MAD Dragon Studios

MAD Dragon Studios—Ryan Schwabe

Who:	Ryan Schwabe
What:	Studio Manager, Studio Designer, Sound Engineer, Professor
Where:	Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Gear:	V14s, API 3124s, 560s, 5500

From the Front:

"Last year, everyone at MAD Dragon Studios decided to remove our analog console from Studio C and replace it with an Avid C|24. When we did this, we realized we needed some great outboard preamps and EQs to fill the void in digital signal processing. We replaced our console with various preamps including the API 3124 and a 500 series rack filled with JDK V14s and API 560s and a 5500, which now allows us to mix and match between modules to find the perfect combination.

"For the price, you can't beat the V14s. They have that special color, but not the special cost to go with it. I specifically like how the V14s can overlap bands in either the low, mid or high frequencies. So, I can have two bands crossover from 100 to 250hz on the lows, or from 500 to 1K on the mids and from 2K to 5K on the highs. That lets me get that stressed-out, push-and-pull sound that you normally only get out of expensive EQs. The in/out switch is great, too. Too many designers overlook this feature.

"The API and JDK gear works in so many different situations that we plan on outfitting more of our rooms with a similar set-up as all our rooms move from being analog console-based to controller-based. The only way we can make that transition work is by outfitting our rooms with trusty API and JDK pres and EQs."

About MAD Dragon Studio:

Part of The Music Industry Program in The Department of Arts and Entertainment Enterprise at Drexel University, MAD Dragon Studios houses five recording studios with two SSL4000G+'s, a remote recording rig and a mastering rig. Studio Manager Ryan Schwabe is responsible for the construction, budgeting and design of MAD Dragon Studios, which services upwards of 220 music industry students. The recording spaces are used by artists who are a part of the Drexel record label, MAD Dragon Records, and for student academic recording projects. Artists who have used the facility include Dr. Dog (who mixed two songs off their new album "Shame, Shame" last year) and new acts The Spinning Leaves, Hezekia Jones, The West Philadelphia Orchestra and Kuf Knotz.

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