Endorser Update
PHOTO : GRANT COOPER
Nick Johnston
Tina Guo
Grammy nominee Tina Guo is one of the most recorded solo cellists of all time . Known for her unique genre-crossing style , her work can be heard on hundreds of blockbuster film , TV , and game soundtracks . As a dependable mixing solution , Guo turns to KRK Systems ’ ROKIT G4 White Noise 8-in . professional studio monitors for her recording projects and livestreamed concerts .
“ Compared to my ROKIT G3s , the G4s are more powerful and lighter in weight , which is extremely beneficial as I have both speakers on my standing desk , which I move up and down throughout the day ,” says Guo . “ The LCD screen with visual EQ is amazing – it provides various frequency presets to adjust to the best setting for your specific playback or mix environment .”
Canadian guitarist and songwriter Nick Johnston is Orange Amplification ’ s latest ambassador . Johnston , who released his fifth LP , Wide Eyes in the Dark , in 2019 , is much admired for his compelling ability to seamlessly blend progressive metal with thematic instrumental playing . In particular , he is fond of the Orange Rockerverb 100 MKIII .
“ Not only is Rockerverb 100 MKIII the coolest looking amp on the planet , but it changes my playing in a way that makes me sound more natural , more organic , and more like myself . It sounds massive , but it still manages to let my fingerprint shine through ,” he says .
Abe Laboriel Jr .
Christopher Allis
Studio and touring drummer Abe Laboriel Jr ., who plays with Paul McCartney , k . d . lang , and many others , recently began playing the retro-inspired PDP Concept Classic Series kit featuring plied European maple counter hoops from Pacific Drums & Percussion ( PDP ), a Drum Workshop ( DW ) brand . He discovered the kit on a visit to Drum Channel Studios and was enamored by the sonic attributes of the 14 x 26-in . bass drum that accompanied the set-up . “ These PDP wood hoop drums are consistently killer ! They ’ re everything that I love about DWs : dynamic , warm tone and punchy attack . These drums are super versatile and great to record ,” Laboriel Jr . says .
Session drummer Christopher Allis has been involved in countless recording sessions with famed artists as well as television and compositional work , all on top of being a lecturer at USC in the audio production program . Now , he works in his own recording space on a variety of projects and depends on his set of BAE 1073 MPL and 312A preamplifiers in his signal chain .
“ Now I ’ ve got two 500 series racks filled with BAE 73MPLs and 312As , and they just sound beautiful ,” comments Allis . “ I can bring them anywhere and always capture the sounds I am hearing in my head , which is often the classic recordings of the ‘ 60s and ‘ 70s .”
78 CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE