Avalon

We joking compare a lot of useful gear to doughnuts, but the Avalon M5 Microphone Preamplifier really is like a doughnut in that it's simple, tasty, and all you'll ever want to eat once you first experience it. Ways in which it is not like a doughnut include its being made of metal. We can't think of any other dissimilarities right now.  

Wondering what Avid's been up to since they ditched the DigiDesign brand-name? This is what: the new Avid HD-series of audio interfaces for Pro Tools HD. The HD I/O, HD OMNI, and HD MADI boast improved clocking, expanded digital audio format support, and the analog-warmth-inducing HEAT (Harmonically Enhanced Algorithm Technology) processing software.  

We're back at Horse-Drawn Productions to take a look at the Avalon 737sp. To be honest, we never left. It would be a huge waste of time if we had to leave and come back after every video we shot there.  

Collin Jordan of Boiler Room Mastering talks about how his Baxandall Curve struck out countless batters when he played for the Yanks. In other news, Gearwire writer J. Irving-Giles was admonished for making up rumors about mastering engineers being baseball all-stars.  

No one would say that the Avalon VT-737sp was anything less than classy, but the big-wigs at Avalon decided to dress it up for its ten-year anniversary. We always thought the 737 sounded smart, now it looks it, too.  

Gainesville Florida's friendly mellow rockers, Sister Hazel let Patrick Ogle aboard their tour golf cart to talk to lead singer / strummer Ken Block. Block talks about the gear he chooses to play in order to have that acoustic guitar really shine in a rock contest.  

Angel Alanis has worked with clients such and Dusttraxx, Greenskeepers, DJ Colette, and Johnny Fiasco. Although busy producing and releasing music under his own A Squared Music, he is also one of Chicago's go-to guys in the world of dance music mastering.  

The self-effacing Bob Popp says he's not a very good bassist, and that's why he uses the "very expensive" Avalon U5 and the special "channel 15" on his board to track his playing.  

Cheryl Wanner and Frank Gerace, of Boston's

Dreamchild have spoken to Gearwire about harps, basses, guitars and processors--all the elements used in making their music. The band produce a dark ethereal sound that borders...  

In a recent article on recording the just released debut CD from Mary Pastorius, producer/musician, Eric Young spoke about the gear they used—over a ten year period.

There was so much we needed a part two....  

The Voodoo Jets recently added bassist Clint Amereno to their lineup. Amereno has played live with 12 Stones, touring extensively with the band. Voodoo Jets are unique in power pop in that they use no guitars, only keyboards....  

Scott Ferrell, half of the St. Augustine, Florida-based duo Autumn's Grey Solace, spoke to Gearwire about the techniques and gear he used on the band's four releases (three on New York City's Projekt Records). A great...  

Winter NAMM 2006: You know you're onto something when Babyface and Trent Reznor are so into your product that they ask for a few "personal mods." Such is the case with Avalon's VT-737SP channel strip (containing a mic pre,...