Amy's & Nas' Vox and Efx settings for "Like Smoke"

I mixed 9 out of 12 songs on Amy's "Lioness: Hidden Treasures" album at Metropolis Studios in London. I will do a post on the great experience I had working there but today I'm posting about Amy's 1st single "Like Smoke" featuring Nas.
All 9 songs were mixed completely in the box (ITB) with a combination of UAD-2, Waves, Sonnox and Abbey Road/EMI plugins.
I mixed the songs in Studio E monitoring through the SSL K console on multiple monitors such as:
1. Yamaha NS10s
2. Auratone (mono)
3. AE 22 Nearfield Monitors
4. M&K studio monitors
5. PMC mains.

Here are snapshots of the actual plugins used on the vocals for "Like Smoke":

Amy's settings are as follows. The order of the plugins are from top to bottom and these were placed on the insert:

The effects I used on Amy are the following:

I used a combination of both the IR1 and RenVerb to get the reverb sound that was needed for the song.

For her delay I  used the stock DigiRack Plugin:

and for chorus the stock Air Chorus:

Nas' vocal chain consists of the following plugins. From top to bottom on the inserts:

His effects are as follows:
Same reverbs as Amy but to a much lesser degree.

His delays are:

and for chorus I used a combination of the UAD Dimension D and the same Air Chorus
posted above:

Amy's "Lioness:Hidden Treasures"album was produced by Grammy Winning producers Salaam Remi
and Mark Ronson.

Twitter:
@metropolisgroup
@Nas
@amywinehouse
@SaLaAMReMi
@UAudio
@WavesAudioLtd
@AbbeyRoad
@solidstatelogic
@YamahaCommAudio
@PMCSpeakers
@MKSOUNDUSA

R.I.P. Hip-Hop Legend and Actor Heavy D.

The man most knew as Heavy D was a positive force and inspiration to many in the music industry.
Sadly he passed away yesterday at the young age of 44. He will definitely be missed. His last tweet simply stated "Be Inspired" and those who knew him will tell you that's the type of person he was.
As Dougie Fresh said "He kept it real with everyone and would tell you what you needed to hear."
He was also an actor that took his craft very seriously and appeared in several movies, tv shows and even plays.

Here's an excerpt from a NYTimes article:

"The Los Angeles County coroner’s office confirmed the death Tuesday evening, saying that Heavy D had collapsed at his home and was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he died shortly after noon. The cause of death was not known as of Tuesday night, but the Beverly Hills police said that there was no evidence of foul play and that the death appeared to be “medically related.”

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Heavy D was one of hip-hop’s most popular and charismatic figures, a girthy slickster who was an eager seducer and was unafraid of the dance floor. He was the frontman of Heavy D & the Boyz, which became the first act signed to Uptown Records, the label that was integral in building the bridge between hip-hop and R&B.

Thanks in part to production from the New Jack Swing auteur Teddy Riley that matched hard-snapping drums with sensual melodies, Heavy D & the Boyz became key figures in the softening of hip-hop’s sharp edges. The group released five albums between 1987 and 1994, three of which went platinum: “Big Tyme” (1989) “Peaceful Journey” (1991) and “Nuttin’ but Love” (1994)."

"In the mid-1990s he became the president of Uptown Records, and in several other ways his influence extended beyond his albums. He recorded the theme song to the popular comedy variety show “In Living Color”; recorded hit songs with both Michael Jackson (“Jam” in 1991) and Janet Jackson (“Alright” in 1990); and had a hilarious cameo in the video for “One More Chance,” an early hit for the Notorious B.I.G., who followed in Heavy D’s big-man footsteps."

Here are some of the videos that made him a household name:

Here is his final performance at the 2011 BET Awards:

and here's an interview he did with Tim Westwood on Radio 1Xtra:

R.I.P. Heavy D.

My condolences to your family, friends and fans.

Pelonis 4288 Studio Monitors

Chris Pelonis of Pelonis Sound And Acoustics recently announced the 4288 Speaker System.
The 4288 is based on the Model 42 System which I blogged about earlier and is comprised of an "MDF enclosure which houses a 4” dual concentric Tannoy driver handling the mid and high frequencies up to 35kHz and a custom designed 8” woofer providing deep, accurate bass response down to 27Hz. The system is driven by 400W of combined power. Free software allows for the Model 4288 to be fine tuned via USB for optimum performance in any environment."A limited run of 50 systems is available now with a full production run by early Spring 2012.

Here's a quick video of the Pelonis 4288 at the AES 2011 show:

I spoke to Chris and Dave via email and they said the 4288's are like having a "Model 42 system with extended low frequency response". I look forward to doing some extensive listening/mixing on the 4288's.

MSRP $2199 per pair.

Pelonis Sound And Acoustics is known not only for their speakers but also acoustics, systems design, wiring and installation.

Visit their website at Pelonis Sound.

WAVES NOVEMBER SPECIALS

For a limited time only, when you purchase a $199 Waves plugin or bundle, you'll receive a $200 voucher toward your next purchase. Vouchers valid within 14 days of purchase toward 25% off single plugins/50% off bundles. Offers valid through November 30th, 2011 only. Send to a Friend

Waves Inc. | 2800 Merchants Drive | Knoxville, TN | 37912 | United States

UA's Studio Upgrade Special

I've been a big supporter of the UAD platform since the beginning​ and recently mixed songs for Amy's album using their UAD-2 Satellite extensively. They are currently running a special wherein you get a free free UAD-2 Satellite when you purchase the LA-610 Tube ChannelStrip. The special lasts till Dec 31st.:

Ready to upgrade your sound, fast? Purchase a new LA-610 MkII Classic Tube Recording Channel before Dec. 31st and Get a UAD-2 DUO PCIe Card or UAD-2 DUO Satellite Firewire Package FREE — an $899 Value!
There are plenty of analog channel strips on the market, but only one that can significantly upgrade your studio's analogand digital sound. From October 1st through December 31st, purchase our best-selling LA-610 MkII Classic Tube Recording Channel and UA will give you your choice of a UAD-2 DUO DSP Accelerator Package (PCIe card) or UAD-2 Satellite DSP Accelerator Package (Firewire unit) — an $899 Value — absolutely FREE!
The LA-610 MkII Classic Tube Recording Channel is the world's most popular professional channel strip, combining an all-tube, vintage mic preamp design with authentic Teletronix T4 opto-compression circuitry. The UAD-2 DUO DSP Accelerator Package, on the other hand, is a workhorse of modern mixing, giving you unrestricted access to award-winning UAD Powered Plug-Ins on your Mac and PC.
How it works: Purchase a new LA-610 MkII Classic Tube Recording Channel from an Authorized UA Dealer by December 31st, 2011. Then complete the Mail-In Rebate card, and send it along with a copy of your receipt, to: UA's Total Studio Upgrade Offer, c/o Universal Audio, Inc., 1700 Green Hills Rd., Scotts Valley, CA 95066. We'll then send you your choice of a FREE UAD-2 DUO (PCIe card, core model) or UAD-2 Satellite (Firewire unit, core model). See complete details and limitations below.
Got questions on this promotion? Drop us a line at info@uaudio.com. Or call us at 1-877-698-2834 (US).
Click here to learn more about the UAD-2 Platform.

US and Canada Customers - Promotional Details and Limitations: Offer applies to UAD-2 DUO PCIe or UAD-2 Satellite DUO Firewire "core" models only. Qualifying LA-610 MkII product must purchased new, from an Authorized UA Dealer. Offer valid to U.S. and Canadian residents only, while supplies last. This promotion expires 12:00am, January 1st, 2012. By submitting your mail-in rebate form you will automatically be added to our webzine mailing list. Note that UAD-2 units will not be shipped to P.O. boxes. A secure residential or commercial shipping address in the U.S. or Canada is necessary for redemption. You must include proof of purchase via a sales receipt that clearly indicates the name of the Authorized UA Dealer. All forms must be received by January 31st, 2012. Please allow up to 8 weeks for processing.

Phone Support:

• USA: 877-MY-UAUDIO
•           [877-698-2834]
• Int'l: +1-831-440-1176
• FAX: +1-831-461-1550

Available from 9am - 5pm
Monday through Friday, PST

Online Support:

• General Inquiries
• info@uaudio.com
• Technical Support
• & Webstore Issues
• Support Request

Mailing Address:

• Universal Audio, Inc.
• 1700 Green Hills Rd
• Scotts Valley CA 95066-4926

​

AEA releases RPQ500 preamp for API 500 series

AEA (Audio Engineering Associates) has a well earned reputation for making products that provide the ultimate in sonics and build quality.

They recently released a 500 series version of their RPQ Ribbon microphone Preamp:

From the website:

"The new RPQ500 module is based on the successful design of the full-rack RPQ preamplifier and provides the same ultra-clean, high-gain signal path that has earned

AEA preamps their great reputation. The RPQ500 has been enhanced with additional features, turning it into a workhorse tool for any API 500 compatible rack.

The RPQ500 delivers the bandwidth and quietness needed for high resolution 

recording. JFET circuit topology delivers all the dynamics, subwoofer bass, and 

fast transients that your microphones can record. No Load™ input impedance 

above 10,000 Ω means the RPQ500 will not load down a mic and change its sound. 

Low Energy Storage™circuit design instantly recovers from overloads for superior 

dynamic performance.

The CurveShaperTM offers a natural option for sculpting your sound right at the start 

of the signal path. Switchable and tunable low frequency (LF) and high frequency 

(HF) contour controls allow you to tame proximity problems and provide HF 

extension and slope control. The high-frequency CurveShaperTM excels at adding a 

touch of air or presence, and the low-frequency control can remove boxiness and 

boominess in a fast and unobtrusive way. The bottom line is a versatile channel strip 

that will deliver an unadulterated performance in any application."

FEATURES:

• 80 dB of quiet JFET gain
• High-impedance No LoadTM inputs
• CurveShaperTM EQ for extended highs and articulate lows
• Line-level input mode for using the EQ during mixdown
• Output level control
• VPR alliance application pending

The first 100 units of the RPQ500 preamp will ship by Christmas 2011 at a list price of $649.00

Pensado's Place: #43 - Brent Paschke

"In the 43rd episode of Pensado's Place, Brent Paschke, guitarist for The Neptunes, NERD, Katy Perry, Tricky Stewart, and many others joins Dave and Herb in studio to talk about recording and playing guitar in the studio."

TITAN Class A Compressor-Limiter by Dave Hill Designs

Dave Hill Designs is known for making great sounding, well built, practical gear.
His latest incarnation the TITAN is compressor-limiter that not only continues this tradition but steps it up a notch with a LCD color display that shows knob values allowing for complete recall.
The TITAN will be available Jan-Feb 2012 for approximately $1700.

From their website:
Titan is an analog compressor-limiter with a very large range of color and control choices with recall. The main audio path is a discrete class A design. Resetability is attained by using stepped controls and encoders that have their values displayed on Titian's color LCD display. Titian is a digitally controlled analog device in design with a very high speed dsp side chain that allows the design to push the limits beyond what is possible in the design of an analog side chain.


FEATURES:


The compressor-limiter controls are the normal; Threshold, Attack, Release, Shape, Bypass-In-Link, Meter Select, and make up Gain.  These controls have their settings displayed on a color LCD display.  The Shape control shows the knee of the compressor. With the knee characteristic being graphically drawn on the LCD to allow the user to see the knee's shape. The graphical display updates with the changing of the Threshold and Shape controls.  When stereo linked the unit selected as control master will control all functions on the second channel. 

In addition there are controls that can provide color choices; 

VCA COLOR 

The VCA COLOR control provides a mix between a very clean PWM gain control device and a vintage gain control element.  The vintage gain control element is a diode type compressor circuit.  There are 16 steps in the cross fade-mix control for a wide range in choices

PARALLEL MIX

The PARALLEL MIX control blends the unprocessed audio with the compressed audio, a parallel compression function.  There are 16 steps in the cross fade-mix control for a wide range in choices.

DYNAMIC COLOR

The DYNAMIC COLOR control is a control that provides harmonic content that is opposite in nature of the harmonic content that the vintage gain control element generates.  The effect of the Dynamic Color control can be described as making the sound "bigger".  This function has 16 steps to provide a wide range of sonic control.

FAT - AIR

The FAT - AIR switch that will add air or fatness to the compressed audio

Titan is a single rack space 100 to 240 Volt switchable   50, 60 Hz

GarageBand now available on iPhone and iPod touch

Apple announced the immediate availability of Garageband for the iPhone 3G and later and third and fourth generation iPod touch. If you've already paid the $5 entrance fee to GarageBand for the iPad, the upgrade to your other iOS devices is free.


FEATURES:
- Universal app designed for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch
- Create custom chords for Smart Instruments
- Support for 3/4 and 6/8 time signatures
- Reset song key without transposing original recordings
- Transpose songs in semitones or full octaves
- Additional quantization options for recordings including, straight, triplet and swing
- New audio export quality settings for AAC and AIFF (Uncompressed)
- Arpeggiator available in Smart Keyboard
- Adjustable velocity settings for Touch Instruments
- Numerous enhancements, including automatic fade out and improved audio import options


via GIZMODO.

UAD v6.1 software introduces Little Labs VOG and MXR Flanger

UAD introduces the Little Labs VOG and MXR Flanger/Doubler with their v6.1 software.

The MXR unit was an engineer's favorite in the past and the VOG is an indispensable tool

in anyone's arsenal. Look forward to using these UAD emulations on my next project.

Take a look at the videos below and visit UA's site for more info.

UAD Powered Plug-Ins software v6.1 is here, featuring the classicMXR® Flanger/Doubler, the Little Labs® Voice of God (VOG) Bass Resonance Tool, plus enhancements to Pro Tools workflow and the Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder plug-in.

New 6.1 Software Features:

New! MXR Flanger/Doubler Classic Electronic Flanger

• Produces unmistakable electronic bucket-brigade flanging and short-delay doubling effects
• Exacting circuit emulation with all the rich analog tone of the original hardware — licensed and approved by Dunlop Manufacturing
• “UAD Exclusive” features include Single/Dual switch, Mono, and LFO Tempo Sync
• Perfect for use on guitar, bass, keys, drums and more
• $199 from UA's Online Store

New! Little Labs Voice of God (VOG) Bass Resonance Tool

• Little Labs-authenticated, UA-modeled bass resonance tool for drums, bass, vocals, and more
• Adds heft and precision to low-end source material — far beyond a simple EQ
• Simple two-knob operation for dialing in the target frequency and effect amount
• Dedicated “Flat” button allows for quick A/B comparison
• $149 from UA's Online Store

Click here to download the free UAD v6.1 software, and check out the MXR Flanger/Doubler and Little Labs VOG today!

 

Phone Support:

• USA: 877-MY-UAUDIO
•           [877-698-2834]
• Int'l: +1-831-440-1176
• FAX: +1-831-461-1550

Available from 9am - 5pm
Monday through Friday, PST

Online Support:

• General Inquiries
• info@uaudio.com
• Technical Support
• & Webstore Issues
• Support Request

Mailing Address:

• Universal Audio, Inc.
• 1700 Green Hills Rd
• Scotts Valley CA 95066-4926​ 

​