Hi Russell and congrats for all your work, truly inspiring!
I wanted to ask you which microphones you used for the guitars on Voodoo? I think this one was never asked.
When/why would you use a tube preamp instead of a solid state one?
Could you explain the use of the tunnel for the bass drum?
And is there any plan to do a seminar with mwtm soon? The one that was programmed with you was canceled due to Black Messiah release if I remember well and being able to spend some studio time with you would be great.
Thank you and take care!
Nb: I have to add that you are the reason I have been obsessed with sound for over 20 years when I heard Voodoo for the first time at maximum volume in a musician friend’s car!
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wanted to ask you which microphones you used for the guitars on Voodoo? I think this one was never asked.
I had a small variety of microphones that I would use. Like the 421 with a sm57 combination or sometimes I would use a single U47. I’ve also used an m160 in combination with the 57 or 421.
When/why would you use a tube preamp instead of a solid state one?
For Voodoo I didn’t have any tube pres available. I used the console pres, which was the rare Focusrite console designed by Neve. I also used outboard Neve 1081, 1073 and 1064. Also Telefunken v676b pres.
In general tube preamps tend to have more warmth or color. Sometimes i want the color and other times I’m looking for a more flat response. Also when you push a tube pre with high SPL and low end they tend to saturate quicker than a solid state pre. But I think any high end mic pre will make your recordings sound better.
Could you explain the use of the tunnel for the bass drum?
Some people will use the tunnel to create more of a focused sound of the mass of sound coming from the bass drum. And staggering the mics to capture the attack and sound pressure from different distances.
I tried this technique a bunch of times and I found that i didn’t get any radical difference or preference in the sound. I place a packing blanket over the bass drum and mics just as a cover to filter some of the high end of the cymbals and other drums bleeding into the mics. I don’t create a tunnel where there is any length, it’s more of a cover.
And is there any plan to do a seminar with mwtm soon? The one that was programmed with you was canceled due to Black Messiah release if I remember well and being able to spend some studio time with you would be great.
Yes I would love to do something at La Fabrique. Hopefully they’ll find some time for me in the near future.
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Thank you!
May I ask if possible, how important is a vu (or ppm?) meter for you?
Do you find it useful at mixing or at tracking as well?
How are you using it? for kick / snare / bass energy?
What are the things you like about the civil aeronautics lim.?
And most importantly, are you still riding your motorcycle? 