A list of key gear used. It's a small but effective setup. I believe in carefully choosing the right high quality gear in stead of amassing piles of semi-pro gear that in the end does not fully deliver.
The DAW
The studio is based around a 2008 8-core Mac Pro running Apple Logic Pro as its main DAW.
I've been using Logic since V4, and i know it inside out. I love it for mixing, but even more for production and recording.
All audio is backed up daily on- and offsite.
AD/DA conversion
is handled by a Lynx Aurora firewired into the mac. All inputs and outputs are hardwired to a patch bay, so reconfiguring doesn't get in the way of creativity.
Software plugins
Nothing beats the workflow and convenience of software plugins. Unlimited instances , automation, recall, saving your presets, etc. really add to a smooth workflow. Plus they are starting to sound really good!
I use a range of ever changing plugins, think Soundtoys, Waves, Softube.
Monitoring
is handled by an SPL MTC 2381 monitor and talkback controller, ADAM P22a's active nearfield monitors and a pair of NS10 bookshelf type monitors. A high quality accurate monitoring solution.
There's also a couple of average home hifi speakers to give some perspective on how the audio behaves in real world situations.
The MTC 2381 also handles talkback and sends cue mixes to the headphone amp in the booth. The artist has control over levels and tones from inside the booth.
Preamps, compressors, EQ
I'm a big fan of the Avedis Audio MA5 mic pres. Everything you throw at it comes out sounding nice!
The MA5 is complimented with an API A2D (2 x API 312+ AD conversion) to cover all bases.
The Toft EC-1 Channel strip sounds nice as a DI and the EQ is sweet! The mic pre/ compressor combo is a good workhorse solution, useful on a lot of sources.
Microphones
Also a fan of SE Electronics mics, they sound good for not too much money. Apart from that the Bock/ Soundelux U195 get a lot of use. Theres also an AKG Solidtube and the usual SM57's , 58's.
Other toys
A couple of smaller Mackie and Soundcraft something-into-2 mixers for (sub)mixing keyboards, extra pre's and EQ.
Inputs and outputs of all hardware is hardwired to patch pays to make routing and experimenting with sounds and combinations quick, comfortable and a fun experience.
