Downing Sound Studios

Downing Sound Studios was created by Gus and Paul Hergert above a garage in their parent's home on Downing Street in Huntsville, Alabama over a 12-month period ending in the summer of 1976.  Legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Engineer Paul Kelly helped design the space to produce the wonderful sound of that original studio.   The Tennessee River at Muscle Shoals was referred to by the Cherokee people as "The Waters That Sing".  It is approporiate that from the deck at the original studio you could see many miles of the river.  Today's studio sits even closer.

At Downing Sound Studios, we have had the same logo featuring "The Downing Man" since the studio first opened its doors.  It seems everyone that touched the original studio left his/her own mark.  That included Pulitzer Prize Winner Clay Bennett, a Huntsville native, who drew the original artwork while studying at the University of North Alabama.

Much has changed since the studio opened its doors with 2 brothers  doing much of the work from session musicians to mastering engineer.  The original format was 1/4" 4-track , featuring TEAC tape machines.  The old analog board was a TASCAM Model 35 delivering much of the sound the old setup was known for.  Today, little expense has been spared bringing the old studio back to life.  It continues to be operated by the original owner, now with his two sons, Gus and Ben.  Our family continues to be the centerpiece of operations.