Ash Sound Budapest

Budapest, August 18th, 2025 – ASH SOUND is located in Törökbálint, just a 20-minute drive from the center of Budapest. This quiet area is surrounded by horse farms and apple orchards, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The studio has been situated on this long-standing property, which spans nearly one hectare, where recording has been the primary activity for the past 40 years.

The recording studio first opened its doors in 1983 under the name P Studio, benefiting from unique technical conditions in the local area. In the early 1980s, as the record market steadily grew, a Hungarian record company decided to establish a pop music studio in an environment where musicians could create without disturbances, and without disturbing others.

 In 2010, after a merger and transformation, the SuperSize Recording Studio emerged. It quickly became known as the leading recording studio in the country, featuring two mixing rooms and three recording rooms of varying sizes and acoustics, as well as accommodations for musicians. Over its thirteen years of operation, many Hungarian and international producers and performers have visited SuperSize Recording Studio, like Cameron Webb ( Motorhead, Ignite), Howie B (Björk, Placebo), Jake Gordon (Emeli Sande, Everything, Clean Bandit, Plan B) Matt Lawrence (Adele, Amy Winehouse, The Rolling Stones, U2), Helik Hadar (Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock, Seal, Pink, Tina Turner, Tracy Chapman), KSHMR
as well as Al Dimeola, Architects, Macklemore, Philip Lawrence (Bruno Mars), Son Lux.
​After the transformation in 2023, the three studios—ASH SOUND, Pro Vibe, and Studio C—are now operated as independent entities, each with its own unique focus. These complementary studios combine modern technical capabilities with an impressive collection of vintage equipment, including tape recorders, microphones, and analog devices, all of which preserve their classic charm.

Attila's journey

Producer and sound engineer Attila Horváth is the owner of ASH SOUND and has been actively involved in the studio since 2010. Over the past 20 years, he has worked across a wide range of music genres, including jazz, metal, hip hop, and alternative rock, collaborating with talented Hungarian and international artists in these styles.

His musical journey began early as the guitarist for the progressive modern rock-metal band Subscribe, which he co-founded in 1999. Throughout the years, Subscribe has progressed from performing sold-out club shows to gracing the main stages of major festivals, sharing the spotlight with some of Attila's favorite bands that inspired him to pick up the guitar as a child, such as Deftones, Clawfinger, Machine Head, Korn, and Meshuggah.
​“Due to my background as a musician, it has been 20 years since I entered the world of studios, where I worked not only as a sound engineer but also as the head of the SuperSize Recording studio for a long time. In addition to sound recording, mixing, mastering and Dolby Atmos mixing, I also teach at my workshops.”

Dolby Atmos became a reality

“In 2021, I had the idea to modernize and transform Studio B, which was then still operating under the name SuperSize Recording. When I first learned about the use of Dolby Atmos in music, I recognized a significant opportunity. From a professional perspective, I was particularly intrigued by the creative possibilities offered in a 3D sound space.

By the end of 2021, I had the chance to collaborate with Neumann's representative in Hungary, which was the last piece of equipment needed to kickstart the project.
​The studio had previously been equipped with an SSL 4000G console, which I loved working on. However, it became clear that integrating the recall photos from mixing sessions into today’s fast-paced workflows was challenging, especially when clients often request “just a few last-minute changes.” With a heavy heart, we decided to part with the console.

Additionally, the studio required acoustic upgrades. I knew that installing a premium sound system would only be effective if the acoustic environment was exceptional.
​After a year of research and six months of rebuilding, measuring, testing, and calibration, we successfully assembled a 7.2.4 Dolby Atmos system in the summer of 2023. ASH SOUND became the first studio of its kind in Hungary when we opened our doors.”

The hybrid system

A hybrid system operates in the studio, where primarily digital devices are complemented by an analog mastering chain. The centerpiece of our stereo monitoring system is the Neumann KH 420, which is built into the wall. As an alternative, we have a KH 310 paired with a KH 750 subwoofer, along with a set of NS 10 speakers available.

“I remember when we removed the SSL console and installed the pair of KH 420 monitors in the room for the first time. I listened to my well-known favorites (like Tool and Karnivool) and discovered details I had never noticed before, despite having heard them many times on various systems. One surprising moment for me was when the new setup immediately identified the weakest link in the monitoring chain: the monitor controller we were using at the time. It compromised the transients, which hadn't been as apparent on the previous systems. Once we eliminated that monitor controller, everything fell into place.”

Our Dolby Atmos monitoring system includes the following components: we utilize Neumann KH 120 models as surround and top speakers, with KH 310 speakers positioned in the left and right channels, completed by two KH 750 DSP subs. Initially, I incorporated a KH 810 sub, but at the suggestion of the acoustic team, it was replaced by two KH 750s. This setup allows for simultaneous excitation of two points in the room with deep sounds, ideally from different heights and asymmetrical positions. As a result, the deep sounds are evenly distributed throughout the room, maintaining consistent volume levels.

“The other major consideration was the monitor control, which I eventually resolved with Merging Technologies converters (Hapi and Anubis). They provide crystal-clear sound without any coloration—an ideal solution for recording. Additionally, the DSP required for monitoring is available to handle the delay in the Dolby Atmos setup and manage different speaker configurations at the push of a button.”

The ingredients

ASH SOUND’s sound system include:
​L/R – Neumann KH 310 / Neumann KH 420
​C/Ls/Rs/Lrs/LRrs/Ltf/Rtf/Ltr/Rtr – Neumann KH 120
​LFE – 2 x Neumann KH 750 DSP
​Converter: Merging Hapi
​Monitor control: Merging Anubis
​Controller: 2 x Avid Artist
​Headphones: Sennheiser HD 800

“After installing the final cable and completing the configuration, I had just two weeks left to finish the first Dolby Atmos LP, which features 12 songs. I believe this was the first album by a Hungarian artist to be released in this format. Despite this, immersive audio is still relatively unknown in Hungary; only a handful of performers are considering it. That's why I am working to promote this technology through workshops.”

In the thematic workshops, participants will learn about the structure of recording studios and the standard equipment used in them. They will gain insights into the recording and post-production processes. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to experience the potential of new Dolby Atmos technology, which is set to shape the future of music consumption.

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About Neumann
​Georg Neumann GmbH, known as “Neumann.Berlin”, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of studio-grade audio equipment and the creator of recording microphone legends such as the U 47, M 49, U 67, and U 87. Founded in 1928, the company has been recognized with numerous international awards for its technological innovations. Since 2010, Neumann.Berlin has expanded its expertise in electro-acoustic transducer design to also include the studio monitor market, building upon the legacy of the legendary loudspeaker innovator Klein + Hummel. The first Neumann studio headphones were introduced in 2019, and since 2022, the company has increased its focus on reference solutions for live audio. With the introduction of the first audio interface MT 48, and its revolutionary converter technology, Neumann now offers all the necessary technologies needed to capture and deliver sound at the highest level. Georg Neumann GmbH has been part of the Sennheiser Group since 1991 and is represented worldwide by the Sennheiser network of subsidiaries and long-standing trading partners. www.neumann.com