Come meet a dynamic duo who sing with angels and mix hits. We have new albums from artists who have surrounded themselves with the greatest music makers on the planet. Meet this label's first K-pop signing. We have doctors and dancers in the house. These toys will make you studio happy. You deserve credits due, and don't want to miss this auction of prized gear. We've got news from execs promoted, dates for your social calendar and more...
We remain Grateful to you, our valued readers and sponsors for supporting music that lives and moves. If it's your birthday today, send a note, we will make sure it gets in the next issue!
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studioexpresso offers a Choice Community of producers and studios to new and established artists. Producer and studio membership is by invitation.
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Dana Nielsen Sings With The Angels
The Grammy-Nominated Mixer/Producer (Bob Dylan to Post Malone) Expresses Love for Music,
His ATC Speakers - at Home and at Rick Rubin's Shangri-La, and on Being a Power Couple With
Turn-Key Choir Services
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Above: Dana Nielsen in his studio showing off his ATC Speakers. left: Charissa with hubby Dana Nielsen At Jimmy Kimmel Live with The Avett Brothers
Photos: Charissa Nielsen
Dana Nielsen (AKA Beni Sway) and Charissa (AKA Roxi Jet), two high- school sweethearts, have worked together in the LA music scene for over twenty years. Still, they smile and believe everyone starts small like their company name: Little People Inc.
“Whether you’re a global icon or an indie startup, we all start our journey as “little people” in a big creative world," says the Grammy-nominated producer/mixer Nielsen who does more than mixing and producing but keeps a low profile.
As a composer, saxophonist, singer and programmer, Nielsen’s own music and/or voice can be heard on countless TV commercials, as well as hit shows like Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, America’s Next Top Model, and the Duplass brothers’ HBO series Room 104.
Music captured Dana's soul from a very early age. "I’ve been obsessed with it ever since," says Dana who has worked with Bob Dylan on his “Tempest” album, Neil Young, Neil Diamond, Metallica, Slayer, Weezer, Rihanna, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Anderson Paak., and many more.
One of the couple's more recent projects is for Post Malone's album, Twelve Carat Tooth Ache. "We were hired to put together a choir for the song Wasting Angels, so Charissa (singer and vocal contractor vai Session Singer LA hired the most amazing talent (shout out to India Carney and Jonathan Mouton), I arranged parts for the four of us singers to record from home, and then I sub-mixed the finished choir stems to send back to Post’s producer-extraordinaire, Louis Bell. We all worked quickly, and it came out amazing," says Nielsen who has worked with the legendary producer Rick Rubin on various projects including Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveSounds, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Stadium Arcadium, and The Smashing Pumpkins‘ Shiny and Oh So Bright Vol. 1, which Nielsen recorded and mixed.
Nielsen is also co-owner of software instrument company, Skybox Audio
What else has Dana done recently? Nielsen also launched a record company last year called Neon Tusk to showcase his work as a writer and producer.
studioexpresso met up with Dana Nielsen in July for an exclusive interview --full interview here -- Enjoy!
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SE: Watched your upbeat and tongue-in-cheek TikTok post on how you and your wife sang Wasting Angels on Post Malone's new album.
Daaamn Dana you can sing! What other instruments do you play, and how does singing/playing change your approach to a mix?
DN: Aw, thank u so much! I’ve always loved singing. Charissa and I are high school sweethearts. She was choir president, and I was vice-president… roles which continue on to this day, lol. She’s an incredibly talented singer and vocal contractor. Saxophone has been my main instrument since 4th grade. I also play a bit of piano and guitar, various wind instruments, nose flute, haha. I was a Jazz Studies major in college at Loyola Univ, New Orleans. Being a musician, myself has been an incredible advantage for me as a producer, mixer and engineer. The artists I work with are always surprised and relieved that the person in the control room knows where they’re coming from, musically, and can speak their language. I might demonstrate melodies with my voice over the talkback or say “why don’t we punch in at bar 7 beat 3, right at the drum fill on the IV chord leading into verse 2.” Stuff like that can be really helpful. It also builds trust with the band, because they know you understand what they’re doing. That said, I keep my musician background secret and subtle until/unless it becomes needed, and even then I keep it extremely low key. I’m not there to draw attention to ME in any way, I’m there to serve the artists. So, you know .. I make sure to never sing too well over a talkback mic, LOL. But it’s always fun when the cat’s out of the bag and an artist is like, “daaaaamn Dana, ok … I see you … you’re a musician! Ok, what’s my note again?”
SE: What are some projects you did with Rick Rubin or other producers? what do you admire about them? What makes a great producer?
DN: I’ve been so fortunate working with the best producers in the world. I learn so much every day, I always say I feel like I got into the Ivy League of production schools … and I get paid to be there! Ha. Seriously, being a part of the record-making process with such insanely talented artists and producers is a gift and a sacred honor that is never lost on me. A great producer is simultaneously tapped into what the song needs as well as what the artist needs (or doesn’t need) in order to do their best work. And though it is WORK and there may be countless hours (weeks, sometimes years) spent on one song in pursuit of greatness, it need not be agonizing. It is possible to make profound art and have a blast in the process. I’ve seen it and experienced it over and over again. It’s magical. And it’s these experiences I carry with me into every session I’m hired to produce.
SE: Something accomplishment you're really proud of that has nothing to do with recording/mixing and why?
DN: Sobriety. Fatherhood.
SE: I noticed ATC speakers in your studio. What do you think about these speakers?
DN: I’ve been a long-time ATC enthusiast. In fact, I turned Rick Rubin on to them years ago when I brought my own pair of 25s in to Shangri-La while I was recording an album with him. Well, Rick had evaluated ATCs before I brought mine in, but he got comfortable with them during that project. I never realized that would turn the tide from “every speaker must be a ProAc Studio 100” to “every speaker must be an ATC25” haha. It sure worked well for me though, as I no longer needed to lug my own pair of 25s to Shangrila! I still own that pair of 25s, but these days I mix on my ATC45s, which I’m crazy about.
"A great producer is simultaneously tapped into what the song needs as well as what the artist needs."
--Dana Nielsen
Below: Dan Nielsen with Producer Rick Rubin at Shangri-La photo by: Mike Cracker aka crackerfarm
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SE: Love, love, love your TikTok post on Post Malone! You and your wife with Session Singer LA are credited on his 12 Carat toothache for choir arranger and vocals. Talk about how you met and achieved the sound? Did it really happen like your TikTok post says?!!
DN: Thanks! It happened exactly like that! Except it wasn’t Post who called us but rather his amazing A&R (now Mercury president), Tyler Arnold, who has hired Charissa over the years to contract the best singers in the biz (and me to record and/or mix them) for what Charissa and I humorously call our “Turn-key Choir Services.” I mocked up an arrangement using my voice and charissa’s voice, sending it back and forth a few times to Tyler and producer-extraordinaire, Louis Bell, over the course of an afternoon until it was just right. Then we enlisted two unbelievably talented self-recording singers, India Carney and Jonathan Mouton, who were absolutely amazing. The whole process took maybe two days. I took all the individual vocal tracks from the 4 of us singers and sub-mixed some really nice, clean, super polished, organized choir stems and sent those back to Tyler and Louis. Charissa, in addition to her incredible voice, also handled all the SAG-AFTRA paperwork, which she is a BOSS at. Charissa and I have known each other since the 8th grade. We started dating in our senior year of high school and have been together ever since, married 22 years (dating since 1995). Here’s another video I made for her for our recent anniversary which features some pix of our younger selves along w my custom karaoke recreation of MC Hammer’s version of “Have You Seen Her".
SE: Your favorite studio(s) other than yours and why?
DN: ShangriLA is like a second home to me, and one of the most special studios on earth. You can’t beat the setting. A view of the ocean and sunset through open windows, sea breeze gusting in on your back while you record Carlos Santana or Justin Bieber or Kendrick Lamar! I meannnn….. c’mon! Read the full interview here
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THE ATC SCS70 PRO IS HERE!
AN ACTIVE SUBWOOFER WITH EXCEPTIONAL LOW-FREQUENCY DETAIL AND FLEXIBLE SETTINGS
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TransAudio Group, U.S. distributer of the finest professional recording equipment in the world, is pleased to announce the new ATC SCS70 Pro, a compact, ultra-high performance subwoofer using ATC’s first, in-house-designed and built sub driver.
Designed by Billy Woodman and his team of engineers, this new 12-inch sub driver delivers the kind of honest and detailed low-frequency information that professionals have come to expect from ATC and, without the use of EQ or porting, still delivering deep bass down to 20Hz. The ATC SCS70 Pro is the perfect partner to ATC’s legendary line of active monitors and can be deployed as a single, in pairs, or larger multiples to suit a huge range of rooms and applications/formats. ATC SCS70s can be daisy-chained for scalable performance and any number of them can be muted with a single footswitch. Flexible gain, and multiple low-pass frequencies allow users to optimize the ATC SCS70 in any room with any ATC monitor, as well as universal application with other brands of monitors.
“Billy and his team have meticulously engineered this sub from the ground up, including a brand-new driver with a neodymium motor and matched amplifier to give the active ATC SCS70 the same kind of brutal honesty in the sub frequencies that ATC is so famous for in the midrange,” said Brad Lunde, founder and president of TransAudio Group. “Engineers are dealing with greater and greater demand from artists for more sub output and they need accuracy down low. Subwoofers can be a source of distortion, making the mixing or mastering process a guessing game. Now an ATC system, complete with the one or two SCS70 subs, can deliver full bandwidth audio for any genre, enabling superior translation on any system it gets played on, from ear buds to home hi-fi to clubs and everything in-between. Other subwoofers rely on EQ and poorly implemented ports, transmission lines or passive radiators to boost low end and make their subs sound impressive. These ideas are audibly appealing, but they give audio professionals a cloudy impression of what’s going on down there. Just as engineers have come to trust ATC’s full-range monitors for translation, the new ATC SCS70 will do the same in the sub frequencies.”
Both the acoustic and electronic properties of the ATC SCS70 are designed to deliver uncompromised performance and sub bass fidelity. The new 12-inch SS75-314SC neodymium sub driver is housed inside a sealed cabinet (i.e., an infinite baffle) that is deliberately heavy to minimize cabinet interaction (the entire 18 x 22 x 20-inch box weighs in at 97 pounds). Consistent with other ATC designs, the driver uses a short coil inside an exceptionally long magnetic gap to produce high sound pressure levels with remarkably low distortion. A new Grounded Source MOSFET based Class A-B convection-cooled amplifier is expressly designed to work with this sub driver and accepts balanced input from either mono or stereo sources. Buffered and unfiltered balanced throughputs provide connection to additional ATC SCS70 subwoofers and/or full-range monitors.
The ATC SCS70 Pro is replete with features that allow it to merge seamlessly into any coupled room-loudspeaker scenario. These features include 21dB of gain control, four low-pass frequencies, and a polarity reversal that, together with 180-degrees of continuously variable phase, allow complete 360-degrees of continuous phase shift. The four low-pass frequencies are set at 50, 65, 80, and 320 Hz (off) and delivered via a fourth-order Linkwitz Riley filter. The 320 Hz (off) setting allows users to implement their own external processing. Fault monitoring protects the ATC SCS70 in the event of extreme temperature or amplifier dc offset, and an ATC Active FET Momentary Gain Reduction protection limiter prevents amp overload. Users can toggle an entire system of ATC SCS70 Pros on or off via a daisy-chained single latching footswitch (without affecting the thru jacks to the full-range monitors). Two LEDs on the front panel indicate power on, limiting, and mute/unmute. Maximum sound pressure is 110dB continuous, 116dB peak, and total output power is 300W into 8 Ohms. Amplifier total harmonic distortion plus noise is less than 0.003%.
USA List Price: $5,490.00 USA MAP: $4,990.00
Introductory pricing good through August 18, 2022: $4,490.00.
ABOUT TRANSAUDIO GROUP
TransAudio Group, founded by industry veteran Brad Lunde, has quickly become the premier U.S. importer/distributor and/or U.S. sales and marketing representative for high-end audio. Success hinges on TransAudio providing dealers and end users with a higher standard of product expertise and support far beyond the norm.
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ATC models:
"ATC monitors are something you have to experience to really grasp how different they are from everything else. Lets just say that you can hear details you’ve never heard before, leading you to faster, more accurate decisions in your creative process," says Brad Lunde, President of Trans Audio Group.
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Models range from $5,000 to $50,000 per pair and all share a very similar sound. For larger rooms and midfield, applications check out the SEM45 with dual 6.5-inch drivers and the fantastic SEM150 with a 15-inch woofer and 350 Watts of power. Choose the size that works for your space. More info here
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Sound Anchors and Redmount products are designed and manufactured in Palm Bay, Florida U.S.A. using American parts and skilled American labor. Next time that you need to purchase high quality stands or mounts please consider Sound Anchors. click here for Sound Anchor dealers in USA
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The Al Schmitt Estate Collection Auction In Session
Supervised by ANALOGr
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Al Schmitt is seen in 1993 during sessions at Capitol Studios for "Frank Sinatra duets II.” Photo by David Goggin/Mr. Bonzai
"Al Schmitt's discography is jaw-dropping,"
--Drummer Vinnie Colaiuta.
Al Schmitt was a co-founder of The METAlliance (Music Engineering & Technology Alliance), comprised of globally-recognized, award-winning audio engineers and producers who have been deeply involved in establishing techniques and technical standards that are the foundation of modern music recording. Schmitt's work in the studio was captured in the documentary "The Art Of Recording a Big Band: Al Schmitt," in his autobiography "Al Schmitt On The Record, The Magic Behind The Music," and in the METAlliance Academy books, including "Al Schmitt On Vocal And Instrumental Recording Techniques."
Check out The Al Schmitt Collection at ANALOGr
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Global music industry marketplace ANALOGr is supervising the online auction of recording equipment from the estate of respected and much-loved engineer/mixer Al Schmitt (1930 - 2021). Launched in 2021, ANALOGr was established to provide the equitable and responsible transfer of prized music industry items of historic and functional value.
With 23 Grammy Awards and more thant 150 Gold and Platinum albums, Al Schmitt was the most honored and celebrate engineer/producer in the history of recorded music. Close friend and fellow engineer/mixer Niko Bolas said, "Al was a master of the art of recording, a mentor and an inspiration to many, but while working with him alone, I realized that every day he just loved the work and was always exploring. I'm very pleased with the way Thomas Scriven and ANALOGr are handling this auction with care and responsibility. Al wanted his gear to be put to good use and continue to make memorable music."
Friend and longtime collaborator Steve Genewick commented, "Al worked in the recording business during times of great changes and technology evolution. He started in the days of mono, sometimes working with only one microphone, where he became a master of capturing the power and subtleties of musical performance. There is no way that I could explain how much I learned from him."
The most prized of Schmitt's collection already sold was a pair of vintage Neumann U67 condenser mikes with wooden cases, shock-mounts and power supplies. These two historic U67's were a mainstay on many of Al Schmitt's records ranging from Bob Dylan & Diana Krall to Natalie Cole's "Unforgettable." The first of the U67's has a Klaus Heyne modification and was previously owned by Al's longtime friend and producer Tommy LiPuma. The second was a microphone originally from Blackbird Studios in Nashville.
Thomas Scriven, co-founder and CEO of ANALOGr, explained, "I started as a musician myself and then collector of special items that I found unique, special, or just fun to own. I learned the hard way by dealing with all kinds of collectors and auction houses. Our company is an asset manager working closely and in partnership with our clients through a respect for their archival value."
The ANALOGr marketplace has handled over $3 million in sales through word of mouth alone.
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studioexpresso * Video Spotlight * |
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CREDIT DUE by TIDAL
Why The Creative Technical Talent Behind Your Album Can Make Or Break Your Sound
With Alicia Keys and New Yorks' Jungle City Studios' Ann Mincieli
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Defining your sound is a big part of your musical brand. Your team of engineers, arrangers, session musicians and producers help you get your signature sound. With that said, Album credits are important to a slew of talent behind every album. How to control your work's accurate credits on streaming sites is the challenge creatives are still facing today.
Last month we featured Muso.ai, an easy-to-use integrated mobile platform founded by Music Industry leader, NRG Recording Studios owner, producer, mixer/engineer Jay Baumgardner (P.O.D., Bush, Papa Roach, Drowning Pool, Godsmack).
Another company that has risen to the challenge is TIDAL. Last year it added access to extensive artist credits for tracks and albums, reminiscent of album liner notes. The data includes in-depth descriptions and credits for composers, lyricists, engineers, musicians, vocalists, instrumentalists, mastering, production, mixing, album cover photographer and more.
Credit Due is their in-depth exploration (in studioexpresso's video spotlight) of the recording process highlighting some of the unsung heroes behind current and legendary songs and albums. The video features Alicia Keys and her long-time engineer Ann Mincieli of Jungle City Studios, New York. Watch here.
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Post Malone
Wasting Angels
From his New Album: Twelve Carat Tooth Ache
Republic Mercury Records
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Post Malone himself describes the song Wasting Angels is an ode to resiliency. Perhaps it's celebration of the human spirit or he's expressing how "rising to fame' feels similar to a 'summer flame' - fleeting!
Perhaps he's telling his cohorts Life itself is fleeting so don't waste it. The song is from his new album Twelve Carat Tooth Ache
Turn-key choir services was provided courtesy of Session Singer LA - the team of Charisse and Dana Nielsen who joined India Carney and Jonathan Mouton and sing outro: "I should listen to you now, if I never have..."
Dana took the individual vocal tracks from all four singers and sub-mixed and sent the super polished, organized choir stems to the producer and voila, you have a gospel choir in what looks like a cathedral in the clouds. The song features The Kid Laroi, up and comer from Australia who must be feeling his new-found fame.
Malone's fourth studio LP includes contributions from Fleet Foxes, the Weeknd, Doja Cat, Roddy Ricch, Gunna, and Producer & songwriter Louis Bell (Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran).
Post Malone Tour begins August 7th at Outsides Land Festival, San Francisco and ends on 2/12/23 at Optus Stadium, Burswood Australia. Watch here
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Michael Bouble Tour and New Album |
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$80 to 500k for the Multi-Grammy winner. Following his hugely successful sold out two-year global “An Evening With Michael Bublé Tour” he released his his 11th studio album on Warner Records / Reprise Records, HIGHER, earlier this year on March 25. Higher was produced by Greg Wells and Bob Rock along with Alan Chang, Jason ‘Spicy G’ Goldman and yes, Sir Paul McCartney!
Standouts on the new album include a magical duet with Willie Nelson of his song Crazy, a Bublé heartfelt version of the Sir Paul McCartney penned song My Valentine (produced by McCartney), the Bob Dylan classic Make You Feel My Love, and three Bublé-penned originals including the new single I’ll Never Not Love You. Other highlights are Bublé’s take on the Sam Cooke’s classic Bring It On Home To Me, You’re The First The Last, My Everything, and the joyous A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.
The album closes with a dramatic and breathtaking version of Smile accompanied by a gospel choir. Derek Hough directed and choreographed the dramatic and high energy video for the title track, Higher.
Comments Bublé, “This time out, I opened myself up completely to trying new things. I dug deeper while working and surrounding myself with the greatest music makers on the planet with gigantic imaginations. Whether it was sitting down to write with Ryan Tedder and Greg Wells, recording three songs in one day with my pal Bob Rock along with 40 of the most amazing musicians off the studio floor who hadn’t played music in 15 months, dancing around laughing and crying in my underwear in my home studio when a song sounded just right, every moment felt magical or that the universe was conspiring to bring me to this moment in time 20 years into this amazing ride I’ve been on. I have never been more excited after completing an album.”
“Michael Bublé is a great dance partner. He gives me lots of credit but I credit him for opening up his trust to try working with a new team. He’s a phenomenal hitmaker,” commented Wells.
“Since I’ve worked with him, this was the most focused and inspired Michael has been. He understood the record he wanted to make. He had a clear vision. As soon as we started, he stuck his neck out to make each song get to the place that he was hearing it in his head,” adds Bob Rock.
You could say Bublé has the world on a string and he's at the Crypto arena in Los Angeles on Sept. 23. 2022 tix here
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aespa Warner Records’ First K-pop Act
Girls– The 2nd Mini Album
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aespa was greeted by the Warner Records’ staff while performing an official ribbon cutting for their new mural in the Warner Records’ office earlier this month. The group was joined by Tom Corson (COO & Co-Chairman, Warner Records), Aaron Bay-Schuck (CEO & Co-Chairman, Warner Records) as well as Sung Su Lee (CEO, SM Entertainment), Young Jun Tak (COO, SM Entertainment), and Dom Rodriguez (SVP, SM Entertainment USA). |
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Move over BTS! Here comes aespa pronounced like Vespa!
Their name is derived from a combination of “ae” (avatar and experience) + “aspect.” Each of the four members of aespa --KARINA, WINTER, GISELLE, AND NINGNIG --has a correlating avatar in the virtual world created from their personal data.
After taking the U.S. by storm, Girls– The 2nd Mini Album released in July has already sold 56,000 copies making it #1 on the Top Album Sales Chart for the week. With a unique "lingo" of their own that says "ICU" teens, don't waste your time because, Life's Too Short (official video).
The songs are sweet, melodic, pop-driven. The girls are fun to watch live and in their videos sporting over 200 million views for Black Mamba--perhaps a nice soundtrack for your daily workout routine! Forever is the ballad on the album, sweetened with a string-sounding bed that's super predictable, and sometimes for us English speaking audiences, lost in pronunciation. Hey, the charts tell a different tale. And for those of you who feel the vibe, some Dreams Come True. Earlier this year, aespa played their first ever U.S. show on the iconic Coachella main stage. They performed their debut English single Life’s Too Short on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and kicked off Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series in Central Park.
The girls are Warner Records’ first K-pop act with attached marketing and distribution support. aespa landed a Top 3 spot on the Billboard 200 Chart with Girls – The 2nd Mini Album – listen here
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BETTERMAKER’S NEW STEREO PASSIVE EQUALIZER DELIVERS PURE ANALOG BEAUTY OF A PASSIVE EQ WITH IMPRESSIVE DIGITAL PLUG-IN CONTROL
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Bettermaker builds boutique signal processors worthy of worship in their own right, but then they level-up their incredible products with convenient, easy-to-use plug-in control and instant recall.
The new Bettermaker Stereo Passive Equalizer replicates that proven formula to bring the famous and deeply-loved sound of the classic passive EQs to modern high-end workflows. No more snapping pictures or relying on misplaced recall sheets to preserve settings. Bettermaker makes recalling settings easy and reliable with unlimited memory via the associated DAW plug-in. Engineers will find the controls on the Bettermaker Stereo Passive Equalizer familiar: low boost or cut at four possible frequencies; high boost at ten possible frequencies with bandwidth control; and high cut at three possible frequencies. Bypass, output gain, and reset round out the controls. But, of course, the real magic of the Bettermaker Stereo Passive Equalizer is its sound, which includes two perfectly matched channels, and comprehensive plug-in control and recall. “The 100% analog signal path of the new Bettermaker Stereo Passive Equalizer has all the heft and ethereal air of the vintage passive EQs that are so loved by engineers,” said Brad Lunde, founder and president of TransAudio Group, the U.S. distributor of all Bettermaker signal processors.
The Bettermaker Stereo Passive Equalizer is now available and shipping – and is priced at USA MAP $1999
TransAudio Group, founded by industry veteran Brad Lunde, has quickly become the premier U.S. importer/distributor and/or U.S. sales and marketing representative for high-end audio. Success hinges on TransAudio providing dealers and end users with a higher standard of product expertise and support far beyond the norm.
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Introducing The Daking Mic Pre 4T
Soulful Circuitry Meets Proprietary Problem-Solving Features
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Above: Brad Lunde with Geoff Daking |
Perfect for studio, live, and broadcast audio recording, the Mic-Pre 4T features 4 high end pre-amps in 1U of rack space, Jensen input/output transformers, and has now added variable high pass filters on each channel.
The new Daking Mic Pre 4T is designed for the widest possible range of inputs, from vintage, low-gain ribbons, to high-gain modern condensers, and instruments via the DI. Avoiding clipping and distortion is critical for error-free capture of that once-in-a-lifetime magical performance. Daking’s variable low pass filters make it possible to have a different low-filter setting on each of the four input channels, preventing unwanted over saturation of the transformer. "The Instrument DI passes through the ultra linear Jensen output transformer for one of the best DI’s around. The Daking Mic Pre 4T is the one pre-amp that’s right for many different sources, rather than the costly “different pre-amps for different sources” approach," says Brad Lunde. Watch the YouTube interview with Trans Audio Group's Brad Lunde, where Geoff Daking goes into great detail on the design and features of the new Mic-Pre 4T. Daking Audio gear is built in USA and distributed by TransAudio Group.
Built in the USA, Daking uses only high-end parts like Jensen input and output transformers in a high-end design using all-discrete transistor Class A circuitry. How's that for Soulful circuitry meets proprietary problem-solving features? Order yours today!
Watch the interview with Brad Lunde with Geoff Daking here
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Trans Audio Group -- The Recording Studio Equipment Experts. Call to order from their trusted brands:
A-Designs (USA), ATC Loudspeakers (UK), Auratone, Bettermaker, Daking Audio, Drawmer, Hakan, Latch Lake, Mojave Audio, Mutec, Pete's Place Audio, Sabra-Som, Subwoofer Pros, and Tube-Tech
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THE FIRST-EVER *ACTIVE* 5C SUPER SOUND CUBE from A
Anyone who has ever perused glossy glamour shots of famous studios, past or present, has seen the unmistakable six-inch Auratone 5C Sound Cubes atop meter bridges, safely guiding engineers down the narrow and rocky path to midrange nirvana. Indeed, its involvement in innumerable hits earned the 5C Sound Cube a NAMM TEC Hall of Fame Award in 2016.
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Auratone and its US distributor, TransAudio Group, introduced the first-ever Active 5C at NAMM 2022, June 3-5 in Anaheim, CA.
The mono amplifier is designed and built in Europe in collaboration with the famous hardware manufacturer, Bettermaker. A careful R&D process has been implemented to maintain the original characteristics of the 5C, utilizing the same amplifier design from the NAMM TEC Award winning A2-30 amplifier.
“Auratone has been receiving requests for an active version of their flagship sound cubes for a long time,” noted Brad Lunde, founder, and president of TransAudio Group. “We were happy to get boutique Polish manufacturer Bettermaker together with Alex Jacobsen, owner, and grandson of founder Jack Wilson, for the perfectly matched A2-30 amplifier. Now, the two companies have collaborated to get a mono amplifier that contains the guts and soul of the A2-30 into each chassis for the active version.”
Like the other 5C variants, the Auratone Active 5C is made in the USA. It delivers 50W into its internal 8ohm load via a balanced combo XLR/TRS input. Like the passive version, it reproduces between 80 and 15,000 Hz via a 4.5inch driver with a signal to noise ratio in excess of 100dB. In addition to an input, the rear of the box provides an on/off switch and power LED. The active 5C has Integrated overcurrent, overheated, and short protection in the rare event of electrical trouble.
The Auratone Active 5C is now shipping • MAP: $749/pair
Review units are available: Contact Aleks Bars at TransAudio Group
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Summer in the Garden with Fischer Big Band
Sunday August 21, 5:30 pm
Studio City
RSVP today (click on the image below to the eVite link)!
Exclusive Studio City private location details will be sent to ticket holders. Space is limited.
About this event
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Monday October 31st
Celebrate the legacy of Ed Cherney and Al Schmitt, founders of Recording Industry Golf & Poker Tournament
Sand Canyon Country Club
27734 Sand Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91387
Sponsorship opportunities and more...
Sign up for a foursome, or a single, or a twosome -- sign up here!
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Honorary Doctors In The House
Berklee Music Honors Ringo Starr, Lalah Hathaway, James Newton Howard, and Chuck Rainey
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From left to right: Berklee President Erica Muhl; honorees Chuck Rainey, Lalah Hathaway, and James Newton Howard; and Berklee Provost Larry Simpson |
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Composer James Newton Howard (right) received an honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee College of Music. "Friday night’s commencement concert by more than 200 singers, musicians, and dancers, was absolutely jaw-dropping," said the composer's social post. Howard, an acclaimed film composer, conductor, songwriter, and record producer, was celebrated for his original scores for such foundational movies as Pretty in Pink, The Fugitive, and The Sixth Sense across a storied career that has included nine Oscar nominations, an Emmy, and a Grammy.
President Erica Muhl acknowledged Howard’s mark on popular music through collaborations with cultural icons Elton John, Diana Ross, and Crosby, Stills & Nash, among many others, as well as his masterful arrangements brought to life by the Pacific Symphony and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.
“I don’t believe we make our own luck, but I do believe we need to be available, willing, and capable of responding when the opportunity knocks,” said Howard. “Don’t settle for mediocre. You will become what you practice most, so practice excellence, practice creativity, and remember the creative muscle is a muscle…that needs to be exercised and strengthened.” He closed his speech by offering the graduating class the following advice: “Be uncompromising about finding your life’s work, but be open to it being something you can’t imagine for yourself now."
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Other recipients included Lalah Hathaway, the greatest drummer in the world Ringo Starr, and Chuck Rainey “If I could wish anything for you, it would be that the passion and love that you have for making music…continues to guide you through wherever your career takes you next,” said Starr.
Hathaway, a genre-defying singer-songwriter and five-time Grammy Award–winner, was recognized for her vocal range, emotional live performances and recordings, and empowering songwriting. In her address, Hathaway touched on her formative experience as a Berklee student, when she recorded her debut album. She talked about the shared language and connection in the Berklee community, and how she “played with some of the greatest musicians ever still to this day. There are people out there in the halls at Berklee that I still think about, that electrify me, and push me toward greatness.”
One of the most ubiquitous and influential bass players in American music, Chuck Rainey earned honors from Berklee for advancing intricate techniques still employed by bassists today. President Muhl related how Rainey quickly became a coveted fixture of major recording studios and touring acts of the ’60s and ’70s, playing with the Quincy Jones Big Band, Sam Cooke, Etta James, the Supremes, Aretha Franklin, and Steely Dan, and how his lasting grooves on the themes of Sanford & Son and The Jeffersons helped shape an era of television.
“As long as you love what you’re doing, you’re going to be appreciated and taken care of,” said Rainey, reflecting on his 60-plus years as a professional musician. “In my career, I ran into so many situations where I thought it was the end for me. I’m a cancer survivor, I’m a stroke survivor, and a lot of that survival is because of the love from my family.” Rainey cited nature as having a profound effect on his artistic development, and encouraged students to remain receptive to the melodies of the natural world: “Next time it rains, be still and listen to it…there’s a bass line in there.”
Congrats Class of 2022.
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Dancer Jawole Willa Jo Zollar Wins Prestigious Gish Prize |
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Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, distinguished professor at Florida State University and the founder of New York-based dance company Urban Bush Women has won the $250,000 Gish Prize.
Jawole Willa Jo Zollar founded the dance ensemble Urban Buhs Women Urban Bush Women in 1984. “Professor Zollar has made a truly distinctive mark as an artist and a leader,” said James Frazier, dean of the College of Fine Arts. “The MacArthur Fellowship is a profound and well-deserved honor, the result of decades of commitment to her vision of the Urban Bush Women and her stellar accomplishments as the founding artistic director of the ensemble and as a celebrated choreographer of iconic dances that resonate with emotional integrity and prioritize resilience and transcendence.”
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The Decade 1970s
Suzi Quatro
by Darren Johnson
Sonicbond Publishing
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Bass player and songwriter Suzi Quatro has influenced various female musicians --Tina Weymouth (Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club), Joan Jett, Chrissie Hynde, and Kathy Valentine (The Go-Go's), to name a few. With a succession of hit singles, including eight UK top twenty hits and two number ones, sell-out tours and numerous studio albums, Suzi Quatro was an enduring presence throughout the 1970s, the decade that saw her move away from being part of an all-girl band in Detroit and relocate to England for a solo career that challenged old stereotypes and helped redefine the image of the female rock icon.
The new paperback is written by Darren Johnson and released on Sonicbond publishing. It details Suzi Quatro's career throughout the decade where she enjoyed her greatest successes. It's a comprehensive overview of each album and single released during the 70s, her touring schedule and her frequent media appearances, including interviews and that famous guest role in Happy Days.
Mr Johnson is a former English politician and prominent member of the Green Party. Johnson is a keen supporter of live music (rock and folk) and writes a live review blog. He can be reached via his publicist jonathan@no-other-publicity.co.uk
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studioexpresso and Trans Audio Group have featured many producers, and musicians over the past nine years of TEC Track's history at NAMM
Curt Bisquera (Sarah McLachlan, Elton John), Kenny Aronoff (Smashing Pumpkins, John Mellencamp, Sting), Greg Penny (Elton John, KD Lang), Rafa Sardina (Lady Gaga, John Legend), Niko Bolas (Neil Young, LeAnn Rimes), Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hedrix, Kiss), Matt Wallace (Maroon 5, Faith No More), Cheche Alara (Christina Aguilera), Kim Bullard (Elton John, Kelly Clarkson), Cristina Abaroa (Celine Dion, Enrique Iglasias), Brady Leffler (Hot Chelle Rae, Justin Beieber), Al Schmitt (Diana Krall, Paul McCartney), Alex Acuna (LA Phil, Beck), Teddy Campbell (American idol, The Tonight Show w Leno), Ellis Hall (Ray Charles, Tower of Power), Jacob Armen (Prince), Peter Asher (James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt), Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Melody Gardot), Manny Marroquin (Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys), Dave Schiffman (Adele, Limp Bizkit), Gregg Field (Sinatra, Pharell), Sylvia Massy (Tool, Johnny Cash), CJ Vanston (Toto, spinal Tap), Dame Gail Dorsey (David Bowie, Gwen Stefani), Jenny Mason (The Mrs), Neal Pogue (Outkast, Andre 3000), Leland Sklar (Phil Collins, James Taylor), Moogie Canazio (Sergio Mendes, Sarah Vaughan), Laura Dickinson (Frozen II, Lady and the Tramp), Daniel Seeff (KJazz, Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz), James Torme,
Zev Feldman of Resonance Records (Sarah Vaughan, Bill Evans, Nat King Cole), John Wooler of Mood Media (Flying Lotus, Elton John, Miles Davis) and Brent Fischer (D'Angelo, Elvis Costello and The Roots).
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Trans Audio Group Booth NAMM 22 |
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Sony Music Nashville Promotions At Arista, Columbia and RCA
Lyndsay Church, Lauren Longbine and Mallory Michaels take on new positions at Arista, Columbia and RCA
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Pictured (L-R): Lyndsay Church, Lauren Longbine, Mallory Michaels
In an effort to include a broader artist development focus on a local and regional level, Sony Music Nashville has announced a series of promotions and a realignment of the Arista, Columbia, and RCA Nashville promotion teams.The promotion teams, led by SMN EVP of Promotion & Artist Development Steve Hodges, will collaborate more closely with the SMN marketing team in such areas as brand partnerships, community engagement, digital activations, content development and more. The Senior Director of Promotion & Artist Development position will now directly support imprint heads on tactical strategies and platform initiatives. Lyndsay Church, Lauren Longbine and Mallory Michaels will take on this new position for Arista, Columbia and RCA Nashville, respectively.
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Ben Kline and Cris Lacy Promoted to Co-Presidents of Warner Recorded Music |
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Warner Music Nashville (WMN) has announced the current Executive Vice President (EVP) and General Manager (GM) Ben Kline and EVP of A&R Cris Lacy have been promoted to co-Presidents of the country division for Warner Recorded Music (WRM). Current Chairman and CEO John Esposito will stay in his role until the end of the year before transitioning to Chairman Emeritus in 2023.Ben Kline & Cris Lacy
Kline joined WMN in 2014 as Vice President, Revenue. In 2017, he was named Senior Vice President (SVP) of Global Revenue and Touring before being promoted to EVP/General Manager. He oversaw radio, streaming, artist development, touring, and international. During his 30 years in the music industry, Kline’s previous jobs have included EVP of Sales and Marketing at Universal Music Group (UMG) and SVP of Global Sales and Marketing at Ingrooves.
Lacy joined WMN in 2005 after stints at Tom Collins Music Publishing, Rick Hall/FAME Publishing, Island Bound Music, and Warner Chappell Music (WCM). At WMN, she was promoted to SVP of A&R in 2017 and EVP of A&R two short years later. She’s been a key figure behind the signing of many artists, including Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Cole Swindell, Ashley McBryde, and others.
Warner Music Nashville was established in 2009 under the direction of Esposito to expand Warner Music Group’s presence in Nashville.
“I’m incredibly proud of all we’ve been able to achieve and all I know the company will achieve in the years ahead. It’s been truly inspiring to watch Cris and Ben grow into their new roles. They’re two of the most innovative, passionate, and devoted music people in the Nashville community, tirelessly dedicated to helping artists achieve their visions and supporting them at every stage of their careers,” Espo explains. “Between Ben’s business acumen and Cris’ fantastic A&R instincts, they’ll be a world-class duo leading the best team in the business, all driven by a love of the music and the belief in authentic artistry. My last twenty years at WMG have been the most rewarding of my career, filled with incredible people and experiences, and it’s been deeply gratifying to be embraced so warmly by the Nashville community.”
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Doodles Enlists
Pharrell Williams
Chief Brand Officer
At an event coinciding with the NFT NYC conference, blue chip NFT project Doodles made a series of major announcements, led by news of Pharrell Williams‘ appointment as the project’s new Chief Brand Officer. The award-winning musician will executive produce an official album for the new Doodles collection entitled Doodles Records: Volume 1. The album will be released in partnership with Columbia Records and set to feature recording artists yet to be named. Doodles Records: Volume 1 will be accessible through streaming platforms, but fans can only purchase the project via NFTs. Appearing on the big screen at the Palladium Theater, Williams addressed an eager crowd of Doodle-holders saying, “I’m a big fan of the brand. CEO Julian Holguin also announced that the project will soon launch a more accessible and non-Ethereum-based “Doodles 2” collection and has secured a round of founding from Seven Seven Six, a VC firm led by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.
Doodles was co-founded by artist Burnt Toast in tandem with Web3 leaders Evan Keast and Jordan Castro, making its debut in October 2021.
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Stardust To Life
Symphony of Nature
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When astronauts look down on the Earth from space they often say that all of our disagreements seem insignificant. Now with the the enormous mosaic (left), the largest image captured by the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope to date, those disagreements look Infinitesimally smaller.
Stephan's Quintet (not the band) is the visual grouping of five galaxies (the 5th not visible in the foreground) constructed from almost 1,000 separate image files. It provides new insights into galactic interactions and mysteries. More spectacular images from Nasa here
Located some 1.5 million km from earth, Webb can look
13.8 billion years into the past and confirm that we share the same elements-- mostly of Carbon, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Iron-- with the stars. We're all truly made of stardust!
And for all you kids, here's instructions and files you need
to build the Webb Telescope model
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Our earth is unique, filled with creativity expressed in beauty and diversity. Take the Great Barrier Reef These ‘lagoons’ off the coast of Queensland, Australia display remarkable variety and color. They contain the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and more. Here live the large green turtles threatened with extinction.
Use your voice, Be informed, Be political,
Travel responsibly, Eat sustainably,
Reduce waste, Watch what you buy,
Find ways to donate, and volunteer.
Here's to the symphony of Nature. The idea that everything is interconnected and deserves our respect and care.
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"Remain receptive to the melodies of the natural world: Next time it rains, be still and listen to it…there’s a bass line in there.”
-- Dr Chuck Rainey
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Supporting Creators & Self-Expression |
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Did you know that gratitude has the potential to reduce the frequency of various toxic emotions – such as envy, resentment, frustration and regret?
Or, that it is scientifically proven to reduce depression, increase happiness and improve overall health and well-being.
Until next month, be gentle to yourself and to each other and
express your gratitude daily. Stay healthy and connected!
left with Ryan Ulyate in his ATC Dolby Atmos Studio featured in June
Music Lives and Moves!
Claris Sayadian-Dodge founder/editor
claris@studioexpresso.com
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818-990-3031 fn
800.717.Keys Toll Free
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