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Realistic sound recording
No compromise. No half measures.
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, 3M, Ampex, Telefunken 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 MCI JH-636 console, restored and upgraded, 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 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.
We believe that every technology for audio recording and playback is valuable, which is why our goal is to continue breathing life into every music playback format: CD, LP, cassette, reel-to-reel, and yes, even digital format.
Everyone will make the choice that best suits their own purpose and sensitivity.
That being said, we firmly believe that the analog experience of music offers unparalleled emotion and involvement with definitively superior quality.
Our recordings are strictly analog, without any digital manipulation for most of our catalog.
We are also firmly convinced that analog tape remains the best professional audio medium for recording and playback!
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 is acoustically designed to provide both space and clarity. While ensuring the necessary separation to minimize microphone bleed (or leakage), we maintain an open sound field.
We firmly believe that acoustic music needs room to breathe. This philosophy is realized through controlled yet lively acoustics, thanks to the unique construction of our walls: natural stone blocks ranging from 40 cm up to 80 cm in thickness. The significant mass and density of this stone masonry create an incredibly solid, three-dimensional sound, imbuing the recordings with exceptional acoustic integrity and realism.
Steinway & Son's Piano
EMT A400
3M M79
