Located in Great Falls, Virginia, Bassmental works with local bands and solo artists across the Americana, blues and country genres. Studio owner Brad Englander says he has also recorded children’s music, audition recordings for young violinists and cellists, and language training narration sessions.
Originally operated in-the-box, without a conventional mixing desk, Englander has recently added an API 1608. Before the purchase, he was already using four API 512c mic preamps in an API lunchbox, but wanted more of the same ‘clean and punchy sound’, so he turned to the 1608, as well as adding an API 2500 stereo compressor.
‘The ability to use analogue EQs, compressors and effects processors rather than relying exclusively on digital plug-ins is a new direction for me,’ he says. ‘I love the sound of the 512c preamps. I read a lot of reviews, got a lot of advice, and researched the features of a number of consoles. All roads led back to API and the 1608.’
Englander has been able to blend his old studio set-up with the flexibility of the 1608: ‘Previously, I used a variety of preamps for tracking.Tthe 1608 gives me the ability to track and mix more channels simultaneously using analogue EQs and compressors.’
While he managed to work with his old set-up, he says the 1608 makes things more efficient, even as he is continuing to learn: ‘All of my preamps and processors are easily patched in. The aux sends are great too. I’m still configuring and learning the automation system; I expect it to be a hugely helpful tool.’
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