Engineer Bernie Becker chooses AMS Neve Genesys console
(Dave Molter | Posted 2010-06-28)
Legendary recording, mixing and
mastering engineer Bernie Becker has purchased a 16-channel AMS Neve
Genesys console with 16 channels of dynamics and Encore moving-fader
automation for his mastering facility in Pasadena, California, from
Jason Cropper, Sales Account Manager at Guitar Center Professional (GC
Pro), the outside sales division of Guitar Center that focuses on the
needs of professional users. The portability of the compact console
allows Becker, a recording studio owner for over three decades, and
for many years also a touring monitor mixer and recording engineer for
Neil Diamond, to easily transport the console between Bernie Becker
Mastering and Diamonds Arch Angel Studio in Los Angeles.
Becker's decision to purchase the Genesys was based partly on his
admiration for the collection of vintage Neve 1084 modules at
Firehouse Recording Studios, where Bernie Becker Mastering is located,
and also his appreciation of AMS Neves flagship 88R console. I noticed
right away with the 88R that there was just something in the mic pre
and the EQ that I liked, comments Becker, whose son, Dale, works
alongside him at the mastering studio. When I first heard about the
Genesys I thought it sounded like a combination that might work for
me. The mic pres sound like a Neve, and the EQ is definitely that EQ.
Its easy and fun to use, and it really, really sounds good.
He continues, For the price you get 16 channels of classic sounding
mic pres, 16 channels of classic EQ, musical dynamics, and 40 inputs
channels to the mix buss. Plus, it comes with recall software. I love
the fact that I can store a setup for each song, or for a tracking
setup. I think its a great feature set, and I am very excited and
pleased with its performance.
Becker reports that he was very pleased with the exemplary service he
received from Jason Cropper at GC Pro, the exclusive U.S. sales
channel for the Neve Genesys. He was also thrilled to meet Robin
Porter, Head of Analog Design for AMS Neve, who was in L.A.
commissioning an 88R console around the time that Becker took delivery
of his Genesys.
According to Becker, the console has proved extremely useful for stem
mastering working on groups of tracks rather than simply the stereo
mix. Sometimes people bring in a project thats missing something. When
you bring the mix up on the board and spread it out through 16
channels, and sum all those channels, it suddenly feels like theres
some movement, says Becker, adding, I like iron and wire!
As he points out, the Genesys is more than just another analog
console, offering close integration with the DAW: One of the things I
was looking for was a nice little controller; I get so frustrated
mixing with a mouse! Youve got eight extra stereo buss faders, and you
can use them as subgroups or they can be assigned to a DAW mode so
that you can use them to control your workstation. A DAW input is one
of four choices of input into each channel, and the master section
also includes DAW transport control.
In addition to working on the many mastering projects that come into
his facility, Becker frequently uses the rooms at Firehouse for
recording projects and also mixes approximately 10 album projects a
year. Becker, who has worked with Neil Diamond since 1989, has
recorded, mixed and mastered almost 20 of his releases, including
2009s Hot August Night / NYC, a live recording released as a DVD/CD
package that debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, and was a CBS TV
special that was watched by 13 million viewers, as well as a Christmas
album.
For more information, please visit www.gcpro.com.
From a press release.
