BAE
(British Audio Engineering)
Introduction
BAE Audio is a company that recreates some of the greatest classical recording studio gear of the past. However, it is to be noted that the gear that the company specializes in recreating are classical modules and equipment from Neve and API. Originally, the company (as I knew it) was Brent Averill Electronics. Now known as BAE (or, British Audio Engineering), and led by Mark Loughman, a brilliant engineer who had worked with the company in its earlier incarnation, still recreates some of the very best gear and modules that you can purchase in the world of professional music recording. Plus, under Loughman's leadership, the company has also introduced both new designs based on some of the greatest classical pieces of gear of the past, as well as creating a sister company, UK Sound, which also produces amazing and high-quality audio products, too. The company is widely known for the classical modules that it recreates, plus, it also makes direct boxes, 500-series racks and has a sister company— UK Sound which also makes recreations of some of the most iconic pieces of classical gear from the past.
Which products from BAE Audio that were used by the great engineers and recording studio facilities of the past would be a great fit for the educational space?
We had gear from the company when it was Brent Averill Electronics. For example, we had a 2254 Neve-style compressor/limiter that was used on just about every single mix as a buss compressor in the recording studio that I worked in primarily. Other recording studios that I had the opportunity to work in had other Neve-style modules from BAE (later) which sounded fantastic and I was a frequent visitor to the early website for the company because of the great sound of their products and their engineering. The company still makes a full line-up of classical Neve recreations and has added a line-up of classical API offerings, as well. Their products sound fantastic, and are both incredibly easy to use and extremely well-engineered. Their classic modules and rack mount pieces are not just widely hailed as some of the very best in the world of professional music recording, but are used each and every day by legendary recording studio engineers to do their very best work.
Image: BAE 1084
Image courtesy-- BAE Audio
Classical Neve Offerings
If you are looking for a classical piece of gear that has the look, feel and sound of the great Neve equipment of the past, BAE does still create both modules and rackmount equipment that pays homage to these amazing classics. The company makes classic recreations of the 1073, 1084, 1066 and 1272 modules and other equipment. The company also makes products that are based on classical designs, but with a twist, such as their 1032, which features the vaunted preamp of the 1073, but the equalization section of the equally legendary, 1081 (a four, rather than three-band equalization section). It will also give you the option of having these modules or equipment come to you in the classic blue color scheme or in black. The company has so many offerings that would be great for the educational space.
Image: BAE 312A
Image courtesy-- BAE Audio
Classical API Offerings
Though there are fewer offerings of classical recreations of API gear from BAE, the company does make some truly amazing modules and equipment in this line-up as well. It offers classical recreations of the 312 (312A) microphone preamp, the 560 (G10) equalization module and a compressor/limiter module (500C) that does resemble the classic 525 compressor/limiter. Each of these recreations sound fantastic just as their classical recreations of Neve gear do. Though there are fewer offerings in this space, each of them would be an excellent fit for the educational space.
Why should an educational institution invest in products from BAE Audio?
BAE has been making great products for the world of professional music recording for more than 25 years. The products from BAE are highly sought-after by artists, engineers, musicians and producers. The company has such a great line-up of offerings of classical gear that facilities in the educational space could put to use. The company is a small business, but it has excellent customer service and has built a tremendous set of relationships with each of its customers for more than 25 years. The product offerings from the company can be purchased from authorized dealers.
The following link will take you to the BAE website where you can learn more about this legendary corporation and also, find an authorized dealer for their fabulous products in your area.
Special Note: Each of the images in this article appear through the courtesy and generosity of the wonderful people at BAE Audio.
Special Thanks— At The Recording Session Vault Educational Website Project, we would like to take a moment to express our thanks and appreciation to Mark Loughman at BAE for his time and assistance with this article.