So studios should try new ways to record sound and just the other day we did that.  We had a Harmonica session to finish up the The Tone Kings upcoming release and here is the set up we used to get a darker, grit tone out of a harp.  The mic we used on the Fender vibro-champ was a Coles 4040 studio ribbon mic.  This is the first ribbon microphone that Coles have developed using the very latest magnet technology.   Like the 4038, the shape of the bi-directional (figure of eight) polar response is maintained substantially constant both in the horizontal and vertical planes, giving a natural smooth sonic quality textured response to sound signal being picked up. There is also no discernible stray magnetic field, making it very easy to mount head to head in a “Blumlein” (crossed figure-of-eights) stereo configuration.  The 4040 has some unique features, for a start it is gold plated, but more importantly the ribbon/magnet assembly has its own in built shock mounts separating it from the main body of the microphone that can be secured for transit.  The Coles sat back from the fender vibro-champ about 8” so we could dial in both the vibrato and capture the hardwood room tones from this ribbon mic.   We also used a non-traditional harp mic as we discussed this for a while we finally settled on the AKG D112 because it picks up the lows very well.  Fabian stood basically by the side of the amp so we could created his grawling sound in the phrasing of this track.  At the end of the session the sound of the harmonica stands on its own in the mix. 
 
So here is the recording chain on what we used to create this large powerful harmonica tone: AKG D112 with the harmonica – Fender vibro-champ with thick vibrato – Cole 4040 Ribbon Mic on the hardwood floors – Neve mic-pre with EQ’ – Custom LA2A compressor.   

Room size does matter.  I have consulted with many people that are looking to build a studio and/or home studio and I followed this line of thought for creating a great album.  1). Listen to the ideas and musical path of the artist,   2). Use quality mic’s and outboard gear,  3). Build the rooms to highlight the instruments.  Most people I consult with often think, if they have the passion to record, some gear and know a few bands..  Presto! “ABC Studios” is open for business.  For the record, I support and encourage new recording studios on the market, there is plenty of room for all of us in the “recording pool”.  What I want to mention is the ROOM SIZE.  This will make or break a track.  Bigger is better, this is evident with drum tones, piano and ambient room tones with vocals.  So when recording make sure you “listen” to the room when touring the studio ask to listen to past recording project and how they use the large room in recording.

Fastback Studios has both the Neumann U87I & the U87AI.  Most studios have the U87AI in stock, which for the client is a positive.  The U 87 is probably the best known and most widely used Neumann studio microphone. It is equipped with a large dual-diaphragm capsule with three directional patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8. These are selectable with a switch below the headgrille.

 Our U87I is a late 60’s early 70’s model, while our U87AI is early 2000.  Here is the difference between the two.  The letter A in the name indicates a more recent generation, as compared to the U 87 i microphones that were built from 1967 to 1986. Modifications apply to the electronic components of the microphone only; the capsule remained unchanged.

The present-day circuitry increases the operational headroom of the U 87 Ai by supplying the bias voltages for the capsule through a reduced resistance. The result is a higher sensitivity of 10 dB for identical sound pressure levels, and an improved S/N ratio of 3 dB.

We had back to back uses with the AKG C12-VR microphone.  This time we had a voice-over session with Arkitek they specializes in high end, visual content for science and technology.  The C12-VR really brings out the natural tone of the voice without taking anytime dialing in the mic-pre. I see why these are highly used microphones.