Hey @peteaturner checking out Laughing Tiger (San Rafael, CA), The Garage (Tuscany) Studio while I listen to this. absolutely beautiful studios!
I just finished a drum session and the drummer was commenting on how he felt really comfortable in the studio. and We were really able to get some nice takes and I think a large part of that is the psychological aspect. we did about 5 takes. Take 2 was our favorite, but wanted to lay down some options.
"stick the soft synths through tape and make it sound great, Stick stuff through guitar pedals, stick it through shit it's not supposed to go through and make it sound cool"
This is so true! and a hell of a lot of fun. It's awesome to run instruments through shit it's not supposed to. If you haven't tried these, I think you should:
Hansome Audio Zulu
Retro Mechanical Labs EFC Studio
Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water K -Field modulator
I really hope you can share more of this.