I'm not entirely sure what this post will contain, I didn't take any pictures. Heck, I didn't take a camera. On top of this I've just finished a 920 mile round trip. I'm tired. I'm also still trying to rationalise what happened at the weekend, not sure if that'll ever happen.
The idea was to go over to Notts, use Random Recordings Studio and come back home well rested and full of Spring. Simple.
It ended up that the studio was double-booked on the Sunday so we decided/had to record drums at Random with the rest being done at the Staszkiewicz family home.
Wow. What an awful picture.
Set up the drums, learn the studio, tune the drums, set up mics, re-tune the drums, change some mics, have a listen, have a coffee. I suppose that summarises things.
I'm really happy with how the drum tuning turned out; in an almost unbelievably simple turn of events - I tuned them until I liked them. Simple really.
Mic selection was based on what was to hand, what I had brought with me and what worked. Not that it is much use if you are not using Lloyds kit in the Random Studio, but it ended up being:
Kick In - Shure SM7b (tried but not liked include Senn 602, CAD-M179, Oktava MK319)
Kick Sub - Random's converted speaker
OHs - T.Bone SC140 (not modded yet)
Corridor (excellent sound out there) - helpfully cant remember, but it was a measurement style mic, sounded like an omni and looked like a black version of this.
"You know what, I think I might try me some of this"
Like I said. These mics worked on THIS kit in THIS room. You may hate them if you try them. Unlucky!?
Ooooo, one more thing, the ribbon sounded proper poo when I first tried it - at one point I needed to switch some channels around as the phantom power was ropey - so I quickly stuck the ribbon in the nearest alternative, which happened to be an old Altec 1566a. This sounded SO much better than originally. It has certainly affirmed the belief that pre amps CAN make a difference (NOT do. CAN).
Once all was set up we did a quick recording so when we returned on Saturday we could listen with fresh ears.
Woke up - too soon - to the glorious sound of The Kayas. Thanks Joe.
It also became apparent that there was plenty of snow. Cue discussions about safety, best way to negotiate a really steep hill, not cleared of snow by the council, with a busy main road at the foot.
Discussion over, we ignored all sense and winged it. Luckily a couple of cars preceded us down the hill highlighting all hazards along the way including the inability to stop at the traffic lights at the foot of the hill.
The drums needed a tweak when we got in, it was cold overnight, the skins were new etc etc. Still they sat back to where they were nicely.
Tracking was simple really, the hardest part was learning the studio, unfortunately Martin was none-the-wiser so Crabb and I opted for Route1. Lloyd is a solid drummer, he knew his parts, what he needed to hear and was comfortable with with an EDM click. Easy.
I think we probably spent less than 3hrs actually tracking, nice and succinct. I think everyone knows when a good take is done, and whether it's worth going again.
15 takes? Not on my watch. Unless they are needed.
Pack up and head to Chez Staszkiewicz.
What can I say about this house? It was/is beautiful; a renovated and extended house surrounded by fields - in snowy conditions - and underfloor heating. I can't express how much I appreciated the underfloor heating.
On top of all that the Staszkiewicz parents were really welcoming.
I feel like I'm gushing a bit now.
But honestly, that kind of hospitality is so rare I have to mention it. It set the whole tone for the weekend really, and, even though we took over the place - not once did I feel like we were intruding.
Woke up to the sound of "oh, the cooked breakfast will be ready soon" - it was almost apologetic. Never apologise for that. Never.
Sunday was going to be tight time-wise so we cracked on. Rather than listing specific combos I'll just list options:
Neve 1073 (preamp section) - Sound Skulptor Pre573
Harley (DIY Basswood tele, 2x p90s)
1776 Multiplex Tape Delay
Hughes & Kettner Statesman 6L6
Orange single channel AD30 & 2x12
I think that is everything. Maybe?
It took us a fair while to get through what we wanted but it was worth getting those last bits done. I think we ended up leaving The Staszkiewicz place at around midnight, to be in Donny ASAP for kippage.
Just to remind anyone reading this, this blog was originally for me to use as a record of things I've done. A weB-LOG if you will, so occasionally there will be posts like this. I know they aren't really THAT interesting but *I* find them interesting. So there. ;op
I really wish there were more photos to show, I know Swound! were taking loads so I'll link to those once I find out how to use the Internet.
I'll comment on all the mistakes when the tracks are mixed. So far I'm very happy with how it sounds. I think Tom and I helped them get what they wanted, and gave them what they hoped they would get from 'working' with us.
