Business Details
Your Premier Recording Studio in Western North Carolina
Purple Ridge Recording Studio is a premier music production facility nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Designed by Thomas Jouanjean of Northward Acoustics, our studio features a revolutionary Front-To-Back acoustic design that seamlessly integrates live and control rooms for optimal creative flow. We specialize in recording, mixing, and rehearsal services for musicians, producers, and engineers from Asheville, Waynesville, and across the Southeast. Our state-of-the-art equipment includes vintage and modern microphones, Pro Tools HDX, and Barefoot Monitoring systems.With decades of combined experience in audio engineering, our team delivers exceptional sonic integrity while maintaining the comfort and inspiration of our mountain setting. Clients praise our acoustics as the finest drum tracking environment in the region. We serve diverse artists including The Agony Scene, John Boecklin, and Emily Nagle, offering personalized sessions by appointment only.
Services
Recording Sessions
Mixing Services
Rehearsal Space
Music Production
Artist Development
Highlights and features
- We offer Front-To-Back acoustic design by Northward Acoustics experts
- Our engineers have decades of combined experience in professional audio
- We maintain a curated collection of vintage and modern recording equipment
- Our mountain location provides unique creative inspiration for artists
- We serve major regional artists with personalized session scheduling
What people say
Absolutely superb acoustics
Favorite drum tracking room
World-class space
Exceptional recording quality
Inspiring mountain ambiance
Services
Recording Sessions
Our flagship recording service utilizes Northward Acoustics' Front-To-Back design for optimal sound capture. Featuring Flea Vintage 49 and Royer R121 microphones, this service accommodates full bands or solo artists seeking professional-grade recordings. The 400-square-foot live room with custom acoustic treatment ensures pristine audio capture for all musical genres.
Mixing Services
Professional mixing using Pro Tools HDX and Avedis Ma5 preamps delivers polished final products. Our engineers optimize sonic balance across tracks using Barefoot Micromain 27 monitors. Clients receive up to three revision rounds with detailed technical support throughout the mixing process for both analog and digital projects.
Rehearsal Space
The studio provides acoustically optimized rehearsal space with full drum kit setup and monitoring systems. Bands access professional-grade equipment including Shure SM7B microphones and A Designs Pacifica preamps. The 24/7 availability by appointment suits groups preparing for tours or recording sessions with complete technical support.
People
Mark Pinkston
Owner
Mark Pinkston founded Purple Ridge Recording Studio with a vision to create a world-class mountain recording destination. With 25+ years in music production, he brings expertise in studio design and artist development, personally overseeing all facility operations and client relationships.
Joe Pinkston
Studio Manager & Producer
Joe Pinkston manages daily studio operations and produces recording sessions. As lead engineer with Northward Acoustics certification, he ensures technical excellence while maintaining the studio's creative atmosphere for artists from across the Southeast.
Questions
What recording equipment do you have available?
We feature Flea Vintage 49, Royer R121, and Shure SM7B microphones, Avedis Ma5 preamps, Barefoot Micromain 27 monitors, and Pro Tools HDX systems with full plugin suites.
How are your acoustic spaces designed?
Our Front-To-Back design by Northward Acoustics integrates live and control rooms with custom wall panels for optimal sound diffusion and isolation in both tracking and mixing environments.
What booking options exist for sessions?
We offer flexible session scheduling by appointment with full-day, half-day, and hourly options available for recording, mixing, and rehearsal purposes.
Do you accommodate traveling artists?
Yes, we provide local resource guidance and lodging recommendations for out-of-town clients, with convenient proximity to Asheville's Biltmore House and Harrahs Cherokee Casino.
What music genres do you specialize in?
Our acoustically versatile space supports all genres from rock and metal to acoustic and bluegrass, with particular expertise in capturing live band dynamics and drum performances.
