I have set up a specialised location recording studio for capturing chamber music at beautiful sounding venues with spacious dynamic acoustics around South-West England.
My usual recording method is to create a three-dimensional immersive sound image of the space where a live ensemble are performing. I arrange the instruments around the ideal position for an audience member and use a Blumlein array technique to create a 3D image from that point. This is combined with close mics accordingly panned for instrument definition and EQ control. Through a stereo sound system or in headphones, the listener can hear the performance around them, mimicking the experience of being present at a live concert.
The majority of microphones I use are vintage ribbon microphones from Extinct Audio and X-Audia. These fantastic mics have been given a high impedance signal which I boost further via in line FET-head pre-amps, capturing digital recordings with minimal hiss even at a low volume. The results give a warm, characterful and high definition listening experience, a desirable balance between contemporary and traditional ensemble recording techniques. Here is an article I wrote on the process of recording the second Spindle Ensemble album ‘Inkling’ for microphone manufacturers Extinct Audio:
https://www.extinctaudio.co.uk/news/the-making-of-spindle-ensembles-new-album-inkling/
I record various contemporary classical, folk and jazz ensembles using these techniques as well as my own music including my chamber quartet Spindle Ensemble’s album Inkling which was listed in the top ten contemporary albums of 2021 by The Guardian. Notable recording venues include St George’s concert hall, St Ambrose church, St Mary’s church (All in Bristol), Pound Arts centre (Corsham), Rodborough Parish Church and Holy Trinity (both in Stroud).
I have a home studio setup where I mix music and work as a producer. As well as the recording process described above, I have also produced recordings in a wide range of styles and methods and have access to recording studio spaces. I also work closely with a selection of film makers and together we can produce professional ‘live session’ videos on location.
All styles, projects and locations considered, feel free to get in touch via:
danielinzani (at) gmail (dot) com
Portfolio
Equipment
Microphones
Ribbons
2 x Extinct Audio BM9’s (matched pair)
2 x Octavia ML19’s (matched pair of cardioid ribbons)
Extinct Audio Black Ops
2 x Grampian GR1’s (matched pair)
Golden Age R1 MK2
Dynamic
Heil PR40
Heil PR35
Heil PR30
2 x Heil PR22
Condensers
Neumann U47 (custom clone)
4 x Line Audio CM3
Rode NT1-A
Preamps
6 x Triton Audio Fet Head Preamps (specialised for ribbon mics)
4 x Triton Audio Fet Head Phantom Preamps (specialised for condenser mics)
8 x Scarlett mic preamps (Focusrite)
8 x Octopre mic preamps (Focusrite)
Instruments (Home Studio)
Strohmenger Baby Grand Piano
Fender Rhodes Mark 1 (recently fully serviced)
Nord Stage 2 88
Upright Piano
Fender Telecaster
Westone Bass
Martin Acoustic guitar
Various Percussion