San Jose, CA (March 10, 2016)—Engineer Todd Whitelock used Lauten Audio’s Atlantis FC-387 microphone at Avatar Studios in New York last year to record Cecile McLorin Salvant’s vocals on For One to Love, which recently won a 2016 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album.
The album was recorded live in the studio with Aaron Diehl (piano), Paul Sikivie (bass), Lawrence Leathers (drums) and Salvant on vocals, and was produced by Al Pryor. “For One to Love was one of those perfect storms, the right artist singing the right music in front of the right microphone, in the right studio. She made the magic, I didn’t do anything but get out of her way,” says Whitelock.
“I have to thank Fabrice Dupont for turning me on to the Lauten Audio Atlantis microphone, which I used for both of Cecile’s records,” he continues. “We listened to all the famous old tube mics on her voice before choosing Atlantis for its clarity, quietness, and dynamic range—it quickly became my go-to favorite for female voice.”
When Whitelock first tried the Atlantis mic on Salvant’s voice, he was surprised, he says. “Besides Avatar’s incredible collection of microphones, I had a couple of my other favorites with me too. It was really about blindfold testing, putting all those mics up there and seeing what was most complimentary for her vocal and dynamic range, and to capture her real character, the essence of her performance. We all listened to playback and the Atlantis was a revelation. I chose the Atlantis; Al Pryor and Cécile both chose the Atlantis as their favorite. It was like ‘Oh my god! Thank god I brought the Atlantis.'”
He adds, “Of all the Grammys that I have been honored with, this one is special. I feel this one is personal and so deserving for the artist and her artistry as it’s Cecile’s first Grammy and producer Al Pryor’s as well.”
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