RSR269 – Bill Cheney – Spectra 1964 & The STX 600 Complimiter - Recording Studio Rockstars

RSR269 – Bill Cheney – Spectra 1964 & The STX 600 Complimiter

Bill showed off the new STX 600 Complimiter from Spectra1964, explained the importance of accurate phase in mic pre-design, why power efficiency is so important in 500 series modules, How to correctly set your input and output knobs and much more!

My guest today is Bill Cheney co-owner with Jim Romney of Spectra1964. Bill designs mic pre amps, eqs, and compressor limiters for studios following in the footsteps of William Dilley who founded the original Spectra Sonics company in 1964. 

Bill has been a guest on the podcast before to talk about the history of Spectra Sonics and Spectra 1964 on episode RSR227. So if you want to learn more about the background go back and check that episode out. Bill talked about the original Spectra 101 amplifier circuit, its original role in the military as part of the Minute Man missile defence system, and the history of the Spectra consoles at the Record Plant and Stax Studio.

Today Bill and Jim are taking the classic sound of the Spectra 101 amplifier and retrofitting it into 500 modules to allow us to get that same incredible sound in our pro and home studios. Bill has already brought us the STX100 mic pre, the STX 500 eq, and now has also taken the classic C610 complimiter design and found a way to add that as well bringing us the STX600 Complimiter Microphone Preamplifier.

So today we're going to catch up with Bill and Spectra1964 find out what's new and learn more about the new STX 600 module and how to properly record with them.

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Thanks To Our Sponsors:


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The new STX series is modeled after the 100 series amplifiers used by Tom Dowd, Muscle Shoals, and The Record Plant. Hear my voice on the STX100 and C610 Complimiter in the podcast intro. - Spectra1964.com


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iZotope RX and Ozone are on every podcast episode mix to make sure you never miss a single word of wisdom on Recording Studio Rockstars. If you want crystal clear mixes go to iZotope.com/Rockstars and use the code ROCK10 to get and extra 10% off. 


Over 50 years API audio has created mic pres, compressors, eqs, and the original 500 Series Lunchbox following founder Saul Walker’s original proprietary Op-Amp and transformer designs to make sure you always get that legendary “API Sound” at APIaudio.com


At Soundporter.com, home of the iterative mastering process, Brian Murphree will listen to your needs and help you get your mix ready for mastering. Contact Brian now for a free mix review and mastering demo at Soundporter.com

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Watch More On Youtube:


Website links: 
Spectra1964.com
RSRockstars.com/227

Additional podcast editing and production by:
Brayden Stremming
Hugh Macdonald
Vlad Vasilcenko

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