Instruments
This section features isolated, (usually unprocessed) recordings of individual instruments grouped by instrument type intended to help you evaluate and compare AEA microphones and preamps. Click on an instrument name to expand the list. For optimum sound quality, download the uncompressed linear audio files to your computer by clicking the download button in the player.
Acoustic Guitar
AEA R88 mk2 on Baritone Acoustic Guitar
Details
The microphone was positioned at a distance of about 10 inches, pointing at the 12th fret of the guitar. The Curveshaping EQ on the RPQ was bypassed and no additional processing was applied.
Microphone: AEA R88 mk2 Stereo Ribbon Microphone
Preamp: AEA RPQ
A/D Converter: Motu 828 mk2
Stringed Instruments: Solo baritone acoustic guitar played by Andy Georges
Streaming playback on SoundCloud is low resolution and heavily compressed. Follow this link and then click on the down arrow icon from the top track menu to download the high-resolution linear PCM wave file recorded at 88.2 kHz for optimum sound quality.
AEA R88 mk2 on Baritone Acoustic Guitar with CurveshapingDetails
The microphone was positioned at a distance of about 10 inches, pointing at the 12th fret of the guitar. The high frequency band of the Curveshaping EQ on the RPQ was engaged. The center frequency was set to 2.1 kHz and the gain to the 1 o'clock position. The example demonstrates how the Curveshaper EQ of the RPQ can be used to brighten up a recording and extend the bandwidth. The R88 mk2 has usable output up to 40 kHz and the RPQ can be tuned to achieve flat response up to this frequency.
Microphone: AEA R88 mk2 Stereo Ribbon Microphone
Preamp: AEA RPQ
A/D Converter: Motu 828 mk2
Stringed Instruments: Solo baritone acoustic guitar played by Andy Georges
Bouzouki
AEA KU4 on Bouzouki
Details
The microphone was positioned at a distance of about 8 inches to the neck joint of the bouzouki. The Curveshaping EQ on the RPQ was in bypass and no additional processing was applied.
Microphone: AEA KU4 Unidirectional Ribbon Microphone
Preamp: AEA RPQ
A/D Converter: Forssell Technologies MADA-2
Stringed Instruments: Solo bouzouki played by Andy Georges
Mandola
AEA KU4 on MandolaDetails
The microphone was positioned at a distance of about 8 inches just off the sound hole, pointing toward the neck of the mandola. The Curveshaping EQ on the RPQ was bypassed and no additional processing was applied.
Microphone: AEA KU4 Unidirectional Ribbon Microphone
Preamp: AEA RPQ
A/D Converter: Forssell Technologies MADA-2
Stringed Instruments: Solo mandola played by Andy Georges
AEA KU4 on Mandola with CurveshapingDetails
The microphone was positioned at a distance of about 8 inches just off the sound hole, pointing toward the neck of the mandola. The high frequency band of the Curveshaping EQ on the RPQ was engaged. The center frequency was set to 2.1 kHz and the gain to the 1 o'clock position. This example demonstrates how the Curveshaper EQ of the RPQ can be used to brighten up a recording and extend the bandwidth.
Microphone: AEA KU4 Unidirectional Ribbon Microphone
Preamp: AEA RPQ
A/D Converter: Forssell Technologies MADA-2
Stringed Instruments: Solo mandola played by Andy Georges
AEA R88 mk2 on Mandola
Details
The microphone was positioned at a distance of about 10 inches just off the sound hole, pointing towards the neck of the mandola. The Curveshaping EQ on the RPQ was bypassed and no additional processing was applied.
Microphone: AEA R88 mk2 Stereo Ribbon Microphone
Preamp: AEA RPQ
A/D Converter: Forssell Technologies MADA-2
Stringed Instruments: Solo mandola played by Andy Georges
Choir
"My Favorite Things" - AEA R88 mk2 on Choir
Details
Features an AEA R88 mk2 Stereo Ribbon Microphone capturing a choir performance of "My Favorite Things." The microphone features a Blumlein coincident stereo arrangement with two figure-8 ribbon transducers providing excellent stereo imaging. No other microphones or processing (except a touch of reverb) were used in this recording.
Microphone: AEA R88 mk2 Stereo Ribbon Microphone
Preamp: Millenia Media HV-3B
Monitor Mixer: Studer 961
Recorder: Alesis Masterlink 24/96
Choir: Westridge School Glee Club
Conductor: Paul T. Stephenson
Music: Richard Rodgers
Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II
Arrangement: Joy Ondra Hirokawa
"Oh! Susanna" - AEA R88 mk2 on ChoirDetails
Features an AEA R88 mk2 Stereo Ribbon Microphone capturing a choir performance of "Oh! Susanna." The microphone features a Blumlein coincident stereo arrangement with two figure-8 ribbon transducers providing excellent stereo imaging. No other microphones or processing (except a touch of reverb) were used in this recording.
Microphone: AEA R88 mk2 Stereo Ribbon Microphone
Preamp: Millenia Media HV-3B
Monitor Mixer: Studer 961
Recorder: Alesis Masterlink 24/96
Choir: Westridge School Glee Club
Conductor: Paul T. Stephenson
Music: Stephen Foster
Lyrics: Stephen Foster
Arrangement: Joy Ondra Hirokawa
Projects
This section features AEA ribbon microphones and preamps within the context of a real-world project. Wherever possible, we have made both isolated tracks plus the full mix available so that recorded signals within a finished song can be evaluated. Click on a project name to expand a list of available sound examples. For optimum sound quality, download the uncompressed linear audio files to your computer by clicking the download button in the player.
"Jai Kali Ma"
"Jai Kali Ma" - Full Mix
Details
AEA KU4 microphones and RPQ preamps were used to record the bouzouki and mandolin in this track.
Processing during the mix:
Bouzouki: Masterworks EQ (highpass at 100 Hz, boost at 5.5 kHz, high-shelving boost at 20 kHz), compression with PSP MixPressor2
Mandolin: Masterworks EQ (high-shelving boost at 20 kHz), compression with PSP Mixpressor2
Full mix created with Digital Performer.
Microphone: AEA R88 mk2 Stereo Ribbon Microphone
Preamp: AEA RPQ
A/D Converter: Motu 828 mk2
Vocals: Emily Tessmer of Orenda Blu Music
Stringed Instruments: Andy Georges
"Jai Kali Ma" - AEA KU4 on Bouzouki & MandolinDetails
Isolated tracks of bouzouki and mandolin recorded with the AEA KU4. No processing of any kind was applied to these tracks.
Microphone: AEA KU4 Unidirection Ribbon Microphone
Preamp: AEA RPQ
A/D Converter: Motu 828 mk2
Vocals: Emily Tessmer of Orenda Blu Music
Stringed Instruments: Andy Georges
"Shake" by The Macrotones
"Shake" - Full Mix
Details
This is the finished, but unmastered mix of the song "Shake" by The Macrotones.
All instruments were recorded live in one room playing together, except for the horn section, which was in a booth. The bleed in the microphones picking up other instruments within the room was embraced and forms an important part of the sound of the finished mix.
Recorder: Studer 827 (2" 24-track at 15 ips)
A/D Converter: Digidesign ProTools HD 192 converters
Track List:
Kick: AEA R92 - Neve 1084
Snare: Microtech Geffel M300 - Shadow Hills Mono GAMA, set to Nickel output
OHs: AEA R88 - AEA RPQ, gentle lift ~10k
Bass DI: Avalon U5 - API 312
Bass Amp: Soundelux ifet7 - API 312 - Universal Audio 1176 - Universal Audio LA2A
Guitar: Neumann U67 - Revolution Redd.47
Organ Top: AEA R44 - Neve 1272 - Urei LA3A - Electrodyne 511
Organ Bottom: AKG D12 - Neve 1272 - Electrodyne 511
Percussion 1: Neumann KM54 - API 312
Djembe Top: Neumann KM54 - Shadow Hills Mono GAMA, set to Steel output
Djembe Bottom: AKG 414 - Neve 1272
Horns Section: AEA R84 in Blumlein configuration - Mercury V72
Shake Chant: AEA R84 in Blumlein configuration - Mercury V72
Music & Lyrics: The Macrotones
Producer: Sean Slade
Engineer: Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studio, Allston, MA.
Mixing: Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studio, Allston, MA.
"Shake" - AEA R44CE on Organ
Details
This is the isolated recording on the top of the organ leslie for the song "Shake" by The Macrotones. A pop filter was used to shield the microphone from wind turbulence caused by the leslie's rotor. The microphone signal was compressed with a Urei LA3A and some tone shaping was added with an Electrodyne 511 EQ. The bottom rotor of the leslie was recorded with an AKG D12.
All instruments were recorded live in one room playing together, except for the horn section, which was in a booth. The bleed in the microphones picking up other instruments within the room was embraced and forms an important part of the sound of the finished mix.
Microphone: AEA R44CE
Preamp: Neve 1272
Additional Equipment: Urei LA3A, Eletrodyne 511
Recorder: Studer 827 (2" 24-track at 15 ips)
A/D Converter: Digidesign ProTools HD 192 converters
Music & Lyrics: The Macrotones
Producer: Sean Slade
Engineer: Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studio, Allston, MA.
Mixing: Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studio, Allston, MA.
"Shake" - AEA R92 on Kick Drum
Details
This is the isolated kick drum recording for the song "Shake" by The Macrotones. The microphone was positioned at an angle and a popfilter was placed in front of it to protect it from the mass of air a kick drum moves. The null-plane of the figure-8 pattern was also angled towards the cymbals for maximum rejection.
All instruments were recorded live in one room playing together, except for the horn section, which was in a booth. The bleed in the microphones picking up other instruments within the room was embraced and forms an important part of the sound of the finished mix.
Microphone: AEA R92
Preamp: Neve 1084
Recorder: Studer 827 (2" 24-track at 15 ips)
A/D Converter: Digidesign ProTools HD 192 converters
Music & Lyrics: The Macrotones
Producer: Sean Slade
Engineer: Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studio, Allston, MA.
Mixing: Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studio, Allston, MA.
"Shake" - AEA R88 on Drum Overheads
Details
This is the isolated drum overhead recording for the song "Shake" by The Macrotones. The purist design combined with the Blumlein arrangement of the AEA R88 Stereo Ribbon Microphone make it ideally suited for drum overheads due to its excellent transient response and accurate stereo imaging. A gentle high frequency lift was applied at about 10 kHz using the built-in Curvershaper EQ of the AEA RPQ preamp.
All instruments were recorded live in one room playing together, except for the horn section, which was in a booth. The bleed in the microphones picking up other instruments within the room was embraced and forms an important part of the sound of the finished mix.
Microphone: AEA R92
Preamp: AEA RPQ (gentle lift at about 10 kHz)
Recorder: Studer 827 (2" 24-track at 15 ips)
A/D Converter: Digidesign ProTools HD 192 converters
Music & Lyrics: The Macrotones
Producer: Sean Slade
Engineer: Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studio, Allston, MA.
Mixing: Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studio, Allston, MA.
"Shake" - AEA R84 on Horn Section
Details
This is the isolated horn section recording for the song "Shake" by The Macrotones. Two AEA R84 microphones in a Blumlein coincident stereo arrangement were used to capture the horn section recorded in a booth.
All instruments were recorded live in one room playing together, except for the horn section, which was in a booth. The bleed in the microphones picking up other instruments within the room was embraced and forms an important part of the sound of the finished mix.
Microphone: AEA R84 Blumlein pair
Preamp: Mercury V72
Additional Equipment: Urei LA3A, Eletrodyne 511
Recorder: Studer 827 (2" 24-track at 15 ips)
A/D Converter: Digidesign ProTools HD 192 converters
Music & Lyrics: The Macrotones
Producer: Sean Slade
Engineer: Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studio, Allston, MA.
Mixing: Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studio, Allston, MA.
"Watch You Sleep" by Any of Both
"Watch You Sleep" - Mastered Mix
Details
This acoustic version of the song "Watch You Sleep" by Any of Both was recorded almost exclusively with AEA ribbon microphones on May 30, 2011 at Maarweg Studio 2 in Cologne, Germany. Additional tracks were cut with high quality condenser microphones in parallel, so that they can be compared with the ribbons. The song was mixed on a SSL 6048 G+/E series console with automation at Hemispheres Recording in Los Angeles utilizing the studio's collection of high-end outboard gear. Additional documentation about the mix is provided in the zip-archive download. The session was engineered by German producer/engineer Wolfgang Stach who is known for his work with BAP, Guano Apes, Such A Surge, Jupiter Jones, and many other German artists.
Track List:
Lead Vocals: AEA KU4 - Vintagedesign DMP - Purple MC77
Backing Vocals: AEA R84 - Daking Mic Pre One
Acoustic Guitar (David): Neumann U87 - API 512
Acoustic Guitar (Chris): AEA A440 - Daking Pre EQ
Electric Guitar: AEA R92 - Chandler TG2
Piano: AEA A840 (spaced pair) - MCI JH-416
Glockenspiel: AEA R84 - Daking Mic Pre One
Melodica: AEA R84 - Daking Mic Pre One
Tambourine: AEA A840 - MCI JH-416
Other Percussion: AEA R84 - Daking Mic Pre One
David Schwager - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Glockenspiel, Melodica
Chris Bauer - Acoustic Guitar
Niko Faust - Piano
Marcel Dechène - Tambourine
Music & Lyrics: David Schwager and Any of Both
Engineer: Wolfgang Stach and Niko Faust at Maarwegstudio 2, Cologne
Mixing: Julian David at Hemispheres Recording, Los Angeles
Mastering: Alex Kloss at Time Tools Mastering, Hannover
Publishing: Copyright Control
© Any Of Both / info@anyofboth.com
All rights of the producer and the owner of the recorded work reserved. Unauthorized copying, hiring, lending, public performance and broadcasting of this record prohibited.
Download the zip-file containing the complete set of individual high-resolution audio track files and additional documentation about the session.
View the YouTube video about this recording session.
"Watch You Sleep" - AEA KU4 on Lead VocalsDetails
This is the isolated, raw lead vocal take for the song "Watch You Sleep" by Any of Both recorded with an AEA KU4 ribbon microphone. An additional alternative track was recorded simultaneously with a Brauner Valvet microphone (modified by Dirk Brauner) for comparison purposes. Recorded on May 30th, 2011 at Maarweg Studio 2 in Cologne, Germany.
Microphone: AEA KU4
Preamp: Vintagedesign DMP
Compressor: Purple Audio MC77
Recorder: Pro Tools HD at 44.1 kHz/24 Bit
Musician: David Schwager
Music & Lyrics: David Schwager and Any of Both
Engineer: Wolfgang Stach and Niko Faust at Maarwegstudio 2, Cologne
Mixing: Julian David at Hemispheres Recording, Los Angeles
Mastering: Alex Kloss at Time Tools Mastering, Hannover
Publishing: Copyright Control
© Any Of Both / info@anyofboth.com
All rights of the producer and the owner of the recorded work reserved. Unauthorized copying, hiring, lending, public performance and broadcasting of this record prohibited.
"Watch You Sleep" - Brauner Valvet on Lead Vocals
Details
This is the isolated, raw lead vocal take for the song "Watch You Sleep" by Any of Both recorded with a Brauner Valvet microphone (modified by Dirk Brauner). An alternative track was recorded simultaneously with an AEA KU4 ribbon microphone. Recorded on May 30th, 2011 at Maarweg Studio 2 in Cologne, Germany.
Microphone: Brauner Valvet
Preamp: Vintagedesign DMP
Compressor: Purple Audio MC77
Recorder: Pro Tools HD at 44.1 kHz/24 Bit
Musician: David Schwager
Music & Lyrics: David Schwager and Any of Both
Engineer: Wolfgang Stach and Niko Faust at Maarwegstudio 2, Cologne
Mixing: Julian David at Hemispheres Recording, Los Angeles
Mastering: Alex Kloss at Time Tools Mastering, Hannover
Publishing: Copyright Control
© Any Of Both / info@anyofboth.com
All rights of the producer and the owner of the recorded work reserved. Unauthorized copying, hiring, lending, public performance and broadcasting of this record prohibited.
"Watch You Sleep" - AEA A440 on 2nd Acoustic Guitar
Details
This is the isolated, unprocessed acoustic guitar recording for the song "Watch You Sleep" by Any of Both recorded with an AEA A440 phantom-powered ribbon microphone. This guitar was recorded alongside another guitar in a single take. The A440 was positioned to attenuate the other guitar's signal by using the null plane of the figure-8 pattern of the ribbon microphone. An additional alternative track was recorded simultaneously with a Neumann U87 (cardioid) microphone for comparison purposes. Recorded on May 30th, 2011 at Maarweg Studio 2 in Cologne, Germany.
Microphone: AEA A440
Preamp: Daking Pre/EQ
Recorder: Pro Tools HD at 44.1 kHz/24 Bit
Musician: Chris Bauer
Music & Lyrics: David Schwager and Any of Both
Engineer: Wolfgang Stach and Niko Faust at Maarwegstudio 2, Cologne
Mixing: Julian David at Hemispheres Recording, Los Angeles
Mastering: Alex Kloss at Time Tools Mastering, Hannover
Publishing: Copyright Control
© Any Of Both / info@anyofboth.com
All rights of the producer and the owner of the recorded work reserved. Unauthorized copying, hiring, lending, public performance and broadcasting of this record prohibited.
"Watch You Sleep" - Neumann U87 on 2nd Acoustic Guitar
Details
This is the isolated, unprocessed acoustic guitar recording for the song "Watch You Sleep" by Any of Both recorded with a Neumann U87 large diaphragm condenser microphone. An alternative track was recorded simultaneously with an AEA A440 phantom-powered ribbon microphone. Recorded on May 30th, 2011 at Maarweg Studio 2 in Cologne, Germany.
Microphone: Neumann U87 large diaphragm condenser microphone (set to cardioid)
Preamp: Daking Pre/EQ
Recorder: Pro Tools HD at 44.1 kHz/24 Bit
Musician: Chris Bauer
Music & Lyrics: David Schwager and Any of Both
Engineer: Wolfgang Stach and Niko Faust at Maarwegstudio 2, Cologne
Mixing: Julian David at Hemispheres Recording, Los Angeles
Mastering: Alex Kloss at Time Tools Mastering, Hannover
Publishing: Copyright Control
© Any Of Both / info@anyofboth.com
All rights of the producer and the owner of the recorded work reserved. Unauthorized copying, hiring, lending, public performance and broadcasting of this record prohibited.
"Watch You Sleep" - AEA A840 on Piano
Details
This is the isolated, unprocessed piano recording for the song "Watch You Sleep" by Any of Both. A spaced pair (AB) of AEA A840 phantom-powered ribbon microphones was positioned just outside the Yamaha C7 grand piano. An additional alternative track was recorded simultaneously with a pair of Brauner Phantom condenser microphones for comparison purposes. Recorded on May 30th, 2011 at Maarweg Studio 2 in Cologne, Germany.
Microphone: Brauner Phantom
Preamp: MCI JH-416
Recorder: Pro Tools HD at 44.1 kHz/24 Bit
Musician: Niko Faust
Music & Lyrics: David Schwager and Any of Both
Engineer: Wolfgang Stach and Niko Faust at Maarwegstudio 2, Cologne
Mixing: Julian David at Hemispheres Recording, Los Angeles
Mastering: Alex Kloss at Time Tools Mastering, Hannover
Publishing: Copyright Control
© Any Of Both / info@anyofboth.com
All rights of the producer and the owner of the recorded work reserved. Unauthorized copying, hiring, lending, public performance and broadcasting of this record prohibited.
"Watch You Sleep" - Brauner Phantom on Piano
Details
This is the isolated, unprocessed piano recording for the song "Watch You Sleep" by Any of Both. A spaced pair (AB) of Brauner Phantom condenser microphones was positioned just outside the Yamaha C7 grand piano. An additional alternative track was recorded simultaneously with a pair of AEA A840 phantom-powered ribbon microphones for comparison purposes. Recorded on May 30th, 2011 at Maarweg Studio 2 in Cologne, Germany.
Microphone: Brauner Phantom
Preamp: MCI JH-416
Recorder: Pro Tools HD at 44.1 kHz/24 Bit
Musician: Niko Faust
Music & Lyrics: David Schwager and Any of Both
Engineer: Wolfgang Stach and Niko Faust at Maarwegstudio 2, Cologne
Mixing: Julian David at Hemispheres Recording, Los Angeles
Mastering: Alex Kloss at Time Tools Mastering, Hannover
Publishing: Copyright Control
© Any Of Both / info@anyofboth.com
All rights of the producer and the owner of the recorded work reserved. Unauthorized copying, hiring, lending, public performance and broadcasting of this record prohibited.
"Watch You Sleep" - AEA R92 on Electric Guitar
Details
This is the isolated, unprocessed electric guitar recording for the song "Watch You Sleep" by Any of Both. An AEA R92 ribbon microphone was placed right at the grill of the Fender amp. Additional alternative tracks was recorded simultaneously using a Shure SM57 microphone and a Royer 121 microphone for comparison purposes. Recorded on May 30th, 2011 at Maarweg Studio 2 in Cologne, Germany.
Microphone: AEA R92
Preamp: Chandler TG2
Recorder: Pro Tools HD at 44.1 kHz/24 Bit
Musician: Chris Bauer
Music & Lyrics: David Schwager and Any of Both
Engineer: Wolfgang Stach and Niko Faust at Maarwegstudio 2, Cologne
Mixing: Julian David at Hemispheres Recording, Los Angeles
Mastering: Alex Kloss at Time Tools Mastering, Hannover
Publishing: Copyright Control
© Any Of Both / info@anyofboth.com
All rights of the producer and the owner of the recorded work reserved. Unauthorized copying, hiring, lending, public performance and broadcasting of this record prohibited.
"Watch You Sleep" - Royer 121 on Electric Guitar
Details
This is the isolated, unprocessed electric guitar recording for the song "Watch You Sleep" by Any of Both. A Royer 121 microphone was placed right at the grill of the Fender amp. Additional alternative tracks were recorded simultaneously using an AEA R92 microphone and a Shure SM57 microphone for comparison purposes. Recorded on May 30th, 2011 at Maarweg Studio 2 in Cologne, Germany.
Microphone: Royer 121
Preamp: John Hardy M-2
Recorder: Pro Tools HD at 44.1 kHz/24 Bit
Musician: Chris Bauer
Music & Lyrics: David Schwager and Any of Both
Engineer: Wolfgang Stach and Niko Faust at Maarwegstudio 2, Cologne
Mixing: Julian David at Hemispheres Recording, Los Angeles
Mastering: Alex Kloss at Time Tools Mastering, Hannover
Publishing: Copyright Control
© Any Of Both / info@anyofboth.com
All rights of the producer and the owner of the recorded work reserved. Unauthorized copying, hiring, lending, public performance and broadcasting of this record prohibited.
"Watch You Sleep" - Shure SM57 on Electric Guitar
Details
This is the isolated, unprocessed electric guitar recording for the song "Watch You Sleep" by Any of Both. An AEA R92 ribbon microphone was placed right at the grill of the Fender amp. Additional alternative tracks were recorded simultaneously using an AEA R92 microphone and a Royer 121 microphone for comparison purposes. Recorded on May 30th, 2011 at Maarweg Studio 2 in Cologne, Germany.
Microphone: Shure SM57
Preamp: Chandler TG2
Recorder: Pro Tools HD at 44.1 kHz/24 Bit
Musician: Chris Bauer
Music & Lyrics: David Schwager and Any of Both
Engineer: Wolfgang Stach and Niko Faust at Maarwegstudio 2, Cologne
Mixing: Julian David at Hemispheres Recording, Los Angeles
Mastering: Alex Kloss at Time Tools Mastering, Hannover
Publishing: Copyright Control
© Any Of Both / info@anyofboth.com
All rights of the producer and the owner of the recorded work reserved. Unauthorized copying, hiring, lending, public performance and broadcasting of this record prohibited.
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Please contact our webmaster with questions or comments.