Robben Ford Discussion

[Groovecross]

Hi Dave,

Can you divulge the typical (and I'm sure it varies and changes) mic set up for Robben's sound in the studio? Close mic, type and how far from the cab? Room mic? If so, what type and how far from the cab? Also, does he have a favorite preamp that he normally goes for... and what type tube or solid state?

Thanks for the assistance,
Michael Lewis
myspace.com/sessionguitarist
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Michael Lewis
Formerly of Nashville, TN, now in Spokane, WA
www.MichaelLewisGuitars.com
http://myspace.com/sessionguitarist http://www.RadicalTone.com

[AndyR]

Michael,

I had a chance to check out your website and MySpace.

Great Tone!!! Watch out, Robben!!!

Some of the material was evocative of the Larsen/Feiten Full Moon groups, really well done.

Best luck in your future endevors!



Andy

[FatTeleTom]

Daved does has some info that might be helpful on his "All Access" site (see link above). For example, see:

http://hometown.aol.com/fordnotes/RFinthestudio.html

and click on the 2,3,and 4 buttons below for some studio setup pics and info.

Tom

[Groovecross]

Hi Andy, thanks for the kind remarks!

Hi Tom, thanks for the suggestion... I checked out those pics but couldn't find any where I could make out the microphones clearly. I'm also thinking there is probably a room mic that is normally used, but I couldn't see one in those pictures.

And for Dave, one more question, I've been listening carefully to the tone on one of Robben's tunes (Brother) and I'm also wondering what type of speaker cable you folks are using? Is it just a regular speaker cable or does it wired in a special way to account for the Dumbleator?

Thank you!
Michael Lewis
http://youtube.com/radicaltone
_________________
Michael Lewis
Formerly of Nashville, TN, now in Spokane, WA
www.MichaelLewisGuitars.com
http://myspace.com/sessionguitarist http://www.RadicalTone.com

[Daved]

Sorry Michael, but, not being a sound-technician or engineer, I pay relatively little attention to what mics the studio crew use to capture Robben's sound. I deal with maintaining the musical instruments and backline, and let the recording experts deal with the rest... and yes, I CAN tell you that it varies from studio to studio, album to album, and engineer to engineer. Every one has their own ear and their own idea of how to record.

As for speaker cable, the Planetwave speaker cables sound great to Robben. I also like to use custom made cables utilizing 4 to 6 feet of High Definition/High Strand 12 gauge copper professional speaker wire with Switchcraft 1/4 inch speaker plugs on the end.

The Dumbleator is merely an FX loop and has little, if anything (as far as I know), to do with the type of speaker cable we use. However, we DO use silver wire leads, about 4 feet long, especially made by Dumble for connecting the Dumbleator to the Overdrive.
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B C-ing U!
( }:-Daved
"This boy's diseased with rhythm!" -Bing Crosby (Road To Rio, '49)