Producer/Composer Andy Gray chooses X-Rack
(Dave Molter | Posted 2010-06-05)
Andy Gray is one of the UK’s most prolific film and TV composers as well being a high profile producer for many bands including 2009’s massive electronic rockers Enter Shikari. Andy’s screen credits include everything from the Big Brother theme tune to Hollywood blockbusters like Swordfish, and he’s also enjoyed huge success as a remixer having worked on tracks by the likes of Madonna and U2.
Andy recently took delivery of Solid State Logic’s X-Rack modular rack system which he uses to add impact to his all-important drum sounds and get the best out of his superb collection of vintage microphones.
“I bought the X-Rack for drum tracking,” he says. “I was looking for a mic pre to add colour, edge and punch for drums, so I bought eight channels of the VHD [Variable Harmonic Drive] pre. I tend to track with the VHD and the LMC compressor on, and then drive the input hard so you still have to trim your levels in Pro Tools. You end up with a sound that’s like you have hit an old desk hard. The TotalRecall™ helps me make a quick start on drum set-ups as well, and I use it a lot.”
“Also I only use vintage mics,” Andy continues, referring to his incredible collection of rare and classic microphones. “That means I need a good mic pre as some ribbons have a low output. X-Rack doesn’t add any unwanted noise which is perfect. This is the other side of X-Rack: it’s super clean. It’s great to have that although the dirty settings are what I really love about it!”
Andy is currently producing Hard-Fi’s third album, due for release later this year.
Solid State Logic is the world’s leading manufacturer of analogue and digital audio consoles and provider of creative tools for music, broadcast and post production professionals. For more information about our award-winning products, please visit: www.solidstatelogic.com.
From a pres release.
