With a burgeoning music scene steeped in traditional Samba and increasing interest in rock, Brazilian pop and local folk music, the Brazilian recording industry took a giant leap forward with the installation of the first API Audio 1608 console in Brazil.
Producer and recording/mixing engineer Zeca Leme recently installed a new 16-channel 1608 alongside API 500s, 525s, 550Bs and a 512c already in place at the newly opened Behind the Glass Recording Studio.
Leme first encountered API while attending AES in New York. He returned to Brazil for a position at Loudness Sound Studio as a live DVD recording engineer. In 2007 Leme moved on to NaCena Studios where he worked with artists such as Ney Matogrosso, Earth Wind & Fire, Kanye West and Oficina G3. He encountered API again working with legendary engineer Roy Cicala at 5A Plant Studio.
“The brand has always been known to be one of the greatest around,” Leme stated. “The 3124+ is very famous here and considered the ‘instant drums’ rock sound.”
After coordinating live events for groups such as Twisted Sister, Chuck Berry, BB King, ZZ Top and Peter Frampton, Leme struck out on his own to open Behind the Glass Recording Studio. When he was ready to purchase a console he quickly decided on API.
“I was searching for a small format console that could fit a medium-sized studio, but had a BIG console sound,” Leme said. “API is the only one around that fits the bill. Other competitors have good alternatives, but they can’t match the large format console sound API has.”
“We’re pleased to be on the forefront of an exploding market in Brazil,” said Gordon Smart, API’s managing director. “As more Brazilian up-and-coming studios open we hope to place more API consoles into them.”
