Neve's latest 1073LB and 88RLB mic preamps have established themselves as a great high-quality, precise option for studios and professional applications.
This lockdown has been devastating, and especially hard for live music professionals. For drummer John Blease, however, it hasn't all been bad, since he has taken advantage of the time to upgrade his studio and focus on producing his own music.
Among the additions to his studio are the 1073LB and 88RLB preamps, for microphones and mono microphones respectively. Their sound is unmistakable, just like that of his Neve 88RS console, which gives him everything he needs from a professional control room.
John is a consummate professional with more than 20 years of experience backing great artists. He began his career playing for ceilidh bands in Scotland before moving to London to break into the world of touring and production. He is currently the drummer in Robert Plant's band, the Sensational Space Shifters, and has also worked with artists such as Paolo Nutini, Goldie, Seal, Goldfrapp, Ghostpoet, Pete Tong, Jamie Cullum, Skepta, Ben Folds and the Heritage Orchestra.
Six years ago, John set up his own studio in Brockley, in southeast London. And although he mainly uses the facility for his own purposes, he has also made it available for some string, piano and vocal sessions.
"The studio is inside a business center, so everyone who is part of the space has that sense of togetherness you get in communities. I have various pieces of professional recording gear from different brands there, and now I have Neve units too."
Investing in Neve was something John was already familiar with, though, since he has worked with their gear on several occasions in some commercial studios.
Since installing his first units, John has continued to rely on them for test recordings for his next studio album, which he will produce at Universal Music's Abbey Road Studios. He has also used his preamps for some remote recordings or in other studios.
"The signature sound of the 1073 is known to everyone: close, precise and with just the right balance. They make the work easier because they capture practically any musical essence perfectly."
John is still trying out his new 88RLBs, but says he is already experiencing their benefits. "I love their distinctive clarity. This may have been my first purchase, but I'm sure many more will follow."
