San Diego's Own Chanauk Records Their debut EP in Studio A

San Diego-based heavy rock band Chanauk recorded their debut EP at Studio West across December 16-18, 2010. The band chose Kellogg Boynton IV as their recording engineer, based on his reputation and extensive Pro Tools expertise. Here’s what the band had to say about the recording process:

“While most engineers use a direct signal for recording, Kellogg utilized a collection of microphones that gave me a great sound - big, growly and thick, it really provides a solid foundation for our songs.” -Rob Jones, bassist

“The best equipment combined with Kellogg’s knowledge at the helm enabled me to really dial in great clean and overdriven tones. This was definitely the most comfortable and non-intrusive recording experience I’ve ever had.”  -Tyler Alvord, guitarist

“Kellogg was a very compassionate and welcoming engineer. It really helped having an engineer that understands the difficulty of having to record first out of the whole band. I also didn’t expect to be able to get such a great sound from my kit, which is optimized more toward a live setting.” -Nic Gentilella, drummer

“I love recording guitars at Studio West because they always turn out professional, especially compared to recording at home. You know you’re at an awesome studio when the studio owner’s wife brings you pastries in the morning.” -Hunter Levy, singer/guitarist

Plain White T's Record in Studio A for Slacker Radio

Plain White T's and Studio West Staff in Studio A

This past Friday Slacker Radio brought Plain White T's into Studio A to do some voiceover recording for their personalized radio station.  The band performed a 3-song acoustic set for an intimate gathering of 40 fans, closing with their biggest hit "Hey There Delilah".  The session was also streamed live over Slacker Radio and recorded for a potential future broadcast.

The five-member band brought in three acoustic guitars and a ukulele, and shakers and tambourines for the percussionist.  All of the instruments and voices were recorded in to Pro Tools HD 8 at 24 bit/96Khz and returned to Studio A's SSL 4064E Console for mixdown.  Each vocalist sang through an SM7b microphone except for lead singer Tom Higgenson, who sang through a U87 into a Teletronix LA-2A.  Every microphone was routed through a Neve 1073 Preamp before being sent into Pro Tools. 

Check our site for more photos, and stay tuned to Slacker Radio to hear music from the session!  

(write up submitted by Kellogg Boynton, Studio West Staff Engineer)

We're Turning 40!

Next year, Studio West will celebrate 40 years of recording in San Diego!  A lot has changed since 1971, and original owner Lee Carroll put it all into perspective thusly:

"Let's see.. we opened in August 1971 on Ruffner Street.  I was 27 years old.  We started with 8 track 1 inch tape.  I saw 16 and 24 track invented, and we had them all.  Automation came in the 80s.  Then digital changed everything.  We were almost always doing commercials and movies.  Before I left, I had 39 Clio nominations and 3 first place statues....Cool."

Here's looking forward to the next 40!  Thanks, San Diego!