fbpx

Tuits

Well, sometimes it just happens and there you are facing a Round Tuit.

So, hello.

This is just to let you know that Soundhouse is still here, quietly working away the Covid 19 thing. Music is the cure. Pretty sure.

If you’re ready to get outta the Woodshed, send a message. There’s a deal to be had if you catch our FB post tomorrow (2.14.22, otherwise known as Valentines Day. I guess … ) at noon.

https://www.facebook.com/SoundhouseRecording

 

These kind Soundhouse clients have been in over the last couple of years. 

2020

Rosie Witman

Reader

Mark Brainard

In The Drink

Robots of the Ancient World

Salmonberries

Wyatt Silva

Am Samstag

One Night at the Eagles

Gin and Tilyanna

Samaj

Marshal Law

The Black Tones

Wartz

Linda From Work

Loud Motor

Old Dirty Buzzard

Metaphoria

Winston Jarrett

Jack Swagger

The Revisioners

Sky Cries Mary

Cerebral Rot

Sinister 6

Barrett Martin

Nightfeeder

2021

Buzz Factor

Zach Miller

Los Kobbs

Barret Martin

Mortiferum

Crunchbird

Electric Chair

Voodoo Ray Gun

Ray Salmonberry

Danno

Rat King

The Cutthroat Brothers

Big Dirt

The Black Tones

Paula S

The Smokes

Trash Panda Go Kart

Jarrett Samples

Sinister 6

Winston Jarrett

Evan Strauss

Vince Gipson

Sonic Medicine

One Night at the Eagles

Upwell

Nightfeeder

Kara Hess

Frankie

Wyatt Silva

 

 

A soundhouse shootout – kick drum microphones

Author: Chris Merten

/ Video: Mikel Perkins

Engineering: Wyatt Harbaugh, Mikel Perkins, Chris Merten, Mike Sebring

the Showdown:

Having been involved in Soundhouse for almost two years has provided me with the opportunity to use a vast array of different microphones and pieces of equipment, but with so many to choose from, sometimes useful mics can become lost in the shuffle. To remedy this, the crew and I set out to capture and compare the sounds of our collection of kick drum microphones. Other than satisfying our own curiosity, we also conducted this experiment to provide an audible showcase of what we have available to clients coming through our doors. As both an engineer and a drummer, I found this particularly useful, and I’m eager to do some experimenting with many of these microphones in future recording sessions. If you’re pressed for time, we’ve also provided a handy video at the bottom of the page for your viewing and listening pleasure!

*If you’d like to skip to the 2 minute video, please scroll down to the “In Conclusion” section!

The drum:

We used Jack Endino’s kick drum for this experiment (available for use upon request). It is a vintage Ludwig 14 x 22 with a solid punch and aggressive attack.

The Contenders:

Telefunken M82:

Telefunken M82
A Telefunken M82 in the field.
M82 Polar Pattern
Telefunken M82 Polar Pattern
M82 Freq Response
Telefunken M82 Freq Response

The Telefunken M82 is quickly becoming a Soundhouse favorite. It features a variable EQ scoop that helps attenuate the boxiness of the kick, and an EQ boost that accentuates the attack of the drum. I am a huge fan of the sound of this microphone, and am looking forward to using it in future sessions.

 

Technical Specifications:

http://www.fullcompass.com/common/files/28096-TELEFUNKENElektroakustikM82Datasheet.pdf

 

Beyerdynamic M88:

Beyerdynamic M88
A lonesome Beyerdynamic M88
M88 Polar Pattern
Beyerdynamic M88 Polar Pattern
M88 Freq Response
Beyerdynamic Frequency Response

The M88 is a bit of an anomaly, as it is typically utilized when recording snare or electric guitar. What is notable about it is that the frequency response of the mic varies due to the Proximity Effect. Before this experiment, I never would have suggested using this on a kick, but upon further review, I think that it produces interesting results. The M88 probably would not be my first choice to mic a kick, but in a scenario where I’m experimenting with different sounds, I’d definitely give this a shot.

Technical Specifications:

https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/amfile/file/download/file_id/52/product_id/422/

 

Audix D6:

Audix D6
An alluring Audix D6
D6 Polar Pattern
Audix D6 Frequency Response and Polar Pattern

The D6 is a popular microphone for those looking for a modern kick sound. It features a mid-range EQ scoop, and high frequency boost that really accentuates the attack of the drum: a timbre popular in hard rock and heavy metal applications. I personally have a lot of experience micing kicks with the D6, and love it for its solid punch.

Technical Specifications:

http://audixusa.com/docs_12/specs_pdf/D6_V2_0615.pdf

 

AKG D112:

AKG D112
The first mic Jack Endino reaches for when recording a kick
Akg D112 Frequency Response
Akg D112 Polar Pattern and Frequency Response

The D112 is a Soundhouse staple, and is often the go-to microphone used when recording a kick drum. It is a personal favorite of Jack Endino, and can be heard throughout his body of work. The low end is punchy and the attack is powerful. You’ll feel it in your chest.

 

Technical Specifications:

http://cloud.akg.com/10968/d112_mkii_qug.pdf

 

Sennheiser 421:

Sennheiser 421
The iconic Sennheiser 421
Sennheiser 421 Polar Pattern and Frequency Response
Sennheiser 421 Polar Pattern and Frequency Response

A classic microphone that needs no introduction, the famous 421 has played a key role in recording for decades. It has a vast number of uses, and is commonly utilized when recording toms, electric guitar, acoustic stringed instruments, and even brass and woodwinds. When used on a kick, it sounds best when going for a more organic timbre. I use a 421 in almost every session, and I’m toying with the idea of throwing it on a kick drum in the future.

 

Technical Specifications:

https://en-us.sennheiser.com/global-downloads/file/2405/MD_421_II_GB.pdf

 

Shure Beta 52:

Shure Beta 52
The tried and true, Beta 52
Shure Beta 52 Polar Pattern and Frequency Response
Shure Beta 52 Polar Pattern and Frequency Response

Engineers who work in the world of live sound will be very familiar with the Beta 52. Its robust design makes it dependable, and its erratic frequency response curve makes it ideal for minimizing bleed in loud and reverberant spaces. This is another mic with a high-end boost and mid-range scoop, with a very healthy amount of low end. Historically, I’ll usually reach for a Beta 52 or a D112 when tracking a kick.

Technical Specifications:

http://cdn.shure.com/specification_sheet/upload/127/beta52a-specification-sheet-english.pdf

 

AKG D12:

AKG D12
For a vintage tone, try the D12
AKG D12 Specs
AKG D12 Polar Pattern and Frequency Response

The D12 is a fantastic microphone if you’re looking for a more vintage kick tone. It adds a little more body to the drum sound, which is somewhat refreshing in an era filled with aggressively scooped kicks. I haven’t had much experience with this specific mic, but after this experiment, I’m excited to bust it out when tracking something with a little vintage flavor.

 

Technical Specifications:

http://www.coutant.org/akgd12e/akg-d12.pdf

 

ElectroVoice RE20:

Electrovoice RE20
The RE 20 has a variety of applications
RE 20 Polar Pattern and Frequency Response
RE 20 Polar Pattern and Frequency Response

The is another microphone that provides more of a vintage and full drum sound. Sounds awesome in folk and Americana. Steve Fisk used one when recording Sammy Brue! Apart from kick drums, this mic sounds dynamite on bass cabinets, floor toms, low frequency brass instruments, and vocals.

Technical Specifications:

https://www.electrovoice.com/binary/RE20_Engineering_Data_Sheet.PDF

 

ElectroVoice ND868:

ND868
INFORMATION REQUIRED
ND868 Polar Pattern
ND868 Polar Pattern
ND868 Frequency Response
ND868 Frequency Response

The ND 868 is a modern sounding mic that really packs a wallop. Nice and punchy. Comparable to the Beta 52 and D6.

Technical SPecifications:

https://www.electrovoice.com/binary/NDYM868_User_Manual.pdf

 

ShUre SM91:

Shure SM91
Target the drum’s attack with the SM 91
SM91 Polar Pattern
SM91 Polar Pattern
SM91 Frequency Response
SM91 Frequency Response

The SM91 fills a special niche. While response on the low end may be lackluster, placing an SM91 inside a kick can be the key to getting a defined attack. Best when paired with a mic that responds better to low frequencies. Not a mic that I use frequently, but I’ll be sure to reach for it the next time I’m looking for a strong click.

Technical Specifications:

http://pubs.shure.com/view/guide/SM91/en-US.pdf

 

Audio Technica ATM 250:

Audio Technica ATM 250
Audio Technica ATM 250
ATM 250 Polar Pattern
ATM 250 Polar Pattern
ATM 250 Frequency Response
ATM 250 Frequency Response

 

I think I can sum up the ATM 250 as a comfortable blend between a scooped modern sound and a warm vintage tone. I REALLY dug the sound of this one.

 

Technical Specifications:

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/resource_library/literature/1062187c2424e585/p52564_atm250_spec_sheet.pdf

 

In conclusion:

This whole experiment served as both a comprehensive window into the vast Soundhouse mic locker and a reminder to myself and others to step out of your comfort zone when in the studio. An exciting new sound could be just around the corner, but sometimes you need to do a little experimentation to get there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-Production Notes:

We began by calibrating the output of each Trident pre-amp to ensure that every channel would send signal at a uniform level to Pro Tools.  After creating an audio channel in Pro Tools and inserting a signal generator plug-in, we ran the output of said channel (PT Output 18) through Pass-Thru 40 and into the Live Room. That signal (pink noise) was then patched directly into each physical Trident input (25 – 35). With all mic input levels set to unity, the line out level on each channel was then adjusted until each corresponding meter in Pro Tools read -22 dB.

Eleven microphones were then placed around the perimeter of the front end of a kick drum. The mics were oriented in an arch formation with each individual mic roughly 3 inches inside the rim of the drum (with the exception of the SM91, which was placed inside the drum). Special care was taken to ensure that no one mic was placed closer to the beater than any other. A series of one-shots were then recorded, varying between soft and aggressive playing.

 

 

Image Citations:

 

“AKG D112 MKII Microphone.” Front End Audio – Your Ultimate Pro Audio Dealer, Front End Audio, LLC,

www.frontendaudio.com/AKG-D112-MKII-Microphone-p/1044.htm.

“The AKG Model D 12 Ecardioid Dynamic Microphone.” AKG D 12 E

www.coutant.org/akgd12e/.

“ATM 250.” Audio-Technica,

eu.audio-technica.com/microphones/instrument/ATM250.

“Audix D6 Dynamic Cardioid Microphone.” Moore Brothers Music, moorebrothersmusic.com/audix-d6.html.

“Audix Microphones D6.” Broadcast Supply Worldwide,

www.bswusa.com/Instrument-Microphones-Audix-Microphones-D6-P954.aspx.

“Beyerdynamic M88 Frequency Response.” North American Beyerdynamic, north-

america.beyerdynamic.com/amfile/file/download/file_id/52/product_id/422/.

“Beyerdynamic M88 Polar Pattern.” North American Beyerdynamic, north-

america.beyerdynamic.com/amfile/file/download/file_id/52/product_id/422/.

“D12.” AKG D12 E Vintage Bass Drum Microphone D-12,

www.madooma.com/shop/akg/AKG_D12_E_Vintage_Bass_Drum_Mikrofon_D-12_e.html.

“Electro Voice RE-20 Cardioid Microphone.” Amazon,

www.amazon.com/Electro-Voice-RE-20-Cardioid-Microphone/dp/B000Z7LLQ0.

“M82 Technical Specifications.” Fullcompass.com, Telefunken Elektroakustik,

www.fullcompass.com/common/files/28096-TELEFUNKENElektroakustikM82Datasheet.pdf.

“M 88 TG.” Magento Commerce,

north-america.beyerdynamic.com/m-88-tg.html.

“M82 Dynamic Microphone.” TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik,

telefunken-elektroakustik.com/microphones/m82.

“ND 868 User Manual.” Electrovoice,

www.electrovoice.com/binary/NDYM868_User_Manual.pdf.

“RE20 Polar Pattern and Frequency Response.” Electrovoice,

www.electrovoice.com/binary/RE20_Engineering_Data_Sheet.PDF.

“Sennheiser 421.” DCA – SENNHEISER MD 421-II – Images,

www.dcaudiovisuel.com/popup_image.php/language/en/resize/0/pID/377.

“Sennheiser MD 421 II.” DM Music for Churches,

www.dmmusic.com/sennheiser-md-421-ii.

“Shure Beta 52A Polar and Freq Response.” Studiospares,

www.studiospares.com/Microphones/Mics-Drum-Mics/Shure-Beta-52A_423910.htm.

“Shure SM91 Condenser Microphone Rental.” TC Furlong RSS,

tcfurlong.com/rentals/rental-inventory/microphones/shure-sm91-rental/.

“Shure Beta 52A Cardioid Dynamic Microphone.” Shure Beta 52A Cardioid Dynamic Microphone | SamAsh, 13 Jan. 2017,

www.samash.com/shure-beta-52a-cardioid-dynamic-microphone-sbeta52.

“SM91 Polar Pattern and Frequency Response.” Shure

pubs.shure.com/view/guide/SM91/en-US.pdf.

“Telefunken M82”

telefunken-elektroakustik.com/microphones/m82

 

 

Someone recently pointed out that one of the reasons they love to work at Soundhouse is that they can track drums in a kick ass room with several different flavors to choose from.

In our dedicated outboard Mic Pre racks, we have 6 channels of Neve 1073‘s (two of em’ are vintage with EQ) plus an array of excellent mic pres on the Neve side of the spectrum including a pair of Chandler LTD-1‘s, up to 5 UA 610‘s ( I keep a UA 2-610 and the UA 6176 at home but I’ll bring it in for you if you ask!) for that world famous tube sound, and a pair of Great Rivers.

Then there’s 10 channels of API (2 x  3124 and a pair of 512‘s).

8 Channels of the ultra clean Millennia HV – 3D.

And of course, the renowned Trident 80B – which is the rare 40 channel input version.

Yep. I love my job.

And moving Mountains. Of Stuff.

For the next week or so Pickwick is going to be making some sounds at Soundhouse. Have you heard their recent releases? They’re full of lushness and not so common arrangements. Not your average stuff!

I think they’ll have fun here…

IMG_0014  Getting some tones on the drums. The drum tech got these sounding sweet!

Kory Kruckenberg is the guy behind the console.

IMG_0015

He listens.IMG_0019

He acts!

IMG_0023

I learned that they have a secret code that they talk in, although I couldn’t crack it. There was talk of “small intestines” and “ears”, Genghis Khan and his “family”. Anyone know what they’re talking about?

Somehow, I cant remember really, I came across an email that said WSRP and I, uncharacteristically, clicked on the link.

Interesting, I thought. Maybe I should go check out whats going on here. Its a two night Rock Party at the Skylark in West Seattle, featuring Seattle bands. Seattle rock bands.

Scrolling down the band names I saw, near the bottom, Skunk Rider, a band that’s coming in to Soundhouse soon, to record. Below that was Lark Vs Owl – I’ve recorded them a few times and we’re working on their new stuff now (So far everything’s going to tape).

Skunk Rider opened Friday night with a wall of fuzzy rawness: yep, this’ll be fun to put to tape! (Yes, tape.) Then Crawler set up. Another band that’s been through Soundhouse with Jack Endino – and those guys were awesome. All in all, Friday night was a hard hitting night of serious Rock!

Saturday night was really good too, but not quite as hard/edgy. There’s good rock in Seattle! Everyone was excited about Mind Vice, but my favorite of the night was Lark Vs Owl. They just have good songs, good presence and a good show. Luv ’em. They’ll Luv ya back.

I want to put a special THANKS out to TBASA for putting this show on and supporting Seattle’s rock music.

That’s all for now….

mike

 

 

Something is happening here in our little corner of the universe. Something, yes. You may know about is already, but you haven’t heard it … yet.

Playing with Strangers is an idea, a workshop, an experiment that takes place at Soundhouse.

It’s an ongoing and ever-changing landscape created by it’s inhabitants. Inhabitants that happen to be musicians (and maybe other type of artists as we move forward) that don’t know each other [are meeting for the first time]. They are brought together for the purpose of creating or altering the landscape.

Every month or so, a new group of artists convene at Soundhouse for a short time to write, record and perform about an EP – all in roughly a day. They end up with studio versions created during the day and “live” versions performed that evening in front of an intimate audience of friends and fans.
The recording will be produced and available as a digital EP – one for each session.

 

Well, now. You have been introduced. If you’ve been experienced …. or not …. you may have until tomorrow to download, for the sum of $0, Session No. 2.

Session No. 2 is in the vein of well, blues rock. But hard hitting, down & dirty. 70’s vibe.

Check it here: 

https://www.facebook.com/PlayingWithStrangers/

 

Thank you and good night.

More and more, cool bands are coming in and rocking out. Are we having a resurgence of, dare I say, Good old 70’s R&R?
Custom recorded and mixed their upcoming album a little bit ago…

Yeah – its a good life!

You can find more pictures here:

https://www.facebook.com/paul.yarnold/photos

10311388_10152410802419675_1615831908711798253_n

7605_10152410801934675_672690246927138398_n
The very last note of the very last song we tracked!
1005541_10152410802594675_6678728992426275354_n
At the helm.
10177883_10152410801639675_3949088565328997763_n
Yeahp. There’s drums on the record.

10359515_10152410802039675_4425308173179782665_n

10374912_10152410801514675_8523490634972963014_n
Home Sweet Home.

10382651_10152410801584675_4689607658321013560_n

10384147_10152410802439675_8622933162315110003_n