Ralf Kleemann

Mobile Recording Studio


Tools of the Trade

Next to a fine assortment of recording tools, you will benefit from a pair of classically trained, fine-tuned ears, as well as 15 years of experience in sound engineering, digital editing, and live mixing. That way, all technology can fade into the background—just relax and create wonderful music!

Microphones

  • 2 DPA 4006-TL - Small diaphragm condensor, matched pair, omnidirectional
  • 2 Neumann TLM 193 - Large diaphragm condensor, cardioid
  • 2 DPA 4060 - Miniature microphone system, matched pair, omnidirectional
  • 2 AKG C391B - Small diaphragm condensor, cardioid
  • 2 Studio Projects C4 - Small diaphragm condensor, cardioid/omni
  • 2 Shure SM57 - Dynamic, Rock-optimised, practically indestructable
  • Piezo Pickups and DI Boxes, made in-house. For direct instrument pickup, fully shielded


More microphones and other equipment are rented on request.

 

Recording & Editing

Based on one ULN-8 and one ULN-2 by Metric Halo. Metric Halo's Mobile I/O FireWire Interfaces are renowned for their excellent resolution and sonic clarity. The ULN-8 is one of the few phase-coherent audio interfaces on the market, with the only 32-bit capable driver, and we feel that we should not use anything but the very best for our client's music.

The Mobile I/O interfaces feature 2/8 analog channels (18 digital), up to 192 kHz [2] sample rate, and plenty of DSP power for complex mixdowns and sound improvements. Often described as "too good to be true"...

For editing and mixing, we use Logic Studio and some other software tools (see below). All standard stereo and surround formats can be created and edited.

Mastering is done in-house or externally, and is based on the DDP 2.0 standard. This saves several steps during master creation and further improves overall quality.

 

Live & PA

  • Soundcraft Spirit M8 - Portable, racked mixing console with 16 channels, 4 aux busses
  • dbx 266 XL - Compressor/limiter (mod.)
  • tc electronic M-One XL - Reverb & effects unit with customised programs
  • JBL Control 1G - Powered monitors (mod.)
  • Custom-made DI boxes


Other PA equipment is rented on demand.

Preamplifiers

As a counterbalance to the other extremely clean inputs, three classical preamp designs are used for selected sound colours and to serve as luxury DI boxes for electro-acoustic instruments.

  • LA Audio MLX20 - 2 channels, J-FET & op-amp based; the result comes close to the sound of a typical 1970's and 1980's mixing console.

  • Hamptone HJFP2 - 2 channels, J-FET + transformer balanced Class-A design. Pussycat or predator? You decide...

  • Hamptone HVTP2 - 2 channels, valve/tube + transformer balanced Class-A design, ± 2 dB stepped attenuators. "Plus large que la vie".


Monitoring

Speakers
  • United Minorities Ginko - little heroes
  • ADAM A5
  • Yamaha NS-10 MC (Grammy winning! ;)
  • Canton CD1-SC subwoofer

  • Phonic Max 500, 2x 120 W power amp

Headphones
  • Sennheiser HD 600 (open)
  • AKG K-271 (closed)
  • Etymotic ER•6 in-ear monitors

Software Helpers

Software-Instruments & Plug-Ins

Software-Instrumente: Imperfect Samples 'Baby Grand' as well as a well-sorted sample & loop library.

Plug-Ins: Space Designer convolution reverb with customised room responses, Metric Halo ChannelStrip, and more.

Miscellaneous

  • Neumann CF3i Studio Signal ("Are you recording this...?" ;-)
  • Marantz PMD661 portable digital 2-track recorder (24/96)
  • Pioneer DVR-104 drive for decelerated CD mastering
  • Power packs for independent field recordings and ultra-clean power supply
  • 200 meters of high quality, double-shielded MTI audio cables

  • Krups Vivo 880 espresso machine
  • Assortment of fine teas, coffees and fresh pastry

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