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Realistic sound recording
Nessun compromesso. Niente mezze misure.
Lorenzo Vella, a lover of good music and above all a scrupulous researcher of realistic sound, has over the years restored fabulous tape recorders such as Studer, Ampex, and Nagra, which have literally etched the history of the great musicians of the past. Birdbox Records is the result of his great passion for music and professional analogue equipment.
As Mike Spitz of ATR Services said: ‘Once you hear the tape, you can't go back!’
All albums made by Lorenzo Vella are mastered directly to tape via an analogue signal chain using 1/2-inch Ampex ATR102. This fabulous recorder was designed in 1976 by the Ampex Corporation, of Redwood City California, and has gained a reputation in the recording industry as the most mechanically accurate analogue recorder with the best sound ever produced. Compact and sculpted sound, great dynamics, extended frequency response and subtle to deep tape saturation!
Only the best tapes: SM900 - LPR90 - SM911 - LPR35 from RecordingTheMasters are used to record, master and create copies of our music tapes, which offer a dynamic and smooth sound. Each copy comes in a Deluxe case with album cover.
ANALOG RECORDING, MIXING, AND MASTERING
At Nightingale Studios, sound comes to life through a unique alchemy of vintage technology and artisanal passion. Our 1973 Argentini EP6000 console, restored and upgraded with Neve modules, allows us to capture the depth and harmonic richness of analog sound. Coupled with the EMT-FRANZ MM40 A400 console and a selection of top-notch analog mastering outboard gear, this setup enables us to create warm, detailed mixes with an unparalleled stage presence.
We use 24-track 3M M79 and 16-track Studer A80 multitrack tape recorders to capture original performances and, for greater flexibility, we can transfer tracks to digital without compromising quality, always maintaining the analog touch during the mixing process.
Our DAW functions solely as a player, allowing us to avoid excessive use of tapes and perform more precise editing. Our choice to use only external outboard gear, and no plugins, allows us to achieve a more natural and coherent sound, with a wide range of creative possibilities.
The tape albums we offer are original analogue 1/4-inch 2-track Master Tapes on Studer A80 RC, derived from the king of tape recorders, the Ampex ATR 102 1/2-inch 2-track Master Recorder and the rare and colossal Studer A80 16-track 2-inch.
Our microphone collection is the result of an extensive search among the finest vintage brands such as Neumann, RCA, Schoeps, and AKG, as well as a careful selection of modern microphones from AEA, DPA, Line Audio, Mojave Audio, and artisanal brands like Bruco Audio Lab.
We believe that all audio formats, from analog to digital, have their own unique qualities and contribute to a richer listening experience. While we appreciate the advancements in digital technology, we also recognize the unparalleled warmth and depth of analog sound. The choice is yours.
Our recordings are strictly analog, without any digital manipulation for most of our catalog. However, we also recognize the value of combining analog and digital techniques. When used correctly, this hybrid approach can yield truly remarkable results.
3M M79 24tr. 2 inches
Studer A80 master recorder 1/4 inch
Fostex G16 multitrack tape recorder 1/2inch 16 tracks
Tascam ATR80 multitrack tape recorder 2 inches 24 tracks
Our 75m2 recording room provides free field recording but with the necessary acoustic separations to minimize microphone drop-offs. We believe that acoustic music needs to breathe, which is why our best musical instruments enjoy controlled but lively acoustics, thanks also to the walls made of natural stone blocks from 40cm up to 80cm. The significant mass of the stone walls creates a solid, three-dimensional sound.
Steinway & Son's Piano
EMT A400
3M M79
