What Console Problem?

What Console Problem?

Last summer, Vibe 56 installed one of the first Digidesign D-Command consoles in the Nashville area. Having had experiences with only analog consoles in the past (SSL, Neve....the usual suspects), I wasn't sure what to expect from this "big mouse".

From a maintenance perspective, it really couldn't be simpler. I'm still getting used to downloading a file, rather than pulling up the master section to address the very few issues we've had with this console.

The most major issue we've experienced was an intermittent talkback button, that was addressed by upgrading the firmware in the XMON - which is the interface between the console and the rest of the world. That's certainly a different fix than having to replace the burned-out bulb in the Neve talkback button. (or was that the monitor selector that wouldn't work when a bulb burned out on a Neve?)

We recently stamped-out a really minor, intermittent problem with the pan knobs on channels 12 and 14 (or 4 and 6 on the middle fader bank). Digidesign simply came and swapped out the circuit board that the knobs were attached to. The most time-consuming part was pulling the console out of the desk, which really wasn't all that difficult. It was actually kinda cool to finally have a repair that required more than hooking up a firewire drive.

So, now that the board is 100% I guess it must be about time to upgrade something else around here. Where's that plug-in that makes a 57 sound like it's a Telefunken U47?

Songwriter Fest / Vibe 56 Open House

June 17-18 2006
Vibe 56 Open House!

Mark your calendars!

Vibe 56 has registered to participate in the upcoming Nashville Songwriter's Festival taking place in just a few weeks. Our doors will be open to anyone interested in checking out the vibe of our facility.

Myself and associates of the studio will be on hand from 10am to 6pm both Saturday and Sunday to give a tour and answer any questions about our recording studio.

More information about the festival can be found at the Nashville Songwriter's Festival website: www.songwritersfestival.com

Vibe on the Row

Vibe on the Row

A minor hard drive crash took most of the photos I had lined up for this blog a couple of weeks ago. Actually, I don't think there's any such thing as a "minor" hard drive crash.

We're busy springing into summer mode here on Nashville's music row. Should I capitalize "Music Row"? I probably should since it's such an important part of that whole "Music City" nickname that Nashville has.

We've had a flurry of clients through our doors and I'll have some pictures posted soon.

CAD Ad

CAD Ad

Vibe 56 Studio owner Tony Harrell graces the current ad for CAD microphones.

"I love the e300! Great top end, with a smooth response. The e100's are great as a pair for acoustic stereo imaging."
- Tony Harrell - producer / 1st call Nashville session keyboardist

Rusty McFarland, who mixed the bed music for the CMA's here at Vibe 56, is also featured in the ad.

Another frequent visitor to the studio, Pat Buchanan, completes the Vibe-trifecta in this particular advertisement. Pat is a 1st call Nashville session guitarist. He's also toured with Hall and Oates, so his kiss is on my list.

Naturally, we have serveral CAD microphones here at the studio. We have a pair of e100's, a pair of e300's, the tube-powered M9, and more on the way!

Special thanks to CAD representative Tony O'Keefe!

It's A Vibration!

CJ Wants U
...to spell it out already.

This would be a lot more exciting if I wasn't starting this blog to completely skirt the issue of the fact that I am helpless with the style sheets.

What are Style Sheets?


My name is CJ Sorg and I'm the studio manager for Vibe 56, a recording studio on Nashville's music row. I take care of the studio in general, including all the booking and trash taking outing.

Thankfully, I've got a song here for us to kick off the festivities, as we metaphorically break a champagne bottle against the bow of this blog vessel.

It's called, "Vibration" - and you should do it!

Vibration ( mp3 / 5.3MB / 3:49 )

That song is on one of the many demo CDs that show up at the studio on a regular basis. I'll post some more of the highlights from time to time, or at least until I get served with a cease and desist letter.

You can actually email those, and any other questions, comments, suggestions, and corrections to me at cj@vibe56.com.

Although we're trying to have a bit of fun with this, Vibe 56 is serious business with regards to being a great creative environment for recording and mixing professional audio. The studio is located in the heart of Nasville's music row, and is the perfect place for full band tracking, overdubs, and mixing.

The studio itself got rolling during the summer of 2005. 36 years too late for Bryan Adams to include a verse about it in his song. On October 27, 2005, Vibe 56 celebrated with a open-house party. Soon after, Nashville's audio elite started trickling through our doors.

We've been extremely fortunate to have already hosted many sessions with an amazing span of songwriters, producers, engineers, and top-tier session players.

I'm really happy that that interview at Lowe's didn't go so well.