Modern World Studios
Wednesday 14th May 2008
Since opening their doors in 2007, Modern World Studios have already tempted an impressive roster of artists and producers through their doors. No doubt the luxurious 5-star accommodation and enticing home cooked food will be a big factor, but what are such luxuries without a world-class sound and access to the finest recording equipment? What indeed!
Fortunately Modern World Studios have spared no expense. With SSL console, a massive range of guitars and instruments, the best in outboard and a huge selection of plug-ins, it's little wonder the studio is in constant demand. But what is any of this without the means to capture great recordings?
For head engineer Ben Muscat, ensuring the studio can cater for anyone's tastes is paramount, no matter what the situation demands. And over the years his experiences have shown him what gear works best for any given situation…
"As Modern World's in-house guy I make sure that whatever the session demands has been anticipated in advance. And there are many standard set-ups that I know will work - which is why we often see the sE range of mics called into action over other more established studio brands."
"We bought a whole range of sE mics to add to our existing collection as they offer many strengths across the range. So far we own a pair of z5600as, a pair of z3300as, a matched pair of sE3as, a Gemini Mk.II, a Ribbon and a GM10 acoustic guitar mic system. And to add the finishing touches we also own a pair of sE Reflexion Filters for added isolation when recording and a pair of rock solid sE mic stands."
"The great thing about sE mics is that they come as a complete package. Each mic comes with a well designed shockmount that's built to last, while the mics themselves have all of the extras we've come to expect - pattern selectors, pads and low cut switches, shockmounts… it's all there!"
"Why did we go for sE? Three reasons: price, flexibility and sound. We actually borrowed a few of them when we were kitting out Modern World. We had a budget to get in some new mics and we wanted to A/B a few to see how they compared. Let's just say that there are many sE mics here now as a result of that first listening session!"
"In the studio we'll usually go with the sE5600a for vocals, or as room mics for drums, on guitar cabs and acoustic guitar. The sE3as get used a lot for hats (for that 'darker' hat sound), toms (great depth with the right gating), and close-miked piano, as it gives plenty of detail but with an overriding warmth to the tone. The GM10 we use for acoustic guitar and mandolin. The clip system is internally shock-mounted so well that low frequency rumble has never been a problem, which is perfect as I've always preferred the acoustic guitar sound with the bass roll off left bypassed. And then the Ribbon on guitar cabs for that 'one-mic-that-just-gets-the-tone-right' solution!"
With a couple of sE Reflexion Filters there's plenty of opportunity to record vocals with that added dryness that gives you more options at mixdown, but for really taking control of the acoustic environment you need the power of Ghost Acoustic, as Ben has discovered…
"For me, there's nothing that comes close to the Ghost Gobos for the price. The semi-modular construction means that we can grab the blocks to stack around or partition amps, while other times we might build up a temporary partitioning wall between performers or instruments. Having the Gobo stands means that there is more room for people to tailor the recording environment to how close or dry they want the sound. They are constantly being shuffled about for different setups."
"Ultimately sE microphones and Ghost Acoustic are a massive asset and complement what we do here at Modern World. From the outset the equipment we chose for the studio was to allow choice and freedom for different genres and methodologies. And having so many different sonic choices gives a producer much more scope to capture a performance in a distinctive way."
