ProMuso Studios
ProMuso Studios is the recording and audio restoration services offering from ProMuso.
Our focus is twofold, recording and audio restoration.
We specialise in the recording of genres where acoustic instruments are to the fore, appreciating that we will on occasion add background electronic instruments, but that will largely be synthesised orchestral instruments, to support and reinforce the main acoustic focus.
Jazz, Classical, Singer-Songwriter and Traditional Celtic and International music are the chief areas. All require the same dedicated approach, equipment and expertise to record the authentic sounds. From bagpipes to clarsach, the range and complexities of acoustic sounds is enormous and only be ensuring the correct equipment is used at source will the end result be of the highest quality.
With around 100 quality microphones of all types, to suit all instruments, we carefully match the correct microphones to the performer, taking huge care over microphone placement in order to capture as natural sound as possible. The use of electronics on input is limited to those that ensure the wide dynamic range is captured in a format that will in future be appreciated by the listener.
Recording mainly on an Allen and Heath desk, we capture performances via this analogue front end for warmth before the signal is recorded digitally. We have a huge library of electronic plug-ins but focus carefully only on adding transparent, airy effects as and when required to ensure the most natural sounding results at every stage of the recording and mastering processes.
Additionally we have an on location capability via a Yamaha portable desk, capable of 16 tracks at double CD quality. On an even smaller scale we have 3 phantom power capable portable tascam units for recordings and interviews in intimate spaces.
Philosophy
A fantastic recording of which everyone can be proud has only one starting point – a great performance by the musicians
Apart from the decades of experience that usually allow this, the environment needs to be relaxed and the performer have compete confidence in the producer and recording studio.
ProMuso look to provide both the latter by using state of the art equipment capable of the highest levels of recording, a fantastic array of microphones to ensure the performer and microphone are matched and minimising the use of digital elements in the recording. Recordings are made on Allen & Heath analogue desks, interfacing with Drawmer compressors when required as the sole interfaces between microphones and the recording software.
Post recording, absolute top of the range transparent effects may be added during the mixing process, pre the subsequent mastering process.
Microphones
Around 100 diverse, top quality microphones for all instruments and voice.
Yamaha U3 Upright
Inhouse acoustic piano, plus Roland RD700 and Yamaha Motif XS rack system box.
Allen & Heath Desk
32 Channels analogue to digital
Acoustic Amp
One of 6 Acoustic sounding amps. Jam 150, Trace Elliot ranges.
Ovation Semi
House guitar. 8 acoustic and electric guitars
In-House Instruments
Whilst in general we look to musicians to bring their own instruments, the following can be made available to accomplished players.
Yamaha U3 Upright, Roland RD700 keyboard, Novation 4 Octave midi keyboard, Yamaha Motif Rack, 5 x Ovation 6 strings, Hofner Committee Jazz Guitar, Electric stereo ovation, Ovation Mandolin, Ovation 12 String, 8 quality whistles in all usual keys
We often employ up to 4 microphones for a single source in order to balance and extract the best possible authentic acoustic sound. Here, setting up mid diaphragm sized condensers with ribbon microphones for Clarsach.
Multiple microphones for Sole Source
We limit effects as much as possible for the most original sound. In some cases such as initial compression they are essential, given the dynamic range of instruments. We believe in the use of Drawmer compressors which make a natural, open and transparent recording.
The Use of Project Essential Effects