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It’s all about perception and subtlety.
In order to achieve great sound, one must recognize the subtle differences and nuanced changes that occur when any of the elements involved in recording or mixing are altered. Recognizing the sonic qualities of different rooms, or the tonal variations from one microphone to another are a couple of the more obvious examples. On an even more subtle scale, we analyze and understand the sound and nature of varying compressors, consoles, even the audio interface, each of which can have a huge impact on your finished project. We have a great sounding analog signal chain, both in and out, and have left no subtlety unexamined.
Whiney Cat's philosophy is to use great sounding analog equipment in order to achieve that “classic sound” from digital recordings. We combine the best of the analog and digital audio worlds along with our knowledge and experience to create a sound that is unique and modern, while still reflecting the classic sounds of the past.
Our Equipment
The heart of our system is the Manley 16x2 tube mixer. This is the eighth of its kind ever made. Don’t judge the mixer by its physical size, but by its sound–and it sounds amazing. This mixer is sonically competitive with many big consoles found in world-class studios. The sound can be described as smooth, deep, and dimensional. Its coloration is undeniable.
We only acquire gear that has a lasting beauty and function. After the Manley, at the top of the list is a Crane Song STC-8, one of the most spectacular stereo bus compressors ever made. In the dictionary, look up “transparent” and they may mention this compressor. Next are two Empirical Labs EL8-X’s… you know – Distressors. Additionally, we have several Chameleon Labs compressors. Chameleon Labs is a local company making new “vintage” gear. There are two 7720’s, an SSL-like stereo bus compressor that is far more versatile than the SSL version. We recently added a pair of 7802 opto tube compressors. Amazing. A Joemeek VC1 studio channel is another secret weapon. Finally, a couple of dbx 160X’s are racked up. The twelve channels of EQ include Chameleon Labs 7602’s and 7602X’s. These are Neve-like preamps and EQ’s that easily bring the beauty of your sound to the front. The Joemeek EQ’s are very handy as well, and extremely colorful.
We use the industry standard Pro Tools 8.0 software with the Music Production Toolkit, and are currently using a Digidesign DIGI003 as our interface. This is not an ordinary DIGI003, though; it has received the Black Lion Signature modification. This modification improves the clarity of the high frequencies, the depth of the bass, and the dimension of the mix. Our system is capable of playing back even very large sessions, up to 128 tracks, with ease.
We employ a PreSonus Central Station as our monitor section, feeding Dynaudio and Avantone monitors.
Manley 16x2 Tube Mixer
Crane Song STC-8 Stereo Compressor
Empirical Labs EL8-X Distressors (two)
Chameleon Labs 7602 Mic Pre/Equalizers (two)
Chameleon Labs 7602 Mk II Mic Pre/Equalizers (two)
Chameleon Labs 7602X Mic Pre/Equalizers (two)
Chameleon Labs 7820 Opto Tube Compressors (three)
Chameleon Labs 7720 Stereo Compressors (two)
NTI Nightpro EQ3D Equalizer
Joemeek VC5 Stereo Equalizers (two)
Joemeek VC1 Mic Pre/Compressor
dbx 160X Compressor/Limiters (two)
Lexicon PCM 70 Digital Effects Processor
Yamaha SPX90 Digital Multi-Effect Processor
PreSonus Central Station Studio Control Center
Digidesign Digi 003 with Black Lion Signature modification
Pro Tools 8.0
Dynaudio BM5A Monitors