Kevin Gray - Cohearent Records
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024
- This is a story of Kevin Gray's relentless passion to create the very best sound recordings using vacuum tube amplification technology, which first became possible in 1907.
Kevin Gray, owner of Cohearent Audio, combined his talents of mastering and cutting lacquers for vinyl record pressings, and his expertise in electrical engineering to create his very unique all-valve (tube) recording chain - from the microphones to the cutter head. Building all the electronics himself - a 15-year quest - Kevin has now recorded and released his very first production on his new label, with saxophonist Kirsten Edkins titled "Shapes and Sound".
No one else comes close to this all-tube system and the sound has been described as a classic "Blue-Note" recording. Additionally, Kevin built a studio to record artists for his brand-new record label - Cohearent Records.
Kevin is truly an audio renaissance man!
This first Cohearent Records release (featuring Kirsten Edkins) is available now in the United States at Elusive Disc, Acoustic Sounds, The 'In' Groove and Music Direct. Also available in the United Kingdom at F Minor Ltd. and in the European Union at Sieveking Sound in Germany. The first pressing is selling out fast, but more are on the way.
Mastered by Kevin Gray (of course), 180 gram pressing at RTI, premium Tip-On jackets made by Spark Printing.
Enjoy!
© 2023 Cohearent Records & Ben Williams Films
This man deserves many awards.
And a new kitchen and living room! (LOL)
As a retired electronics engineer that design, developed and manufactured television broadcast equipment over many year I am in awe of what Kevin has achieved. My early electronic studies started in 1972 so I grew up with solid valve theory and solid state. Blown away with how Kevin has design centric valves and being able to get them to perform in the purest sense of their capabilities. Awesome engineering….
Kevin the dedication to your craft is something to behold.
Kevin Gray - a true alchemist of audio
1:43 "It took *15 years* to accomplish this."
3:36 "[Disc cutting] was quite a project ... I started that in *2009* but I didn't actually complete [it] until *2020."*
These humble and (largely) unsung heroes of such profound artistry, dedication and ingenuity leave me truly gobsmacked.😳
What Kevin has done was precisely my goal in sharing Rudy's incredible story and achievements. I hoped it would inspire other entrepreneurial recordists to also do great things and be masters of their own destiny, just like Rudy was.
This video was very professional and well done. Seeing Kevin go through everything helps me understand just how brilliant he, Rudy, and other independent engineers like Roy DuNann were for being able to have mastery over so much equipment.
Thats was an awesome shout out. Keep up the great work.
they are truly masters making the masters
Wow, totally impressive. I can't wait to hear the results from all that passion that went into all that work. Thank you Kevin Gray.
It sounds as it should. Just phenomenal. Having all musicians play together without numerous overdubs doesn't hurt either though.
Wonderful Kevin. What a long journey. Your work shows. Congratulations. ❤️🔥
"The studio is not for hire." Well that just broke a lot of hearts..
There will be a new tube studio in Greece that will be for hire.
This is so cool, I do all my home recordings on tape (either r2r 2/4track or 4 track cassette), and my friends call it the path of maximum resistance.
The main thing about jazz recordings of that era is most of the players were playing two gigs a day. The greats back then could set up live in a studio with just a few mics and play with absolute conviction, confidence and creativity because they were literally "on" all the time. Much of Miles' Kind of Blue was first takes with no rehearsal. The audio sound was warm and appropriate, but it's the players that made that music. Looking forward to hearing some cool sounds from you!
Yes, if you watch the 1985 Blue Note concert, Joe Henderson on sax you can see him moving his instrument around the mic for a different sound. Those guys could just walk in and do it, that's their life. God bless them all
I read some where that Coltrane would show up 4 hours early to recording sessions, stand in a corner and practice scales.
@@11219tt Imagine you play with Miles, and theses guys was perfectionnists, that why we still talk about them, i LOVE Kind Of Blue for that
so true, its a daily operation
In an age of dirty cheap digital "music" production, Kevin is the healthy counterpart, God bless him!
and shiva
I have such respect for anyone that puts in the work and time to make something like this happen. It comes from such a pure place -- it's the spot on definition of the cliche "labor of love". Congratulations Kevin.
God bless you sir! Keep up the fantastic work. You're making music great again!
Absolutely brilliant work to make sure this technology remains with us
So great!!!!!! Kevin is the best, and so glad he's expanding into this realm of activity!
I’m so happy for you, Kevin! Thank you for sharing your passion with the world. I greatly respect the years of dedication, hard work, perseverance and money I’m sure, you invested into this phenomenal accomplishment.
I haven't heard of Coherent records, but this man, Kevin Gray has built a studio that I have been dreaming of for 40 years. Tube/Valve blows away digital in every aspect. There needs to be MORE studios dedicated to tube technology. I wish he would reconsider making the studio "for hire."
There is a new studio being built in Greece that will have great acoustics, in house disk mastering systems, and even tube recording systems. All in a great location by the sea, forests, and mountains. Yes that one will be for hire but I do not think it is open yet.
Kevin is the man. A lot of knowledge and expertise about disc cutting right there - and a true love for the craft. I own many, many records he’s cut but never had a project of my own mastered by Kevin… I really hope to change that soon!
I have a huge admiration for people such as Kevin Gray who are masters in their trade. The one question that keeps on coming back to me is what the future of the vinyl industry is. This industry is populated with very talented people such as Kevin Gray and many others. But they all have one thing in common: they are not young people (like me...). This means that there is a lot of knowledge that will be potentially lost in the future. And that is a potential danger for the vinyl community. Are there any young people (as in the next generation) being educated on these technologies and the knowledge surrounding vinyl technology?
It'll soon die out. Streaming will dominate again very soon when people have had enough of this hobby.
I immediately started looking for the new album. Looking forward to buying it!
This is amazing. I wish my streaming platform had this record, as TH-cam compresses the sound too much and doesn't do its microdynamics justice. But I guess what I just wrote is anathema, as it's on vinyle of course.
I agree that the 50s and 60s brought some of the most natural, best sounding records ever made, so this quest is far from futile, it's essential.
I would love Mr Carlson of Carlson's Lab channel to have a look at these beautiful electronics.
Kevin Gray is an AURAL TREASURE, and probably the MAIN reason why i'm so enjoying this resurgence of vinyl. Wonderful ears and sensitivity. Wonderful doc. thank you !!
What a capture of Kevin's vision and his sonic impact on the record industry. Thank you for archiving this message! So much inspiration for audio engineers, artists, and mastering engineers worldwide.
thank you for doing this. this is important work.
Kevin is a true audio mastering engineer who really cares for audiophile sound quality and I really appreciate that he is not involved in the damn "Loudness War" which has given compact discs a bad name which this medium does not deserve.
His all analog vinyl mastering is second to none. (Okay, Bernie Grundman and Ryan Smith know how to master vinyl records, too^)
True American engineering, a gift for the arts.
18 IPS @ 60Hz!! I was rolling on the floor, had to loop that a couple of times! Exactly and Absolutely brilliant designs all the way through the signal path. Even sounds good from youtube going through my Rodgers LS7 speakers at the office. Not a detail missed that I can see - right down to the C37 electronics in on the mastering deck. Impressive setup, awesome sound.
I admire you following your passion for complete analog. Recently I was given an informal tour of the legendary Van Gelder Studio. Strangely, before his passing, Rudy became a big fan and user of digital! Clients wanted him to use his vinyl cutting machine on their projects and eventually he told them that it was broken so he wouldn't have to use it and go digital. 😂
What an amazing Video! Thank you! Kevin is doing something really importent here and I can't wait to get his releases 🥰
Kevin and Bernie G are absolute masters of their craft.
Congrats on your achievements Kevin and thank you for your contributions to the audio world! Fascinating insight.
Omg. So many buttons and controls. Gave me flashbacks of trying to program my VCR.
I can’t wait to hear it
Welp, I've got a new engineer hero. Badass stuff
Also, guessing Kevin is one of the few folks that knows exactly who Fred Plaut was. That makes me happy
This is just awesome.everything analog and all valve. It is more like a functioning studio museum and timeless. Great work. Love the video.
Multiple high fives and kudos to you Kevin. Looking forward to getting the albums you are creating from your studio and recording company. Your passion to get the music just right is inspirational. Keep up the terrific work.
Truly uplifting. Kevin's knowledge, enthusiasm and determination, just shows what can be done when the music and quality of recording is paramount. Long may this continue!
Amazing. I’ll be a regular customer. Already preordered Kirsten Edkins LP
I'm so impressed by Mr. Gray. I feel like he has a genius blend of extreme creativity and technical knowhow.
he has!
That's commitment that you have to respect.
Thank you for sharing this and I certainly am excited to hear this recording.
Congratulations!!!! Very inspiring, You’ve taken the art back to its roots at the highest level possible
Congratulations Kevin Gray on birth a New record label with incredible talent and fabulous gear! a very Happy New Year 2023!!
Great information, Great work!
Incredible vision & beautiful concept. I'm blown away by this.
It's ironic that they were recording incredible records in 50's but most people didn't have equipment to hear that fidelity.
Cool, I love this. 👍🙂
Bravo what an achievement! Can't praise Kevin Gray enough!
There is something special about those years
The way the instruments decay
Very musical
Holy Toledo. A true mastermind. I’ve been doing research for this exact approach for recording. Can’t believe that it actually exists. My hat goes off to you. Truly amazing!
Exceptional vision and engineering Kevin...and a STUDER C37 CCIR version.
I joined BBC Television in London during 1972. My first few weeks were in the massive Film Department...How massive? London alone had 183 NAGRA IV. They also received the first batch of NAGRA stereo machines.
At Television Center in the East Tower, there was a large transfer suite. Every conceivable format to deal with audio Xfrs to 16 or 35mm mag film from any format, any speed, any film frame rate and any frequency, this suite could handle it all.
This suite had two (2) C37’s. They looked like they had just left the factory..yet had been in daily use long before I arrived there.
The sound! Ahhhhhhh the sound! Overkill for film for TV, maybe....but to just lift the transport to have a look at the Swiss workmanship, if Mr. Studer had ever decided to make a watch, Rolex had better watch out!
That sound. There were occasions when we would roll one of the massive C37’s down the hall to a small theater that doubled as a music studio. This studio has Levers Rich recorders. The console typical of the era was a Neve. 20 channels, 8 groups. Yes the Neve “1970’s signature” sound.
About a mile away at the Lime Grove Studios, used for current affairs, on the 3rd floor was the Television Music Studio. The same Neve, with an 8 track Scully and Studer B62 (2) and a Levers Rich ¼ inch (kind-a like a British AMPEX)
While a different studio, the amazing rich sound and sparkle we captured on the C37 in the East Tower was something special...very special....and subjectively superior to that in Lime Grove.
BTW, it was at the Lime Grove TV Music studio in about 1973 (ca) we did all of the prerecords for the Osmonds TV appearances that took place in the BBC TV Theater at Shephard’s Bush, that was located behind the Lime Grove Complex....now long gone.
There were not all that many C37’s available in London. Kevin, might your C37 just be one of those?
Kind Regards,
Michael K. Leader
PROTECT THIS MAN AT ALL COSTS,
Amazing!
Wow…Outstanding work and especially phenomenal end result. I own many records mastered by you, Kevin, and they’re all spectacular. Thanks for the inside look into your studio. Thank you, Ben for making this video.
I'm speechless as far as superlatives go. Bravo!!!
As a fellow EE, and lover of music, vacuum tube audio, open reel analog magnetic tape, and vintage audio equipment in general, this tickles *so* many of my buttons! Wheeee!
I'm wondering if ¼" two-track open reel tape copies will be available...
😁
beautiful hardware, many greetings from Germany.
I love my Kirsten Edkins Cohearant Records album. I am anxiously waiting for more.
I was working in Radio, TV, and recording studios as a sound engineer, for 35-plus years. You have really captured the 50s/60s studio sound. So great to hear!
Congratulations Kevin. What an accomplishment and so much respect for great sound and classic audio. To me, you are like Blue Note's Rudy Van Gelder, Contemporary Records' Roy Dunann, I also think of Mercury Living Presence and RCA Living Stereo, which i think just hung three microphones to capture that wonderful soundstage in the halls they used. I'm also reminded of Lampredi, Colombo, Weber Carburetors....their engine designs pursued a perfection unmatched to this day. You guys are doing the same thing for us audiophiles and we appreciate it.
Outstanding, Kevin!! How cool is that! So glad your dream has finally come to fruition. Carry on!
Gear heaven, really like the way you talk about the early machine technology
a true maniac, just the right person for the job❤❤❤ lookin for this video because I admire his works
Wow, even the playback on on my laptop speakers is just... This is so cool!
Agree 100%! Even through the mobile phone speaker the accuracy and beautiful sonics are apparent
What an achievement and congratulations on your studio/ label all the best and much success.
I'm a total music head, this man gets my full respect for his dedication to the art and soul of music.
My jaw is on the floor. What a Master engineer. A truly coherent individual and professional and an accomplishment well-deserving praise and appreciation from any enthusiast or audiophile.
Wow! What an amazing vision and to be able to see it through over the long haul is quite a feat!
Congratulations and looking forward to the great music and sound from this passionate endeavor...well done!
I've not heard much of the album yet, but it definitely has that 50's jazz record sound. Sounds absolutely beautiful! This man is such an inspiration.
Wonderful work, a lot of dedication and commitment, the fruits and success will soon be seen. I would like you to also perform on reel to reel tapes since there are many of us who enjoy these machines.
Very cool........ It's nice that studios like this exist.
Wow ... what an making accomplishment ... this will inspire anyone to persue a vision ...im in the the middle of building a mobile home studio and feel overwhelmed at times...I will think of you
Wow 🎉 what an amazing setup brother!!! Congratulations and thank you for your passionate work you love to do 🙏
Great work as you can see and hear brings great fulfillment!
Passion, passion, passion!
nice tubes, nice natural sounds, thank you.
Magnifico!!! Grazie per aver mostrato queste straordinarie apparecchiature.
Amazing.. Definitely has that Blue Note vibe... Well Done!! 🙂
Awesome. You can feel the "warmth". I love the passion.
Wow. What an awesome tour and explanation of all the working parts and the time it took to build them.
Wow and congratulations on that journey and destination!
The first time that I ever saw/heard a Studer C-37 was at Sear Sound in NYC.
every recording technology needs this level of development to continue to fully explore what the possibilities are, and make sure we don't "lose the baby with the bathwater" as they continue to be developed. kudos.
Pure passion ❤👏
Just got the Kirsten Edkins album....so excited about what you're doing, and to hear this album.
The thumbnail is what got my attention, I thought he was using an old Urei/Bozak DJ mixer on his console. Turns out it's custom, still really cool
very impressive. well done.
This is absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing! ❤🎵✨
looks like a sweet spot! love those old jazz albums they sounded amazing.
Greatest recording ever!
The day I can record here will not happen, but great this place is real
amazing
Absolute master of craft. Such impressive work my dude
God bless your lovely wife for sharing in and encouraging your audio vision. Former alumni of Westlake Audio 92 to 95
Does a studio tour really need your god.
You people are so arrogant with the sales pitches.
living Legend !!!
Impressive!
Congrats man, this is great. Wish you lots of great recordings and success!
that console is _gorgeous_ 😍