jeff zahos » krannert center for the performing arts

Colwell Playhouse Audio Studio

Jeff — Mon, 10 May 2010 15:44:22 +0000

During January and February 2010, Andy Krumeich and I began work on a Digital Audio Station (DAW) based studio at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

What It Is! featuring Mavis Staples, Booker T. and JJ Grey

Jeff — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 05:34:34 +0000

On Tuesday, March 30, 2010, Krannert Audio had a great time setting up the system and running the show for R&B/gospel legend Mavis Staples and Hammond B3 master Booker T. It was a ton of fun – one of the best shows I’ve worked on or seen.

Booker T's Band

Darien Gray's Drums

Darien's kit again. Notice the "Super Boom" for his vocal mic!

Contemplating monitor placement...

Beautiful Hammond B3 from Analog Outfitters (http://analogoutfitters.com/)

Andy mixing at FOH

The view from the FOH mix position

Aaron mixing monitors at soundcheck

Nexo array and Bag End 4X18in subs

Charlotte Mattax, Harpsichord – Suites of Pierre Fevrier

Jeff — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 07:38:15 +0000

John Phillips Harpsichord in Follinger Great Hall, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

On 01.04.10 and 01.04.10, I had the wonderful opportunity to assist engineer Jon Schoenoff in recording harpsichordist Charlotte Mattax performing several suites of baroque comoser Pierre Fevrier for an upcoming release on Centaur Records. The session took place in the Foellinger Great Hall of the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, my favorite space (for sentimental reasons in addition to sonic ones). Keyboardist/Choral Conductor Kerry Heimann was present as producer. Added to all that, Mattax performed on a beautiful new instrument by John Phillips of Berkeley, CA, which belongs to the University of Illinois School of Music. Phillips was present to assist with production and with keeping the instrument in tune – a challenge given the extremely cold and dry weather (the instrument had to be moved in on the first day of recording).

Mics used:

3 Schoeps CMC6
1 Neumann U87

Techniques:

Two CMC6s were placed L and R, on high (~12′) Atlas iron-based stands. A single CMC6 (wide cardioid) and the U87 were placed next to each other (giving two options for “main” mics) about 4′ high and about 5′ or 6′ in front of the instrument.