We hosted two sessions of this Musical Event that was different to those we have done before. It was a live music event, a collaboration with Crescent Records in their beautiful recording space in Swindon.
We heard 3 superb musicians play two arrangements of tunes that were recorded by Damon Sawyer, Crescent Records recording engineer. Over the course of the two session 4 tracks were recorded which included a couple of a retakes to some of them.
A trio consisting of piano, acoustic bass, and drums was chosen for this event as these instruments cover a wide range of the audible spectrum we listen to. Damon took a lot of care pre-setting some of the microphones prior to our sessions and explained in some detail how he had selected the different microphones for each application. In all 14 microphones were used in this recording, including 2 ambient microphones. The majority were used on the drums, with just a stereo pair on the piano and single microphone for the upright bass.
Damon further explained his method of placing microphones, recording, blending, and mastering based on his long experience in the industry, The principal aim being to capture the individual instruments as realistically and as naturally as possible. He explained how he records at 384 kHz/24 bit, controls factors such as audio spill, includes room ambience during the recording, and the EQ and compression techniques he needs to employ in post-production to balance the instruments.
We explained how we met Damon through his inquiry into noise reduction techniques such as the ground cables and power cords from GutWire Cables, plus the chassis noise reduction components from HRS. An interest from the professional music industry in these techniques is unusual in itself but Damon’s enthusiastic response to our sound, and to the effects of the components he now employs within his recording studio. The addition of these components has had a dramatic influence on his sound, and the way he mixes and masters his recordings. From this work came the idea for this Musical Event whereby we could compare a quickly produced first master on a CD-R with the music the audience had just listened to live.
During the sound check stage, our guests were able to hear a bit of the trio playing and watch Damon balancing and checking EQ prior to the first take. During the recording all guests sat in the studio and were asked to be as quiet as possible.
Whilst Damon was working on the first mixes of the recording guests were able to relax and talk amongst themselves. After 45 minutes a first mix CD-R was available to play through our replay system. With a little trepidation at this point, I am pleased to report that the replay of the recording through our audio system set up acquitted itself magnificently, and compared extremely well with what was just heard in concert.
Before the afternoon session started Alex was able to demonstrate to the musicians their contribution on the recording and they listened intently to the two tracks in their entirety. The second session in the afternoon went equally well and another two tracks were laid down, mixed, and played back.
Interesting discussions followed on the components in The Audio Consultants audio system, and we were asked to demonstrate the effectiveness of the HRS chassis noise reduction products and, separately, the effect of the GutWire Consummate Ground cable. The sound benefits with both these different techniques in place were easily heard and appreciated by the guests.
The feedback from our guests was very positive commenting on how much they had enjoyed the event and found it very informative, entertaining and enjoyable. It became clear that the 3-hour sessions planned were ambitious and a little too short for all the presentations, the recordings, playback, and the following discussions. Due to the enthusiastic response to this concept, we will repeat this idea with more time within a day devoted to each session.
We were delighted to have the company of George Sallit and Martin Virgo of
HiFiWigWam at the morning session. They thoroughly enjoyed the live music, the presentations, and the comparison with the recording in our audio system.
Read Martin’s full review here.
The audio replay system comprised:
Ayre CX-8 CD player £5500
AVM Ovation A6.2 Master Edition amplifier £8250
Amphion Argon 7LS loudspeakers £4500
Signal cables were all from the
GutWire Synchrony Cube Series
Power cords were all
GutWire Air Cube
Ground cable was
GutWire Consummate Ground
Power purification was with a
Puritan Audio Studio Master Special Edition.
Chassis noise control throughout was
HRS Nimbus Assemblies and Damping Plates
Equipment support was
Lateral Audio Cadenz
Components permanently in use in the Crescent Records recording, mixing and mastering suite:
GutWire Air Cube power cord to the main desk
GutWire Consummate Ground to the main desk
GutWire Ultimate Ground to the Merging DAC
GutWire Synchrony Cube interconnects throughout all the studio playback system.
HRS Nimbus Assemblies and Damping plates used with all components and computers in the EQ, mixing, and playback amplification.
With thanks to:
Pete Billington – piano
Simon Price – drums
Paul Jeffries – acoustic bass
Damon Sawyer – recording engineer, Crescent Records
Some comments from visitors to our Musical Event No 6:
“The event at Crescent Records was very informative and enjoyable and the playback system you set up there gave a fine account of the music in what was, in effect, a huge listening room.”
“Thanks for organising the Event on Saturday. Damon is a very interesting person who clearly has a great passion for producing high quality music. I very much appreciate your efforts and found it really enjoyable. Here’s hoping to more in the future. Oh, and the system you brought was none too shabby as well.”
“Just a quick note to thank you for arranging such an enjoyable, interesting, and educational event.”
“What a brilliant afternoon, very entertaining, fascinating, and informative.”
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