Because of the Covid-19 virus, we, like many other UK bands, have been unable to meet up and play together for the last eight months or so.
So we thought it might be fun to try and produce a track recorded remotely, with each band member playing and singing their parts over a click track and sending the resulting track stems to a single location to be added to a mix.
Easy!…………. we thought!
Well, as this was our very first attempt at such a project, it probably took longer than it should have, but never the less we finally managed to get the finished product completed .
We hope you enjoy our version of
IIIrd Tyme Out’s
“Cabin Creek Stone Mill Dam” (Lester Deaton)
CABIN CREEK STONE MILL DAM
Ashokan Farewell
For this track we are joined by our good friend and long time Down County Boy Mr.Dan Norton. Although four of the tracks went down “live” Dan’s Mandolin track was recorded remotely.
We have long been huge fans of Bose sound equipment and for the last twenty five years have enjoyed trouble free, high quality sound from the legendary “Bose 802” speakers.
When the decision was made to go “digital” the truth was, we all wondered if we were making the right choice. Our existing system produced great sound in both small and large venues alike. (We once played Coventry City football stadium with this equipment)
Bose 812 flexible array loudspeaker
However, the decision was made and we sold off our trusty old PA and replaced it with new generation digital equipment. Because of the outstanding service we have had from the “802 speakers” it was an easy step to stay with Bose and a pair of “Bose 812 flexible array” loudspeakers were purchased. Now all we needed was a mixing desk to complement these powered units.
After much research, the decision to go for a “Allen and Heath QU16 was made. The QU16 is the perfect mixing desk for making the transition from analog to digital. We no longer need our racks of power amplifiers, our flight cases full of FX racks, or even our 60 meter copper cable multicore and stage box, weighing in at far more than it is reasonable to expect one man to lift.
Allen and Heath QU116 Chrome.
And the best news of all……….. we no longer need a Transit van to transport the system to the gig!!! In fact, all we will ever need (and much, much more) is built right into the desk.
The unit also has a multi channel recording facility so now it’s easy to make a multi-track recording of the gig and download it to your computer DAW at a later date for mixdown. Another terrific feature of this mixing desk, is the network control. Wireless iPad control from anywhere in the room, very handy when setting up stage monitors, not to mention virtual sound check.
Do we like our new system? …………………… Crystal clear reproduction from a very powerful, compact, light weight feature rich PA. Connection to stage box via. 120 meters of “Cat5” cable. Feedback is now a thing of the past. Transport the whole system in one car…………… Yeah, we love it!
Just a little note of thanks to Leigh over at Hooson Guitars. The work carried out on my D18V was nothing short of superb!
Lots of work done on the bridge, a new bone nut, frets replaced (although looking at it you would never know) and a perfect set up.
Martin D18V after having the bridge re-profiled and vintage long bone saddle created, “in the right place”.
Many thanks Leigh, It’s so good to have your guitar set up by someone who knows the genre of music and understands what is expected of the given instrument…………Perfect!
Mick Cooper.
Martin D28
Some work in progress pic’s of Chris Elson’s lovely old D28.
bridge shaved for good break angle at the saddle, new bone saddle
Light bracing scalloping involving scalloped bass x, tapered treble x for asymmetry and a fat 50,S Martin flavour to the trebles. Mammoth ivory nut createdThe finished bridge.The finished Nut.
At last we have found a UK music store that caters for not only our “Live Sound” requirements, but also everything we need in the studio. We have found the staff to be very helpful and knowledgeable.
Over the years we have used many different types of electronic tuners, starting out with the old “Korg” guitar tuner with the big six position selector on the front. This was only any good for an instrument with an electronic output, or an acoustic instrument fitted with a pick-up. Then came the “clip on transducer leads” with a 1/4 jack plug on the other end for use with pretty well any tuner on the market. Then more recently, a whole array of clip on tuners, most of which seem to work quite well. However, I have now acquired a “Peterson Strobo Clip” tuner. I can put my hand on my heart and say that this device is the best clip on tuner I have ever used.
As an upright Bass player, I have to say that some of the tuners I have tried do not handle the low frequency of the “E String” very well and the only way to get anything like a good reading is to tune using harmonics. Not so with the Peterson! It responds perfectly to any frequency you throw at it, with a bright display that remains clear whether on a dark stage, under spotlights, or even in bright sunlight. I have been using this tuner now for over twelve months with no problems and although they are expensive, I would buy another without hesitation.
