M ic collection
GEAR LIST
Control Hardware & Software
Avid Control|24 Surface
Apogee Symphony I/O (24 x 24)
Apple Mac Pro
Apple Logic Audio
Avid Pro Tools 12
Monitors & Headphones
Avantone MixCubes
Genelec 1031As
Yamaha HS50Ms
Yamaha HS80Ms
Yamaha HS10W Subwoofer
Bryston 3B Amplifier (x 2)
Fostex/AKG/Sony Headphones
Realistic/Optimus Bookshelf Speakers
Preamps & Equalizers
API 512b (x 4)
API 550b (x 2)
BAE (Neve) 1073 (x 6)
BAE (Neve) 1084 (x 2)
Chandler Limited Germanium Pre/DI
Focusrite ISA220
Great River Electronics MP-2NV
Manley Massive Passive Stereo Tube EQ
Neve 5432 Sidecar (34128 Modules x 8)
Vintech 473
Compressors
ADR Vocal Stressor F769X-R
Alan Smart C1
dbx 160 (x 2)
dbx 161 (x 2)
Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor
Empirical Labs EL8-X Distressor
Empirical Labs Fatso
Standard Audio LEVEL-OR (x 2)
Summit Audio TLA-100
SPL Transient Designer (4-channel)
Tube Tech CL1B
Universal Audio 1176 (x 2)
Universal Audio LA-2A
Vintech 609CA
using a large format console. Down the line,
however, Bonenfant is hoping to add a smaller
format board to their audio arsenal – perhaps
an API 1608.
“Even though we went away from the
console format, I think people are coming back
to it now,” he says, adding that most audio
manufacturers have developed gear that fits
well with the way Dream House functions and its
clients work. “So, hopefully in the not-too-distant
future, we’ll see something like that as a part of
the studio.”
With that, and every other decision they
make in terms of upgrades and improvements,
their focus remains on enhancing the
atmosphere and ensuring clients can inhabit a
space that’s conducive to creation.
“We’re both music fans and that is always
going to be at the forefront,” Bonenfant enthuses.
“We’re also fans of individuals, of people, and
we want to champion people with vision and a
tireless work ethic. I think that’s been the culture
here over the years.”
The community has changed over time, but
its members share that ethic, as well as a love of
songs – regardless of their differing tastes, styles,
and processes.
Going forward, Gough sums up: “I think it
would be really cool to continue what we’ve been
doing for another five, 10, or 20 years – as long
as we can, because when we first opened the
studio, I know that both of us…”
“…DIDN’T THINK THE STUDIO WOULD LAST A
COUPLE OF MONTHS,” Bonenfant puts in. “Even
if Dream House isn’t in this building, I think
the community we’ve worked with, we’ll
continue to work with for years to come.
They’re an extended family to us. I don’t think
any of us are focused on being gear nerds or
studio nerds; we’re all focused on the people
we work with and the songs we work on. I
think that perspective will never change.”
Kevin Young is a Toronto-based
musician and freelance writer.
Condenser Mics
AKG 451 (x 2)
AKG 414 (x 2)
Blue Microphones Kiwi
Lawson L251 (tube)
Lawson L47FET
Neumann U87 (vintage) (x 2)
Neumann 582 (vintage tube)
Neumann M 149 (x 2)
Shure Beta 91
Dynamic Mics
AKG D112 (x 2)
Electro-Voice ND-468
Electro-Voice RE-20
Sennheiser 421 (x 2)
Shure Beta 52
Shure Beta 57
Shure SM57 (x 2)
Shure SM7 (x 2)
Yamaha Sub Kick
Ribbon Mics
Apex 210 (x 2)
Beyerdynamic M130
Beyerdynamic M160 (x 2)
Beyerdynamic M260
Coles 4038 (x 2)
Royer 121
DIs & Misc.
Avalon U5
Radial JD7
Radial JDI
Radial X-AMP
PROFESSIONAL SOUND • 29