Today, we take you behind the scenes of a recording session with the band Box Chevy on the non-profit label, Guardian Revival. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the setup, microphone choices, and the creative process of recording this talented group. So, let’s embark on this musical journey and explore the intricate art of recording.
Studio 606: Where the Magic Happens
Studio 606 is an exceptional place for musicians and recording enthusiasts. This cozy yet professional studio is known for its fantastic drum room that provides a unique sound. As you can hear in the recording, the live room is a bit on the “live” side, but it works great for capturing the energy of the drums. To manage the room’s acoustics, they’ve put down rugs to tame it without sacrificing the natural reverberation.
Mic Placement: Crafting the Perfect Sound
The recording engineer and his assistant are meticulous in their mic placement. They begin with the drum overheads, which are crucial for capturing the entire drum kit’s sound. For the mono overhead, they decide to use a Coles microphone, adding a different flavor to the recording.
Next, for the stereo overhead vibe, they opt for their favorite Lauten Audio 220 microphones, ensuring they capture the kit’s depth and width accurately.
Tom Mics: Precision and Control
To capture the toms’ sound, they use Lauten Audio 308 microphones. These condenser mics offer remarkable sound isolation and attack. With these mics, they can precisely position them around the drum kit without worrying about bleed.
Kick Drum: A Meaty Sound
The kick drum sound is vital in any rock and roll recording. In this case, they combine a Lauten Audio 208 microphone on the inside for attack and a Clarion on the outside for added low-end rumble. The combination promises a powerful and meaty kick drum sound that will drive the mix.
Recording on Tape: Keeping It Raw
One unique aspect of this recording session is the use of analog tape. They’re using an old reel that’s seen its fair share of recording sessions. While the reel may introduce some noise over time, it adds character to the recording. In the world of rock and roll, a little noise is nothing to be concerned about.
Amp Setup: Simple and Effective
For the guitar amplifiers, they keep it simple with a Super Reverb and a Deluxe amp. They mic the amplifiers with Royers, maintaining a stripped-down setup to focus on the core sound.
Acoustic Guitars: L-Audio Atlantis Mics
Since they’ll be recording acoustic guitars in the session, they’ve chosen L-Audio Atlantis microphones. These condenser microphones offer flexibility with adjustable pads and polar patterns. The ability to switch between different modes makes them a versatile choice for various recording scenarios.
The Recording Process: Crafting the Sound
The recording session starts with the band playing through the songs. The engineer listens carefully, making adjustments along the way to ensure the desired sound and impact. For the vocals, he fine-tunes the EQ and dynamics to bring out the best in the performance.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look: A Passion for Sound
This transcript provides a unique glimpse into the meticulous art of recording music. The dedication to sound, the choice of equipment, and the adjustment of settings are all part of the process that brings music to life.
So, next time you listen to your favorite rock and roll tracks, remember the hard work and dedication that goes into capturing those magical moments in the studio. It’s a labor of love that results in music that can move us, inspire us, and take us on unforgettable journeys.
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