GO-TO-GEAR: Hardware Edition
I use Dutch & Dutch 8c monitors as my mains and Neumann KH120 surroundings. These are the pieces of gear my entire studio depends upon. Clarity is king; much harder to see yourself truthfully in a funny mirror. The room, the treatment, the monitors; once those are dialed in, you can make the best decisions without your room lying to you. I believe in the Dutch & Dutch so much that I partnered to sell them. They are ingeniously designed, unlike any other monitor, and they will change your life. Hit me up for a demo or for the best deal you can get from studio monitors.
Overall, the Neve 88 is my favorite top to bottom. It just sounds the sweetest to me. But, if I was working on a rock record, the API console has the punch that I would prefer. I started on a Trident 80B and have messed around the SSL 4k some, and those are great, but I would be using so much more outboard gear to get the sound I want as opposed to only using Neve 88 console channels. If I could dream for a moment, I’d love to work on the Universal Audio Putnam 610 Console for the reason below.
The UA 610 is my favorite preamp of all time. I just love the sound it gets and I’ve used it for everything. Coming in a close second is the API 312. That is the best punchy-clean option I’ve found. Both Neve 1073 and the SSL 4k are great and have signature colors and I’ll use those on snares, overheads, pianos, guitars, and vocals. I really haven’t used many boutique preamps but I’m sure they get it done. For my use, the preamps on the UAD Apollo and Avid MTRX Studio have served me well. I really want to try the Undertone Audio channel strip.
EL8 Distressor hands-down is the compressor I would reach for first. It’s so versatile and can emulate the feel of a lot of other compressors. 1176 is another classic, easy-to-use, fantastic compressor. If we are talking 2buss chain, the API2500, Alan Smart SSL Clone, or the Neve 33609 are hard to beat. I’ve heard good things from the Elysia comp, but never used it.
Pultecs are just wonderful. But for dialing songs, SSL eq’s are where its at. I also enjoy the API 560 and the Maag eqs
Second to monitors/room treatment, this is the next link in the chain. Converters needs to be transparent with great clocking. I’ve always enjoyed the Antelope audio converters. Dangerous makes some great stuff. I currently use the Avid MTRX studio which uses technology from Digital Audio Denmark. That box is pretty amazing and the DADman / DADmom is invaluable. I also use the UAD Apollo 8x.
Get the sound you want. Everything has a tone, so just get the thing. Don’t try to cover all your bases or compromise on quality. I have found very specific pieces that get the sound I want. Some of those include vintage and newer items from Gretsch, Fender, Alvarez, Laraveé, Silvertone, Emerson, Vox, Hofner, DW, Zildjian, and Paiste.
Ominsphere, Keyscape, Waves: Codex, Electric 88 & 200, Air: DB-33, Vacuum, Xpand!2, Tina Guo, CineSamples, Spitfire, TAL, Native Instruments