In a world of ever evolving gear options, we have to weigh our choices carefully. However, now and then something comes along that is a no-brainer. We recently acquired a few new pieces of gear that have instantly enhanced every project we work on.
AURORA AUDIO GTP8 – Eight Channel Preamp
If you were to ask us previously “what is your favorite piece of gear” we’d most likely have answered that it was our Aurora Audio GTQC Channel Strip. Designed by Geoff Tanner (designer/engineer who worked for Neve during their golden era of 71′-84′) it features a 1073-style preamp and eq plus both an FET and OPTO compressor and sounds incredible – it’s our go-to choice for vocals and bass. We’ve been dreaming of owning an Aurora Audio GTP8 for tracking drums for a few years now and recently we made that dream come true! The GTP8 is beautifully simple – eight channels of Class A “Neve 1073-style” preamps with a simple trim control and phase/phantom switches. These almost NEVER come up for sale online – so imagine our surprise to learn that our friend/local audio guru Michael McInnis had one for sale! Preliminary results have been dramatic – the kick drum sound is truly jaw-dropping and having all the main drum mics using the same pres makes for a tight, cohesive sound. We are thrilled to own this amazing piece of gear!
ROYER SM 21 Dual Mic Clip
Every once in a while an accessory comes along that makes life easier. The Royer SM 21 is an elegant solution to simple problem. Like many engineers, we love the sound of a dynamic mic combined with a ribbon mic on electric guitars. The go to combo is a Shure SM57 along with a Royer 121. To ensure phase coherence, one must carefully align the fins of the Royer with the label band on the Shure and be sure they are aligned on both axes for optimum bass response. We often mic up two or three cabinets at a time, requiring multiple mic stands and lots of careful alignment. The Royer SM 21 is a mic clip that hold both mics on a single stand and allows you to perfectly align the mic capsules. We ordered two as soon as we heard about them and they have proven to be extremely useful in tracking sessions.
BUNN VP-17 COFFEE MAKER
That’s right. Probably the piece of gear that has the greatest impact on every session is the coffee maker! We know what motivates people and most musicians are caffeine-fueled machines. If you have recorded with us, you already know that we offer copious amounts of tasty, strong coffee for our clients at all times. We’ve worn out a couple of high-end home models and decided to step up to the Bunn. The VP-17 can brew up to 3.8 gallons of coffee and hour! We’re loving the “on-demand” nature of the Bunn – pour water in the reservoir and coffee immediately begins to fill the carafe. We have a burr grinder on hand for fresh ground coffee every time.
Book a session and come check out our new acquisitions soon!