Mikey Allred | Music Recordist

I’ve made some substantial updates to my recording setup recently.

Much to the excitement of the girlfriend and cats who also occupy my house, I have moved my mixing station to my friend Tim’s place, where I share a room with a smorgasbord of percussion instruments (vibes, marimba, bells, timpani, congas, etc.). The space is probably not as acoustically sound, but it’s easier for me to concentrate there, and I’m not constantly disturbing everyone else with my loud noise. I also have another pair of loud speakers in the next room for checking mixes.

My old computer had been choking up a lot on the mixes I’d been throwing at it, so I decided to upgrade. I spec’d out PC and Mac options with similar capabilities, and the Mac came in almost 4x more expensive. Not a tough decision to make. I don’t have a preference as far as operating system goes: there are things that I like and more things that I hate about both. There is no way a Mac is worth 4x as much money, though, even with the cool little sticker for the back window of my car. I ordered the components from Zip Zoom Fly, put the new PC together, and I couldn’t be more happy. I mixed the Do It Yourself project on the new computer, and it’s already saved me countless hours. In case you’re wondering, you can find some specs on the “Studio” page.

A few weeks ago, I found a great deal at a local music store on an AKG D112, one of my favorite kick drum microphones, and added it to my ever-expanding collection. I already have a decent complement of condenser mics for vocals, but I’d like to add a nice dynamic option soon. I currently have my eyes open for a Shure SM7B at an attractive price.

I have been working for a couple of years on a pair of M-Audio BX5a monitors. I bought them as a cheap solution until a time when it became more feasible to pick up something better, and that time has come. After several weeks of research and some Guitar Center listening sessions, I bought a pair of JBL LSR4328Ps this week. I haven’t been able to spend a ton of time with them yet, but I’m excited so far. After I finish this post, it’s off to listen to some of my favorite records on them!

It’s been a busy couple of months since my last update.

Last week, I finished working on “Growth,” the debut EP from Crossville, TN’s Do It Yourself. If you like your hardcore with a little bit of old school, mid-90s flavor, I think you’ll like what they’re doing.

Before taking on that project, I recorded a quick demo for Manimal/Nuns With Guns. You can hear samples from both projects by skipping over to the “Work” page.

I recently finished mixing “Young Lungs,” the upcoming album from Ribbonpigeon.

It’s a fun record. Kent has a talent for writing, and I think a lot of people will like his new delivery.

Check the player on my “work” page for a taste.

Welcome to my new website. Please have a look around. If anything looks incomplete, it probably is.