Jack Johnson Mic/Pre chain

[Rev E]

Does anyone have any insight as to what Jack Johnson uses for his vocal chain on his records. I just got hold of 'On and On' and I really like both the album and the production. I sense that much of his sound comes from the source itself, but there's a sound that I know is coming from some of the gear. I see a photo on the CD insert that shows what looks to be a Neumann M149... any ideas on the pres? Can't find any info on the Internet (or on the CD booklet ... which has no production info).

 

[Neil Ogilvie]

Its great to see Jack Johnson fans around here! Since I first heard him last year he's been on the cd player almost constantly.

For on and on I'm not entirely sure what was used, but I know that Brushfire fairytales was recorded by his brother in his home studio. If you listen to the songs the noise floor is very apparant - a sign of non-proffesional mics, pre's, leads and mixing. Still an incredible album however - a sign the top gear isnt always needed to get good results.

Also JJ has a very soft voice, so the pre's would need to be cranked just that more to make up the gain.

Hope I've been able to help.

Neil

 

[CanopuS]

Brushfire fairytales sounds pretty decent to me.... nothing stood out as bad

 

[Rev E]

I'm about to check out Brushfire Fairytales. Thanks for the tip Neil. All I have from him is 'on and on'. It is truly a quality CD, great songs, good production ... well mixed ... incredible vocals (big and very 'vintage').

 

[TexRoadkill]

A lot of his vocal sound is a ton of compression and soft spoken lyrics. It's very similar to the sound of the newer Tom Petty albums.

 

[Rev E]

Yeah Tex. I sort of know this. In critical listening in both my car (Infinity system) and studio, I hear quite a bit of compression and I do agree that at least on the 'On and On' record, the vocals are sung very softly. There is, however, a magic with his mic, preamp and compressors that's happening. Specifics and particulars are really what I'm looking for. Sounds quite vintage, yet modern and full frequency.

Unless I missed it on the album cover/insert I don't see anywhere where the engineering/production cast (if any) is mentioned. I assume from the motif of the cover that they recorded the record in an island beachside cabin (photos and such). And in those photos, an M149 (I think) is pictured. Either way, great album. I highly recommend 'On and On' for acoustic rockers/singer songwriter types as a reference recording.

 

[Paco]

No idea on the signal chain... but just another plug for his first album, brushfire fairytales. I like it much more than on and on.

 

[Robertt8]

Hey RevE! I think I've actually got some old scans someone posted a year or two ago from Mix magazine or something like that where they go into all his gear, but I think it's just what's used on the first album...I'll see if I can dig it up.

Also, I personally find the first album much nicer to listen to. I also like the production and the arrangement of the first one more as well. The compression on that last one is unbearable! everything sounds crunchy or crispy, which is exactly what happens when I over compress my stuff (which I'm often told sounds like a cross between Jack Johnson and Sublime).

I was also under the impression that the first album was produced by J.P. Plunier, which is the guy that produces all of Ben Harpers stuff, but I could be wrong...I'll see if I can find that info...

 

[Robertt8]

Okay, found it. This should answer A LOT of your questions...at least for the first album.

http://www.roberttait.com/jackjohnson_gear/

These are the pages from Recording magazine from 2002...I think...

Sorry I can't help out with the one you actually like, but in my opinion, the first one blows the second away as far as production goes. I do think that they got the guy that does a lot of Beck stuff for On and On...

Let me know if that helps!
Robert Tait
http://www.roberttait.com

 

[noisedude]

Wow, great scans, they're also encouraging reading for all home recordists!

 

[CanopuS]

Great article but - It's hardly encouraging knowing he had access to a U47, U67, Royer ribbons, AKG C414.

 

[Robertt8]

Yeah, it's cool though. I think the encouraging part is the story how he made it to success. Neither album was obviously done by his brother, but I believe the second one was recorded in Hawaii at a studio in Jacks back yard (converted garage) that was mostly built by his brother.

However, if you've ever heard any of his little 4 track recordings, they were all done with a Shure Beta 58 (as far as I understand) just placed so it picked up both guitar and vocals. One thing I like about his music is, it's written first to be played live...not all over produced, then he just goes in the studio and records it. Little to no studio magic. What you see is what you get...few overdubs.

 

[noisedude]

Great article but - It's hardly encouraging knowing he had access to a U47, U67, Royer ribbons, AKG C414.

Get back to your schoolwork kiddo.

My point was, as Robert says, what he achieved with less equipment than most of us no-hopers

 

[CanopuS]

Incidently - If anyone knows what Damien Rice used (he recorded his album himself with a multitrack) on "O" I would LOVE to know. Ta

 

[CanopuS]

Fair enough I see the point. Couldn't help but hope that it was revealed the album was made with just a Shure mic or something I've been doing schoolwork all day! (And watching snooker)

 

[noisedude]

Snooker - YEAH! Good job O'Sullivan won quick-time so I can get back on with my 'work'...

Someone told me a while ago what Damien Rice used but I can't remember now! Will try to figure out who it was. How come a 12 year-old is into JJ and Damien Rice anyways? Shouldn't you be spinning your Britney discs?

 

[CanopuS]

Wow, you really know how to patronise! Its FIFTEEN (16 in 5 days, but for once I can't think about my birthday) In answer to your question, I have good taste But most importantly - its just like my kind of music and spurs me on. Noise - I'll PM you the link to some of my stuff. You might be surprised

 

[noisedude]

Sorry dude, was only joking. I remember going through my first Dave Matthews phase aged 15 and older people going, "are you sure you don't wanna listen to Parklife again?"

 

[noisedude]

Wow your voice sounds like mine! At first I thought I was listening to myself and then I heard good guitar playing

On 2nd listen, it sounds a bit less so, I think you have a little more natural vibrato than me, mine sounds somewhere between you and Danny McNamara from Embrace!!

 

[CanopuS]

Don't worry, I didn't take any offence. I tried to get enough smileys in there, but I guess because I'm so young I couldn't get what I wanted to say across