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More GEAR!!!!!

1/28/2015

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Oh, I love gear!
don't we all?

Super excited to add the following to our humble (but growing) gear list
Focusrite (green) voicebox
Focusrite (green) dual channel pre
1 extra Aphex 107 (dual channel pre)
Grace Design M101

Those Aphex pres are pretty awesome. They came out maybe 10 years ago and were the first to employ the now ubiquitous "tube-essence" LOL  Even better, they aren't considered to be "sexy" in the way of pres, so they are quite affordable.
They are quality, like say, a Coach handbag, but without the designer price-tag. All the better for me.
I was very impressed with our first Aphex 107 pre, it's clean, good amount of gain, and not too coloured.
So far, I've used it on Toms and electric guitars. I'll need to experiment more and give you a little more feedback.

Then there's the Focusrites,.
I'm not a huge fan of Focusrite gear, in general. The ISA series from the 90's are great, but their newer gear is a little "pro-sumer" for my taste. And the Red series? Meh, too "over the top" and purposefully coloured for me.
But ,..I remember ,with fondness, the focusrite greens we had at Battery studios back in the day.
They were quite respectable, so when I saw these listed on Ebay, I watched them like a hawk.

and then, well, I splurged,. I got the Grace M101. I really needed one more pre and I figured I'd might as well get something good.

And there you have it. I'll be living on the tried and true Italian staple, red sauce and pasta for the rest of the month, but I think these pres are worth the sacrifice.
Who needs food when you can have good gear?

More to come!
:)
d







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Gear updates!

12/6/2014

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YAY! It's time to announce some gear updates!

Software- We just got our upgrade codes for HD10. Once things settle down about mid week, we'll install the new software. No more flip flopping between 9 and 10 projects. So happy!

Mics- We got a sweet deal on a vintage Beyer Dynamic X1 Soundstar. It's basically Beyer's version of the Sennheiser 421 from the 80's. I don't think they manufacture them any longer. We tested it out earlier tonight and it sounds pretty pretty nice! As if I'd expect anything less from Beyer,..

We also ordered our very own pair of Shure Sm81s. My friend Bob was kind enough to lend us a spare pair he had in his closet and I really loved them. So,. boom. just like that, one call to sweetwater.com and we've got our own. They arrive on Monday!


More stuff to come! Keep coming back to find out what's new!!
Picture
Beyer Dynamic X1 Soundstar
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Happy Thanksgiving indeed!

12/1/2014

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I just want to send out a heartfelt "thank you" to everyone who have been coming over to MONOlisa to check out the space, to work, to just sit and chat,.. whatever! I am so extraordinarily happy that we've created a space where people feel comfy and relaxed,.. A place where they feel they can be free to perform, or even just stop by and chat.
That's EXACTLY what we wanted. I am thrilled beyond measure and I am blessed with being surrounded by amazing people! It takes a village. Always.

Also BIG SPECIAL thanks go out to all of our friends, family and clients, who have been super helpful and super supportive since the beginning-
whether it was talking me off the ledge, building walls, helping with wiring, lending some gear,
booking sessions, advice on gear, or just stopping by to say hello, their contributions mean the world to me! (in no particular order)

My partner in everything, Rich Kulsar, Halley Devestern (And Band- Tom Heinig,
Steve Jabas, David Patterson)
Joe Reina
, Athena Reich, Robert L Smith, Jason Wallenstein, IndofunkSatish, Pete Benjamin, Tim Hatfield, Josiah Gluck, The Barbarita Family , The Atz family, The Kulsar Family, Rick Deardorff, Tony Bevacqua (Assistant extraordinaire), Lucy Kalantari, Michael Bergman, Ed Marshall, Abbey Lanier, Brooke Fox, TJ Olsen, Cary Miller, ProducerX (youknowwhoyouare), Michael diSalvo, Randy Harris, Jose Bevia. Jason Shand, Joseph & Kerstin Briggs, Larry May, Cary Miller, Kenny & Liz Ciesla, Nikki Trusa, My NYFA family, Michael Brunnock, Matt Weiss, Yui Yamamoto, and yeah, I think I'm missing some names in this list, but I'll add,.. All of the RE agents that showed me 60+ spaces (sorry I didn't pick your space),  and our new building super Jorge who is a joy! (I wish all supers were as attentive to the buildings they work in,.. ) Oh and those people who post YOUtube videos on how to install drywall and flooring,.. I learned a lot, especially that it looks easier than it actually is.


And there it is. I'm sure I'll keep adding to the list.
THANK YOU!
d





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August 18th, 2014

8/18/2014

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It's time to introduce our newest member of the MONOLisa family!

My good friend, producer extraordinaire, (who wishes to remain anonymous), will be working at MONOLisa for the forseeable future and I am thrilled to have him as part of our team. He's a fantastic producer, and more importantly, a fantastic guy!
He specializes in creating tracks in the urban/Latin/EDM genres, and he is a fantastic pianist as well.
So, fellow artists, if you are looking for some new sounds, he's the guy to connect with.

In other news, June started off with a bang, and with 1 score, and 3 mix projects, and 3 OD sessions under our belts, we're super happy with our new home. Of course, no studio is ever finished, and we've been adding gear and adding other treatments as needed, and we are super happy and excited moving forward.

We are planning an open house/opening party in August to show off the new space.
We'll keep you posted!

until then!
stay cool!
d
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We're in!

6/13/2014

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FINALLY!

6 months to find the right space

2 months to renovate

ahhhhhh

WE'RE IN!

Did I mention we have a live room? 2 drum kits? Lots of mics and mic stands and headphones and mic preamps and all sorts of other non-sexy but essential studio accessories?

Did I mention that the live room is 13x22?
I didn't?
oh

Did I mention that it's totally private? And we are now in a lovely section of the UWS on 107@Columbus surrounded by restaurants and 2 parks,. (one is called Central park, it's lovely,..come see it)
No?
well

Did I mention that we're now OPEN???

The new studio is done and ready to rock! MONOLisa v2.0 bigger and better!

Man,. As a side note to any aspiring studio owners,. anything with the word "audio" in front of it,. or even "Acoustic" will set you back 3x more than you expected to pay.
buuuuut
I learned a lot.
here are some big nuggets of truth:

A: I learned that everything you need to know at a moment's notice can be found on the internet. Youtube videos can turn your average chump into a contractor. Rich and I learned how to put up drywall, how to use concrete patch, how to patch up concrete floors (or how not to, depends on how you look at it)  We even built our own gobos!
(I'm super proud of those things,. just you wait!)

B: Installing heavy acoustic panels on the ceiling is hard,..

C: Drilling into concrete makes a mess.
Don't do that 2 days after you paint the floor.

D: Sometimes it's worth it to let a contractor suck you dry of every penny you've ever earned so that you can be spared the above experiences.

(Next time)

Through it all, we learned about each other, learned to push the envelope on what we can do as opposed to what we can't. Many things neither of us thought we'd do, we've done.
It's a good thing
(again, depending on how you look at it)
That being said,..

Gear is set, and we got through our first sessions this week without a hitch.

Besides building a studio,.. What's Happening??

So excited to have been tapped to record and mix a new composition by renowned composer, Dr Jose' Bevia'.
The piece is entitled,
"Cenizas y Fuego", written for harp, percussion, and electronics.
The piece was showcased at the 2014 NYC electroacoustic Music festival and featured Arielle on harp and percussionist June Moon Kyung Hahn, who I also had the pleasure of working with when recording the piece at Juliard this past month.
Dr Bevia will be releasing a CD toward the end of the year which will feature this as well as other pieces.
I'll keep you posted!

Another awesome artist I got the pleasure to work with is the lovely Lucy Kalantari.
She just released a new EP called
"Pockets full of Joy".
The CD features Lucy on Ukelele and vocals, Rich Kulsar on drums, and Jay Foote on upright bass.
It is really a super CD, super happy and uplifting. I think you all might just love it as much as I do!
(I love it ALOT, so I challenge you to love it more)
Here's the link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/pockets-full-of-joy-ep/id875005396

Also NYFA has been keeping me busy in between painting and other light construction duties. So happy to be working with them again on the latest movie musical. It's my favorite yet!

In the meantime, we are planning to have a nice little shindig to introduce MONOLisa to the world. I'll let you all know about it!

Till then!
Make some music will ya?
d





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AND WE'RE MOVING ON U-UP! TO THE WEST SIDE!

4/9/2014

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SO THE BIG BIG NEWS?
It's official! MONOLisa is now located in Manhattan!
Super exciting right?

Our new address is 963 Columbus Ave, NY, NY 10025.
We are located on the Upper west side, between 107/108th streets.

We are conveniently accessible by the B/C, and 1 local trains. (110th/Cathedral Parkway)

There are AMAZING restaurants flanking us on all sides, new art galleries popping up, new venues opening, it's a hot neighborhood and we can't wait to get the party started!


We have already begun renovations and we plan on being ready to go by May 2014!

So what's new?

Well,. We're not just an Overdub room any longer, We've grown 3 sizes overnight!
We now have a 13x22 live room, a 13x13 control room, as well as a private lounge and private bathroom.

We can now do live drum tracking, and live band tracking! How cool is that?
We plan to have a baby grand piano by the end of the Summer as well.

I'll upload pictures as we move forward to opening day, in the meantime, I want to thank all of our clients and friends and family for your continued support and love! We couldn't have done it without you!
I for one am feeling blessed beyond my wildest dreams and the coming year is going to be the bet yet!

I can't wait to share!

Till next time,
Denise
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MONOLisa is MOVING!

1/11/2014

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YESSSSS!

2013 was an exceptional year!

MONOLisa has outgrown her training wheels!

I have all of YOU to thank!
2 movie musicals, 1 short film, 3 scores, 6 LPs, countless singles, and a karaoke gaming console!
Phew! No wonder I've been MIA on the social scene!

We are planning to move into our new space in March 2014.
Will it be in LIC? Will it be in Manhattan?
That's the question

NYC real estate is a funny business,.. I've been looking for the perfect spot since October.
A place that will be our home for a at least 3-5 years.
I have a few options and I'm waffling.
Manhattan? great location, big money,..
LIC? good-ish location, medium to little money,..
join forces with another studio?
run solo?

I'm still thinking, but I DO need to move by March, so a decision will be made within the next 2 or 3 weeks.

Needless to say, there are 3 things that we will have that we do not have now:
A Piano
a second booth
a private lounge/kitchenette

Stay tuned for our new location details and pictures of the new space!

I can't wait to share it with you!
In the meantime, get in touch! We're still working!



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Singtrix has arrived!

11/9/2013

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I am SO excited to finally share this with you all!

Some of you already know I was hired to help design the presets for a certain super secret "karaoke" machine.
Well, it's OUT! Pre-order if you DARE! LOL (no really, you'll have a blast!)

As far as I know, it'll be in stores soon, but you can order the unit in time for Christmas from their website with ease.
Check out the link below.

Singtrix

I want to thank a few of my students and friends for helping me determine whether the presets were worth submitting:
Valerie Wagner, Michael Bergman, Frank Carter, Rich Kulsar, Satish, Mike Palanchi, Rich Tolerico

Watch the Video!!

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The Pro Audio Files

10/23/2013

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I'm not going to lie, I feel like a rock star this week!
TWO interviews, an awesome day at the AES convention, and a great CMJ outing!

BIIIG thanks to Matt Weiss for an excellent interview for The ProAudioFiles.
I'd also like to thank ProAudioFiles editor, Dan Comerchero
for spreading the word all around the nets!

I know It's going to sound all touchie feelie, but seriously, I am really taken aback by all of the support I've received over the past year since opening MONOLisa. It was especially great to meet up with old friends I've been out of touch with for YEARS and hearing all of their stories this past week.
THIS week I have lunch dates with quite a few of them to catch up and spend some quality time. I'm very much looking forward to that!

CMJ was a fun time, what I was exposed to anyway. Outside of some scheduling drama here and there throughout the day, we had a super great time and all of the bands we heard were fantastic!

Big shout out to TJ Olsen of TJOPResents for putting together a 3 room, all day event at The Paper Box!
It was quite a feat!

Big shout out to my right hand men, My Morning Papers, Rich Kulsar, Kelsey Warren and Jason Wallenstein! As always you rocked hard, and we left them wanting more! (LOL)
(-they'll get that)
Big shout out to my friends, Bree & The Whatevers, Brooke Pridemore, Auto Defiance, Bury Me a Lion,
The Shivering Brigade and all of the bands, too numerous to name, that I went home wanting to hear more about!

I'll add an adendum with some favorites!
Until then, it's back to work for me!

talk soon!
:)
d


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New Article featuring MONOLisa!

10/14/2013

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BIG BIG thanks to David Weiss and Sonicscoop.com, the NYC based online magazine featuring all things audio!

Sonicscoop is a solid supporter of NYC studios, studio owners and engineers, and they were kind enough to run a feature story about MONOLisa.

Thank you!

Read all about it!

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