Special News
Kevin Vance, long time Bay Area DJ (his program, A Patchwork Quilt, airs Saturdays on 91.7 fm KALW San Francisco), played his choices for best CDs by Local Folks from 2000-2009 on Saturday Dec. 26. He included two CDs recorded by Wildplum, Caren Armstrong's CD Everything and Up & Down by the Palm Wine Boys. Kevin's list included 20 CDs from artists such as Joan Baez, Michael Franti, Houston Jones, and Robin Flower & Libby McLaren. You can find the complete list at http://www.nodepression.com/profile/KevinVance.
There were a lot of really great CDs released by Bay Area artists this past decade. We at Wildplum are very proud that Kevin selected two from our little group to be among his "best of the decade". Congratulations to Caren and Palm Wine Boys. And a very big thank you to Kevin Vance!
On December 17 Wildplum Remote recorded audio for the Comedy Central video shoot of comedian Bill Burr at the Fillmore in San Fransisco. The special, to be called Let It Go, will air later in 2010. Great fun with a very funny guy.
Greg Behrendt's comedy special, That Guy from That Thing, is currently airing on the Comedy Central channel. Wildplum recorded the audio for the video shot at The Improv, San Jose
Folk Alliance Region West (FAR-West) is an offshoot of the International Folk Alliance. FAR-West exists to foster and promote traditional, contemporary and multicultural folk music, dance and related performing arts in the Western states. Each year, its annual conference attracts musicians and "music business types" from throughout the West. The most anticipated event of the conference is the Premiere Showcase, a highly competitive event showcasing the best artists from our richly talented West. The Premiere Showcase at this year's conference (Nov. 6-8, 2009) features three artists for whom Wildplum has recorded albums, either live or studio. They are Big Wide Grin, Caren Armstrong, and Calaveras. Congratulations to them and the other artist selected.
http://www.far-west.org
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Wildplum Remote
Whether you are a singer/songwriter, a jazz trio, a rock band, or a classical
chamber ensemble, you can now
make a recording anywhere you feel comfortable- at a concert or
other gig, in a church, in a rented cabin at Tahoe, in a great sounding room in
a home, even in an open field!
Wildplum offers a remote, on-location, professional recording service dedicated
to capturing the sound you want anywhere you want it. We bring the highest
quality studio equipment to the remote location, together with a sound
understanding of how to go about recording on location. We specialize in
Folk, Jazz, Rock, and Chamber music.
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The Wildplum remote rig configured to record legendary folksinger Eric Andersen
at the Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse in Berkeley, CA
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In reviewing Sourdough Slim's
Swingin' at the Palms
, the
Western Music Advocate
had this to say:
"The fact that it was recorded at the Palms in California, before a 'live'
audience,
gives listeners the feeling of being there. 'Live' recordings are hard to
engineer,
but this one is done with exceptional skill. A tip of the old sombrero to
[Wildplum]
engineer Paul Tumolo!"
Remote recordings of exceptionally high quality are achieved by knowledgeable
techs using only
top equipment, meticulously maintained. Wildplum provides all the recording
equipment necessary for the sessions- from microphones to tape. And at very
reasonable rates. Our equipment selections, as well as our approach to
recording, where developed specifically with remote recording as the primary
focus of our recording activities. Recognizing that it is the performance that
is
the
most important part of any recording, we know how to record unobtrusively. We
seek
to make the musicians as comfortable as possible during the recording process.
Our client-centered service goes the extra
mile, leaving you free to do your thing. Revel in the excitement and
spontaneity that only a live audience can provide, or simply take the studio
drudgery out of
your next record and do it somewhere where you can kick back and be free to
create your music, your way. Be it in front of a fireplace or a live audience,
Wildplum can capture the magic that sets your music apart.
Did you know that albums as diverse as Joan Osborne's
"relish"
and
"Yonder"
by Peter Rowan and Jerry Douglas were recorded on location, in environments
created out of home living rooms? The Counting Crows
"This Desert Life"
was recorded entirely in a house. An ordinary (for the Hollywood hills) rented
60s-era house, far from a commercial studio. As producer Dennis Herring
states: "That's actually how the Crows have done all their records, and I'm
certainly no stranger to recording like that. I've never liked recording in
formal recording studios, so I've always tried to do it as little as possible."
Sample Wildplum Remote Recordings
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HiRes
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LowRes
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Artist
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Style
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Venue
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Santa Rosa Symphony
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Symphony
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Wells Fargo CPA
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California Bach Society
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Early Music
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St. Marks
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Reilly and Maloney
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Folk Duo
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Freight and Salvage
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Box Set
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Folk Duo
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Noe Valley Ministry
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Eric Andersen
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Singer/Songwriter
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Freight and Salvage
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Calaveras
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Singer/Songwriter
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Strings
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Jeremiah Puddleduck
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Blues Rock
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Great American Music Hall
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Sourdough Slim
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Cowboy Jazz
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The Palms
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Dave Nachmanoff
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Celtic Guitar
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The Palms
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W.D. Amaradeva
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Sri Lankan Sinhala
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San Mateo PAC
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Celtic Elvis
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Folk Satire
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Strings
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Tom Rigney
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Cajun Blues
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Ashkenaz
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Set up for the audio recording portion of the DVD shoot of Jonathan Coulton at
San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall.
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Jonathan (center stage in white t-shirt) during sound check. The DVD is
available at
jonathancoulton.com
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Viva La Musica
during rehearsal at St. Peter's in Redwood City. The main stereo pair was DPA
4006's positioned behind the conductor, about 5 feet above her head. The choir
was spot miced Left, Right, Center with DPA 4011's about 11 feet high on three
stands. The two solo positions were spot miced with Neumann KM 184's and the
piano spot was a Neumann KM 150. The signal path used Millennia Media preamps
and Apogee converters and the concert was recorded simultaneously to Pro Tools
and redundant DA-78.
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The Studio
Wildplum Recordings is a classic project studio located in the Oakland hills.
Our specialty is acoustic music, from the solo singer/songwriter to the
acoustic combo. Our goal is to provide our client with the highest quality
recording.
At Wildplum we recognize that in any recording project, it is the performance
that is paramount. Thus our first priority is you, the musician. We offer
highly personalized service and a relaxed, intimate, comfortable atmosphere -
all aimed at helping you reach your creative peak. Sure, we also have the
finest in digital and analog equipment. With excellence in acoustic music
recording our goal, we have assembled a carefully selected blend of new and
vintage gear, from the ultra modern Yamaha 02R96 digital mixing console (56
channels, fully automated) and Digidesign Pro Tools HD recording to our
beautifully maintained 1966 Neumann M269c microphone, 1963 Martin D-18, 1976
Fender USA Precision Bass, and our 1967 Gretsch drum kit.
But what sets
us apart is our emphasis on doing whatever it takes to inspire creativity and
allow the
musicians to play their best. In true project studio spirit, we are eager to
help you attain the highest quality for your recording project.
To discuss rates and other particulars, please call 510 654 6507. Bookings for
the studio generally run two months in advance, so planning ahead is important.
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Caren Armstrong with koto master Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto (leader of the
Murasaki Ensemble) during the recording session for Caren's song "Origami",
from her CD
Everything
.
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Peter Tucker, drums and Chris Kee, bass (members of the Americana band Houston
Jones) during the sessions for Caren's new CD.
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Left: Joe Craven playing the "Motel Standard Plastic Trash Can". Don't laugh;
in Joe's hands it sounded fantastic. Right: Joe overdubing "mouth percusion" as
only he can.
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Caren in her element- deep in concentration surrounded by guitars and
microphones.
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Sample Studio Recordings
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Artist and song title
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low res
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hi res
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Jen Spool
Asphalt
(singer/songwriter)
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Palm Wine Boys
Colors and Lovers
(palm wine music)
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Lorin Rowan Trio
Russian River Lullaby
(instrumental)
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Ilene Adar
Flying Pigs
(singer/songwriter)
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Sourdough Slim
Cowpuncher Blues
(cowboy blues)
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Tracy Miller
Lives In Hopes
(singer/songwriter)
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Gary Wade McCrea
Chocolate Brown
(blues)
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Caren Armstrong
Leaving Lincoln County
(singer/songwriter)
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Jen Spool
Corners
(singer/songwriter)
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Sourdough Slim
Lady Be Good
(cowjazz)
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Frank Jaffe
Bodega Dunes
(classical guitar)
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The Jonah Kit
Something's Turned in You
(Punk Folk)
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Eliyahu & Qadim
V'Ahavta
(world)
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For more info, please contact Wildplum.
Wildplum Equipment List
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Mic
|
Model
|
Number
|
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B&K (dpa)
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4011
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4
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B&K (dpa)
|
4006
|
3
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DPA
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4061
|
2
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Neumann
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USM 69
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1
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Neumann
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SM 2
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1
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Neumann
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M 269c
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1
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Neumann
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M 149
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1
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Neumann
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M 147
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1
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Neumann
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U 89
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1
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Neumann
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TLM 193
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2
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Neumann
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TLM 103
|
1
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Neumann
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KMS 150
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3
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Neumann
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KM 150
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4
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Neumann
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AK 20
|
2
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Neumann
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KM 184
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2
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Neumann
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KM 85i
|
1
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Neumann
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KM 54
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2
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Soundelux
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E47
|
1
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Soundelux
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ELUX 251
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1
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Soundelux
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U99
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2
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Soundelux
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ifet7
|
1
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AKG
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C 12VR
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1
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AKG
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C 414
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2
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AKG
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C 460
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2
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AKG
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C 535
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4
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AKG
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D 112
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1
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Beyer
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M88
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1
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Beyer
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M201
|
2
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Beyer
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M160
|
1
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Beyer
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M260
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2
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Beyer
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M420
|
1
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TOA
|
KY
|
2
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Electro Voice
|
RE20
|
1
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Electro Voice
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RE16
|
2
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Electro Voice
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635A
|
2
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Audix
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D6
|
1
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Sonotone |
harp mic
|
1
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Audio Technica
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ATM35
|
2
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Audio Technica
|
4055
|
1
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Audio Technica
|
8035
|
2
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Sennheiser
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MD421
|
2
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Royer
|
R-121
|
2
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Shure
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SM7B
|
1
|
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Shure
|
Beta57A
|
2
|
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Shure
|
SM57
|
1
|
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Shure
|
SM 58
|
3
|
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Shure
|
SM94
|
2
|
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Demeter
|
VTDBDI
|
3
|
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Radial
|
JDI
|
2
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Countryman
|
DI
|
1
|
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Splitter
|
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24 channel, Jensen transformer isolated
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Belden Superflex snake
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Canare Starquad cabling
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PreAmps
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Model
|
Channels
|
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Millennia
|
HV3
|
12
|
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Neve
|
1272
|
4
|
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API
|
312
|
4
|
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Demeter
|
VTMP2b
|
4
|
|
Demeter
|
HMP
|
4
|
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Universal Audio
|
LA610
|
1
|
|
Drawmer
|
1960
|
2
|
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Great River
|
MP4
|
4
|
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Processors
|
Model
|
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Eventide
|
Eclipse
|
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TC electronic
|
M3000
|
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TC electronic
|
M2000
|
|
Lexicon
|
PCM-91
|
|
Lexicon
|
PCM-81 (2)
|
|
Lexicon
|
PCM-42
|
|
Manley
|
PEQ1-A (2)
|
|
Manley
|
ELOP
|
|
Tube Tech
|
CL2A
|
|
Purple Audio
|
1176 (2)
|
|
Universal Audio
|
1176
|
|
Universal Audio
|
LA2A
|
|
Universal Audio
|
LA 610
|
|
Empirical Labs
|
EL7
|
|
dbx
|
160-XT
|
|
Millennia
|
TCL-2
|
|
Drawmer
|
1960
|
|
BSS
|
DPR-402
|
|
BSS
|
DPR-901ii
|
|
SPL
|
Transient Designer
|
|
API
|
5500
|
|
BBE
|
422A
|
|
Aphex Systems
|
104 Exciter
|
|
Symetrix
|
511A
|
|
Crane Song
|
HEDD
|
|
Apogee
|
AD-16/DA-16
|
|
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Digital Recorders
|
|
Digidesign Pro Tools HD
|
|
Alesis HD24XR
|
|
Tascam DA78 (24 tracks)
|
|
Tascam DA-P1
|
|
Sony TCD3
|
|
Sony 55ES
|
|
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Monitors
|
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Klein & Hummel O300
|
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Mixers
|
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Yamaha 02R96 56 channel digital mixer
|
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Allen & Heath Wizard 16.2
|
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Mackie LM3204
|
|
Machie 1402
|
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Editing Software
|
|
Digidesign Pro Tools HD
|
|
WaveLab 6.0
|
|
|
The Neumann USM69
Stereo Microphone
The Neumann KM54
Custom Mod by
Klause Heyne
The Soundelux E47
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Clients
Caren Armstrong
Celtic Elvis
Eric Andersen
Reilly and Maloney
Santa Rosa Symphony
California Bach Society Orchestra & Choir
Worn Chamber Ensemble
Head Royce Choir
Cyril Deaconoff (composer)
Lori B.
Box Set
Palm Wine Boys
Fish Tank Ensemble
Dave Nachmanoff
Jonathan Coulton (video shoot at GAMH)
Tom Rigney and Flambeau
The Lorin Rowan Trio
Calaveras
Alice Di Micele
The Edge
Michael Parenti
Free Association
Matt Lax & Nearly Beloved
The Jonah Kit
Gasolione Cowboys
Worship Berkeley
E.L.K.
Lazy Bones
Diane Patterson
The Pulsators
Ervin Smogji
Molly Schrag Axtmann
Eliyahu & Qadim
San Francisco Song Festival
Vukani Mawethu
Musicians for Medical Marijuana
Greg's Eggs
Strings Acoustic Showcase
Gary Wade McCrea
Ilene Adair
Vocolot
Chris Webster
US Air Force: Tops in Blue
W.D. Amaradeva (Sinhala Sri Lankan)
Rose Street House of Music
Steve Kimmock Band
Jeremiah Puddleduck
Sourdough Slim
Greg Behrendt (video shoot at The Improve)
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vintage late '60s "round badge"
Gretsch drum kit
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