Ardent Studios

01/29/2025

New page for Ardent Studios!

Follow us here to stay connected: facebook.com/ardentstudiosmemphis

To our incredible community,

Ardent Studios has been at the heart of music history since 1966. From timeless hits recorded within our walls to the countless artists who’ve trusted us with their sound, we’ve been proud to play a role in shaping the soundtrack of generations. Now, as we embrace a new chapter in our legendary journey, we’re thrilled to share that we have a new page!

This new page will be your go-to source for updates, behind-the-scenes stories, announcements, and a glimpse into the exciting future of Ardent Studios. Big changes are underway, and we can’t wait to share them with you.

For decades, Ardent has been a creative hub for music legends and innovators alike. From Big Star to ZZ Top, from Isaac Hayes to R.E.M. The sounds of Ardent have resonated across the globe. And now, as we look ahead, we’re committed to honoring that legacy while continuing to innovate and inspire the next generation of music creators.

We want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support. Your passion and belief in Ardent have been the driving force behind this legendary story, and we’re honored to have you with us as we move forward.

Let’s continue making history together.

With gratitude,
The Ardent Studios Team


Follow us here to stay connected:
facebook.com/ardentstudiosmemphis

Iconic Memphis recording studio with 50+ years of excellence.
Home to legendary artists and cutting-edge sound.

06/25/2024

Big Star’s Radio City 50th Anniversary performance Memphis/October 1 go on sale today. 12pm CDT!

Big Star’s legendary Jody Stephens is joined by Mike Mills, Jon Auer, Chris Stamey, and Pat Sansone for a performance of Radio City in its entirety.

05/29/2023

A Legend Returns - We are happy to announce the purchase of our CMI Fairlight IIX (AGAIN). The CMI Fairlight was purchased originally at the urging of Billy Gibbons and went on to be used on countless records here at Ardent. After much searching, we had found the IIX and had it refurbished back to original condition with some upgrades and a modern hard drive. Pictured on the left in the below photo.

Vintage Synths and Samplers have become very fashionable again and a large part of music production these days. One of last year’s biggest selling hits was 37 years old. Hounds of Love by Kate Bush was rediscovered by the newer generation and its primary instrument was the CMI Fairlight.

Ardent has an increasingly growing synth collection to attract and accommodate producers and artists. From the Fairlight to the Jupiter 8 and Juno 60, Memory Moog, Poly Moog, Mini Moog, Prophet 5, Prophet Rev 2, Prophet 600, Emu Emulator II, Linn LM2, DX7, D50, to the Korg DD1 currently.

In addition, we have added to our classic Keyboards which still include our B3 and our Mellotron. And include a second Mellotron, Fender Rhodes MKI Suitcase, Wurlitzer 200, Baldwin Electric Harpsichord, Farfisa Fast 3.

Our Amplifier and Drum Backline has also increased. Stay tuned.

05/28/2023

Getting closer!

We are happy to announce the addition of a brand new factory 72-channel Neve 88RS Analogue mixing desk arriving next week here at Ardent with AIR Montserrat Remote Mic Amplifiers. Considered to be one of the best analogue desks ever made.

This decision was one that was painstakingly thought over for quite some time.

With technology being at the forefront of John Fry’s original vision we have kept that as our core mission.

This is next in the pedigree of large format Neves following the V and VR series. Both of which Ardent has owned. It offers features that modern music production requires in this day in age with its hybrid workflow.

From Abbey Road to Air Studios in the U.K. Conway, Capitol, and The Village in the USA the 88RS Sets a standard of excellence that Ardent embraces.

We are happy to remain in the Neve family that strives to achieve sonic integrity at the highest level.

The fully rebuilt modified VR will be moved to studio D.

05/23/2023

May 22, 23 1973 Tom Nixon (Stax Producer/Engineer) was working in Ardent's Studio A on both Wattstax (post release of the movie and record) and Richard Pryor.

04/18/2023

Atlantic Records! We’ve had a few Atlantic clients…Led Zeppelin, Skillet, Jim Dickinson….

04/13/2023

Thumbing through the press archives and found this beautiful and fascinating piece: "A Dream Come True: Ardent Recording" by our friend Rose Clayton. It was published by Mix Magazine in the February/1981 issue. Photos: Bill Ham and John Fry contemplate the adventures of ZZ Top. William Brown (Ardent Engineer and former member of The Mad Lads (Stax) advising Clarence McDonald and unknown person. Clarence McDonald was best known as the keyboard "mastermind" for The Jackson 5 and for writing "Silly" for Deniece Williams.
So much to remember and be grateful for and so much to look forward to.

04/11/2023

Ardent Studios provided another bit of sonic magic for Holiday Camp. Our third tracked at Ardent. Engineering provided by the magic of Mike Wilson.

The latest from Jody Stephens and Luther Russell covers everything from The Shins and The Byrds to Jimmy Stewart and the COVID shutdown.

03/30/2023

From December of 1969! We continue to build on a stellar past!

03/30/2023

Tonight, Tonight, Tonight!!!!

Thursday March 30th, 8 PM ET on The Spectrum, channel 28; repeat on Saturday April 1st, 4 PM ET; and will be On Demand with the Sirius XM app for a very extended period

On today's episode of The Writer's Block, David Fricke is joined by Jody Stephens of Big Star & Those Pretty Wrongs - hear them talk about both projects plus Jody's song picks starting at 8pET/5pPT

03/09/2023

This week's Ardent update!

Control room remodels are moving along nicely....

Our New SSL 9080 Arrived from England Via Air Canada on Tuesday. It had a great home of making hits at Trevor Horn's SARM studios in London and will continue on its journey here at Ardent.

McIntosh Laboratories of Binghamton NY aided us in the final spec layout of our Amplifiers for the ATMOS in B.

It's many long days of construction tech and design work. Can't wait to share the results!