Located just southeast of Washington, DC in Waldorf, Maryland, Ron Vento’s Nightsky Studios complex does brisk business — and they place a premium on providing top-notch service. “We try to maintain high-level work for every artist with just about any budget,” says Vento. “We give every client the same respect that we would would show a major-label artist.” Nightsky’s focus is on music, but they also do commercials and a bit of voiceover work. Says Vento, “We definitely specialize in music and we cover all genres. We get a ton of work from around the world from all genres but I would say mostly with metal and rock bands.”
Nightsky has been operating at its current location for nine years, and they’ve stayed busy with bookings for local, regional, and national acts throughout that time span. Vento points out that the proximity to DC definitely helps. “It’s a superb area for all genres and we have tons of talent here. We pride ourselves on our outboard gear selection, as well as having tons of instruments available. As for me, I’ve been involved in music and the music industry for over 20 years.” In addition to his studio duties at Nightsky, he teaches courses in live sound and recording at the College of Southern Maryland.
What go-to gear does Vento swear by? “That changes over the years, but right now it’s my combo of the Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5012 preamp and 5043 compressor,” he says. “The Neve that was recommended to us by [Sweetwater Sales Engineer] Paul Allen has turned out to be a real ‘everyday’ type piece. If we are going for a smoother round sound, you can’t beat it. For some of the heavier type stuff, nothing beats the API and [Empirical Labs] Distressor combo. We recently acquired an A Designs [HM2EQ] Hammer tube EQ from Sweetwater.”
Vento values his relationship with Sweetwater and his Sales Engineer. “Paul was there from day one to take care of us. He asked me to let him earn my business and by all means he did.” Vento adds, ”I would never dream about going anywhere else for any of our gear needs. Paul has suggested some of the gear that we have purchased over the years and he hits the nail right on the head every single time. His experience and expertise cannot be replaced.”
What does the future hold for Ron and Nightsky? “We would just like to keep growing and expanding. I’d eventually like to get a new facility but keep it in our same general location. We’d like to add some additional rooms and just keep putting out high quality recordings. One thing is for sure: when we do, Paul will be hearing from us.”