Welcome to Baronhead Studio: A Deep Dive into the Gear

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into creating the sonic landscapes and captivating visuals of Baronhead, you’re in the right place. This is your backstage pass to the gear behind the music, the studio, and the live performances. Whether it's dialing in tones for YouTube videos, capturing magic during live shows, or refining recordings in the studio, each piece of gear plays a critical role in shaping Baronhead’s sound. Let’s take a tour through the tools of the trade.

Guitars: The Heart of the Sound

Baronhead's guitar collection is a diverse mix of tone machines that can deliver everything from pristine cleans to gritty overdrives. Each guitar is a unique voice, perfect for different moods and musical expressions.

• PRS 35th Anniversary McCarty Sunburst Custom 24 and PRS Special Semi-Hollow: Known for their versatility, these guitars provide lush tones that transition smoothly from rhythm to lead. Whether for intricate studio recordings or powerful live performances, these PRS guitars are mainstays.

• Gibson ES335: A staple in the Baronhead lineup, the ES335 delivers warm, resonant tones perfect for anything from blues to alternative rock.

• Fender Strat (1985 Japan) and Fender Telly Yellow Japan: Vintage and full of character, these guitars cut through the mix with shimmering highs and smooth mids.

• Martin OM-JM Acoustic: This acoustic guitar, alongside others like the Takamine and Ibanez models, ensures that unplugged sessions capture the warmth and richness needed for YouTube performances and intimate recordings.

Amplification: Shaping the Baronhead Sound

Baronhead’s amp collection provides the backbone for both live performances and studio sessions.

• Two Rock Classic Reverb Signature: Known for its rich, dynamic clean tones, the Two Rock paired with a matching 2x12 cabinet delivers powerful yet nuanced sound, perfect for recording and live venues.

• Custom Fender Tweed Champ: This little amp packs a vintage punch. Its tube-driven warmth is ideal for achieving that classic overdriven sound heard in countless rock recordings.

• SSSky Steel String Singer Clone: Bringing in a touch of boutique craftsmanship, this amp offers pristine clean tones with incredible headroom, making it a go-to for lead parts and solos.

Pedals and Effects: Soundscapes and Textures

Baronhead’s pedalboard is a mix of classic and boutique stompboxes that shape the sound in both live and recording environments.

• Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer (1983 Vintage): This original, unmodded pedal is the secret weapon for achieving creamy, saturated overdrive. Paired with amps like the Two Rock, it helps craft the iconic Baronhead guitar tone.

• Keeley Compressor, 3 Leaf Audio Envelope Filter, and Boss Loop Station RC5O0: These pedals provide dynamic control, effects modulation, and the ability to layer sounds live, expanding Baronhead’s sonic palette.

• Blueprint Delay and Crybaby Wah: Essential tools for adding depth, texture, and expression to solos and rhythm sections.

Recording Gear: The Studio Setup

Baronhead's studio setup ensures that every recording is pristine, warm, and professional-grade.

• Universal Audio Apollo x8p and UAD 2 Quad Thunderbolt: These interfaces deliver world-class sound, enabling high-definition recording while offering DSP-powered plugins that emulate classic outboard gear.

• UA LA610 MKII and Universal Audio 4-710d: These preamps bring analog warmth to the table, making vocals, guitars, and other instruments come alive in every recording.

• ProAc 100 Monitors: Precision monitoring is key in mixing, and these high-quality speakers ensure that every track is mixed to perfection. These monitors were first turned onto me by Ryan Freeland, the amazing enginner who has recorded and mixed artists such as but not limited to Bonnie Ray, Ray Lamontagne, Joe Henry and many more.

Microphones: Capturing Every Detail

From smooth vocal takes to crystal-clear instrument recordings, the microphone selection plays a critical role.

• Neumann TLM 103: This mic is a studio staple, capturing the nuance and warmth of vocals, guitars, and ambient sounds alike.

• Shure SM7B: Ideal for capturing powerful, dynamic vocal performances and a favorite for podcast recordings.

• Custom Russion Ribbon Mics: These high-end ribbon mics excel at capturing the smooth, vintage tones of guitar amps and acoustic instruments.

The YouTube and Live Setup

When it comes to YouTube and live setups, gear reliability and sound quality are key. Baronhead's choice of mics, headphones, and interfaces ensures high-quality recordings and performances.

• Shure SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones: These in-ears are essential for live performances, providing crystal-clear monitoring for every note on stage.

• Universal Audio OX Amp Top Box: Used for both recording and live performances, this attenuator allows for a controlled, consistent amp sound at any volume level, making it easier to deliver perfect tones both in the studio and on stage.

Stereo Equipment and Headphones: For the Perfect Listening Experience

Baronhead’s gear setup wouldn’t be complete without top-of-the-line stereo equipment for reference listening and casual enjoyment.

• Marantz 2270 Receiver: A vintage masterpiece that helps create a full, immersive sound experience when reviewing mixes.

• Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Over-Ear Headphones: These are the go-to headphones for mixing and mastering, offering precise, uncolored sound that ensures recordings translate perfectly to any playback system.

Final Thoughts

Baronhead's studio is a finely-tuned machine designed to support every facet of the creative process, whether it's recording in the studio, performing live, or producing content for YouTube. Each piece of gear has been chosen for its unique qualities, ensuring the highest level of professionalism and creativity. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes content and live performances as Baronhead continues to push the boundaries of sound and music.

Welcome to the world of Baronhead—where every note is crafted with precision, passion, and the best gear in the business.