In this video, the first of a new six part series for Production Expert, with the support of Universal Audio, Paul Drew and James Ivey begin the tracking process for a new song called “Thought Of Love” by Belgian band Rooftop Renegades. The aim of this project is to record, mix and master the song using nothing but the new Apollo X range of audio interfaces and UAD-2 plug-ins.

In this first video, James takes to the drums to lay down a solid foundation for the track and Paul adds some real bass to lock in with the kick drum.

Recording Drums With The Apollo X16

After a brief introduction to the project Paul and James get down to some tracking. In this case using the new Universal Audio Apollo X16 which is connected via Thunderbolt to James’ Windows PC. The X16 has no mic pres onboard, it is a 16 x16 line level I/O which is perfect to use alongside James’ Audient ASP8024 Heritage Edition console. The drums are recorded on 12 channels leaving a pair for the track return to the desk and a click track. James and Paul chose to monitor through the desk’s onboard EQ and some of James’s outboard effects but not to commit these to the ‘tape’.

Recording Bass

Once the drums are down the track’s synth bass part felt a little weak. Paul decided to track some real bass using James’ Fender Jazz Bass. The Bass was plugged into the DI input of James’ API 521C 500 series pre-amp which works really well for bass. This in turn is connected to one of the console’s line inputs, which is routed to the Apollo X16.

Easy When You Know How

James spends a little time showing you around the new X16 and the Universal Audio Console software, which is used to configure the I/O and make changes to the setting on the unit. One very important issue that James raises is that on Windows you can NOT change the Sample Buffer Size from within Pro Tools. This can only be done with your DAW shut down from within the UA Console.

Part 2

In this next part of this series we move to Paul’s home studio where we will be recording the electric and acoustic guitars using the new Apollo X6 interface and the amazing Universal Audio OX - The Amp Top Box. We hope you will join us for that video very soon.