision, from the layout to the acoustics, came from our own research, exploration, and repeated trial and error. We spent countless hours experimenting – and fine-tuning every detail – until the studio felt right. It was a challenging journey but ultimately it shaped the distinctive character of our facility.
Can you walk us through the current studio setup?
The moment you step in, Genelec monitors welcome you in the lobby, and you'll find them in every room because we believe consistency is key.
Today, our setup features:
• Two fully equipped recording studios with individual booths.
• Two small, plug-and-play cabin studios.
• A mixing and mastering room.
• A podcast room.
• A Dolby Atmos room for OTT mastering, which is currently in progress.
We've also included fixed multi-camera systems, so you can capture sessions and conversations effortlessly without disrupting the creative process. Most people tend to feel a bit self-conscious or unsure when they are in front of the camera. Our main goal was to help artists feel free and creative, so we set up a multi-camera system to capture the whole production process without any inhibitions or interruptions.
Why did Genelec become your choice for monitoring?
Our previous monitors suited our first room, but when we moved, nothing sounded quite the same since the dimensions and sound response all changed. We needed something that would be reliable, accurate and ready for whatever came next.
Genelec really stood out for three reasons:
- The coaxial design, which gave us amazing clarity and a great midrange. We could hear things which otherwise would not be as clear.
- GLM calibration meant we could easily adjust to new rooms – a huge plus as our business grew.
- Long-term service support made Genelec a smart investment and future proof.
Switching to the 8361As was a big financial move, but the difference was instant. Within days, we felt more confident, and our clients loved it, so we knew we had made the right choice. With other products, it would take days and even months to get the monitoring system and environment calibration to the best point. Our satisfaction lies in others' happiness in the output we provide.
How have Genelec monitors impacted your workflow?
Compared to standard two-way monitors, the 8361As reveal previously unheard midrange detail. The low end is tight, and the highs are precise, creating a perfectly balanced response. They sound exactly how a professional studio monitor should sound – honest and transparent, allowing you to trust every decision.
How would you describe the Genelec listening experience to a newcomer?
For someone transitioning from home studio monitors, experiencing Genelec loudspeaker monitors – particularly with GLM calibration – is like a colour-blind person seeing true colours for the first time. It's an eye-opening moment, where you suddenly become aware of the vast amount of detail and clarity that was previously absent. What's truly telling is the surprise and delight on people's faces as they realise the depth and richness of sound they had been missing. It's an experience that often leaves a lasting impression.
What's next for LA Studios?
Our Dolby Atmos room for OTT platforms is currently being built. We are currently working on film audio mastering and mixing projects, and we are closely overseeing them. Once our dedicated Dolby Atmos room for film is ready, we will be able to handle even more projects comfortably with our updated setup.
