Equipment

 


Quality is Priority

Our equipment quality is priority-  I want the best quality and understand the components that have mojo tone. We are very technical, soldering our own equipment when needed to achieve the mojo tone. I am a gear slut.

  • Microphones- Top of the line…Vocal is typically Neumann U89, and Lawson L47. For vocals, the Lawson tube sound is really hard to beat. I like to use both on the vocal and mix to desired color.  For drums typical is: snare=57 (bread an butter), Toms=Audix F10, kick=Shure 52 (as big as we like).
  • Pres- I personally soldered the individual electronic components to create numerous Seventh Circle Audio models J99 and N72 (Neve 1272 like) pres. Also have other high quality units, like the JLM Audio TMP-8 (API like) for drums, ISA etc…
  • Compression-Favorite compressors are the Cranesong Trakkers which have the capability to sound like numerous colors of compressor, LA2/LA3/1176/VCA/dark/airy etc…  Also really like the Eden Navigator and the DBX 160X for tracking the bass. For drums the JLM Audio TMP-8 has awesome limiters which provide some really amazing punch. The JLM Audio TMP-8 has been used on drums for numerous hit records.
  • AD/DA Converters- In the picture below this section, notice the Cranesong HEDD 192 which also has the capability of adjustable tape saturation, and adjustable odd and even tube harmonics. Notice the Burl B2 Bomber AD converters which are known for having that mojo sound. We also have ISA 428 pres that include the Texas Instrument Burr Brown 4222 high quality converters, with noise performance better than -122dBFS, and an ultra-low-jitter clock. Numerous color choices for high quality AD converters. For output, Benchmark DAC converters for ultra transparency, including a very high end audio and speaker system. Our interpretation is only as good as our translation, so great expense has been invested in the DA, audio and speaker system.
  • Monitors– Our interpretation is only as good as our translation, so I do not fool around with little desktop budget studio speakers. We go high end to the mastering level for optimum translation. ERA Design 15 full size high end speakers. Dual JL Audio subwoofers, These subs cause air to move, moving my pants legs when turned up and yet are tight, without flubby.  I don’t like flubby. I like it tight.  The studio is partially anechoic with large base traps. Behind the listener is 1.5 feet of anechoic absorption. In my opinion this system really rocks with utmost clarity.
  • TC Electronic MD3 Mastering- MD3 is the software and DSP version of the TC Electronic 6000. Thank you to the recording engineer, Bob Katz for suggesting this gem. I have read his books and consider him a mentor. This system is amazing for mastering and used on countless records. The platform has won no less than three of the prestigious TEC Awards over the years. In 2000 for the original System 6000, in 2005 for Mastering 6000 and in 2010 for System 6000 MKII. We take Mastering seriously and use this TC Electronic MD3 system with experience to take your masterpiece to the next level. We also have the TC Electronic VSS3 reverb system and some Lexicon verbs. In my opinion I have yet to hear an overall verb package that is better than the VSS3 System.

 


Microphones- Top of the line vocal microphones, typically the Neumann U89 and Lawson L47

 

 

 

L47MPII Vacuum Tube Condenser Microphone

The Lawson L47MPII is a virtual grab bag of sonic goodies. Featuring Gene Lawson’s recreation of the M7 capsule and the ability to select from cardioid, omni, figure 8, and infinite intermediate patterns, the L47MPII will please the most demanding audiophile. From rap to rock, opera to voiceover, country to classical, the L47MPII delivers magic. The L47MPII was awarded the prestigious Pro Audio Review Reviewer’s Pick Award in 1997 after Dr. Fred Bashour declared the “L47MP sounded a lot more like a real Neumann” than the Neumann.