Tape Log

Blog posts about recording from our senior staff.

June 2, 2009

Bootleg Test Tone Collectors?

by Larry Crane

I thought I'd seen it all until I heard about collectors that pass around bootlegged copies of the test tones and bias pads from all genres of artists and albums. From an article in MOJO this month: "Sorting their collections by "tones at head" or...

May 31, 2009

A Music Recording "TV" Show?

by Larry Crane

All around great engineer, and good guy, Ronan Chris Murphy has a few episodes out of his new Ronan's Recording Show. Some studio tours, gear reviews and a look at the SwirlyGig drink holder! Check it out.

May 30, 2009

BECAUSE WE CAN or Because we SHOULD

by Larry Crane

Larry’s intro to issue #71 was one of his most important notes for engineers in a long time. It’s easy to press play, but not pay attention to the audio hitting our ears. (Have you ever read a book and found your eyes are scanning over...

May 28, 2009

The good Bad band...

by Larry Crane

If you want to stay in business you need to record all kinds of bands, including those you don't care for. (This is actually a shock to some people. It is. They don't last long, and their refusal to work with anyone except bands they hand-pick is...

May 21, 2009

What's The Worst Three Letter Word?

by Larry Crane

I.R.S. Actually, its an acronym for the Internal Revenue Service. And for our Non-U.S. readers, please enjoy the fun. I recently spent December through April undergoing a multiple year audit or our studio’s financials. I want to share...

May 20, 2009

Random acts of buy-ness

by Larry Crane

Sick of this economy and its doom and gloom? Sick of bands saying they don’t have money to record? Sick of top 40 radio? I have the answer: do something about it. Support independent musicians by going out and purchasing CDs from bands...

May 12, 2009

Great New Book "Behind the Glass, Volume II"

by Larry Crane

Our pal, Howard Massey, has a new book out, Behind The Glass Volume II. Volume I was a real treat, and Howard also co-wrote Geoff Emerick's excellent Here, There and Everywhere: My Life Recording the Music of the Beatles. There's a ridiculous amount...

May 1, 2009

BEST STUPID STUDIO CHATTER EVER?

by Larry Crane

Al Kooper produced this band in the '80s. They really knew how to argue - with him, with each other and probably with anyone in a ten-mile radius. Al edited out the music and kept the wonderful conversation, releasing it on one of his limited (300...

April 30, 2009

I am Really, Really Old Now

by Larry Crane

"First off, I really enjoy reading Tape Op. I have read it since I was in 8th grade (2001)." I never imagined I'd get an email that began like this. I will be 46 in May. Tape Op entered its 14th year in April. Jackpot! Recording Studio is over 14...

April 30, 2009

The Rock & Roll Camp for Girls - Portland, OR

by Larry Crane

My friend, sts is the Program Director and an instructor at The Rock ’n’ Roll Camp for Girls. They’re currently building up their recording program, Rock Camp Studio and the "Recording Engineer Track" studies and are looking for...

April 29, 2009

Radio Ownership and Independent Music - FMC Report

by Larry Crane

Our busy friends over at the Future of Music Coalition have released a study, “Same Old Song: An Analysis of Radio Playlists in a Post FCC-Consent Decree World”. Check it out - basically the major radio stations owners - Clear Channel,...

April 27, 2009

Damian Wagner Records the Sound of the Earth! How?

by Larry Crane

So you just drop a microphone to the bottom of an 800ft hole in the earth? Damian Wagner (issue 64) checks in with Tape Op. "I've just returned from a two week audio expedition to Brazil. I was in Brazil to test nine microphones, cables, speakers...

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