Interview with Paul de Benedictis – As told to Linda Jacobson
Interview with Paul de Benedictis – As told to Linda Jacobson
LJ: Paul, what were you doing in 1984 — the year before you became a founding staff member of Opcode Systems? How would you describe the “work lifestyle,” routine, and group dynamic behind-the-scenes in your world then? Was the SF Bay Area audio industry back then influenced more by the cultures of the computer industry and Silicon Valley, music industry, San Francisco scene, and/or film industry and Hollywood?
PdB: In 1982 I had purchased a Rhodes Chroma synth and in 1983 created one of the first computer-based electronic music “home” studios in the San Francisco Bay Area around that instrument. I had added the Apple II computer and the sequencing and editing software from Fender along with the SIMPLE System synchronizer for video and audio and the requisite mixers, mics, speakers, 2-channel and multitrack tape decks. I was composing music for film and television and through my friend Doug McKechnie’s connection at Lucas Film I even had a chance to write a demo cue for the final Ewok scene in the latest Star Wars: Return of the Jedi movie, apparently Lucas wanted to hear some other ideas than what John Williams had come up with. Three of us in the San Francisco Synthesizer Ensemble got to write a sketch for the cue. It was exciting to see part of the movie before it came out. [Full Interview HERE ]
Read More »Snarky Puppy Uses 26 Lauten Audio Mics on New “Empire Central” Album
Engineer Nic Hard talks about why Lauten Audio mics “worked out perfectly”
Snarky Puppy’s upcoming album “Empire Central” is a return-to-roots masterpiece tracked live in front of a studio audience and slated for release in the Fall. Tasked with capturing 19 musicians simultaneously, recording and mix engineer Nic Hard employed 26 Lauten Audio microphones for use on the group’s 14th album. “I really believe that without these mics, the record wouldn’t sound the same. Lauten Audio mics are now an important part of my arsenal,” said Hard.
The Inside Story of the Making of the Vintage Vibe Electric Piano
Master craftsman and designers, Fred DiLeone and Chris Carroll, reveal the inside secrets of how they created their unique Vintage Vibe Electric Tine Piano
Vintage Vibe has been repairing and restoring classic Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and Clavinet keyboards since the late 1990s. In 2008, the company’s founder, Chris Carroll, along with master technician Fred DiLeone, embarked on a quest to build their own electro-mechanical keyboard in the style of the Rhodes, infusing it with their own ideas of improved performance, reduced weight, and customizable, sleek new looks. Today, Vintage Vibe has published the inside story of their adventure of creating a unique new analog instrument—an instrument embraced by some of the greatest musicians of our generation—the Vintage Vibe Electric Piano. Visit the Vintage Vibe website blog to read the complete epic tale: (http://bit.ly/Inside-Story-Vintage-Vibe-Pianos). Here are some highlights…
Read More »Peter Levin Brings ‘Vintage Vibe’ to Muscle Shoals
Gregg Allman and Blind Boys of Alabama keyboardist Peter Levin records his solo album at Muscle Shoals FAME Studios
Keyboardist Peter Levin made the trip back to Muscle Shoals and FAME Studios to record his solo album-and he brought along his own Vintage Vibe. That is, the Vintage Vibe Piano and Vibanet, modern takes on Rhodes and Clavinet keyboards designed and manufactured by Vintage Vibe (www.vintagevibe.com). Levin is no stranger to FAME Studios having recorded keyboards on the recent Grammy-nominated album, Southern Blood, Gregg Allman’s musical farewell. Levin has also recorded keys at FAME with alternative country/southern rockers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and the gospel-flavored Blind Boys of Alabama.
Daniel Sanint chooses Lauten Audio ‘Eden’ Mic
Chief Engineer at Flux Studios, Daniel Sanint, chose the Lauten Audio Eden LT-386 as the vocal microphone for Ingrid Michaelson’s new single “Miss America”, featuring Sara Bareilles
Engineer Daniel Sanint, recently recorded vocals for Ingrid Michaelson’s new single entitled “Miss America” at Flux Studios in New York City. The song, featuring Sara Bareilles, is on Michaelson’s new EP Alter Egos, released May 12, 2017. Sanint chose his ‘go-to female vocal mic’ – the Lauten Audio Eden – to record both Michaelson and Bareilles for the song.
Read More »Rich Mouser Records & Mixes Hits
Recently mixed Albums make a splash across the industry with Billboard Heatseeker #14 and London Prog Awards, Album of the Year
Rich Mouser is a triple threat. He’s a musician, producer, and engineer with a highly respected and growing list of legendary clients. He has played a pivotal role in helping a broad range of artists and bands realize their musical dreams with recent acknowledgement from fans and the industry in hit songs and top awards for albums. Mouser’s clients include Robert Trujillo (Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne), Chris Cornell, Dream Theater, Weezer; Chris Vrenna (Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, Tweaker), Joe Holmes (Ozzy Osbourne, David Lee Roth), Stanley Clarke and Tears for Fears. A musical master, Mouser provides every one of his clients with a keen ear, technical savvy, and sonic sensibilities needed to perfect their musical creations.
Read More »Dangerous Music Delivers for Millions on Live TV Where There Is No Second Take
Live TV singing competition 
relies on detailed monitoring control from Dangerous Music Convert-2 DAC and Monitor ST, Engineer Toni Kern says “It’s great, I love it!”
When the pressures of a live TV show weigh in on the audio mix engineers responsible for adding stunning sound to make the pictures come alive for eager audiences, the right monitoring gear is essential, and it’s why Toni Kern, at The Voice of Germany, chose both the Dangerous Monitor ST monitor controller and recently added the new Dangerous Convert-2 DAC. “The Convert-2 is really easy to use, it sounds really great-and it sounds natural. And it’s definitely much more accurate than the setup we had before which was only analog monitoring. Now we listen to the exact same digital signal that we send to the live broadcast, and we are hearing it through the Convert-2. We feel very confident about what we are sending to the broadcasters because of this, and the mix is better because of it too.” The German show, similar to the popular US version, The Voice, has featured live performances by top artists such as Cold Play, Robin Schulz, Elle King, James Morrison, Ellie Goulding, and Jess Glynne.
Read More »Colin Leonard Gets Dangerous
Atlanta-based ‘SING Mastering’ uses Dangerous Master, Monitor and BAX EQ at the core of a unique mastering setup
Mastering engineer Colin Leonard works a lot with major record labels on singles, albums and custom masters for the very latest music videos – as well as hit Indie artist projects. At his Atlanta, GA, ‘SING Mastering’ studio he’s built a unique and highly customized analog setup based around a core of Dangerous Music’s Master transfer console and Dangerous Monitor combination, and the Dangerous BAX EQ – among many other pieces of choice equipment and speakers. As Leonard says “It’s a no compromise mastering facility.” Some of Leonard’s recent mastering credits include Echosmith, Kimbra, Icona Pop, Leona Lewis, Justin Bieber, Mastodon and Mystery Skulls, working with record labels such as Warner Bros., Sony Music, Atlantic Records, Republic Records and Universal Records.
Read More »Dan Black Gets Dangerous
Artist, composer and producer adds the Dangerous Source monitor controller to his Paris studio with stellar results
Internationally acclaimed solo artist, composer and producer Dan Black recently added the Dangerous Source monitor controller to his Paris studio setup. He feels the Dangerous Source has made huge differences in his studio for writing his own music and collaborating with other artists. “I noticed a profound improvement in detail with the Source, it was like a veil was lifted,” says Black.
Blackbird Academy Gets Dangerous
Famed studio opens recording and live schools, adds new studio based around Dangerous Music equipment: 2-Bus, Liaison, BAX EQ and Monitor ST
The 'Studio I' at the new Blackbird Academy in Nashville features the Dangerous Music 2-Bus, Monitor ST, Liaison and BAX EQ