The world needs artistry. Producers, musicians, and storytellers need to create. Blue Rock delivers high quality media tools and unforgettable experiences — audio and video sessions, LIVE streaming, workshops, concerts, mixing, all in inspired spaces. Contact us (info@bluerocktexas.com) and let's get your project going. Sign up for the newsletter. Come see us for a tour.
Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Converter
We are fans of Rupert Neve Designs, everything they do, and, yet, this piece is special.
Since our production process is analog and the music distribution network is digital, we convert everything we record and mix. The Master Bus Converter by RND is a two-channel analog to digital converter. Its innovation, besides being faithful to the original sound, is the addition of a limiter and a signature “silk” circuit to control peaks and selectively enhance harmonic content. The MBC is incredibly useful for our live broadcasts where dynamic peaks are often unforeseen and this technology is perfectly suited to manage them. We love the smooth work flow it provides on everything we do. So all that comes out of Blue Rock goes through this one-of-a-kind converter.
SHADOW HILLS MASTERING COMPRESSOR
This is the first in a series of features on specific tools we love and lean on. At first glance, this box may look like rocket science but despite its sophistication, this compressor is extremely simple. The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor is a go-to processor for us here at Blue Rock for several reasons.
We love looking at it (those big, bakelite knobs!), but we love using it even more on most everything from Kelly Willis to Band Of Heathens. It features two channels and two stages of compression, VCA and optical, especially effective for vocals or on the stereo bus. Added to this, three selectable output transformers—Iron, Nickel, Steel—that each offer a distinct tone profile to the source.
Austin-based Peter Reardon and team bring only a special few releases to market and we get excited by each. This is one of the great things about the creative community here.
NEW RELEASE
A story of rediscovery: Greg Whitfield and Billy Crockett (Blue Rock owner/producer) were in rival rock bands in Richardson, TX. Now, 50 years later, they found each other again and made his new album. Greg's guitar work is of a rare class and each song is a gem -- personal stories from the long road. FOOTPRINTS, involves world class sidemen Glenn Fukunaga (bass), Rick Richards (drums) and others including the late great Gene Elders on fiddle. Listen via streaming services, visit Greg's website to get a CD, and see his show calendar. Here's to all good things, in time.
- "OCCUPY BLUE ROCK" ARTIST RESIDENCY
Tune in April 20th for a very special installment of Blue Rock FRESH! This 7-day artist residency never fails to bring a new excitement and perspective to the creative process. Each artist drops everything for a week, and gives full attention to developing fresh work. On the final night, they bring us into the flow with stories and original songs, new and old favorites. Experience the wonderfully raw songwriting of Sav Madigan, Wes Collins, Emily Scott Robinson, and Billy Crockett during this intimate in-the-round performance. Join us in person, or from the comfort of your couch via livestream.