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REAL WORLD STUDIOS CHOOSE sE Real World Studios should need no introduction. This idyllic suite of top class recording and writing rooms has become something of a legend in its relatively short existence. Set up by Peter Gabriel, the complex houses the most state of the art equipment within some of the most beautiful surroundings the UK has to offer. The facility has recently taken stock of a range of sE microphones for its new Mill Side studio, as in house engineer Dom Monks and senior sound engineer Marco Migliari explain… “Real World own both a Gemini, an sE2200a and a pair of sE3s. (I also own a z5600a),” explains Dom. “Bruno Ellingham [another producer and engineer at Real World], first put me on to sE mics. He had a few on demo and was getting really great results from them.”
“The great thing about sE mics is their value for money. Because any producer or artist can afford their own sE mic they're not restricted to where they record, so it's that much easier to maintain continuity. And compared to other 'low cost' mics on the market they just sound more expensive.” Marco agrees: “We wanted to offer a selection of microphones that would both fit the budget and be rugged enough to withstand the abuse they're typically subjected to, and also deliver the best performance for the money.” And both Dom and Marco are agreed that the build quality is another major plus point of the range… “The value for money is obvious, but beyond that the sonics and the build quality are amongst the best out there for new mics,” says Dom. “Also priceless are the rugged cases they come with, something that mics three times the price often don't have,” adds Marco. “The accessories that are included in the price such as cradles, mounting kits etc. have proved to be useful and reliable in all situations.” In summary, then, it’s fair to say that the sE range has been a hit over at Real World… “Whilst both the Gemini and the z5600a are both great work-horse mics,” says Dom, “I have had experiences where they are just better suited to a certain singer than some high-end vintage valve mics. I've seen this happen on other people’s sessions as well. They just suit some people’s voices better than any other mic.” “They're easy to position and have all of the on-board options you'd need to do a good job, like roll-off filters, pads and changeable polar pattern,” concludes Marco. “The package was just right: good quality mics, solid build, a selection of useful and lasting accessories and a decent aluminium case for each mic or pair. Add this to a competitive price, and you've got an easy decision in your hands. I particularly like the tone of the SE2200a – it's hard to find another mic in the same price range that could deliver a better performance.” Marco is currently producing the band The Moonfish (see their page at www.myspace.com/themoonfish) with a lot more production and mixing work lined up for 2008. Dom also has lots of work lined up at Real World: “plenty of things to do and lessons to learn!” he says. |
