Walking into the studio, there are two rows of guitars of different models, two bookshelves of drum faces of different models, and all kinds of musical instruments, but they still can't grab the sight. The huge object in front of them firmly attracts the eyes——

The three meter wide sound console has hundreds of buttons on it, which makes people faint directly; The oak of log color is tightly bound, and there is a beautiful luster under the light of cream yellow. Two ashtrays full of cigarette ends and microphone sponge are randomly placed on them, so you can clearly feel the trace of just working.

That's the famous neve-8028!

Why the city of sound has such a strong attraction, attracting countless great singers to come here to record, especially rock bands. The reason lies in the neve-8028 recording console and their outstanding drum recording technology.

At the moment of the new century, with the rapid development of digital technology, an amateur singer stands in front of the recording microphone. Even if the five tones are not complete, the recording engineer can use computer technology to repair them frame by frame. The finished products recorded will have no problems. This also makes the proportion of idol singers rise in a straight line. As long as the appearance is excellent enough, the tone, intonation Timbre is not a problem at all. Recording rooms can turn decay into magic.

On the contrary, those singers who are lack of characteristics in appearance, but their singing skills are especially strong, can not get the chance to stand out. This is also an important reason why the voice of America became so popular.

However, in the era of traditional record making, the studio has no such technology. It can only rely on the huge recording console to complete the recording over and over again, and then find out every flaw in the sound. The singer learns from the lessons and experience, and re enters the recording, over and over again. The power of neve-8028 lies in this. It presents the most essential, primitive and delicate sound effects, and interprets the profound meaning of the singer to the extreme. This is also the greatest charm of the sound city.

In the modern digital age, a singer may only need one hour, or even half an hour, to complete the recording of a song, leaving the rest to computer technology; But in the traditional era, a song needs to be repeated and repeated again and again. It may take a week to complete a three minute song.

Lan Li's expression of amazement and surprise almost didn't cover up. The middle-aged man who came to him caught it, turned his head and pointed to the console, "it's really a beauty, isn't it?"

"Of course, I want to go out with her now. Do you think I have a chance?"

The middle-aged man was amused, "no problem, let me see the spark between you." He looked back and politely introduced himself, "Herbert Jones, you're Larry, so are you ready to record something exciting?"

Lan Li rubbed his palm, "can't wait." But then there was a pause. "But before the recording, can I have a glass of hot milk?"

"Haha, you sound like Kurt Cobain, only he wants alcohol." Herbert burst out laughing. "Young man, this is not century city. You have to find out what you want, even if it's a cigarette butt."

Andy came up and asked, "are you OK, Langley?"

Langley nodded. "I just need a glass of hot milk." Milk can more or less ease the tumbling of the stomach, which is helpful for sobering up.

Andy took a deep breath and looked left and right. "God, you really need to hire an assistant." Then Andy saw the surprised expression of Langley, as if it was a fantasy. Then Andy realized that he was too far ahead and shook his head. "I'll buy hot milk. You can start working first." With that, Andy strides out of the studio.

"Cat version of Coburn, you should know that sound city can only record physical singles, not digital sources, right?" Herbert sat down in front of the voice console, expertly pulled out a cigarette from the cigarette box and lit it directly. "Just now Andy said that you are going to record two singles. I was just about to tell him about it, but I was interrupted."

Cat version of Coburn

Lan Li make complaints about Tucao, but now the point is not here. "I know now." Looking at the recording equipment in front of him, Lan Li was not surprised.

Lanli's understanding of the history of music development in the last life is very limited, just superficial. However, he remembers that the city of sound gradually declined later. He did not know the specific year, and finally completely closed down.

Now it seems that the reason can't be more obvious - you can't record digital audio source, that's the root cause.

After entering the 21st century, the album sales in the U.S. market has been declining. Around 2013, the sales of singles have gradually begun to exceed, and the development focus of artists has gradually shifted from albums to singles. Digital sound source plays an irreplaceable role in it. Therefore, a studio that can't record digital audio source will inevitably be eliminated by the times.

"So you're like Christopher Nolan?" Langley said half jokingly that Christopher Nolan has always insisted on shooting films in the most traditional and original way, which has been criticized by many people in Hollywood. However, Christopher is always able to shoot wonderful works, so naturally he doesn't care about these disputes.

Herbert looked puzzled. "What?"

Obviously he didn't understand the joke. Lan Li rubbed his nose and shook his head with a smile. "It's OK. I mean, there's no problem with physical singles. Now that computer technology is so advanced, CD ROMs can be converted into digital audio sources. It's a very simple thing. "

It's just trouble. If everyone makes an album in this way, first record a physical version, and then transcribe it into a digital version, it will not only be troublesome, but also the cost will soar. It is estimated that the record companies will revolt. Fortunately, lanli just recorded two singles, which was not so troublesome.

"Good." Herbert puffed on his cigarette. "I haven't heard of the master tape. Can you play it live now? Or did you bring your mother? "

"I can play the original once." Lanli went to the guitar shelf and picked up the guitar. The timbre of each guitar will have subtle differences. Everyone has their own habits and preferences. Real professionals will choose carefully.

Herbert was not worried. He watched the audition quietly. After a simple trial of four guitars, he chose an acoustic guitar and turned around. "Shall I go straight into the studio?"

It can be seen that lanli is an expert who is very clear about his own style, preferences and habits. But he is also a rookie in a recording studio. There are fewer and fewer such independent musicians now, just like the status quo of the city of sound“ Yes, you can just go straight into the studio. I'll take the rest. "

Lanli pushed open the glass door next to him, and then he was bathed in the warm yellow light. The spacious space was almost half the size of a basketball court, with messy connecting lines all over the floor, and even some messy music scores. There was a microphone stand in the center, and a lot of music scores were stacked on the music stand next to him

"The high stool is nearby. You can move it over." Herbert's voice came from the loudspeaker. "Those music scores belong to David. You just throw them to the side. They remember their new songs."

Lenley glanced at the stack of music and asked in a loud voice, "is this the new album of flamethrowers?" Is that why David and they were here just now?

But Herbert didn't respond. He pointed to his ear, and then pointed to the microphone beside the music stand. Lanli responded. He asked the microphone again, and Herbert heard clearly. "Yes, it's been more than a month since the recording, but only three songs have been finished, and the progress is slow." Make complaints about it, and Herbert said, "you are ready to start."

Langley moved the chair to the microphone, adjusted the height, and then sat on the chair and began to tune. It was not long before he was ready. He looked left and right. There was a headset hanging on the music stand. He pointed to it and motioned to Herbert, "do I need to wear it?" Herbert shook his head, which made Langley's voice soften. In the past, they all had to wear earphones in the studio when they were watching movies. He thought it was necessary, but now it seems that he is absolutely a rookie.

He adjusted his sitting posture, and then began to sketch the strings with his fingertips. He chose "Cleopatra". The light melody seemed a little thin without any accompaniment, but the graceful melody floated in the whole recording room, and each musical symbol seemed to inject life, making people truly feel its existence.

After a performance, Langley did not stop, and then played "Ophelia" on the guitar again. Compared with the keyboard version, the guitar version is too clear, without the loneliness and coldness hidden in the keyboard sound, and without the accompaniment of drums, the melody is monotonous and the level is not rich enough.

Nevertheless, Langley enjoyed it and recalled the purity of last night's street performance. Lanli thinks that this is a new discovery. He has never performed in the street before. The simple happiness and the simple touch are really a kind of enjoyment.

After playing the two pieces, Herbert didn't say it at the first time. Instead, he seriously thought about it, "the first one... Is it more appropriate to use the electric guitar? The timbre lacks a little clarity, but it is more profound. Then with some drumming, the whole emotional level will become rich."

"I have also considered whether the part cut into the chorus can be replaced by an electronic keyboard. After the rhythm slows down, the richness of the keyboard can replace the monotony of the guitar; Moreover, if the guitar can help a little bass tone, control the rhythm, it will feel good. Or do you think bass is enough? "

The two songs were original versions before, without arrangement, but it doesn't mean that lanli didn't consider arrangement. Now that you're in the studio, it's time to implement the ideas in your mind.