Kazbar Systems has just completed the studio installation for acclaimed songwriter Josh Wilkinson. Josh (whose many credits include writing songs for the likes of One Direction, James Blunt, Union J, Pixie Lott & 5 Seconds To Summer) wanted a studio specification which allowed for fast & simple recording but with a highly professional edge allowing for the best sounding vocal and instrument recording.

Josh draws on many musical inspirations for his music so it was important we covered many bases in terms of hardware. The core of the system is an Apple iMac running Logic Studio X, this is connected to an Apogee Ensemble allowing for extremely high ADDA conversion and ultra low latency recording. Josh is a fan of synths especially Bass and Lead sounds so we recommended an Arturia MiniBrute SE, to bring some hands-on control over samples and beats, Josh decided on an Arturia Beatsetp Pro.

Although the studio is mostly setup around the writing aspect, Josh is a fan of the Soft Tube Console 1 having worked with producers who are existing users. Josh is a big fan of the SSL Dynamics which are included with the Console 1 but also the optional Soft Tube plugins which are very much becoming the industry standard.

For the main vocal microphone and recording chain, we recommended the Telefunken AK47 MkII Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone connected to a Neve 1073DPA Dual Preamp and Tube Tech CL1B Mono Valve Compressor.

Josh wanted a true ‘all round’ solution for his main vocal mic. Although Josh will mainly be recording his own vocal within the studio, naturally he works with other singer/songwriters too so the mic needed to be versatile for all types of vocals plus acoustic instruments. After countless demo’s and trials with many producers, we find the Telefunken AK47mk II to be a preferable choice due to the detailed, full bodied tone it provides while be excellent value for money too.

To isolate the sound we recommended the Kaotica Eyeball Portbable Vocal Booth. The AK47mkII & Kaotica Eyeball were mounted to a Latchlake MicKing 1100 Heavy Duty Microphone Stand.

For monitoring, Josh was comfortable with the Focal Trio 6BE Active Monitor Speakers having worked with them within other producer’s studios. Focal was the choice for headphone monitoring too due to their natural sound being excellent for both vocal recording and mixing too. For monitor control we recommended the Art Headamp Pro 6 Headphone Amplifier and the SPL 2381 Monitor Talkback Controller.

Kazbar Systems also supplied all cabling along with full studio setup.