On June 5th, 2019, TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik filmed and recorded a performance of the song Goodnight Train, written by Gerry Rafferty, and performed by Eli Wulmeier and his band at Bedrock LA Studios in Los Angeles, CA.
The session was tracked with the new Alchemy Microphone Series, TELEFUNKEN’s next generation of large diaphragm tube condensers. These microphone models feature unique sonic profiles developed from the ground up at TELEFUNKEN’s American facility with vintage circuitry, modern fidelity and superior reliability. Whether it’s the home studio or a commercial facility, the Alchemy Microphone Series is suited for any recording environment.
The three unique voices of the new Alchemy Microphone Series, the TF29/39 Copperhead, the TF47 and the TF51 were all utilized on nearly every instrument and vocal. The comparable audio sources for this session are: Male Lead Vocals, Female Backing Vocals (Figure-8 polar patter), Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar Amplifier, Bass Amplifier, Rhodes Amplifier and Mono Drum Overheads.
Every source was recorded in mono with each microphone in cardioid configuration (except the female backing vocals). All three microphones are recorded through the studios API 1608 console, direct into a Digidesign 192 at 24bit/48K resolution and captured via Pro Tools HD.
NOTE: For the purpose of this comparison, only the TF39 Copperhead Deluxe was used to represent the “Copperhead” sound. The TF29 and TF39 in cardioid exhibit the same exact characteristics. In addition, the M82, M80-SH, M81-SH and M60 FET were also utilized to close mic the drums. These audio files are also presented in this session.
We encourage you to download these files to hear the new TF39, TF47 and TF51 in comparison use in your own studio or playback environment. The files can also be mixed as a complete song performance.
L to R: Eli Wulmeier (electric guitar, vocals), Ben Reddell (Rhodes), Alan Venitosh (TELEFUNKEN Director Of Operations), Daniel Christiansen (videographer), Kay Myers (backing vocals), Phil Feinman (Bedrock LA owner), Sei Sie Benhoff (backing vocals), Eric Rennaker (Bedrock Studio Engineer, kneeling left), Donniel Drew (videographer, kneeling right).