As one of the world’s most respected classical music and acoustic recording producers,
Marlan Barry takes the time to understand each individual’s or ensemble’s approach
to music making. Barry brings a dedicated commitment to detail, a comprehensive
knowledge of the classical and contemporary repertoire and a history of critically
acclaimed recordings to every session. Barry recently turned to DPA Microphones’
d:dicate™ 4003 Omnidirectional Microphone, 130 V, for his work with celebrated lyric
tenor Nicholas Phan for his new album, Gods & Monsters, recorded at Skywalker
Sound.

“I was first introduced to DPA when it was formerly known as B&K while training at
the Cleveland Institute of Music by Thomas Knab, the head of the recording
department, who just passed away this year, and by Jack Renner, 11-time Grammy
Award winner, and co-owner and chief recording engineer for Telarc,’ says Barry. “I
did a lot of orchestral recording with several different DPA microphones. Both Tom and
Jack remain two of my biggest recording influences to this day. From that point, a
colleague introduced me to the d:dicate 4003, which is the high-voltage model of the
d:dicate 4006, and I just loved it. Whenever I use this mic, it gives an exceptionally
clear picture of whatever source is in front of it, as was the case with Nicholas Phan’s
newest album.’

Recorded at Skywalker Sound, Gods & Monsters features a collaboration between
Phan and pianist Myra Huang. “The biggest challenge at Skywalker Sound is having to
choose between almost any microphone that was ever made, which can be
disconcerting and overwhelming,’ says Barry. “The mic locker at Skywalker is insane.
Nonetheless, I chose two d:dicate 4003’s as my main pair for their clarity, transient
response, openness and flawless sound. With the 4003, I like how there is no
colouration whatsoever and how the high-quality voltage option extends the frequency
response of the microphone more than I thought was possible. I wanted something as
clear and as open as possible for a main stereo picture, and I got just that with the
d:dicate 4003. A special thanks to Dann Thompson, Leslie Ann Jones and the rest of
the amazing crew at Skywalker for making my experience there such a joy. The album
sounds absolutely amazing.’

In addition to Gods & Monsters, Barry also just recently finished recording a project
for a major European label with the Trinity Wall Street Choir and Baroque Orchestra
where d:dicate 4003s also served as his main pair of mics. “DPA’s d:dicate 4003 will
always be an option for me. I have several different microphones, and the d:dicate
4003s are without a doubt among my new favourite, go-to solutions.’

Marlan Barry specialises in orchestral, chamber, operatic, electro-acoustic and jazz
recordings. In addition to recording and producing acclaimed musicians, chamber
groups and orchestras in New York and Tri-State metropolitan area, Marlan served as
the head recording engineer and musical producer for Houston Grand Opera,
producing its commercial releases and national radio broadcasts for 15 years. Barry
travels all over the country recording musicians, producers and engineers for many
different major labels, including Deutsche Grammophon, Naxos, Avie, Virgin, Albany
Records and many more. He recently assumed the recording and post-production
responsibilities for The Orchestra Now main concert series, as well as The Bard Music
Festival at the Frank Gehry designed Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard
College in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY.