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Behind the Scenes of The Bowie Variations

Posted by Reference Recordings on
 November 22, 2011

Mike Garson and The Bowie Variations are featured on the December 2011 cover of Keyboard Magazine. The story takes readers into the “Recording Chain” that was used by RR’s own “Prof” Keith O. Johnson.

The Recording Chain:

  • Coles 4038 Ribbons, matched pair, probably early 1970 manufacture
  • Sennheiser MKH 405 FM directional condenser, modified 1960s manufacture
  • Sennheiser MKH 105 FM non-directional condenser, modified, 1960s manufacture
  • Spectral DMC-10 Preamplifier, all discrete circuit with cascode upgrades, RIAA phonograph equalization removed.
  • Preamplifiers: Handbuilt, discrete circuit with servo and response corrections for dedicated and modified MKH microphones.
  • Console: two groups of passive mixers each with 4 x 2 channel pairs.
  • Analog Parametric Equalizer: All discrete circuit 4 x 2 channel pairs
  • Pacific Microsonics Model 2 digital converter.
  • Monitor Speakers: Handbuilt using Skanspeak and Tiel drivers, discrete circuit active crossover, corrections, and powering
  • Sonic and Sound Blade Workstations

Take a look through the pictures here, and read “Prof” Keith O. Johnson’s description of the session at KeyboardMag.com!


Bowie Variations Passive Console
Bowie Variations Multiple Mic Pres Onstage
Bowie Variations Mic Pre and Mic
Bowie Variations Stage Setup

MIKE GARSON
The Bowie Variations
RR-123

“Whatever Mike lends his hands to invariably becomes something magical.”–David Bowie.

Track Listing: 1 Space Oddity; 2 John, I’m Only Dancing; 3 Life On Mars; 4 Heroes; 5 Ashes To Ashes; 6 Variations on “Changes”; 7 Let’s Dance; 8 Battle For Britain/Loneliest Guy/Disco King; 9 Tribute to David; 10 Wild is the Wind; Bonus Track: 11 Space Oddity–take 2

Purchase RR-123HDCD – Mike Garson – The Bowie Variations Securely from Reference Recordings!

Categories : Uncategorized
Tags : Behind the scenes, Keyboard Magazine, Mike Garson, Prof Keith O. Johnson, The Bowie Variations, Uncategorized
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