R/E/P > Oliver Archut

Asked but still not answered - White Album Pre's

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TKay:
I'm looking to upgrade my front end pre's. My favorite LP of all time is the White Album. The sound of that album was so open. I realize that the pre's don't make the entire sound but I would still like to narrow it down to what was actually used on that album.

Upon doing a search in REP, someone suggested that the pre's were Telefunken's. So I went searching. I spoke to David Marquette. He said that the Telefunken's were used in the early EMI desks for the Beatles but that they had changed by the time the White Album was recorded and that the pre's were custom EMI's from the REDD 47 (hope I'm quoting him right). So I found Revolution Recording Equipment. So it seems like I'm narrowing the search but I would love any input here if there is more to be added.

Also, if there are more suggestions to as what other pre's should be considered (that are in the genre of pre's that I'm inquiring about), I would appreciate the information.

I am looking at the Chandler pieces, as well. At the moment, I'm willing to hear all opinions.  But I A/B'd the White Album against Abbey Road and, for me, there is no comparison. Different people, different techniques, different studio - I get it.

Thanks for any input.

Thomas

Oliver Archut:
Hello Thomas,

the entire EMI/REDD question is way to large to answer in this forum, especially on the last day; there is already a related posting. Currently a gentleman by the name of Kevin Ryan is working on a book about the issue, you can contact him via http://www.recordingthebeatles.com/.

I talked to several EMI engineers, and they pointed out the consoles were always in a state of flux. What equipment was used on any given song, is quite hard to figure out these days... Nobody kept detailed infos.

In the mid 60s, V72 were so expensive that EMI made their home brewed mic pres and ended up with the REDD47 as well as other nice mic pres.
I have no idea about Revolution Equipment you might want to contact them, all I know EMI recently re-trademarked all their historic trade names to prevent any wrongful use...

You can check their application at http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=doc&state=fhd2ah.2 .4

Brian Kehew:
The "Recording the Beatles" book will certainly explain much of what you seek, and more. The reviews from the public (search online) have been quite good.

Be aware that
(a) MOST of the recording was done in Studio Two at EMI: This was the desk built using REDD.47 preamps (and line amps - pay attention to this factor). The Revolution mic pre is the closest available thing to this, as only one EMI desk exists with the originals.

(b) Some of the songs on that album were done elsewhere. So, maybe you have found "a sound" that exists more in one's head than in reality. Try making a list of what songs have "that tone" you like, then read about which ones were recorded outside AFTER you make the list. Read about the mixing ideas AFTER you make the list - it might be that you prefer the songs recorded outside of EMI, or that you like the ones with extreme EQ effects....?

Brian Kehew:
I would generally agree that White Album sounds different than Abbey Road: but almost every Beatles album sounds different than the one before it, even!

Ashermusic:
Brian Kehew wrote on Thu, 07 December 2006 09:08
The "Recording the Beatles" book will certainly explain much of what you seek, and more. The reviews from the public (search online) have been quite good.

Be aware that
(a) MOST of the recording was done in Studio Two at EMI: This was the desk built using REDD.47 preamps (and line amps - pay attention to this factor). The Revolution mic pre is the closest available thing to this, as only one EMI desk exists with the originals.

(b) Some of the songs on that album were done elsewhere. So, maybe you have found "a sound" that exists more in one's head than in reality. Try making a list of what songs have "that tone" you like, then read about which ones were recorded outside AFTER you make the list. Read about the mixing ideas AFTER you make the list - it might be that you prefer the songs recorded outside of EMI, or that you like the ones with extreme EQ effects....?


So Brian in your opinion is the Revolution mic pre still one of the best or merely an emulation of what was the best at that time that was available to them?

And do they have a website for the Revolution?

BTW, I just finished reading  "Recording The Beatles."  I have not had that much fun in a while. Yopu guys did an incredible job.

And now "Rocky Balboa" comes out in a couple of weeks. What more could I ask for?

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