Behind the Immersive Brass Recording: A Sonic Journey
In the latest episode of IMMERSED, we dive deep into a meticulously crafted brass ensemble recording that pushes the boundaries of spatial audio. What began as an experimental approach to layering brass instruments transformed into a stunning quartet featuring two trumpets and two trombones – William Karn, Kevin Turcotte, Brian O’Kane, and Christian Overton.
The recording setup was a masterclass in immersive sound design. Strategically positioned microphones – including Flea 49s, RCA 77 DXs, Neumann U67s, and Samar VL37s – captured the musicians’ nuanced performances. Powered by Fern and Millennia preamps, the session was engineered to create a rich, spatially dynamic brass sound.
The key revelation? Sometimes, the magic happens when musicians play together in real-time. Initial overdubbing attempts revealed the complexities of phase alignment, ultimately leading to a live quartet approach that captured the natural blend and musicality of these exceptional Canadian musicians.
The result is a carefully orchestrated soundscape where trumpets and trombones dance across surround and rear speakers, creating an immersive listening experience that challenges traditional recording techniques.
Justin Gray is an award-winning mix engineer, mastering engineer and producer based in Toronto, Canada. He works with artists from around the world in a wide range of musical styles, in his world-class facility equipped for stereo and immersive audio music production.
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