Klem Sound
**Please click here for the (Patrick) Klem Acoustic Consulting website**
Klem Sound provides mastering and transfer/restoration services specifically tailored to the strengths of both digital and analog playback. Patrick Klem is fully capable of mastering in contemplation of a vinyl lacquer, glass CD, cassette, or the myriad of digital downloadable formats and streaming platforms.
As a mastering studio approved for Apple's Digital Masters Providers List (formerly Mastered For iTunes; MFiT), your album can be certified and uniquely marketed as such when sold by Apple should you wish.
WINTER 2015: It's exciting to learn Alice Gerrard, whose recent album 'Follow the Music', mastered by Patrick Klem, has been nominated for a 2015 Grammy for Best Folk Album. This is a long overdue recognition for a true pioneer and veteran of folk and bluegrass!
Why Master?
Mastering is not just for large budget professional recordings. As audio technology becomes more widely available, far more recordings are being created in sub-optimal conditions. Consequently, professional mastering has become an indispensable link to an excellent sounding record. Mastering helps an album reach its full potential in a number of ways:
Mix evaluation
Mixes are evaluated in a sonically clean, purpose-built space. The dedicated mastering environment (high-fidelity signal chain, accurate monitor placement and room treatment) often reveal details and aspects of the track that are not readily apparent during the mixing process. (If there are issues that are best addressed in the mixing stage, and remixes are still an option, we'll assist the client with the necessary steps to resolve the issue.)
Error correction
Digital noise, be it clicks, crackling, or drop-outs can be corrected. Degraded analog recordings can often be restored to reveal clarity and detail masked by distortion.
Sonic improvement
We apply processing (under the 'first do no harm' credo) that ensures the record will be as robust (tonally, dynamically, spatially and temporally) as possible on the widest variety of playback systems, from earbuds to car speakers to audiophile setups. Well-researched processors are used to apply equalization, compression, expansion, limiting, de-essing, stereo field editing, etc. to best serve the artist's intentions. Attention to detail and the support/extension of the artist's intent and aesthetic are paramount.
Creation of a cohesive narrative
Fades, transitions, and leveling ensure songs flow naturally from each other. This is especially important when songs are recorded or mixed in multiple environments.
Quality control
Mastering is your last chance to catch any errors that may have been missed during mixing. Errors range far and wide, from incorrectly interfacing multiple digital devices (word clocks) to C2 errors on the production master CD. Masters that leave Klem Sound are ready for error-free replication (CDs) and lacquer cutting. We prepare masters that are trouble-free for the lacquer cutter or CD replication plant. To boot, we follow through with the lacquer cutter to ensure the mixes are reproduced as accurately as possible, and we are also happy to evaluate test pressings on a true reference phonograph system.
Isn't all this done at the plant?
Most indie label vinyl records are created as a 'flat' cut. This means the lacquer cutter will adjust the program for the vinyl medium if there are glaring issues that wreak havoc on the cutting stylus (e.g., wide stereo image in the low Hertz, strong transients > 7kHz, etc.), but nothing else. Although this process is technically called 'mastering', it offers NONE of the benefits described here. More info on the vinyl medium is available here.
Transfer and Restoration
We offer transfer and restoration services for analog cassette tapes, digital audio tapes (DATs) and vinyl records. All incoming vinyl is meticulously cleaned and multiple passes are taken to ensure the best selection of source material possible to work with in the subsequent editing/restoration stage. Every analog tape receives individually tailored settings including azimuth alignment. While we have excellent digital editing tools to transparently remove artifacts and even replace missing material, the most important stage in any restoration is the initial capture/playback. Read on to see why our routinely calibrated and maintained equipment will enable preservation, restoration, and enhancement of the utmost quality for your material.
Otari MTR-10 II-C reel to reel deck
This deck was originally owned by the US Army. As such, it's been meticulously maintained, and is equipped with 1/4" relapped heads by JRF Magnetic Sciences. With a veritable supply of carcinogenic cleaning chemicals, oscilloscopes, meters and MRL tapes, this deck will stay well-calibrated for decades to come. Reels are meticulously cleaned and baked as needed to revive damaged and aged recordings.
Nakamichi 581 discrete head cassette deck
This deck was restored and modified by Steve Sank and myself in December 2011. It now has: a more robust power supply (larger transformer & capacitance, better rectifiers, shortened power wiring); new/upgraded electrolytic & film capacitors (full board recap); new opamps throughout (2604 Burr Brown); new servo motor, and new rubber (belts, rollers). This deck is fully calibrated for transport speed, balance, and head/azimuth alignment with original Nakamichi test tone tapes and meters. For tape transfers, you can do no better.
Technics SL-1200MK2SE (KAB modified) w/ KAB/Ortofon ProS cartridge w/ STY30 stylus
Yes, it's Technics. But this KAB modified version compares favorably to tables 3-4 times its cost, and is widely used as a reference standard in many mastering facilities. We use a KAB/Ortofon ProS Sty30 integrated cartridge and stylus, which ensures perfect alignment between the arm wand, cartridge coils and cantilever. The end result is extremely accurate transduction without unwanted artifacts of acoustical, mechanical, or electrical nature.
Phono preamplifier
Phono Transfer System preamp and RIAA EQ emphasis and de-emphasis is a fully calibratable, transparent and highly flexible phono preamp.
Otari DTRS-8S DAT-R
This deck is built like a tank, and has given us 100% acceptance rate (some decks won't read or playback particular tapes for a variety of reasons). If you've got precious material on a DAT, you should get it transferred to a more reliable format ASAP. As a general rule, the older the DAT and unfavorable storage conditions, the greater the number of data dropouts and distortions. Get these transferred before the tape deteriorates to the point that no amount of restoration can save the material.
Klem Sound sees mastering as a balance of both technical and artistic decisions to ready an artist's recording for mass production. By analyzing the recording in a controlled, high fidelity environment, adjustments can be made to improve the program's clarity and impact, as well as create a comprehensive/cohesive 'flow' to a record. This is accomplished via a variety of methods that focus on frequency, dynamics, and stereo field/width, in addition to sequencing, establishing fades, and checking the master disc for errors. While considerations must be made in regards to the final format (uncompressed digital or vinyl, for example), signal-processing decisions are also based on (and ultimately decided by) the artist's aesthetic.
Patrick Klem has taught audio engineering at multiple colleges, provided free community DIY production workshops/tutorials, served as chief studio engineer for a college radio station, built and rebuilt multiple studios, and served in a variety of consultative roles. Past clients repeatedly comment on his technical focus and creative abilities as an engineer, as well as his solid work ethic and adaptability. As an independent engineer with over 20 years experience, Patrick readily takes the time to work with clients on all aspects of mastering decisions until the visualized end product is reached. There is no 'one size fits all' process, or a 'my way or the highway' approach. Patrick Klem focuses on engendering the artist's aesthetic by combining technical acumen with detailed communication, which results in a "stellar sounding end product." Complete client satisfaction with the final recording is the ultimate goal at Klem Sound. Read more about Klem Sound's work from clients.
Work
Follow The Music
Tompkins Square
12" vinyl + CD
“Grammy nominated for 2015 Best Folk Album”
— Alice Gerrard
Not the spaces you know, but between them
Three Lobed Recordings 080
12" vinyl x 4 + 7" box set
“I had the pleasure to work with Patrick Klem on the mastering of my new CD, "Maelstrom from Drift". I didn't have the opportunity to sit with Patrick in person for this record, which made the job of mastering all the more critical. Patrick was great at conveying to me what he had done to each track, and how it affected the sound. Our communication couldn't have been smoother, and it made my task of assessing the mastered tracks that much easier. I must say that most importantly he has a great set of ears and each track on the CD came back much improved! I'm looking forward to working together again soon!”
— Lee Ranaldo | Sonic Youth, solo projects
Split LP
Ba Da Bing Records 081
12" vinyl
“Patrick - I completely concur with my learned friend I have auditioned every stage of the project and I feel it sounds better than ever before. You have managed to open out the sound without sacrificing the grit. I could hear layers of sound where before there was a compacted wedge of noise. Very nice work, and worth every dollar. It is a delight and a revelation to work with you on this.”
— Bruce Russell | The Dead C, A Handful of Dust, etc.
Hexadic II
Drag City DC643
12" vinyl + CD
“ I've worked with Patrick Klem for releases from many bands including Six Organs, Rangda, Magik Markers, and Basalt Fingers. Each time has gone off without a hitch and the final product turned out seamless and much more listenable than what I presented him with. The Rangda record is very full sounding. Heavier, thicker, yet clearer. He did a great job with the low end especially considering there's no bass guitar. It sounds pretty fantastic.”
— Ben Chasny | Six Organs of Admittance, Rangda, Magik Markers, Basalt Fingers, 200 years...
Works For Tomorrow
Thrill Jockey TJ395
12" vinyl + CD
“Thanks so much Patrick. I very much appreciated the back and forth discussion on the Eleventh Dream Day record. It's been the best mastering experience I've had over the last 30 years!”
— Janet Beveridge Bean | Eleventh Dream Day, Freakwater, Freakons, way too many projects to list here
Out Of It And Into It
All Tomorrow's Parties ATPRLP43
12" vinyl + CD
“Patrick mastered Sonic Youth's contribution to the Three Lobed box set which I had mixed; I thought it sounded superb when he sent it back. It was also really nice to see a waveform that wasn't totally crushed after mastering. When it came time to master the new Tall Firs record I thought he'd be the person for the job. He's got the skills and is not trying to hide behind any technology. He'll gladly describe in detail everything he's doing to every song. I'm very happy with the results and look forward to working with Patrick in the future.”— Aaron Mullan | Tall Firs, Sonic Youth Engineer
The Heretic's Bargain
Drag City DC633
12" vinyl
“"I am noticing a world of difference and it sounds stunning... it is big and bright and powerful."”— Sir Richard Bishop | Rangda, solo projects
Scheherazade
Fluff and Gravy Records FnG093
12" vinyl
“Pure hate.”— Catherine Irwin | Freakwater, Freakons, solo projects
A few years before the pandemic, I stopped updating the discography below. Discogs has a decent but certainly not exhaustive or complete listing of artists whom I've worked for. You can see these listings here.
Artist | Album | Label | Info | Year | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Freakwater |
Scheherazade | Fluff and Gravy Records FnG093 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2016 | |
Freakwater |
The Asp and the Albatross b/w Fullerene | Fluff and Gravy Records FnG094 | 7" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2016 | |
Tashi Dorji / Marisa Anderson |
Split LP | Footfalls Records FF-001 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Six Organs of Admittance |
Hexadic II | Drag City Records DC643 | 12" vinyl + cassette + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Rhyton |
Navigating By Starlight | MIE 035 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Black Dirt Oak & Jantar |
Presage | MIE 031 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Tall Firs |
Ghostlight Ensemble | ATP Recordings | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Tom Carter |
Long Time Underground | Three Lobed Records TLR105 | 12" vinyl x 2 + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Promised Land Sound |
For Use and Delight | Paradise of Bachelors PoB-22 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
James Elkington & Nathan Salsburg |
Ambsace | Paradise of Bachelors PoB-21 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Nap Eyes |
Whine of the Mystic | Paradise of Bachelors PoB-20 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
The Weather Station |
Loyalty | Paradise of Bachelors PoB-19 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
William Selman |
Picture of Climates | Hausu Mountain HAUSMO 36 | cassette (mastering) | 2015 | |
Eartheater |
Metalepsis | Hausu Mountain HAUSMO 25 | CD + cassette + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Hiss Golden Messenger & Michael Chapman |
Parallelogram | Three Lobed Records TLR109 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Six Organs of Admittance & William Tyler |
Parallelogram | Three Lobed Records TLR110 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Kurt Vile & Steve Gunn |
Parallelogram | Three Lobed Records TLR111 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Caught On Tape (Thurston Moore and John Moloney) & Bishop - Orcutt - Corsano |
Parallelogram | Three Lobed Records TLR112 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Bardo Pond & Yo La Tengo |
Parallelogram | Three Lobed Records TLR113 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Pigeons |
Buoy | Soft Abuse 070 | 7 vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Pigeons |
The Bower | MIE 031 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Pumice |
Pebbles | Soft Abuse 071 | 12 vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Eleventh Dream Day |
Works For Tomorrow | Thrill Jockey TJ395 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Chuck Johnson |
Blood Moon Boulder | Scissor Tail Editions | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Actual Persons Living or Dead |
The Quiet Life | Potluck Foundation PTLK011 | digital download (mastering) | 2013 | |
Ahleuchatistas |
Heads Full Of Poison | Harvest Recordings HRV-009 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2012 | |
Anahita (Tara Burke & Helena Espvall) |
Arcana En Cantos | alt.vinyl av022 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2010 | |
Atom Earth Mother |
Ancient Faith | alt.vinyl av044 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2013 | |
August Wells |
a living and a dying game | Self-released | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2014 | |
Axolotl |
Of Bonds In General | Our Mouth | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2010 | |
Daniel Bachman |
River | Three Lobed Recordings TLR114 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Derek Bailey, Tony Bevan, Paul Hession, Otomo Yoshihide |
Good Cop Bad Cop | No-Fi Records NEU011 | CD (mastering) | 2009 | |
Bardo Pond |
Refulgo | Three Lobed Recordings TLR101 | 12" vinyl x 2 + digital download (restoration + mastering) | 2014 | |
Bardo Pond |
Shone Like A Ton | Three Lobed Recordings TLR102 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2014 | |
Edward Barrow |
The Black Tree | Volvox Music VOL1208 | CD (mastering) | 2012 | |
Basalt Fingers |
LP | Three Lobed Recordings TLR039 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2007 | |
Marcia Bassett & Helena Espvall |
Lapidary | alt.vinyl av021 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2010 | |
The Big Ship |
A Circle Is Forever | Hausu Mountain HAUSMO 01 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2012 | |
Birds of Avalon |
Live at Kings | Volcom Entertainment | DVD (recording, mixing) | 2007 | |
Alvarius B & Sir Richard Bishop |
If you don't like it don't! | Three Lobed Recordings TLR104 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2014 | |
Black Dirt Oak |
Wawayanda Patent | MIE 024 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2014 | |
Jeffrey Burch |
Jeff Burch | Spring Press Important Records IMPREC402 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2012 | |
Burning Star Core |
Crystal Castles | No-Fi Records NEU007 | 10" vinyl (mastering) | 2008 | |
Burning Star Core |
Rrrecycled | No-Fi Records NEU009 | 10" vinyl (mastering) | 2008 | |
Evan Caminiti |
West Winds | Three Lobed Recordings TLR082 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2010 | |
Cantwell Gomez and Jordan |
Hot Licks and Rhetoric | 307 Knox Records 018 | CD (recording, mixing) | 2008 | |
CantwellGomezandJordan |
Live at Cat's Cradle 8.17.08 | CyTunes | digital download (recording, mixing) | 2008 | |
CantwellGomez&Jordan |
Our First Show 99-10-15 | Cantwell Gomez & Jordan | CD + digital download (restoration + mastering) | 2014 | |
Cantwell Gomez & Jordan |
Half-Finished Bobcat | !i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i | CD + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Tom Carter & Pat Murano |
Four Infernal Rivers | MIE 027 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2014 | |
Central Living |
Dune Church LP | Blackest Rainbow Records | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2012 | |
Cleared |
Cleared | Immune Recordings 014 | 12" vinyl + cassette (mastering) | 2011 | |
Comets On Fire & D. Charles Speer & The Helix + Wooden Wand | Not the spaces you know, but between them 4xLP box set # 3 | Three Lobed Recordings TLR080 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2011 | |
Mike Cooper |
Trout Steel | Paradise of Bachelors PoB-13 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2014 | |
Mike Cooper |
Places I Know/The Machine Gun Co. with Mike Cooper | Paradise of Bachelors PoB-14 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2014 | |
Cousins of Reggae |
Methridge | Our Mouth 5 | CD (mastering) | 2007 | |
D/A/D |
The Construct | Rosso Corsa Records | digital download (mastering) | 2013 | |
Gareth Davis & Steven R Smith |
The Line Across | alt.vinyl av014 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2010 | |
The Dead C / Rangda |
Split LP | Ba Da Bing Records BING081 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2013 | |
Desert Heat |
Cat Mask at Huggie Temple | MIE Records | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2013 | |
Herb Diamante & Friends |
A Spoonful Of Yeast | No-Fi Records NEU017 | CD (mastering) | 2010 | |
Herb Diamante & Friends |
Mr Lonely (w/ Sun City Girls) b/w In New Moon's Lull (w/ Diatric Puds) | No-Fi Records NEU016 | digital download (mastering) | 2010 | |
Dutch Courage |
EP | Self-released | CD (recording, mixing) | 2008 | |
The Earth Is A Man |
Pargon | Hausu Mountain HAUSMO 024 | cassette + digital download (mastering) | 2014 | |
Emeralds / Pain Jerk |
European Tour 2009 | No-Fi Records NEU015 | CD (mastering) | 2009 | |
Eskimo King / Afternoon Penis |
split LP | Abandon Ship Records ASR058 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2009 | |
Eternal Tapestry & Bardo Pond |
Not the spaces you know, but between them 4xLP box set # 4 | Three Lobed Recordings TLR080 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2011 | |
Expo 70 |
Where Does Your Mind Go? | Immune Recordings 011 | 12" vinyl x 2 (mastering) | 2010 | |
Expo 70 |
Journey Through Astral Projection | Immune Recordings 012 | CD (mastering) | 2010 | |
Fadensonnen |
Badlands | One Hand Records OH0002 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2014 | |
Fag Static |
Ficcanaso | Room 10 Collective 01 | 12" vinyl (recording, mixing, mastering) | 2008 | |
Fing Fang Foom |
Live at Cat's Cradle 8.17.08 | CyTunes | digital download (recording, mixing) | 2008 | |
Floating Action |
Desert Etiquette | Harvest Recordings HRV010 Removador Recordings and Solutions RMV7779 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2013 | |
Chris Forsyth |
Solar Motel | Paradise of Bachelors PoB-10 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2013 | |
Jake Xerxes Fussell |
Jake Xerxes Fussell | Paradise of Bachelors PoB-17 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Alice Gerrard |
Follow the Music | Tompkins Square Records 5050 + 5067 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Georgia |
Asemic Club | Self-released | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2012 | |
Glacial (Lee Ranaldo & David Watson) |
On Jones Beach | Three Lobed Recordings TLR071 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2012 | |
Gold Standard |
EP | Room 10 Collective 03 | CD (recording, mixing) | 2009 | |
Gold Standard |
LP | Room 10 Collective 04 | CD (recording, mixing) | 2010 | |
Good Willsmith |
The Honeymoon Workbook | Umor Rex Records UR063 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2014 | |
Danny Paul Grody |
Between Two Worlds | Three Lobed Recordings TLR100 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2013 | |
Golden Gunn |
LP | Three Lobed Recordings TLR095 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2013 | |
Steve Gunn |
Boerum Palace | Three Lobed Recordings TLR054 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2009 | |
Steve Gunn |
Sundowner | Harvest Recordings HRV-006 | >12" vinyl (mastering) | 2010 | |
Gunn - Truscinski Duo |
Sand City | Three Lobed Recordings TLR083 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2010 | |
Gunn - Truscinski Duo |
Ocean Parkway | Three Lobed Recordings TLR087 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2010 | |
Steve Gunn & Ilyas Ahmed |
Record Store Day 2011 | Immune Recordings 017 | 7" vinyl (mastering) | 2011 | |
Steve Gunn & The Black Twig Pickers |
Seasonal Hire | Thrill Jockey TJ386 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Hadnot Creek |
Winter | Self-released | digital download (mastering) | 2017 | |
Hagerty-Toth Band |
Qalgebra | Three Lobed Records TLR115 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Hans Chew |
Life & Love | At The Helm Records ATH-19754 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2014 | |
Hapsburg Braganza |
The Burning of Rigg Beck + Monuments | alt.vinyl av35 | 12" vinyl x 2 (mastering) | 2012 | |
Horseback |
Impale Golden Horn | Three Lobed Recordings TLR086 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2012 | |
Howlin' Rain |
Wild Life | Three Lobed Recordings TLR054 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2008 | |
Hush Arbors & Key Demo |
Not the spaces you know, but between them 4xLP box set # 5 | Three Lobed Recordings TLR080 | 7" vinyl (mastering) | 2011 | |
Idyll Swords |
Purposeful Availment EP | Three Lobed Recordings TLR008 | CD (mastering) | 2002 | |
In The Year Of The Pig |
Jamon | Holidays For Quince | CD (mastering) | 2010 | |
Invisible Sports |
The Future Tastes | alt.vinyl av34 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2012 | |
Jackal Blade |
Lid | No-Fi Records NEU012 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2009 | |
Chuck Johnson |
Crows In The Basilica | Three Lobed Recordings TLR099 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2013 | |
Kenny Knight |
Crossroads | Paradise of Bachelors PoB-18 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
JST |
Parus | Night People | CD and cassette (mastering) | 2012 | |
Krektones |
Megaladon | Family Night Records FNR-009 | 7" vinyl (mastering) | 2013 | |
Kill Spiders |
Burning Village, Raped Horse | Self-released | CD x 2 (recording, mixing) | 2002 | |
Langtry |
A Dream of the Jersey Lily | Soft Abuse | CD (recording) | 2005 | |
Langtry |
Joy Kills Sorrow | TK | CD (recording) | 2005 | |
Kiyoharu Kuwayama & Wataru Kasahara & Ludo Mich |
Les archives de lunivers amnesique illustre | Discombobulate BOB002 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2014 | |
Lavender Country |
Lavender Country | Paradise of Bachelors PoB-13 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2014 | |
Magic Babies |
Live at Cat's Cradle 8.17.08 | CyTunes | digital download (recording, mixing) | 2008 | |
Magik Markers |
Gucci Rapidshare Download | Three Lobed Recordings TLR051 | CD (mastering) | 2008 | |
Magik Markers |
Surrender to the Fantasy | Drag City Records DC482 | 12" vinyl, CD + digital download (mastering) | 2013 | |
Maple Stave |
EP3 | Self-released | CD (recording, mixing) | 2007 | |
Lasse Marhaug & Bruce Russell |
Virginia Plane | Spring Press | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2012 | |
Mind Over Mirrors |
The Voice Calling | Immune Recordings 038 | cassette + digital distribution (mastering) | 2015 | |
The Moodees |
Meet The Moodees | Self-released | 7" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2013 | |
Chieko Mori |
Title TK | Smeraldina-Rima 0XX | 12" vinyl + CD (mastering) | 2008 | |
Malcolm Mooney |
Malcolm Mooney | White Columns WCR006 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2012 | |
Nick Mott |
The Visitors | alt.vinyl av37 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2012 | |
Mouthus |
Divisionals | Ecstatic Peace 34C | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2009 | |
Mouthus |
Follow This House | Important Records IMPREC121 | CD (mastering) | 2007 | |
Mouthus |
For The Great Slave Lakes | Three Lobed Recordings TLR029 | CD (mastering) | 2006 | |
Mouthus |
Untitled | No Fun Productions 018 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2007 | |
Mouthus / Bulbs Emerald Isle |
LP | Important Records IMPREC255 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2009 | |
Mouthus / Yellow Swans |
Live on Conan Island | No-Fi Records NEU010 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2008 | |
Mouthus / Yellow Swans |
Conan Island | Weird Forest Records 012 | 12" vinyl (recording) | 2008 | |
MV&EE |
Country Stash | Three Lobed Recordings TLR076 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2011 | |
MV&EE |
Fuzzweed | Three Lobed Recordings TLR097 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2013 | |
Myrrh |
Myrrh | Soft Abuse 055 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2012 | |
New Bums |
Slim Volume | New Bums Industries | 7" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2013 | |
Dave Nuss, Rahdunes, Stellar Om Source & Aswara |
Natch 0 | Natch Sessions, vol. 0 | digital download (mastering) | 2007 | |
Black Twig Pickers & Steve Gunn |
Natch 1 | Natch Sessions, vol. 1 | digital download (mastering) | 2012 | |
Dave Shuford, Margot Bianca & Pigeons |
Natch 2 | Natch Sessions, vol. 2 | digital download (mastering) | 2012 | |
Aaron Moore & Carter Thornton |
Natch 3 | Natch Sessions, vol. 3 | digital download (mastering) | 2012 | |
Pat Murano & Tom Carter |
Natch 4 | Natch Sessions, vol. 4 | digital download (mastering) | 2012 | |
Zachary Cale, Mighty Moon, Ethan Schmid |
Natch 5 | Natch Sessions, vol. 5 | digital download (mastering) | 2012 | |
Michael Evans & David Nuss |
Natch 6 | Natch Sessions, vol. 6 | digital download (mastering) | 2012 | |
Michael Chapman & The Woodpiles, Steve Gunn, Marc Orleans, Jimy SeiTang & Nathan Bowles |
Natch 7 | Natch Sessions, vol. 7 | digital download (mastering) | 2012 | |
Loren Connors & Bill Orcutt |
Natch 8 | Natch Sessions, vol. 8 | digital download (mastering) | 2012 | |
Nathaniel Bowles |
A Bottle, A Buckeye | Soft Abuse 058 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2012 | |
nathan bowles |
nansemond | Paradise of Bachelors PoB-16- | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2014 | |
One Ensemble Orchestra |
Other Thunders | No-Fi Records NEU013 | CD (mastering) | 2009 | |
The One Ensemble |
Oriole | alt.vinyl av36 | 12" vinyl + CD (mastering) | 2012 | |
The Organ Lady |
Takes Requests | Self-released | CD (recording, mixing) | 2005 | |
Peals |
Seltzer | Thrill Jockey TJ389 | Cassette + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Pigeons |
Visions of the Valley | Soft Abuse 043 | 7" vinyl (mastering) | 2010 | |
Polvo |
Live at Cat's Cradle 8.17.08 | CyTunes | digital download (recording, mixing) | 2008 | |
Pumice |
Puny / Phony | Soft Abuse 050 | 12" vinyl + CD + cassette + digital download (mastering) | 2012 | |
Rachel's |
Systems/Layers | Quarterstick Records 075 | 12" vinyl + CD (field recording) | 2003 | |
Lee Ranaldo |
Maelstrom From Drift | Three Lobed Recordings TLR048 | CD (mastering) | 2008 | |
Rangda |
Formerly Extinct | Drag City Records DC529 | 12" vinyl + CD (mastering) | 2012 | |
Raveonettes |
Two songs on Live EP | Sony/BMG | digital download (recording, mixing) | 2005 | |
The Red Rippers |
Over There... and Over Here | Paradise of Bachelors PoB 05 | 12" vinyl (restoration + remastering) | 2013 | |
Rhodri Davies |
Wound Response | alt.vinyl av038 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2012 | |
Rhyton |
The Emerald Tablet | Three Lobed Recordings TLR092 Divide By Zero DBZ003 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2012 | |
Rodan |
Fifteen Quiet Years | Quarterstick Records 125 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (partial mastering) | 2013 | |
Jack Rose |
Black Dirt | Three Lobed Recordings TLR066 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2009 | |
Sensations' Fix |
Music Is Painting In The Air | RERVNG02 | 12" vinyl x 2 + CD x 2 (mastering) | 2012 | |
Shipping News / Metroschifter |
split EP | Initial Records 25 | CD (recording) | 1998 | |
Sightings |
Future Accidents | Our Mouth 25 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2011 | |
Six Organs of Admittance + Rick Gentry |
Poetry Box Set | Gladtree Collective | 7" vinyl (mastering) | 2012 | |
Six Organs of Admittance |
Maria Kapel | Pavilion Records PVL-010 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2011 | |
Six Organs of Admittance |
'Empty the Sun' Soundtrack | Barnacle Books | 12" vinyl + CD paired with the book (mastering) | 2009 | |
Six Organs of Admittance |
You Can Always See the Sun | Three Lobed Recordings TLR004 | CD (mastering) | 2002 | |
Soft Location |
Fools | Self Released | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2013 | |
Sonic Youth & Mouthus |
Not the spaces you know, but between them 4xLP box set # 2 | Three Lobed Recordings TLR080 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2011 | |
Sonny Smith |
100 Records Vol. 3 | Polyvinyl Record Co. PRC-248 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2012 | |
Sonny Smith |
Tomorrow is Alright | Soft Abuse SAB039 / Fat Possum FP1225 | 12" vinyl + CD (mastering) | 2009 | |
Sonny Smith |
Broom & Dustpan b/w ESP | Homeskillet Records HSR-7-001 | 7" vinyl (mastering) | 2009 | |
Sonny Smith |
Death Cream | Soft Abuse SAB030 | 7" vinyl (mastering) | 2009 | |
Sonny & The Sunsets |
Hit After Hit | Fat Possum 1240 | 12" vinyl + CD (mastering) | 2011 | |
Steven R Smith / Ulaan Khol |
Ending / Returning | Immune Recordings 022 | 12" vinyl x 2 (mastering) | 2012 | |
Tiago Sousa |
Walden Pond's Monk | Immune Recordings 016 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2011 | |
D. Charles Speer & The Helix |
Distillation | Three Lobed Recordings TLR072 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2009 | |
Spirit Of The Positive Wind |
LP | Smeraldina-Rima | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2007 | |
Sun City Girls & Steve Gunn |
Not the spaces you know, but between them 4xLP box set # 1 | Three Lobed Recordings TLR080 | 12" vinyl (mastering of Gunn side) | 2011 | |
Sunglasses |
Bad Happy | Darkwolf Recordings 002 | 12" vinyl + CD (mastering) | 2007 | |
Superchunk |
Live at Cat's Cradle 8.29.08 | CyTunes | digital download (mixing) | 2008 | |
Tall Firs |
Out Of It And Into It | All Tomorrow's Parties (ATP) ATPRLP43 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2012 | |
Tall Firs |
Crooked Smiles | All Tomorrow's Parties (ATP) ATPRSP16 | 7" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2011 | |
Tall Firs |
Covers of artists playing Jeff Mangum curated ATP | Self-released | digital download (mastering) | 2012 | |
Tarentel |
Fear of Bridges | Three Lobed Recordings TLR007 | CD (mastering) | 2002 | |
The Tills |
Howlin | PhuzzRecords PHZ-003 | 7" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2014 | |
TWIN |
EP | Label TK | 7" (recording, mixing) | 2007 | |
Ulaan Markhor |
LP | Soft Abuse 056 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2012 | |
Ulaan Markhor |
Spiral Horns Black Onions et al | Soft Abuse SAB069 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2015 | |
United Waters |
Your First Ever River | Arbitrary Signs 005 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2011 | |
United Waters |
Sunburner | Bathetic Records 083 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2014 | |
Various Artists |
Dark Matter Coffee | Thrill Jockey Dark Matter 1 | Cassette + digital download (mastering) | 2015 | |
Various Artists |
Eight Trails, One Path | Three Lobed Recordings TLR091 | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2012 | |
Various Artists |
Honest Strings: A Tribute To The Life And Work Of Jack Rose | Fina Music | digital download (mastering) | 2010 | |
Various Artists |
Live at WVFS | Self-released | CD (recording, mixing, production) | 2007 | |
Ryley Walker |
all kinds of you | Tompkins Square Records 3175 | 12" vinyl + CD + digital download (mastering) | 2014 | |
Winter Family |
Red Sugar | alt.vinyl av032 / Sub Rosa sr315 | 12" vinyl x 2 + CD (mastering) | 2011 | |
Winter North Atlantic |
Phonautogram | alt vinyl av048 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2014 | |
wooden wand & the world war IV |
LP | Three Lobed Recordings TLR093 | 12" vinyl + digital download (mastering) | 2013 | |
Yellow Swans |
Descension | Three Lobed Recordings TLR038 / Acuarela NOIS063 | 12" vinyl + CD (mastering) | 2007 | |
Yellow Swans / Burning Star Core |
Untitled | Blossoming Noise PYG07VIN | 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2007 | |
Zoviet France |
Box Set | alt.vinyl av40-42 | 7" + 10" + 12" vinyl (mastering) | 2012 |
studio
Klem Sound is mastering for the people; a stronger record at a modest price.
Mastering incorporates highfalutin technology and artistic flexibility. As such, it's important to find a facility that incorporates both great equipment and the ability to use that equipment in ways that engender the artist's aesthetic and intentions. Our studio has been specifically tailored to maximize technological efficiency and artistic integrity while remaining affordable and personalized. Look elsewhere for $20,000 converters and inflexible engineers.
Room
Mastering requires an extremely neutral (and oxymoronic) acoustical environment. Without it, the engineer is, hyperbolically, driving in a sandstorm. An (arguably ridiculously) obsessive amount of time was placed on creating the most neutral room possible to operate Klem Sound. Through measuring, consulting, bass traps / sound absorption of various types, diffusors, and too much math, we've created a room that is free from flutter echo without bass buildup, has excellent stereo imaging, and affected a large reduction in any peaks and nulls in the frequency response of the room. Sound decay, even in the lowest frequencies, is consistent, which allows for diffuse energy / late reflections to arrive at the listening position more than 20 dB lower than sound directly arriving from the speakers. Additionally, the diffused late energy arrives at the listening position close to 20ms after the direct energy to allow for excellent definition and precise spatial localization.
Monitoring Chain
- Neumann KH 420 3-Way Active Monitors
- Neumann KH 310 3-Way Active Monitors
- Neumann KH 120 II 2-Way Active Monitors
- Neumann KH 750 subwoofers
- Crane Song HEDD + Lynx Aurora (n) conversion
- Goldpoint SA1X passive monitor controller
- Audeze LCD-X, Sennheiser HD600, Neumann NDH20 headphones
- Custom PPA v2 headphone amp w/ Sigma 11 PSU, balanced (Jensen) and unbalanced inputs
- 56 channel XLR patchbay (Klem build)
Processors
- Gyraf Gyratec XIV Parallel Passive Tube EQ
- API 5500 EQ (modified)
- Dangerous Baxandall EQ
- Foote P3S Mastering Edition compressor
- Pendulum OCL-2 optical tube compressor (modified)
- Avenson Audio Mid-SideR
- Parallel processing matrix, 4 channels (Klem build)
- Custom Line Drivers/Receivers designed by Wayne Kirkwood (Klem build)
Analog
- Assortment of plug-ins from excellent developers like DMG, TDL, and PSP
Digital
Recorders/Playback
- Software includes Pro Tools, Reaper, Wavelab Pro, iZotope RX Advanced, SpectraLayers Pro
- Otari MTR-10 (II-C) reel to reel deck
- Plextor Premium CD-R drive with Plextools error checking software
- Nakamichi 581 discrete head cassette deck
- Otari DTR-8S DAT-R
- Tascam 424 MKII (4 track transfers)
Phonograph System
- Technics SL-1200MK2SE (KAB modified) w/ KAB/Ortofon ProS cartridge w/ STY30 stylus, Klem-modified to be a fully balanced signal path and mechanically isolated via properly loaded Sorbothane
- Phono Transfer System, fully balanced and calibratable pre-amp and RIAA EQ empahsis and de-emphasis
- Single-ended triode phono preamplifier by K & K Audio (Klem build)
- Signal Transfer Company (Douglas Self) balanced phono preamp (Klem build)
- Ultrasonic Record Cleaner (Klem build)
“I have been fortunate in my life to appear on a good number of records, on a fairly wide selection of fine labels. I have been lucky to work with many excellent mastering engineers whose works are renown around the globe. Patrick Klem is one I have worked with very recently and his work measures up to any and all bar none. He has an incredibly perceptive ear and was able to bring out the elements I was looking for with a bare minimum of instruction. His shaping of the final product was such that it took on a vibrancy and life that even surpassed my high expectations.” — Dave Shuford,
member of D. Charles Speer and the Helix, No Neck Blues Band, Enos Slaughter
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Patrick Klem
klem@klemsound.com
“Any time that one of my releases needs mastering, the only name that comes to mind is Patrick Klem. Over the years we have worked together on numerous projects and every single time he has given me even more reason to look to him and him alone. My artists rave not only about Patrick's technical skills and the stellar sounding end product, but also the high degree of communication that he holds with them throughout the entire mastering process. My eyes shall never wander.”
— Cory Rayborn,
Three Lobed Recordings
Projects include Sonic Youth & Lee Ranaldo, Six Organs of Admittance, Mouthus, Jack Rose, Sun City Girls, Tarentel, Howlin' Rain, Sunburned Hand of the Man, Wooden Wand, Magik Markers, D. Charles Speer & The Helix, Steve Gunn, etc.
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Content - Dynamics
Please leave some headroom in the mixes - i.e., keep the levels from peaking at -0.0dBFS (no clipping/red on the meters). Ideally, the mixes won't exceed -6dBFS (with an even lower RMS/average level). What matters most is having good dynamic range with a healthy crest factor. A 'squashed' mix is essentially unmasterable. EQ, whether additive or subtractive, will only add grainy distortion; it won't add any depth or clarity to the recording at this point. Clipping and limiting should always occur after EQ, if ever. Abuse of limiters is one of the most common (and easily preventable) sources of lousy sounding music. We will ensure the final product is at a 'competitive' volume / holds up fine next to other modern records to your liking, but also retains life and dynamics. Remember, the more you excessively limit (or compress) the mix in order to increase volume, the more you constrain the mastering process, as well as the cutting engineer's ability to do anything but create a quieter and more distorted record!
Content - Vinyl
If going to vinyl, it's a good idea to mind the stereo image of the low frequencies. Keeping low end content more in the center of the stereo field allows for a louder cut and helps avoid skips in a record. Of course, if a wide stereo image is important to the song, leave it as is - it just means the record will have to be cut at a lower volume. Stereo image has no affect on digital formats (CDs, mp3s, etc.). More info on the vinyl medium is available here.
Format
We accept most formats: electronic delivery of practically any audio file, CDs/DVDs, MiniDiscs, DATs, 1/4" analog tapes, cassette tapes (stereo, four or eight track tapes), vinyl, etc. Mixes should ideally be printed as 32bit floating point undithered lossless (wavs), but don't lose sleep over sending 24 or 16bit dithered files. Use whatever sample rate it was originally recorded at (i.e., don't up/downsample it); we can accept sample rates up to 192kHz. That said, why would you make a recording at 192kHz? Above all, do not send anything in a lossy format (e.g., mp3, AAC, etc.).
Delivery
Files are accepted electronically or via postal service. If sending electronically, please zip files (this ensures good file integrity), and use a web-based FTP app like WeTransfer to upload them. This seems to be even simpler and equally secure to private FTP service. If sending through postal service, please contact Klem Sound for the mailing address.
We work closely with each artist to make sure we're engendering his/her goals for the mastering process. While we can certainly work without input, it's never a bad thing to have information about specific ideas or goals for the mastering process, fades and transitions, etc.
Questions?
We are happy to answer any questions to help ensure your mixes are well prepared for the mastering process. Feel free to drop us a line. There's no obligation or fee here - we consider this working towards the greater good of improved audio fidelity.