alchemy acoustic labs

Audio Clips

corey01 These sound-clips were recorded under controlled conditions at a professional recording studio using exactly the same room, same set-up, marked distances, microphone, and signal path [Shure SM-81 condenser microphone into a Neve BA183 pre amp with -45 gain, 48v phantom power, NO H.P. filter, NO pad engaged, No fades - directly into Nuendo DAW, no processing]. Guitarists Corey Congilio and Jim Relja played similar musical pieces each time so we could illustrate some of the differences in the guitars before and after the process had been applied.

How To Listen:

It’s extremely challenging to reproduce the affects of the AO1 process in a way that can be really appreciated using audio files that are compressed into MP3, converted to Flash and then played via typical computer speakers. Some of the more obvious, dramatic improvements are those of dynamic range and loudness, and those get “normalized” by the digital process. Our recommendation is to listen to these with headphones on. A big part of the process is the PHYSICAL experience of playing the guitar after its been processed, so audio alone – no matter how perfectly recorded is not going to be the whole story. But it’s certainly part of it. If you’re interested in the process, contact us about higher quality sound files.

Maui’s Collings D2H MRA Varnish

Tech Notes: We’re putting this one up for Maui and the good folks on the Collings Forum. Again, we want to emphasize that this is the same guitar, same strings, same player, same studio, mic, mic placement – everything. And absolutely NO post EQ, compression or other studio “tricks” were employed. For some behind the scenes video go HERE.

Post AO1 Comments:
“A lot more volume. This one reminds me of a couple of really nice old D-28’s I’ve had in the store…” – Jim Relja

“The changes have been immensely positive and substantial… ” – Maui (owner)

Collings D2H Track 01 (Before A01 Process)

Collings D2H Track 01 (After A01 Process)

Collings D2H Track 02 (Before AAL A01 Process)

Collings D2H Track 02 (After AAL A01 Process)

Olson SJ

Tech Notes: Again, we want to emphasize that this is the same guitar, same strings, same player, same studio, mic, mic placement – everything. And absolutely NO post EQ, compression or other studio “tricks” were employed.

Olson SJ Track 01 (Before AAL A01 Process)

Olson SJ Track 01 (After AAL A01 Process)

Apologies to J. T. but this just seemed fitting:

Olson SJ Track 02 (Before AAL A01 Process)

Olson SJ Track 02 (After AAL A01 Process)

Collings D2HG

Tech Notes: As always, the “before” clip was recorded with the same attack and velocity as the “after” clip. All settings and distances were exactly the same for both recordings. Absolutely NO post EQ, compression or other studio “tricks” were employed.

Post AO1 Comments: “The first time I played it, it was a good guitar but it was a stiff guitar. It sounded like a new guitar. Now there’s a lot more sustain and it’s an easier guitar to play now. It was a harder guitar to play before, because it didn’t have this sustain. It’s amazing.” – Jim Relja

Collings D2HG (Before AAL A01 Process)

Collings D2HG (After AAL A01 Process)

Tippin Crescendo

Tech Notes: The Tippin in particular should be listened to with headphones to hear the dynamic range improvement after the process was conducted.

Post AO1 Comments: “There’s just more of an instant connection between your hands and the notes…This sounds more like what you would hear in your headphones.” – Corey Congilio

Tippin Crescendo (Before AAL A01 Process)

Tippin Crescendo (After AAL A01 Process)

Martin Golden Era 00018

Post AO1 Comments: “Certainly had a less lively feel when it first got here. Without question, much easier to the touch. You can feel more resonance now. It feels like this is as much sound as can come out of a guitar like this.” – Corey Congilio

Martin 00018 Golden Era (Before AAL A01 Process)

Martin 00018 Golden Era (After AAL A01 Process)