AKA "PIMPS" FOR CHARITY

AKA Design, a specialist in the design and construction of studio interiors and technical furniture, was approached by MTV to design and supply a fully functioning recording studio for a charity special of "Pimp my Ride UK" in an ex police riot-van. The project had to take place within a 4 week time period and was revealed by Tim Westwood, the show's host, to a selection of the youth group XLP on Sunday the 16th of October to a rapturous response.

The brief for this episode of "Pimp my Ride UK" was to kit out a mobile studio for the London based youth group XLP and the challenge was gladly accepted by AKA's managing director Guy Wilson. "We wanted to create a practical studio that could be used by 5 people and to give it some "pimp" style." The AKA team donated over 1000 hours work on the design, manufacture and fitting of the studio, " this has been one of the most challenging interiors I have ever had to do, as it was like putting a studio inside ... a van!!"

AKA first created 3D renders of the van interior to visualize the intended final result before going in to production which helped the design team to create an overall aesthetic. To meet the brief of creating a young, appealing, fresh interior AKA used a high gloss white finish on the work surfaces punctuated by a purple inlay, acoustic foam and rubber checker plate flooring to obtain the best acoustic properties in this mobile environment.

On accepting the challenge Wilson contacted Digidesign for their expertise and equipment and they generously donated equipment, advice and an install team. "When we were approached by AKA, we were happy to help on this project as it sounded like a fun challenge!" Tim Hurrell from Digidesign commented. "We immediately told AKA that a Pro Tools LE solution would fit perfectly and could give the youth group access to the same professional Pro Tools software that they would find in a studio if they were to continue their careers into the Music Industry."

As space was an issue, a Digidesign 003 Factory was chosen to provide hands-on control of Pro Tools through an integrated control surface. The system was spec'ed to the max with all the AIR virtual instruments so that complete tracks can be created within the van.

Hurrell continues; "Looking at the project, we saw that our colleagues at M-Audio could also be of assistance. With their range of products, we could provide all the equipment the charity would need to set up a working studio. They kindly donated a selection of microphones and headphones, an Axiom 25 keyboard, a Torq Xponent digital DJ system and a pair of Studiophile BX8a Deluxe Monitors with BX10s Subwoofer."

Working closely to AKA's designs, Digidesign provided a team of product specialists to install the equipment and provide Pro Tools training to XLP. "The end result looks fantastic and it's been great to be involved in this project. By providing a compact, but professional studio, this van now has the equipment to go with the stylish interior and we're looking forward to hearing some of the results!"

Gibson Guitars also kindly donated a stunning high-gloss white Les Paul Classic guitar and a portable amp. This was a real team effort with numerous suppliers offering fabric, perspex, acoustic foam, stools and equipment panels for this project and we would like to say a big thank you to all involved.

This episode of Pimp My ride will be aired on MTV on the 30th November at 7pm. To watch this episode of Pimp my Riot Van visit

http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/shows/pimp_my_riot_van