Producer/engineer John Feldmann in his L.A. studio. Photo by David Goggin.
John Feldmann, front man of the band Goldfinger, has purchased a matched pair of Telefunken USA’s new R-F-T M16 MkII large-diaphragm condenser microphones for his studio, Foxy Studios, in Los Angeles. The M16 is part of a new line of affordable microphones that are designed to faithfully re-create the vintage Telefunken sound.
“After auditioning more than 30 microphones, I finally settled on these new Telefunken mics,” says Feldmann. “We do a lot of recording here at Foxy Studios and I especially wanted a dedicated pair of overhead mics for the drums. These M16s have a very warm, very organic sound with a real nice top end. For instance, with the cymbals I don’t have to spend so much time mixing every splash and little ride bell. It’s all there, and with a matched pair I am getting beautifully balanced stereo imagery.”
Telefunken USA says that its new microphones provide an exceptionally clean and warm tone, substantial gain, extraordinary low end and extended high frequency response, while preserving the classic tube sound that Telefunken microphones are known for.
As one of the most successful A&R executives in L.A., Feldmann has signed, produced, engineered and mixed such Platinum groups as The Used and Story of the Year. He has also engineered, produced and co-written with artists such as Good Charlotte and Hillary Duff.
Feldmann uses a Manley 2-channel all-tube mic preamplifier for his M16s. His Pro tools HD-equipped studio houses racks of vintage outboard gear, as well as new staples like the Universal Audio 6176 reissue compressor/limiter. Monitors include Genelec 1031s, Yamaha NS-10s, Auratones and large Dynaudio Acoustics AIR 25s.
“When the label is here with the band and we’re listening to my mixes, I crank up the Dynaudios because I don’t want them talking to each other,” Feldmann says. “They can appreciate the detail I get with these new Telefunken mics.”
For more information, visit www.telefunkenusa.com.
