in studio
Snugfit Studio
In high school, John Lovrich was a viola-playing wrestler who started doing sound for a disco band just for the hell of it. But after studying at New York's Institute of Audio Research, he devoted himself to engineering more seriously and opened up Snugfit Studios in 1988. Though he confesses a love for Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd, he happily records local hardcore and metal bands such as Limecell and Metalwolf in his converted basement facility in Richboro, PA.
Punk rock flyers are tacked on Snugfit's wood-paneled walls in a way that immediately makes you feel like you're at a childhood friend's rumpus room. In fact, Mom Lovrich still lives upstairs.
"I've met quite a few interesting people through the studio," says Mom. "There was one boy who had those spikes in his hair, but you know, I found him to be a very nice young man."
At the moment, guitarist Tommy Gallagher is laying down overdubs for an upcoming Jim Carroll tribute album. Although he's never been to the studio before today, he's chatting with Lovrich like an old chum.
Snugfit boasts an 18-by-11-foot control room, a 15-by-13-foot recording room and a 7-by-7-foot isolation booth (for those trouble-making lead guitarists who always want to redo their takes). The adjacent tiled bathroom also works well for brighter, reflective tones. Concerned that you might be a little cramped? You'll reconsider when you hear the ultra-affordable rates of $25/hour (plus tape costs).
Inspired by producers such as Butch Vig and Brendan O'Brien, Lovrich opts for a non-intrusive method of recording - "the live approach" - which he says keeps energy levels up. That seemed to work well for local modern rockers Trip 66, who got signed to Ruffhouse off the demo they recorded with him. When it comes to laid-back engineers, Lovrich ranks with the most mellow. He's hardly the type who'll intimidate you into making your voice crack like Peter Brady's every time you step up to the mike.
When asked how a band can better prepare themselves for the studio, his response was practical: buy new drum heads, set guitar intonation and above all, be well-rehearsed.
And just in case you're wondering, dinner from Mom Lovrich isn't included in the price, but maybe if you're very nice...
FOR GEARHEADS ONLY: Lovrich records through a 32-channel Mackie board to a Fostex E-16, 1/2" 16-track. ADATS are also available. Microphone list includes Coles 4038s ("Steve Albini uses this microphone like he uses his lungs," says Lovrich.), AKG D-224Es, Altec N-21 BR tube condensers, Sennheiser MD-421s and Shure SM-81s and 57s. If you're in need of a good amp, try the Ampeg V4-B bass head or Hiwatt custom guitar head. There's plenty of outboard gear and other fun toys too numerous to mention.
Snugfit Studios can be contacted at 364-0751.
- Geeta Dalal
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