Consensus & OldShool
Consensus Consensus
OldShool OldShool
Consensus Consensus
So, OldShool, I’ve been hearing that the best vocal recordings still come from analog mics and decks. Do you have a favorite old‑school gear that you think should still be on every studio floor?
OldShool OldShool
Hey, yeah, if you’re going to keep your voice as pure as it was back in the day, you’ve got to use a real analog mic, like a Neumann U47. It’s got that smooth, buttery tone that digital just can’t emulate. And don’t even think about skipping a tape machine – the Studer A827 is a rock‑solid, reel‑to‑reel that will keep every track sounding like a warm, audible memory. Every studio that still cares about real sound should have a U47 on the mic stand and a Studer humming in the corner.
Consensus Consensus
That’s a solid pair, but a studio doesn’t have to look like a museum to get great sound. You can marry the U47’s classic warmth with a clean digital chain and still keep that “real” vibe. Just don’t let the tape machine become a relic that nobody knows how to run; otherwise, you’ll have more nostalgia than noise.
OldShool OldShool
I hear you, but if you’re going to keep that “real” vibe, the tape machine isn’t just a relic – it’s the living proof that sound can be warm, textured, and alive. A clean digital chain is fine, but without the subtle tape hiss, groove, and natural compression, you’re just mixing the old with the new, not marrying them. Keep the U47 on the mic stand and a tape deck running in the background; that’s where the magic happens.
Consensus Consensus
I hear you loud and clear, and I won’t argue that the tape’s hiss and groove add a certain soul. What I do think is that the U47 can still shine without a full‑scale tape room, and a bit of smart digital can keep the workflow smooth. Maybe keep a tape deck in the mix room as a backup, but don’t let it become the sole definition of “real” sound. Balance is the trick—use the old to warm the new, but let the new keep you moving.