On Andrew Diey's rich and varied CV is a particular specialisation, an uncommon ability to capture precise recordings of virtually every auto engine, from an everyday Nissan to a Ferrari 360 Modena.
 
"We have been sound recording engines for several years now, and have tried and tested nearly every method to capture car sounds," says Andrew Diey. "Having damaged, burned and melted other microphones, we have spent a few thousand pounds on getting the right set-up. We finally have a system, which provides 99.9% perfect recording of source material." That system features a pair of DPA Type 4011 Cardioid Microphones, purchased from Sound Network in London, which have a legendary reputation for their high SPL handling capability of 158dB.
 
Computer game developers hire Alchemy Audio Lab because of the team's extensive recording experience and knowledge of recording automobiles of all varieties. Their recordings are mainly used for computer games, but now they are also recording for film and television.

Their latest commission involves a visit to the West of England to attend a recording session with the Ministry of Defence. "This is for a documentary series that we are doing for Granada Television," explains Andrew. "We wanted to design sound for the entire series, not just score incidental music, so we decided that whatever they were going to film we were going to record. And this includes a Challenger 2 tank, every aspect of its motion, including its engines and tracks. When we score the music, we will also track lay the FX recording within to create a unique soundbed for the music to evolve from. The DPA 4011 managed great with the V8 engine of a Ferrari 360 Modena; let's see how it gets on with a Challenger 2!"
 
 
"Our recording sessions wouldn't be complete without our DPA 4011s; to be honest, I wouldn't go anywhere without them. I've been using them for most of my recordings in the last year. We used to use different manufacturers' microphones for various jobs; now I feel that whatever the requirement I can take the 4011s and be confident that they will get the job done without any hassle."