Who:Ken Dravis

What:Owner, Head Engineer

Where:Grand Junction, Colorado

API Gear:512cs

"Without question, we are becoming known as the affordable studio with the huge, clean, warm, big sound. And our eight API 512cs are a big part of that sound. We also own and love our API bundle from Waves.

"In this part of the country, our client base consists primarily of acoustic music—guitars, dobro, fiddle, piano, drums, bass and vocals. The APIs just shine on everything. Simply put, I love them. Obviously, every piece of gear has its own character and my 512cs fit those needs and sound perfect. Also, the ability to use each as a DI within the control room is a huge plus—I use them every day.

"We recently recorded a new album soon-to-be-released by Katie Walters. This project features primarily vocal and piano with a splash of everything else. The piano in particular was recorded through five 512cs and the sound is stellar. I've finally found the mic/preamp combination I've been looking for!"

Nestled near the Colorado National Monument lies Aspen Leaf Recording and Mastering—a spacious recording studio and audio production facility with a relaxed and comfortable feel. Ken Dravis, owner and head engineer, started working with audio in 1964. He recorded in various home studios of his until 2005 when he decided to build Aspen Leaf Recording and Mastering as Western Colorado's premier audio facility; The studio has custom floating wood floors throughout, a large live room with a 1954 Baldwin grand piano, three isolation rooms as well as a machine room for computers and cables. Since opening, Aspen Leaf Recording and Mastering has worked on projects for John Sommers (writer, Thank God I'm a Country Boy), Mike Rowe (TV personality, Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs), Terry Kiser (actor, Weekend at Bernie's) and Toyota.

More: aspenleafrecording.com
Contact: email: kendravis@mac.com; phone: 970-201-6166; Twitter