Open Field specializes in acoustic music. Providing Recording, Editing, and Mastering services to bring out your best sound. Owned and operated by Branic Howard.
When it’s classical, jazz, avant, or folk music, or most any recording project in a non-standard location, Open Field can make it happen. I believe that site specificity is important to recording & strive to capture a sound that is true to the nuance of performance.
As a mastering engineer, my approach is focused on optimal sound quality and translation. Through careful listening and minimal processing I provide my clients with a master they are proud to share with the world.
Recording
since 2008
On Location Recording
Capturing a sonic imprint of a natural situation requires specialized, accurate equipment. Open Field uses high quality audio gear regarded for these traits. I have developed listening skills to know what approach to lead with and have worked on hundreds of recordings. I often use highly accurate condenser microphones from Schoeps and Sennheiser, and the beautiful tone of ribbon mics from AEA and Coles, Pueblo Audio JR 2/2 and SONOSAX are my microphone preamps. For converters I use SONOSAX, MERGING Technologies ANUBIS, Mytek, and are the AD/DA to my recording chain. I can provide multi-channel PCM or stereo DSD digital recordings.
We choose gear that helps capture and convey the emotion of your recording.
Mastering
since 2015
Mastering Deliverables
Mastering may include deliverables such as DDPs for CD, high-resolution files for download and/or for streaming, vinyl pre-masters for lacquer cutting, as well as 320kbps MP3s.
Attended Session
Take an active role in producing your final product. Attended sessions are billed at $65/hour. A typical album takes about 6-8 hours.
Signal Chain Custom designed tri-amped monitors, Bryston amplifiers, MERGING Technologies convertors and digital console, Gyraf Audio G23-S Ambler Tilt Equalizer, D.A.V. Electronics No.3 Mastering Equalizer, the Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Buss Processor, and several digital tools.