As one of the world’s most respected classical music and acoustic recording producers, Marlan Barry takes the time to understand each individual’s or ensemble’s approach to music making. Barry brings a dedicated commitment to detail, a comprehensive knowledge of the classical and contemporary repertoire and a history of critically acclaimed recordings to every session. He recently turned to DPA Microphones’ d:dicate 4003 Omnidirectional Microphone, 130 V, for his work with celebrated lyric tenor Nicholas Phan for his new album, Gods & Monsters, recorded at Skywalker Sound.
“I was first introduced to DPA when it was formerly known as B&K while training at the Cleveland Institute of Music by Thomas Knab, the head of the recording department,and by Jack Renner, co-owner and chief recording engineer for Telarc,” said Barry. “I did a lot of orchestral recording with several different DPA microphones. Both Tom and Jack remain two of my biggest recording influences to this day. From that point, a colleague introduced me to the d:dicate 4003, which is the high-voltage model of the d:dicate 4006, and I just loved it. Whenever I use this mic, it gives an exceptionally clear picture of whatever source is in front of it, as was the case with Nicholas Phan’s newest album.”
Recorded at Skywalker Sound, Gods & Monsters features a collaboration between Phan and pianist Myra Huang. “The biggest challenge at Skywalker Sound is having to choose between almost any microphone that was ever made, which can be disconcerting and overwhelming,” explained Barry. “The mic locker at Skywalker is insane. Nonetheless, I chose two d:dicate 4003’s as my main pair for their clarity, transient response, openness and flawless sound. With the 4003, I like how there is no coloration whatsoever and how the high-quality voltage option extends the frequency response of the microphone more than I thought was possible. I wanted something as clear and as open as possible for a main stereo picture and I got just that with the d:dicate 4003. A special thanks to Dann Thompson, Leslie Ann Jones and the rest of the amazing crew at Skywalker for making my experience there such a joy. The album sounds absolutely amazing.”
In addition to Gods & Monsters, Barry also just recently finished recording a project for a major European label with the Trinity Wall Street Choir and Baroque Orchestra where d:dicate 4003s also served as his main pair of mics. “DPA’s d:dicate 4003 will always be an option for me. I have several different microphones and the d:dicate 4003s are without a doubt among my new favorite, go-to solutions.”
Marlan Barry specialises in orchestral, chamber, operatic, electro-acoustic and jazz recordings. In addition to recording and producing acclaimed musicians, chamber groups and orchestras in New York and Tri-State metropolitan area, Marlan served as the head recording engineer and musical producer for Houston Grand Opera, producing its commercial releases and national radio broadcasts for 15 years. Barry travels all over the country recording musicians, produces and engineers for many different major labels, including Deutsche Grammophon, Naxos, Avie, Virgin, Albany Records and many more. He recently assumed the recording and post-production responsibilities for The Orchestra Now main concert series, as well as The Bard Music Festival at the Fisher Centre for the Performing Arts at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY.
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