House Engineer and Producer
James Bacon's experience as an engineer, producer, composer, songwriter and classically trained pianist means that artists recording here receive a careful and open-minded approach to the recording process.
As there are so many variables, from the choice of programme right down to each artist's performance style, it is essential that these are considered from the outset to achieve optimum results.
James is happy to explain the possibilities for engineering a recording and to listen to the views and aspirations of the artist.
Equipment & Recording Techniques
Artists using our facilities not only have access to a remarkable piano, but also to a range of high quality recording components specially chosen to complement each other, ensuring rich and accurate acoustic results.
We often find stereo miking a piano from several feet away using a matched pair of valve mics gives a naturally warm and accurate sound image with very low noise. We use SE valve mics for this, which have reflection filters around them to eliminate unwanted room sound.
Rode NTK and MXL V77 valve mics can also be added to capture different sound characters: these are blended in with the stero pair.
For situations where the piano is to be used in a mix, we recommend closer miking.
Software and Technology
Modern digital recording allows unprecedented engineering flexibility. The right software in experienced hands facilitates quick and seamless edits, and makes the process of sound capture and mixing a pleasure. There are countless creative possibilities.
We use up-to-date Apple computers, running Cubase and a variety of quality plugins - including the legendary Altiverb reverbs - that work within the host software. Apple computers are extremely quiet and provide a fast, solid system that lets you concentrate solely on recording.
What is Altiverb?
Altiverb is an exciting convolution reverb program. Imagine your piano recording being staged in one of the world's famous concert halls, or for that matter in any number of smaller auditoria including famous recording studios’ live rooms or the grand spaces of European stately homes.
Now this is possible with Altiverb. Actual samples of the reverberation of acoustic spaces are applied to your recording. The ambience is completely convincing, far surpassing previous digital "modelling" reverbs. Using Altiverb also eliminates the enormous costs and risks involved in hiring concert halls.
You can visit the Altiverb website for further information.
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Post Production / Mastering
Post production involves adjustments to the overall tonal balance of a mix. Equalisation, compression and limiting can bring addtional excitement and fullness of sound, giving your recording a professional edge.
We work to produce natural and rounded audio masters with depth, warmth and clarity.
Available to artists recording here are the following tools:
• TC Electronic Finalizer PLUS – the industry's gold standard digital stereo mastering processor, with 5 band parametric EQ, expander, compressor, limiter (etc). An indispensible tool.
• Firium and Equium professional digital parametric equalisation software running within Cubase, used to sweeten the sound of individual mic channels.
• TLA stereo parametric valve Equaliser, hand-built in the UK.
• Avalon VT 747 signal processor with valve signal path for added warmth, transparent optical compression and a class A, 6-band mastering equaliser. Each stage of this program may be switched in or out as required.
Updated February 2012
© 2012 pianorecording.co.uk
