Outboard Re-Recording

So what is Outboard Re-Recording?

Before we go into the details, let’s define some terms/acronyms.

ITB – In The Box – recording audio & processing/mixing inside the computer
OTB – Outside The Box – mixing/processing outside of the computer

It is a common practice to record raw vocals or guitars before any audio treatments so we can capture something that can be sculpted in the mix. That way every instrument can be heard in the mix. Usually when we record, we may turn on a bus channel or record directly (ITB) with EQ and Compression software plug-ins, or we may put at least Compression and De-esser inline so, as we record a vocal, we can reduce the sibilance, or bring out the vocals and capture it as best we can.

Sometimes, as you record the rest of the song, you start to notice that it may sound brittle, harsh, cold, sterile, (choose your own term for digital sounding) and so forth, and we look to warm things up.
Challenge of warming a mix up is that it has too much dynamics that are already digital sounding (in a negative way) to begin with that it takes quite a bit of sculpting to get it sounding better (not necessarily significantly.)

So, it is common practice in many recording studios worldwide (home, project or large commercial studios) to take the raw digital recording, taking the output of a DA converter, and process the digital audio using an external outboard gear such as EQ, Compressor, other dynamics, and even effects, and then re-recording it into a digital audio format through an AD converter.

What does this do? It still preserves your original recording, but offers a new recording that sounds warmer, and less harsh.

Why wouldn’t I process each digital audio stem with a plug-in that comes very close to the real external hardware? It may be very close, but you will not be able to capture the warmth that most external outboard gear will provide. We have done direct comparisons of hardware versus plugins, and realized that there are some plugins that are amazingly close, but some that are just not as warm as the external outboard gear.

What we offer is the re-recording of your digital audio stem using external outboard based on your settings that you would prefer the external outboard to have. We will then print some parts of newly recorded digital audio stems for your review. After final review and approval, we will print the entire recording and send them back to you.

What external devices can we support today?

Here is a list of outboard gear we can use to re-record any of your tracks.

API 512c Mic Pre
API 505 DI
API Compressor/Limiter
API EQ
API Filter
Avalon VT737SP Mic Pre/Comp/EQ
Avalon VT747SP Comp/Limiter/EQ
Buzz Audio Essence Opto Compressor
Chandler Ltd Germanium Mic Pre
Chandler Ltd TG2 Abbey Road Mic Pre
Crane Song Trakker
dbx 160SL
dbx 786
Electrodyne Mic Pre
Electrodyne EQ
Elysia Alpha Compressor
Elysia mpressor
Elysia museq
Elysia nvelope
Empirical Labs Distressor (British)
Empirical Labs Fatso
Focusrite Mic Pre
Focusrite Compressor/Limiter
Grace Designs Mic Pre
Maag EQ4
Manley Massive Passive (Mastering Version)
Manley Variable Mu (Mastering Version)
Ocean Audio (Malcolm Toft) Mic Pre
Ocean Audio (Malcolm Toft) EQ
Rupert Neve Designs Mic Pre
Rupert Neve Designs Compressor/Limiter
Rupert Neve Designs Inductor EQ
Rupert Neve Designs Tape Saturation
Shadow Hills Mic Pre
Smart Research C1LA Compressor
Solid State Logic Mic Pre
Solid State Logic VHD
Solid State Logic EQ (G Series)
Solid State Logic EQ (K Series)
Solid State Logic Compressor (G Series)
Solid State Logic Compressor (K Series)
Solid State Logic Stereo Buss Compressor (G Series)
Universal Audio 1176
Universal Audio LA2A

How much will this cost?

Depends on the length of the recording file, the size of the audio file, and which outboard gear or set of gear you would like this processed through. But it will cost far less than buying the plugins for the equivalent equipment and significantly less than buying your own outboard gear.

What is the re-recording process?

We take the audio file, analyze it, and then play it back through either a single or dual channel separate DA and AD converter or the Apogee Symphony IO or Pro Tool HD I/O at the rate of the original file’s bit depth and sampling rate. We then take the output(s) directly into the outboard gear using a very short path and chain to the next outboard gear, if multiple equipment is being used. Then, we connect the final output of the outboard gear into the input of the Apogee Symphony IO or Pro Tools HD I/O, and verify all levels (monitor clipping, distortion, etc.) We, then, record small areas or sections of the audio and send it back to you. Upon adjustments and approval, we print the final output and send it back to you.

Coming Soon:

Rupert Neve Designs 5043, Manley SLAM, Manley ELOP, and TubeTech CL1B.

Also, let us know if there is anything you would love to see as a product featured for this service. Usually, when we get enough requests/orders for a specific hardware, we can source the gear.

Pricing available upon request.