I was creating a sampler patch for sound bowls and shruti box on a project with Joshua Stoddard. I got side tracked in to experimenting with a YouTube instructional video about the process…
The application I used for screen capture is OBS. I ran a parallel camera shot with my iPad. The video was edited in iMovie.
Resources
Platform: Pro Tools
Medium: Pink Noise
Analysis Microphone: Bruel & Kjaer 2235
Preamp: Jeff Steiger CAPI VP 26 API Style preamp
Monitor Chain Equalizer: White 4400
Analysis Plugin: Waves PAZ Analyzer
Studio
Oct 18, 2018 Michael Tudor’s DTRC Studios
Setup
Bruel & Kjaer were quick to send me a PDF of the 2235 manual when I requested it on their web site support portal: https://www.bksv.com/en. This also included calibration info.
2235 placed in the optimum listening position in the room. Volume was set to my preferred listening level so as to be pertinent to my listening habits
White EQs are inserted between the Dangerous Monitor Section and the Focal Studio Mains. Not inserted on feed to Dangerous Monitor because I did not wish to have it color all my listening buses, such as headphones and alt monitoring.
Execution
Produced pink noise with Pro Tools signal generator at -18db. Set gain levels for optimum input on the B&K mic, the VP26 preamp and the input to PAZ Analyzer. I set the PAZ low frequency resolution to 10Hz and the Detection to Peak. The goal is to flatten the frequency response in the room. I manipulated the White 4400 Monitor Bus Equalizer to push frequencies that were being eaten up by the room and also pull down frequencies that were overly resonant in the room. On the PAZ Analyzer I utilized the Peak Hold mode and reset it every time I made an adjustment so it would reflect the equalization. I utilized all the frequency weighting curves at my disposal in order to give myself a wider reference. These included “A” (human ear), “B” (A with more lows), “C” (high and low filter), and “Z” (linear). The equalization I arrived at was a balance between the weight curves.
Reference
I then listen to a variety of musical programs that I am familiar with so as to make any final tweaks to the White 4400 equalization using the my own subjective taste. I utilized the EQ in and out switches on the 4400 to better understand the direction the tuning was going.
At the close of the Original Broadway Production of Spring Awakening, Duncan Sheik brought home a personal memento of the show. He saved this 1909 Steinway Upright piano from the auction block. Since then, the piano has shown up on various records and demos produced at Sheik’s Sneaky Recording Studios in Garrison, New York. Says tech Frank Vetere, “A piano like this takes some TLC”. Well it seems the Deaf West Spring Awakening on Broadway is not the only current revival!
Hear BBC segment on Georga Tech Margeret Guthman Musical Instrument Competition which highlights 2015’s winner of Most Unusual Instrument, Inventor Ed Potokar and his Magnetic Percussion Tower. Find Ed’s interview in the program at 49:15. Ed has had a profound influence on the records made at Michael Tudor’s studio, Mama’s Place Prod. First, with Ed’s Potofone line of ribbon microphones, there is a classic sound with modern design. They are unrivaled on guitar amps and drums. Second, with a one of a kind piece of musical art, a commission of a plate reverb, the PotoPlate is the magic glue that analog legends are made of. It is deserving of it’s own blog post and slide show. Some day to come…
The Prime Time 93 needs TLC from time to time. Now and then you power up and it sounds as if a mini electrical storm is going on inside. Usually all that is required is to re-seat all pc boards and connectors and make sure chips firm in their sockets (that is more than I can say for myself). A little prayer to the Lexicon gods couldn’t hurt… and of course the mandatory voodoo kitty.
More than just an adjustment, Rick successfully performs a heating a clamping method to cure the warped neck on an Alvarez acoustic 12. Says Rick Mullen, “Sometimes a guitar needs a full neck reset, but sometimes a heating treatment will do the trick.” Rick revived Duncan Sheik‘s Gibson acoustic 6 with the same procedure. After, Duncan claimed the guitar never played so well. I wonder what other guitar ailments Dr. Rick can remedy? hmmmmm….
Taking a momentary break from his roots rock band Buffalo Stack, Andy is a one man Reggae rhythm section. Who knew?!!! Engineer Michael Tudor set Andy up with a thunderous Zen-on Bass. Bass is the same model destroyed by Kurt Cobain in Smells Like Teen Spirit Video.
Poet songwriter Suzanne Vega and poet recording engineer Michael Tudor hang out under the metaphorical mirror ball. The album, Tales From the Realm of the Queen of Pentacles. Release date in US Feb 18, in UK Feb 2. Now that’s a party in my ears…
A Mr Michael Mabry thoughtfully and thoroughly refurbished this TV repair man’s hot rod portable vacuum tube tester of yore. I was fortunate to be the recipient of this piece from Michael’s good bench. These are heady times, indeed. So far I have identified a 6BQ5/EL84 with an intermittent short, and a 5Y3 GT that well, has passed on to tube heaven. The Tube Store.com was my next stop. The blown plate reverb preamp will be back up on it’s feet in no time.
Staring Matt Smith (Dr Who TV series), Directed by Rupert Goold, Music and lyrics by Duncan Sheik and book by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. Production mounted at the Almeida Theatre. Michael Tudor did pre production of music for the play and promotional tracks, including recording, editing and mixing.
