While Guy Charbonneau has relied on his highly customized classic Neve analog console to
provide EQ when necessary, he recently broke with tradition and installed a
GML 8200 dual-channel, five-band parametric equalizer alongside his dynamics
processors and effects gear.
Charbonneau was familiar with the George Massenburg Labs GML 8200. “Over the years we would rent it,” recollects Charbonneau, who went into business with the award-winning Le Mobile more than 30 years ago. “But I think my appreciation for the GML 8200 came on the first
Josh Groban project that we did, maybe four years ago.”
Subsequent recording dates with Groban and his engineer, Humberto Gattica,
including two projects last year, convinced Charbonneau of the GML 8200’s
efficacy. “I have to tell you, it took me a while to get warm to the EQ. But
when we used it in the right situation, I said, I like what it does! There’s
something really nice about it.”
The experiences recording with Groban prompted Charbonneau to try the EQ
unit again on another project. “I did a show with Shelby Lynn, using the
Design FX truck. I said to Scott [Peets, Design FX recording director],
bring me a GML. I’m going to use it on the overheads. I used it with GML
preamps and a pair of [Neumann] TLM 170 microphones. I liked what it did.”
“We ended up buying one,” he continues. “It’s in the rack and I’m proud to
have it. It’s a nice extra tool to have, and I feel it’s at the same quality
level as the other equipment in the truck.”
According to Charbonneau, Gattica is a regular user of the GML 8200, using
the equalizer on the key main vocal and overhead input channels. “With
Humberto, I normally do the setup and the soundcheck and EQ everything. When I do a show with him I call Westlake and order a GML EQ and a Boulder preamp for the vocal chain. Same with the overheads; it’s a pair of GMLs and TLM 170s and a good set of preamps. Humberto will sit at the console and just tweak the GML. He’ll rarely change anything else.
Charbonneau is constantly busy producing music for CD, DVD 5.1 surround,
motion picture soundtracks, internet and television music specials with Le
Mobile, and is currently mixing a DVD of the Austin City Limits Festival.
Over the years, Le Mobile has built up an enviable client list, including
solo artists such as Eric Clapton, Peter Gabriel, Madonna, Rod Stewart,
Roger Waters and Sting, plus bands such as The Rolling Stones, U2,
Aerosmith, The Grateful Dead, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and others.
For more information about George Massenburg, visit www.georgemassenburg.com.
