Vibe Check: Inside the Studio at Belcourt

In this episode of Vibe Check, GRAMMY-nominated Producer Nick Sarazen opens the doors to The Studio at Belcourt in Newport, Rhode Island. This unique recording space transforms the library of a Gilded Age Mansion into a modern production facility while maintaining the intimacy of a home recording session. 

The Library: Where History Meets Music

The studio occupies Belcourt's original library, featuring an exact replica of a Titanic ballroom ceiling. Sarazen deliberately chose this space to create a communal atmosphere where engineers, artists, producers, and songwriters work together simultaneously. The room functions as both a sophisticated recording facility and a comfortable creative space that feels like home. The atmosphere is essential to Sarazen’s collaborative production style.

Production Station: Collaboration Hub

At the heart of the studio sits Sarazen's producer station, equipped with an Allen & Heath 48-channel mixer capable of tracking full live bands. The setup includes classic outboard gear, 1176 compressor emulations, and a collection of Joe Meek equipment. Sarazen runs his zero-latency signal chain through RME interfaces, allowing artists to hear themselves with full processing—including AutoTune, compression, and saturation—while recording.

Vintage Meets Modern: Unique Gear Collection

The studio houses fascinating pieces including a rare Tascam/AutoTune unit used by Charlie Puth for "We Don't Talk Anymore." A 1999 Sony Vaio running Windows 98 and Fruity Loops 3.5 sits alongside an original 1920s drum kit with modernized Remo heads. This blend of vintage and contemporary equipment offers unique sonic possibilities.

The Courtyard: Musical Legacy Continues

The outdoor courtyard carries its own musical heritage. Jazz legends performed here in the 1940s to packed audiences. Today, it serves as an extension of the studio where artists find inspiration, share meals, and develop ideas before returning inside to record.

Rhode Island's Creative Community

Through his 1 door Records label, Sarazen champions local Rhode Island talent. The studio at Belcourt represents more than a recording facility—it's a creative hub supporting the state's vibrant music community while honoring the building's rich cultural history.