FBS has acquired yet another piece of NEVE outboard gear.   Designed in 1972, the 1081 was originally conceived as a combined mic/line preamp and equalizer section for the Neve modular consoles. A glance through the credits on today’s platinum-selling albums reveals that these vintage consoles are still widely used to great effect, confirming the 1081’s status as a truly classic component in a recording front-end or mixing environment. We are still hand-building 1081 modules in Burnley, UK much the same way as the original modules, using the original components, hand-wound transformers, and time-honed construction methods.

The 1081 provides remarkable sensitivity, fast and musical response to transients, plus inimitable Neve equalization featuring effective high- and low-pass filters designed to separate unwanted signal outside the passband. This gives users a flexible tool with which to shape new sounds and control any part of the audio spectrum. The curves and slopes have been carefully tailored to enable users to exercise maximum technical and artistic skill.

Over three decades of engineers have found the 1081 an indispensable tool for recording and mixing drums, bass and percussion. 

Jellyneck is a progressive hard rock act, featuring elements of heavy metal, punk and rock and roll all tied into one. This 4 piece includes: vocals, guitar, bass and drums. The band writes heavy songs that are groove based, aggressive and modern sounding.  Jason Lackie & Bryce Francis tracking Jellyneck’s EP and Dudley Taft will be mixing this session.  Great job guys I can’t wait the hear the finished product.

  This last week I was at the Seattle Vintage Guitar Show and I purchased a Mid-1950 Masco PA head that has been converted to a harp/guitar head.  I had the Masco recapped by Roger at Guitarville.  This is a 25 watt head that breaks up very nicely at 3/4 or full volume.  I tested it through our mid-1960 Marshall 4×12 cabinet with Greenbacks, this next week I plan on trying it through a 1×12 and 4×10 cab.  

  This was a diamond in the rough find, and will be used on many upcoming sessions to get a tone that no other Seattle studio has.  This photo is courtesy of Skip Simmons   

7 Horns 7 Eyes recently finished doing drums at FBS and they have an official 7H7E Youtube site dedicated to the video journaling of their latest release.  This band is worth the 2nd look and KISW will be spinning their music soon.  You can also see Aaron Smith’s drum signal chain on Ultimate Metal Forum

Aaron did a great job journaling the drum session well worth the read.

In the May 2009 issue of Seattle Sound Magazine, Andy Werth’s latest realease, Burn The Maps and Bury The Compass was givin 3.5 stars.  Thank you Andy Werth, Jason Lackie & Tom Hall for creating an album that is getting some great press and radio play. 

FBS would like to congratulate Polly O’Keary & the Rhythm Method for winning, 2009 Best Blues Recording from the Washington Blues Society. The album “Who Needs the Blues” was recorded at FBS and this is our 2nd award from the WBS for Best Recorded Album.

Here are some past and regular clients that have been very kind to give Fastback a good word to the music community.

Extensive vintage equipment collection, reaffirming the musical community. ~ Grammy Association, PNW Chapter

Great studio, great gear, great people, cool atmosphere. A ton of killer amp’s and microphones. The new update’s to the studio makes a great place even better. ~Dave Hillis, producer/engineer: Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Loaded, featuring Duff McKagan (Guns & Roses and Velvet Revolver)

“I really like the room at Fastback Studios for drums and the mic locker and collection of new/vintage pres and compressors is super impressive, hard to beat. Coupled with the quick, knowledgeable engineers, it is well worth anyone’s time and money.” ~ Jon Auer: The Posies, Big Star, solo artist, producer/engineer

Fastback studios is one of my favorite studios in Seattle. I’m midway through an album, and it has been going great. Everyone there is excellent at what they do, and they really take care of you. ~ Dave Krusen: Pearl Jam, Candlebox

Fastback accommodated my special requests for a high sample rate, and the results were fantastic! ~ Dudley Taft: Second Coming, Spike and the Impalers, Dudley Taft Blues Overkill

Hello All.  

FBS is a proud sponsor of these two April events.  Flat Black Entertainment presents: The Rainieros CD release party April 17th and Rock the Blues presents: Rock The Stimulus concert April 24th.

FBS has installed the Meyers HD-1 Monitors in our mastering lab, these monitors are certified by THX and give a well balance listening range while completing the mastering process.

The HD-1 high definition audio monitor is a self-powered loudspeaker designed for ultra-precise near-field monitoring. Optimized to approximate a point-source radiator, the HD-1 yields exceptionally broad directivity with a generous “sweet spot.” Its patented circuitry minimizes time delays and deviations from linear phase.

The HD-1 incorporates a two-channel power amplifier and a sophisticated active crossover with optimized pole-zero filters for acoustical transparency and a flat frequency response. The power amplifier features complementary MOSFET output stages and operates at class A at low to moderate levels (less than 90 dB SPL) and class AB at high levels.

The HD-1 delivers a high peak SPL with a dynamic range of over 100 dB, with extremely low distortion. Its free field frequency response is flat (within ±1 dB) from 40 Hz to 20 kHz, with each unit being individually calibrated at Meyer Sound’s Berkeley, California factory. The HD-1 has an active, balanced input that is switchable between a +4 dBu and –10 dBV nominal operating level.

The HD-1’s transducers include a low-frequency 8-inch cone driver and a high-frequency 1-inch soft dome tweeter. The low-frequency driver’s ample magnet and 2-inch voice coil yield high efficiency with rapid heat dissipation. The tweeter employs a silk-infused dome that affords smooth frequency responses while minimizing breakup and coloration. Both proprietary drivers are housed in a vented cabinet and individually tested for maximum linearity and low distortion.

In today’s age of social networking we to have added the studio to these sites.  With regular updates and studio images.   You can see more of who we are on both Myspace & Facebook, type in Fastback Studios and become our friend.