This is NOT spam trying to sell a book...I just think it's a very enjoyable book, and wonder if others here might be interested in checking it out.
Subtitled, "The Studio Equipment and Techniques Used to Create Their Classic Albums".
A friend loaned this to me for a while...(which it will TAKE a while to go through 500+ pages). A HUGE hardcover book. (Definitely a coffee-table book...takes up half the table!)
Very interesting information. They get down into explaining the REDD desks, the REDD amps, their patchbay setups, and how the EQ frequency response curves are set for the bass and treble pots on the boards. How the switches and knobs on the mixers route the signals. Talk about which engineers or tape ops were working on what. The history and design aspects over the years of EMI Studios-Abbey Road. And I'm only at page 100!
Very interesting stuff for those who may be inclined to salivate over the many pictures of rare old limited quantity tube-powered equipment they used back then. They even explain why and how they had to mod a lot of the stuff that they didn't actually design to work at 200 ohms in AND out.
A very entertaining, informative and historical read for even the casual Beatles fan, and especially, something you knob-twisters might enjoy.
Very cool, I think.
Kapt.Krunch
Comments
I'm about 1/2 way through now. I really didn't realize how many
I'm about 1/2 way through now. I really didn't realize how many ideas and technological advances were hatched at EMI and Hayes during that period. Every page has a "WOW.." or a chuckle. Something interesting like "The only true stereo drum tracks the Beatles ever recorded was on "The End". Or a humorous entry like "It was so hot in there (tube recorders) we'd put our chips in there to keep them warm!". (I wonder if they always smelled like fries when they turned them on...and surprised the stuffed shirts would even LET them do that). Little blurbs about how the Beatles used the particular piece being featured, what led to the design of something different, or just the modification of something of theirs, or other manufacturers, that already existed.
I'm taking notes, and when I'm finished, I'm going to put on some of the old albums and see if I can spot things!
Lots and lots of stuff. Even old ideas to try in the digital age.
It's an expensive book package, but well worth poring over every word and photo, if you get the chance.
Might have to check out the Emerick book, also.
Kapt.Krunch
It IS an amazing book. I got mine for Fathers day last year. I f
It IS an amazing book. I got mine for Fathers day last year. I finally received it in September, one of the first printings (#596) and signed by the authors, Kevin Ryan and Brian Kehew. There is soooooooooo much information in here and most of it simply there for the curious. Duplicating this stuff at this time in history would be a phenomenal task, one that would likely take most of a persons lifetime as well. Its one of the reasons that I can never answer questions , on here, about the duplicating of the Beatles sound. It cannot be done. This book is proof positive of this fact.
Another cool thing about it, is it comes in a sleeve that is the same size as the old style box the 2" tape came in. With the book inside, it feels very much like an old 2" tape ready to be spooled.....
The detailed photos of the old German mics as well as the English and German mix of electronics are incredible. Its amazing how stark and plain the studios were. The sound was anything BUT stark and plain!
All in all, a great treasure for the archives of anyone interested in this stuff.
Just had a look at the site and looks pretty interesting might c
Just had a look at the site and looks pretty interesting might check it out thanks.
Heres the site - http://www.recordingthebeatles.com/