Gear – Rates – Calendar

RECORDING STUDIO:

Yamaha RM2408 console

This is the heart of the recording studio – a modded 1984 Yamaha rm2408 with Neve 1073-style EQ’s, customized during months of exhaustive testing. It is custom loaded with ADC 100D output transformers on the stereo buss and Carnhill (NEVE) transformers on the individual channels. Coupled with the Helios Type 69 and API VP26 preamps, this nyc recording studio has every classic element going for it!

Teac 80-8

Teac 80-8. Half inch 8 track deck. Instant 70′s tape compression/saturation for your basic tracks.

Revox a77

Revox a77 mk3. 1/4″ 2 track mixing deck. Modded to the same specs that made this machine a mainstay at Abbey Road Studios in London.

Mastering is done digitally with a M-Audio Profire 2626 with a Black Lion Audio Microclock mk2, and a choice selection of great plugins designed to make the mixes standout.

EFFECTS:

Ensoniq DP4 Effects Unit. Provides 2 sets of stereo effects / delays / reverbs.

Multiple VST plugin effects available

Final mix/master is run through an classic ADC 100D Transformers and an SSL G Series 4000 compressor for that “glued like an album master” sound

MICROPHONE PREAMPS:

The sound of the recording studio mic preamps is modeled after the legendary Helios Type 69 consoles. The Helios Type 69 was used to record Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy, T.Rex, Queen, The Who, ELO. This sound is responsible for a  ton of classic albums in the 1960s and 1970s. I use the Helios Type 69 for most of the tracking in the studio. For other purposes I also use the API VP26 with Gar2520 opamps.

MICROPHONES:

2 ADK-TC Condenser Mics modded with GK251 Capsules and EH 6072a tubes
(Telefunken ElaM 251 Clones)

Studio projects C4 stereo condensers

2 Sennheiser 421′s

Shure Unidyne sm57 (original)

Shure sm57

Shure ksm27

Beyerdynamic m201

Shure beta52

Shure sm7

MONITORS AND POWER AMPS:

Yorkville YSM1′s (originals) / Adcom 535 Power Amp

Flat but rocking. For people who know nyc recording studios, picture an NS-10 with bottom end. They’re better than NS-10′s in my opinion.

DIGITAL STUFF:

M-Audio Profire 2626 (modded with 5532 opamps) w/Black Lion Microclock mk2. Nothing digital sounding about this digital rig.

INSTRUMENTS:

Vintage 70′s Ludwig “Power Factory” 4 pc Kit (maple w/black finish and concert toms)

Tama 14″ Ludwig Supra clone / Tama 13″ “60′s sound” snare

2 custom Orange Avatar 2×12′s loaded with Celestion G30H’s / Celestion Greenbacks / Jensen c12n speakers

1984 Marshall JCM 800

1982 Fender Concert modded by Lee Jackson

GK Backline 4×10

Ampeg B50R Bass Head

RECORDING ROOMS:

live room (tiled and baffled options)

control room – mixing in a comfy rock and roll environment

RATES:

PRE-PRODUCTION PER PROJECT:

Pre-production included in all packages (includes discussion of material, listening to mp3s, attending rehearsals, instrument choices, approach to recording etc)

RECORDING RATES PER PROJECT:

Rates are per song. (includes tracking, mixing, and mastering).

1- 2 songs: $240 per song

3-5 songs: $200 per song

6-9 songs: $180 per song

10 or more songs: $170 per song

OTHER CHARGES:

Blank Tape is purchased locally from tapes.com. I use RMGI/Emtec sm911 formula tape. Sm911 is the only formula made today for that classic “rock and roll” sound. I make no money on tape. Rates for recording to tape are as follows:

Tracking Tape – For recording basic tracks (drums/bass/some guitars) – 1/2″ sm911 tape 2500′. $60 per reel. Each reel will handle roughly 3-5 songs. (20-25 minutes of music)

Mixing Tape – For the final mixes – 1/4″ sm911 tape 2500′. $28 per tape. Each reel will handle around 3-5 songs (20-25 minutes of music total). If it’s a 1-2 song session, a reel of 1200′ tape should suffice, which costs $18.50

DISTRO:

At this time, the most effective distribution is pure digital. No overhead. Low cost/fees. I can help with making sure artwork is to spec and files are properly setup for online retailers. I can sometimes do a good service getting distribution set up for you. In many instances, bands I work with like using Tunecore. Check them out. As of this time, physical distribution is very limited availability.

PRESSING:

If you wish to press your own product and/or create promo materials or other physical goods, I recommend Pirates Press. Great customer service and product. I can help get all of your artwork and materials delivered to pirates press in the manner in which they need them to do an effective job.

RAISING MONEY:

Kickstarter.com has been VERY successful in the past for many bands I know.

CALENDAR:

Please contact Nick by email at nickvivid@gmail.com to discuss your project.

All dates in grey are currently unavailable for studio booking.