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Equipment

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Having two Flock Audio Patch XT units gives us 128 channels of fully analog, digitally-controlled routing that eliminates all manual patching and recall. What normally takes studios 30–60 minutes of cable changes, documentation, and recall sheets now takes seconds. We can instantly recall entire analog chains, switch outboard gear with no patch cables, attach photos of mic placement to every preset, and maintain total consistency from session to session.

Because we waste zero time, our clients effectively receive twice the productivity compared to a traditional patchbay-based studio. The workflow is faster, cleaner, more accurate, and more creative—making our studio operate at the level of the top hybrid facilities in the world.

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Is the Belle Brass Snare a “Holy Grail” Drum?

Yes. Cast bell brass snares — especially the rare

Japanese builds — are widely regarded as holy grail

snare drums, in the same tier as the Tama Bell Brass

6.5×14 used on countless platinum albums. Their sonic

signature is unmatched: huge low-end weight, explosive crack, long

controlled sustain, and the ability to sit perfectly in a mix with almost no EQ.

Engineers seek them out because they provide instant “album tone,” and

drummers consider them endgame pieces — the same way engineers view

a C12 or a Neve 1073.

 

Your Japanese limited-edition reissue with serial number 44 fits squarely into that holy-grail category because it’s:

 

  • Cast bell brass (not rolled or plated)

  • Japanese-market produced with superior manufacturing tolerances

  • Extremely rare and highly collectible

  • Sonically elite — used on legendary records across rock, pop, metal, and film scoring

  • A drum that both drummers and producers actively seek out

 

This is not hype — it’s the consensus in studios worldwide. Your Belle Brass is absolutely holy-grail tier.

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GEAR INVENTORY OVERVIEW

Crystoll Studios maintains a meticulously curated collection of Microphones, Analog Outboard Equipment, Preamps, Compressors, Equalizers, Monitoring Systems, Instruments, and software tools. Every piece was selected for its sonic character, reliability, and professional pedigree.

 

The studio supports:

 

• Full hybrid analog-digital workflows

• Multiple nearness perspectives for mix translation

• Premium microphone front ends

• World-class preamp and compressor chains

• High-precision mastering capabilities

• Acoustic and electronic instrument recording

• Real-time reverb chamber routing

• Live tracking for bands and ensembles

• Full in-house monitoring across indoor and outdoor environments

This is not just a collection of gear—it is a complete sonic ecosystem, designed to deliver professional results at every stage of production.

Steven Slate Audio Raven MTi MAX

Multi-touch Production Console

 

A large-format, multi-touch digital console:

 

  • Full DAW control

  • Automation and plug-in control

  • Fast editing and arrangement workflows

MONITORING SYSTEMS & MIX TRANSLATION

The studio features an incredibly versatile and accurate monitoring ecosystem that ensures mixes translate across every environment—from mastering-grade studio monitors to outdoor speakers to automotive systems.

 

PRIMARY MONITORS

 

Kii AUDIO SEVEN MONITORS  (White Edition)

  • Full-range, phase-coherent, mastering-grade precision

  • Ultra accurate low end without subs

  • Ideal for high-resolution mixing and mastering

 

Meyer Sound Monitoring

A cinema-quality reference system offering depth, power, and immersive clarity.

 

KRK V8 Monitors (Reverb Chamber System)

Mounted inside the stone-and-gem reverb chamber for:

 

  • Unique spatial referencing

  • Alternate voicing

  • High-energy ambience playback

HEADPHONES & POWER INFRASTRUCTURE

( 5 ) Focal Listen Professional Closed-back Monitoring Headphones - providing consistent, high-accuracy

reference sound for full session band sessions, vocal tracking, and multi-musician setups.

Their punchy low end, articulate midrange and detailed highs  paired with excellent isolation ensure

reliable translation and uniform monitoring across all performers.

Our power system is anchored by ( 2 ) flagship Furman Units placed strategically throughout the facility.

In the Engineer Room's main studio rack, the Furman P-2400 IT Balanced Power Conditioner delivers ultra-clean

isolated power that dramatically lowers the noise floor and enhances clarity, imaging and overall transparency

throughout the control-room signal chain.  Sensitive analog gear, microphones, preamps, converters and critical

outboard all benefit from its balanced, noise-reducing architecture.

In the Live Room, the Furman P-1800 AR Voltage Regulator & Power Conditioner provides rock-solid regulated Voltage

and protection for amplifiers, DI setups, live-tracking instruments, monitoring stations and mobile racks.  It stabilizes any line fluctuations, ensuring consistent performance, equipment safety and sonic reliability during demanding multi-musician sessions.

( 5 ) myMix Personal Monitors -  

myMix provides state-of-the art monitoring for the musicians, supervision and control for the engineers, additional communications and intercom, audio monitoring of RF microphones, high-quality audio transport over long distances.

Together, these components create a professional low-noise, high-headroom power and monitoring foundation

elevating the studio's performance and ensuring flawless sessions day after day.

ROUTING ARCHITECTURE & PATCHBAY MAPS

Crystoll Studios is built around a fully integrated, fully recallable hybrid routing system powered by

Dual Flock Patch XT Units, forming the core of the entire studio’s signal flow.

 

CORE ROUTING

  • Zero patch-cable clutter

  • Instant reconfiguration

  • Analog, digital, reverb chamber, and monitoring all tied into a single matrix

  • Perfect for complex sessions, mastering work, and experimental routing

FLOCK PATCH XT ( 2 )

 

 

EDITING & SOFTWARE WORKFLOW

Crystoll Studios integrates cutting-edge digital tools with world-class hardware to create a seamless hybrid workflow.

 

Primary DAW

  • Pro Tools, leased monthly at the highest tier, always up-to-date

  • Full ARA integration for advanced editing

 

Advanced Editing / Separation

  • Steinberg SpectraLayers Pro 12
    Industry-leading stem separation, spectral editing, repair, and frequency-domain manipulation

  • Celemony Melodyne Studio (Pro Version)
    Full polyphonic pitch, timing, modulation, tuning, and harmonics control

  • iZotope RX 11
    Audio restoration and repair

  • iZotope Ozone 12
    Mastering suite

  • Waves Diamond Bundle
    Comprehensive effects, processing, mixing, and mastering tools

Virtual Instruments & Sound Engines

  • Spectrasonics Omnisphere

  • Spectrasonics Trilogy

  • MOTU Symphonic Instrument Library

  • Yamaha CP300 Internal Engines

  • Oberheim OB-X8 Desktop Synth (fully integrated with the ZIOR weighted keyboard)

 

Crystoll Studios offers both precision surgical editing and lush creative sound design—empowering producers, composers, and editors at all levels.

 

ANALOG OUTBOARD HARDWARE

 

Crystoll Studios maintains a premium analog collection normally found only in elite commercial studios.

Neve

  • Neve 1073N Standalone (vintage EQ + preamp)

  • Two Neve 1073 OPX units (16 channels of Neve preamps)

  • Two Neve Shelford Channels

  • Neve 500-series Limiter / Compressor (2254 / 33609 style)

  • Neve Tape Emulator (500-series)

 

Shadow Hills

  • Shadow Hills 32-Channel Summing Mixer, featuring:

    • Nickel, Iron, and Steel transformer paths

    • Three consoles in one

    • Dual mastering-grade preamps

  • Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor (500 Series)
    Optical + VCA dual-stage compressor

 

Avalon

  • Avalon VT-737sp (vintage tubes)

  • Avalon VT-747sp (vintage tubes)

 

IGS Audio

  • Two IGS Tubecore Compressors

  • IGS Bison Mid/Side Processor

  • IGS Rubber Bands Stereo EQ

 

Other High-End Components

  • Prism Lyra 2

  • Apogee Symphony I/O MKII

  • Dual Flock Patch XT Systems (full routing backbone)

  • Meyer Sound Monitoring Chain

  • KRK V8 for alternate referencing

This collection forms the backbone of the studio’s world-class analog sound.

INSTRUMENTS, BACKLINE & CREATIVE TOOLS

 

GUITARS, CELLO, VIOLIN

  • 1993 Gibson Les Paul

  • Taylor Dave Matthews Limited Edition Acoustic

  • Taylor Jumbo 614ce Acoustic

  • Handcrafted Cello

 

GUITAR & AMPLIFICATION SYSTEM

  • Guitar recording at Crystoll Studios is built around the combination of iconic tube amplifiers, precision microphones, and a diverse collection of premium guitars and preamps

  • Amplifiers & Heads

  • Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier (with both 6L6 and EL34 tube sets)

  • Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Combo (reverb + EQ)

  • Marshall 1960AV Cabinet

  • 1970 Fender Tweed Bronco (vintage tube combo)

  • 1950 Zenith Tube Amplifier Combo

  • The Mesa Triple Rectifier can be integrated with the ed Head Rush Prime pedalboard via the effects loop for advanced, modeling, and precision control—while still retaining the full character of the Mesa power section and tube response.

  • Ampeg Bass Head (Professional Series)

  • A studio-standard bass amplifier head known for its thick low-end, punchy mids, and signature Ampeg character — ideal for rock, grunge, alternative, and modern bass recording.

  • Ampeg 4×12 Bass Cabinet

  • Located in the live room.

  • Offers tight midrange definition, deep low-frequency response, and excellent mic placement results. Perfect for both clean and driven bass tones, and provides powerful room resonance for live tracking.

AMPS

  • Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier

  • Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Combo

  • 1970 Fender Tweed Bronco

  • 1950 Zenith Tube Combo

  • Marshall 1960AV Cabinet

MICROPHONE SYSTEM

  • Earthworks DK7 Drum Kit Microphones
    Ultra-fast transient response, incredible clarity, and pristine detail.

  • Royer R-122V Stereo Matched Pair (Tube Ribbons)
    Used as room mics for warm, cinematic depth.

  • Beyerdynamic Boundary Microphone
    Ideal for capturing the body and impact of the kick.

  • Earthworks Gooseneck Mics (x2)
    For snare bottom and dedicated hi-hat focus.

 

VOCAL RECORDING SYSTEMS

Crystoll Records & Studios offers a vocal chain environment capable of capturing everything from delicate acoustic performances to powerful rock, R&B, pop, and cinematic vocals. Each signal path is designed for clarity, warmth, and emotional presence.

 

Flagship Microphones

  • AKG C12V (Vintage-Accurate Build)
    Built from a KGC12 Vintage Revival body fitted with:

    • Original 1959 CK12 capsule, re-skinned by an engineer

    • from the original AKG Vienna factory

    • Pristine 1959 vintage vacuum tube
      This microphone is a near-perfect resurrection of the historic

    • C12—arguably superior due to modern body construction paired with true vintage heart.

  • Neumann U87 (1996 Edition)
    A studio standard for rich, full-bodied vocals.

  • Neumann KMS Live Vocal Series
    Excellent for intimate acoustic performances and high-rejection vocal tracking.

  • Earthworks Live Vocal Condenser (Studio Version)
    Incredibly clean, transparent, and modern.

  • RØDE Tube Vocal Microphone (with pristine 1970 Mullard tube)
    A beautiful blend of modern detail and vintage warmth.

 

KEYBOARDS & SYNTHS

  • Yamaha CP300

  • Oberheim OB-X8 Desktop Synth

  • Weighted keyboard integrated into ZIOR desk

 

DRUMS

  • Tama Starclassic Kit

  • Tama Bell Brass 1980 Reissue (#44, Japan Only)

  • DRUM RECORDING SYSTEM

  • Crystoll Studios features a powerful, deeply flexible drum recording environment capable of delivering everything from tight modern pop to massive cinematic percussion. The centerpiece is a Tama Starclassic kit paired with the legendary Tama Bell Brass 1980 Reissue Snare (#44, Japan Limited Edition)—often referred to as the “Terminator Snare,” famous for its dense, cutting, explosive tone.

  • Kick Drum Optimization

  • The studio uses the Sonitus Kicker, a modular foam system with removable tubes that shape the kick drum’s internal resonance.

  • For rock and grunge styles, the kick drum is typically configured with zero additional tubes, preserving natural depth while reducing unwanted boom.

  • Mic Placement Philosophy

  • The drum room is designed around clarity and impact. Overheads reflect the full kit image, Earthworks mics capture surgical articulation, and the Royer ribbons contribute warmth and atmosphere—resulting in a drum sound that is both modern and timeless.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER

  • Percussion tools

  • Acoustic accessories and DI routing

  • Piano room access

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