John Hardy Jensen Twin Servo 990 Mic Preamp

"The Jensen Twin Servo 990 Mic Preamp is considered the world's finest mic preamp by audio experts. It's the ideal integration of advanced design software, hardware, engineering know-how, and carefully controlled 'golden ears' tests. It has earned high marks for sonic performance since its introduction in 1988."


FEATURES:

• JT-16-B Input Transformer. Jensen's best mic input model.
• Two 990 Discrete Op-Amps Per Channel. Faster, quieter, more powerful and better sounding than typical monolithic op-amps.
• Elimination Of All Coupling Capacitors From The Signal Path. Results in less degradation of the audio signal.
• JT-11-BMQ Output Transformer. Jensen's best line output transformer.
• Input Bias Current Compensation Circuitry And DC Servo Circuitry. Eliminates signal degrading coupling capacitors.
• Standard Features:
• Fully Sealed Conductive Plastic Gain Control. Provides smooth continuous gain adjustments from 16dB to 60dB.
• 20 OHM MIC switch or 20dB PAD switch.
• POLARITY REVERSE switch.
• PHANTOM POWER switch.
• All Front Panel Switches Are LED Illuminated.
• Gold Plated XLR Connectors for maximum reliability.
• Ground Lift Switch On Each Channel. Helpful for eliminating ground loops.
• VU-1 meter. Very accurate and informative 20 segment LED meter, with separate Peak LED, for monitoring preamp output.
• Toroidal Power Transformer With Additional Shielding. Eliminates hum problems so no external power supply is needed.
• Universal Power Supply. Internal switch provides six primary voltage choices to accommodate use anywhere in the world.
• Chassis Ground Isolation Switch. Helpful for eliminating ground loops.
• Pin 2 Or Pin 3 High. Internal jumpers make changes in the field easy.

The John Hardy 990 is a made to order unit that can be outfitted with up to four channels of high quality transformer input Mic-pres.

Prices vary from $1550 (single channel) to $4250 (four channels).

It sounds great on a variety of sources, especially vocals and acoustic instruments.

If you're looking for a sound that's clean with just a slight hint of color, John Hardy should definitely be on your list.

Visit the John Hardy website for more info.

No School Can Teach You This

Full time assistant engineering jobs costed me 80-100 hours a week and yielded me $400-$500 before taxes on average. I didn’t get any over time pay and neither medical nor dental benefits. After taxes I was averaging between $300-$350 per week. One week out of every month went towards rent and I had to survive on 3 weeks of pay. A lockout at a studio is 12 hours but that was 14 hours for me because 1 hour before start time is for setting up the studio and 1 hour after end time is for breaking down the room back to it’s normal state. For the remaining 10 hours out of the day was spent on travel time back and forth from home to studio, girlfriend time and sleep. She worked in retail and our hours didn’t align a lot. 

Read the remainder of this story www.carlisleyoung.tumblr.com

Pro Audio DSP - DSM (Dynamic Spectrum Mapper)

Pro Audio DSP headed by the team of Paul Frindle (Product Design) and Paul Ryder (Software Architect) developed the Dynamic Spectrum Mapper plugin.

"The Dynamic Spectrum Mapper (DSM) application is intended to provide multi-dimensional control over both the spectral response and dynamic characteristics of your audio...".

"It's unique processing and programme capture algorithms allows you to achieve exemplary results in such tasks as compression and enhancement, vocal expression and instrument characterisation very quickly. The ability to capture, modify and re-apply the spectral characteristics of any audio is a powerful creative tool in all stages of the production cycle, from recording and mixing to mastering."

FEATURES:

• Enhance the perceived volume and presence of mixes.
• Compress even the most difficult programme with increased accuracy and musicality.
• Characterise and personalise output in completely new ways.
• Copy and equalise sonic impressions between dissimilar sounding tracks.
• Process, enhance and ‘tame’ vocal tracks with unprecedented accuracy and speed.
• Dramatically enhance and increase the intelligibility of dialogue for media post production.
• Model and characterize instrument sounds to achieve highly creative artistic impressions.
• Create unique dynamic effects in both level and frequency domains to produce exciting new artistic effects.

Check out the video tutorials on Vimeo.

21 day demo available at proaudiodsp.com

Kuassa Amplifikation Creme - Guitar Amp Plugin - $34

Kuassa Amplifikation Creme gives you a lifelike guitar playing experience with it's darker, fuller, and heavier tonal character. Three three amp types and channels give you a sonic arsenal from sparkling clean tones to searing guitar riffs. The sound quality is reminiscent of high-end tube powered guitar amplifiers.

Key Features :

• Built-in overdrive section with three selectable overdrive types

• Three Amp Types And Channels: Clean, Distortion, and Distortion with full bottom-end

• Three types of matching cabinets

• Four microphone types with freely adjustable dual-miking configurations just like a real-life guitar recording session.

• A built-in Impulse Loader for more configurable tone

• Built-in Noise Gate and Limiter

• Photo-realistic graphics for lifelike guitar playing experience

• Straightforward and easy to use interface

• Support up to 96kHz Sample Rate

Demo and more info available at  kuassa.com 

Tomo Audiolabs LISA Mastering EQ

TOMO Audiolabs Lisa is a stereo 6 band Eq with dynamics processing on each band. With two shelf bands and four parametric bands - (two parametric bands can additionally be switched over to shelf), as well as low-cut and a M/S matrix, the parallel-structured compression EQ offers unlimited flexibility. The LISA is a mixing and mastering engineer's dream come through.
The most unique feature of the LISA is that the processing is done in parallel.
From the manual:
"The signal is then split into six parallel channels that feed the six independent equalizer bands. After each signal is processed independently, all six channels are then summed up and amplified. The output stage is also transformer coupled and gives the user the ability to mix the processed signal with the unprocessed or dry signal.
Our parallel topology allows parallel processing (two bands at nearly the same frequency) without the issues of interacting frequency curves. This keeps the processed signal very transparent, consistent and controllable. The results stay predictable, helping you to work very quickly and with an experienced touch.
Traditionally designed dynamic equalizers utilize a dynamic processor that is arranged before or after the filter circuit. Part of what makes the design of LISA’s dynamic processor so unique is that it is built into the filter circuit. This allows the user to listen to only the processed signal without any of the dry signal."


FEATURES:

• Six frequency bands with a broad frequency

overlap provide optimum processing flexibility

• Each band is equipped with the parameters gain,

frequency, threshold, and six presets for selection

of attack/release behaviour. In addition, the four

mid-range bands have a five-stage quality selection

from 0.4 to 5. Both the second and fifth band

can optionally be used as shelving or bell filters.

The two edge bands (boost) can be switched

between a variant with overshoot and a variant

without overshoot. The four mid-range bands are

configured as boost/cut filters.

• Particular processing versatility thanks to a

parallel circuit concept (mixing console principle)

• Dynamic processing is a component of the filter.

Unlike conventional designs, dynamic processing

is not downstream from the filter; instead,

dynamic processing is integrated in the filter.

• Active filter concept with the tonal attributes

of a passive filter

• Low-cut that is particularly free of colouration

can be switched in 11 positions between 20 and

180 Hz. Filter slope increases dynamically from

12 dB/octave to 18 DB/octave at lower cutoff

frequencies.

• The use of special and, uncompromisingly, the

best components for achieving the highest quality

• Newly-developed transformer concept gives

LISA the ability to render subtle tonal gradations

that surpass those of the leading transformers

on the market

• Additional analogue tone variation thanks to

specific saturation of the input transformers

• Extensive dynamic range of 122 dB and

overload resistance thanks to high operating

voltage (output level + 28 dBU)

• M/S matrix

• Output section permits gain-adapted A/B

comparison

• A control function permits solo auditing of

the processing path

• Lock switches with easy-to-reproduce settings

• Ergonomically structured and intuitive user

interface with attractive haptics (tactile feedback) and backlighting which makes for a short learning curve

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions

• Standard EIA 19 inch housing/

6U 482 x 267 x 300 mm / approx 19 x 10.5 x 12 inches

• Removable rack mounting angle connections

• 2 x XLR In & 2 x XLR out, balanced

• Nominal input level +4 dBu

• Input impedance = 10 kΩ

• Output impedance ‹ 100 Ω

• Max. input level +28 dBu

• Max. output level +28 dBu

Measurements

• Frequency range 10 Hz-50 kHz linear

• CMRR › 90 dBu (@ 1 kHz)

• S/N A-weighted -122 dB

• Crosstalk L/R (@ 1 kHz) › -90 dBu

• Dynamic range 122 dB

Miscellaneous

• Internal Power Supply

• Voltage selector 230/50 Hz ‹› 115 V/60 Hz

• Power consumption 150 W

Get more info and a detailed video demo at TOMO Audiolabs.

Waves Restoration SuperSpecials

Waves is currently running a special on their Restoration plugins. I've used them on mixes to fix problematic tracks (noise, hum, clicks and pops). Great for archiving old vinyl and analog tapes.

For a limited time only, save big on Waves noise reduction plugins. State-of-the-art and intuitive, Waves Restoration plugins are all you need to remove noise, revive damaged recordings, fix deteriorating film and television soundtracks, and protect archival and field recordings. Send to a Friend

AC Sound CLX-VU Custom Dual Channel Compressor - $990 (34% off)

The AC Sound CLX-VU is a dual channel compressor based on the DBX 160VU. It has all the vibe of the original,  but with increased signal fidelity and a lower noise floor. For many engineers the CLX-VU is  their go to compressors for Kick/Snare, Vocals and Bass. It is a Dual Mono/Stereo unit completely calibrated with your choice of XLR or TRS I/O, 120V or 240V operation, Meter graphics and Black face or Silver face knobs. These units are hand-crafted in the USA to your specifications so there is a short wait time (usually less than 10 days) while your unit is assembled and carefully calibrated.
The CLX-VU can be purchased for $990 (a 34% discount) directly from AC Sound

Accepting The Truth

"After 6 months of being at the studio and making the full transition from intern to assistant engineer everything that happens at studios became very clear. One of the jobs I had were to organize the tape library. These tapes were held because of unpaid invoices. To see artists on TV, magazines and even in my neighborhood driving around in fancy cars with a lot of jewelry on just didn’t add up. On downtime at the studio I would put up some of these reels and try to match the original song to the mixed version that everyone knew. Between asking a million questions to the engineers and trying every piece of gear possible, I started to learn what each piece of equipment does to sound. Compressors controlled them, equalizers opened them up, reverbs gave them depth and delays doubled them. That was pretty much the basics. The more I learnt about mixing is the more I learnt about myself and people. Platinum Island helped me to have a low tolerance for people because it showed me that I had options. I started to look at everyone differently and one by one I would take them off of the pedestal I’d put them on for years. I couldn’t believe the amount of people that never paid their bills and I always wondered how studios made money after knowing this. It’s even worse for the studios in the smaller market places. I loved Platinum Island because it was “the Truth”. "
Read more here.

Looking for a great sounding mic at an affordable price? Stellar CM-6 $374.99

Stellar CM-6 EF86/EF806 Tube Condensor Microphone

From the website:

"The CM-6 is the combination of unabashedly borrowed elements from one of the best microphones of the past and modern high quality audiophile grade components produced with the finest modern manufacturing techniques."
"While respecting the past, every Stellar Custom designed microphones has its own voice and personality. The tonal response of the CM-6 has been described as velvet smooth. The tone circuitry adds the right amount high end air while reinforcing mid and adding fullness to thin sounding audio sources. Without sounding harsh, the CM-6 captures a very accurate, articulate, detailed sound."

Features:

• 1.07” 6 micron gold sputtered German style capsule
• -<200 ohm Impedance
• -20hz to 20khz Frequency response
• -Class A tube preamp featuring a Premium TungSol EF806 tube
• -BV8 style Dual Bobbin Output Transformer
• -Power Supply that supplies power for the tube preamp and bias voltage for the capsule. The power supply has a nine position switch that varies the bias voltage to the capsule and enables the CM-6 to operate in 3 primary configurations; cardioid, omni or figure 8 as well as the six intermediate configurations. 
• -30 foot link cable that connect the CM-6 to the Power supply
• -AC cable to provide power to the power supply
• -High quality shockmount
• -Foam wind screen
• -Aluminum Road Case

Get more info and purchase here 

MPC Sampling and Slicing on Native Instruments Maschine

Here are two videos with F-Major showing how easy it is to do sampling MPC style on NI's Maschine.

Neve 2254 limiter/compressor

2254E

2254A

2254D

2254

The much sought after Neve 2254 limiter/Compressor is the predecessor to the Neve 33609 which is one of my favorite compressors. It was designed by David Rees in the late 60's (who now designs for Phoenix Audio). The top pic is of a 2254E which has a variable compressor and limiter attack. The next pic is of a 2254A which has a variable threshold for the compressor but fixed limiter attack. The third pic is of the 2254D which is is the same as the 2254A except it has additional release settings for both the compressor and limiter section. There's also an additional 10:1 ratio that the others don't have. The bottom pic is of the original 2254 which has a fixed compressor threshold and switched limiter attack. They all sound amazing but the 2254E is more in demand because of the variable attack feature.
The 2254 works well on vocals, bass, drums, guitar, and even brass and string sections. It excels at getting sounds to stand out in a mix.


Specifications:

• input:10K ohm bridging earth-free
• output: Source impedance 80 ohms, balanced and earth-free
• maximum output +26dbm into 600ohms
• gain:0db (preset)
• noise:-75dbm in the band 20Hz to 20kHz for the linear and Limit modes rising in the compression mode with an increase in 'MAKE UP GAIN' to a maximum of -60dbm at 6:1 ratio
• frequency Response: Flat, within 1db, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• distortion: Typical results measured at +8db out and with 800ms recovery time are: residual, linear mode-0.05%. Compression mode, 6:1 ratio-0.2%
• limiting mode@20db input -0.4%
• limiter: ratio: greater than 100:1
• level: +8dbm within 0.5db on preset, adjustable from +4dbm to +12dbm in steps of 0.5dbm
• attack Time: 5mS
• recovery Time: 100mS, 200mS, 800mS, and 'Auto' 50mS/5 sec.
• compressor:
• ratio: 1.5:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 6:1.
• threshold: 0dbm, within 0.5db on preset, adjustable from-20dbm, to +10dbm in 2db steps.
• attack time:5ms
• recovery time: 400mS, 800mS, 1500mS/5 sec
• gain:0db below compression threshold, adjustable 'Gain make up' available from 0db to +20db
• meter: switched to indicated either gain control up to 16db or signal level from -12db to +12db. Action approximates that of a P.P.M.

You might get lucky and find the 2254 for sale on the internet. Vintage King sometimes has them for sale.

2254R

They also have the Neve 2254R which is the one rack space reissue of the 2254 for $2950.

Good Morning! One of my favorite songs "Baltimore".

This is a song originally written by Randy Newman and covered by the late great Nina Simone and another great group The Tamlins. 

Have a great day.

Pensado's Place: #22 - Jack Joseph Puig (Green Day, No Doubt, Fergie)

"JJP talks about his career and philosophy behind mixing and producing records before answering viewer questions in "The Corner Office". This is a very special episode as Pensado's Place has partnered with Vintage King to power the "Batter's Box" segment! Puig dishes on his favorite gear in certain applications, and viewers get insights into how and why Jack uses specific outboard gear and software. This is an epic episode you can't miss!"

Audio Damage Pan-Station - auto-panner/tremolo plug-in ($39)

Audio Damage is a company with a penchant for making unique and sonically pleasing plugins at very reasonable prices. Their latest offering is the PanStatiom which does auto -panning and tremolo as well as stereo widening effects. The PanStation is based on the Drawmer M500 and Audio & Design's PanScan ( which I've used a great deal in the past).

Drawmer M500

PanScan

Audio Damage states that they decided "to create the most sophisticated auto-panner/tremolo plug-in there is. With a feature set borrowing liberally from the M500 and the PanScan, Panstation is a complete professional toolbox of panning and tremolo effects behind an easy-to-understand and simple-to-program user interface."

Panstation Features:

• Four different panning laws, including an exact 1:1 clone of the M500 pan law.

• Ten panning waveforms, including all the waveforms present in the M500.

• Free-run, MIDI tempo sync, MIDI note trigger, MIDI note number, and CC control of panning. 

• Audio trigger counting feature from the A&D PanScan. 

• Easy-to-read user interface. No squinting at tiny pixel fonts. 

• Relative phase control of each side, for tremolo and stereo widening effects.

• MIDI Learn for full MIDI CC control over every parameter.

Visit Audio Damage for more info and audio demos of the Panstation.

At $39 it's a no-brainer. (Audio Units and VST only. No RTAS).

TFPro 110 Recording Channel

Widely acclaimed Electronic Designer and Audio Engineer Ted Fletcher designed "The TFPRO P110 as a specialist single channel preamplifier, phase shifter, compressor and equaliser with advanced analogue features. It is designed to be a perfect tool for voice recording and 'tracking' in the studio."
View a video of him explaining why he likes transformer inputs and the features of the P110 here.


Features

• Mic/Line/DI Inputs
• Mic Phase Control
• 4 Mode VCA & Optical Compressor
• 1.2:1 - 100:1 Compression/Limit Ratio
• 4 Band EQ
• All Balanced I/O's
• Insert send /return
• Switchable Metering

MSRP $1413 usd/ 985 Euro

Read more about the P110 on the TFPro website