I read the news today... oh boy

• 2.25.2013
  
  Congrats to the hard working guys from Gypsy Chief Goliath. Check out the official video for St. Covens Tavern from they're forthcoming album.
  
  
  
  
  "I feel like I want to call this the clarion call for the genre of Good Times Metal. There’s nothing goofy about it – it’s not some played out, gimmicky shit like pirate metal or anything like that. It just sounds exactly like someone took the feeling of hanging out at a friendly pub and singing along with a crowd, and transposed it into a metal song. Harmonicas, sing-alongs, and slick riffs back gruff vocals to produce one of the best unheard songs of 2012 and one of my favourite Canadian metal tracks ever." - Alex Gallant of Axis of Metal
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW_Zg7gzPFM
  
  
• 2.21.2013
  
  It's a new year and we've got news.
  
  This past week we had a very special guest in the studio. Producer Stacy Heydon brought in his new artist, Chelsey to record a number of tracks. Chelsey is a talented singer/songwriter from the Windsor area who will be appearing this summer at PEI's Cavendish Beach Music Festival. Stacy is a Windsor boy who toured extensively with David Bowie and Iggy Pop and appeared on a number of albums. He went on to have a Billboard #1 hit with Sheriff and produce albums for Long John Baldry, Teenage Head and Flock of Seagulls. A true honour to work with Stacy and Chelsey here at the Tank.
  
  
  
  
• 2.7.2013
  
  I had the great pleasure of sitting down and talking about my views on the Windsor/Detroit music scene with Dusty D'Annunzio and Jon Gillies for their forthcoming film the 'Border City Music Project'. Look for this film's debut sometime in March 2013.
  
  
  
  
  
• 12.12.2012 THE APOCOLYPSE
  
  Looks like we made it through the most recent dooms day predictions. It's gotta drive those gun toating, bunker building wacko's nuts! Personally, I'm glad to see the planet survive another day.
  
  The Unquiet Dead returned to the studio to cut two tracks to the MCI JH-24 for an upcoming vinyl release.
  
  
  A little tech update, today I finished the repair on the Bryston 2B that had given up the ghost a while back. The left side had gone into a terminal hissy fit that required replacement of the two output transistors. They had shorted out and caused the mains fuse to blow. While I was in there I recapped both channels as the ESR was quite high on most of the capacitors. They were 25 years old after all. The main 4500uf filter capacitors were still reading good so I left them in place.
  
  I also finished the stereo LA3A build two weeks ago. The the LA3A is the solid state version of the vernerable LA2A tube compressor, great on vocals, gtrs and percussion. This guy went together super easy and we're looking forward to getting a lot of use out of the pair.
  
  
  
  I'm slowly gathering the parts to build a pair of classic AKG C12 microphones in the new year. These are going to be killer mics for all kinds of applications. From Female vocals to drum overheads and Piano, these guys will get it done in style. Here's some background info from Recording Hacks on the AKG C12.
  
  
  
  My parts stash consists of a pair of AMI T14 transformers, a pair of GE 5 star 6072A tubes and a pair of very high quality reproduction CK12 capsules which is a crucial component of the classic C12 sound.
  
  
  
  
• 11.4.2012 FALL BACK
  
  Yep, daylight savings kicked in today. It always feels strange for a few days like jet lag. I'm hoping spring comes soon.
  
  UK band 'War Wolf' was in the studio laying down tracks for their upcoming release 'Riding With Demons' to be released on Headless Guru Records. The studios DW drum kit was used along with the 6.5x14 Dunnett snare that we just aquired. They're going for an old school metal sound which sounded absolutely huge and everyone left with big smiles on their faces.
  
  
  
  
  The Daniel Rush band has been into the studio to work on their debut release. Featuring Dan Lesperance on guitar and vocals it's shaping up to be a great sounding project.
  
  
  
  
  Windsors own Dennis Cantagalo and his band of merry gentlemen who have been rocking since the glory days of rock n' roll. November was jammed packed, more great stuff to come in October.
  
  
  
  An update on the Compex 760 build. Almost all of the components have been stuffed and I'm waiting on a few parts that should show up this week to finish the build off and get to testing and calibration. I've got about 20 hours into this build so far. Here's what she looks like now.
  
  
  
  
  
• 10.17.2012 COLES
  
  We've added another classic to our collection. A second Coles 4038 ribbon microphone. Created by the BBC for use in their studios the Coles has been a studio staple for many years and was in fact used on many Beatles recordings. We have a stereo pair of these great microphones.
  
  
  
  
  
• 10.12.2012 OOOOPPSSSS WE DID IT AGAIN
  
  A vintage 60's ROGERS POWERTONE 5X14 Chrome over Brass snare is on it's way to the Tank. We have almost achieved snare drum nirvana.
  
  
  
  
• 10.11.2012 AKG D25
  
  A vintage AKG D25 dynamic microphone is on it's way from the UK. This paticular microphone shares the same capsule as the AKG D12, but has some other tricks up it's sleve. You've heard this on just about every classic recording of a drum kit from 1960's through the early 70's. A welcome addition to the tone pallet here at the Tank.
  
  
  
  
• 10.9.2012 SESSIONS, GEAR AND LIVE GIGS OH MY!
  
  I just finished up a soundtrack recording for the Windsor Feminist Theatre's production of 'My Little Butterball'. This session was recorded live in the studio and features the musicians and actors of the theatre production. Look for various presentations in the coming months.
  
  We've completed mastering on Gregg Koval's latest project 'NO HARM DONE - VOLUME 1' his follow up to last years 'SPECIAL DELIVERY'. This time out Gregg's put out a disc of instrumental ditties complete with blistering guitars and soaring drums, at least that's how he describes it. You can find out more from Gregg's site.
  
  
  
  
  
  In gear news, I've been collecting the parts for a very cool compressor build over the past few months. This time it's an ADR COMPEX LIMITER. You've heard this limiter many, many times including on John Bonham's drum track for the Glyn Johns produced 'WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS'. This one will be fully transformer balanced using the correct vintage GARDNERS transformers and parts. I'll be detailing the progress on the build as it shapes up.
  
  
  
  On the analog front, I've just received the newly reconditioned head stacks for the JH24 and the ATR102. The heads require relapping periodically to maintain their performance. The decks are ready to kick out more great sounding tracks this fall. Come on by and I'll give you a tour.
  
  I've been doing a bit of live work. I thought I'd share some photo's of a few of the live gigs I've been a part of in recent months.
  
  
  
  NEIL YOUNG & CRAZY HORSE
  
  
  ELTON JOHN
  
  
  HEDLEY
  
  
  WINDSOR SYMPHONY
  
  
  
• 10.7.2012 THE SNARE DRUM PACK
  
  The Tank's snare drum collection has grown fast in the past couple of weeks! We've added a Dunnett 6.5x14 Stainless Steel, Yamaha 5.5x14 Steel, Rogers Super Ten 6.5x14 and a Ludwig Acrolite 5x14. All of them are tuned to sound their best and are ready for action.
  
  
  
  
• 09.28.2012 PROJECT UPDATES
  
  
  
  BRYNN GIRARD'S new single 'AWAKE ME NOW' has been mixed and will be sent of to mastering very soon. The song features contributions from many great session muscians with yours truly producing the track. Look out for this girl, she can sing!
  
  
  
  A VOLATILE MIXTURE has just completed their debut release, featuring 6 songs on their EP and 2 songs being released exclusively on 7-inch vinyl entitled 'EAT OF THE APPLE'. Everything was tracked to 2-inch and mixed to the ATR-102. I just love how everything comes back from tape sounding better than when it went in. It's one of the many true pleasures of my time behind the board working with these artists. The songs will be mastered and ready to go in the next few weeks.
  
  
  
  GYPSY CHIEF GOLIATH'S new album has been mastered and should be released soon. The album was recorded this summer at the Tank and was tracked to the MCI 2-Inch and mixed to the AMPEX ATR-102. It sounds absolutely huge and should be a great follow up to the boys last outing.
  
  We've been busy with other things here at the studio, analog tape transfers to digital, recording sound track and singer songwriters. We've been busy with various studio upgrades all designed to make the Tank the best place to record and produce your music.
  
  Lot's more to come.
  
  Stop by and see what the buzz is all about.
  
  
• 09.26.2012 DUNNETT SNARE
  
  
  
  We admit it, been on a drum buying frenzy these past few weeks. Who can blame us when we run into beauties like this! Made in Vancouver BC, these snares are legendary for there crack and their ability to sit in a track and are widely coveted by many top level session drummers. We're proud to add it to the arsenal here at the Tank.
  
  
• 09.18.2012 LUDWIG ACROLITE
  
  A fabulous example of Ludwig's 1960's ingenuity is on it's way to us. A 1964 Ludwig Acrolite #86518 will be available to add to your tracks. You've heard this snare on 1000's of records and along with it's big brother the Ludwig Supraphonic, it's one more reason why you can't resist us.
  
  
  
  We've also added a pair of VALLEY PEOPLE GAIN BRAIN II's, these compressors are aggressive, vibey and super cool. They were all over ton's of records from the 70's and 80's. A killer combo on Bass guitar, Drums (especialy room mics) and Electric guitars.
  
  
  
  
• 09.13.2012 NEW GEAR AND A COMPILATION
  
  We've just received an absolutely mint 1973 Rogers Londoner kit in Mojave Red, including a killer Superten 6.5x14 COS snare. In the coming days we'll be reskinning and cleaning her up in preparation for some recording.
  
  
  
  Another addition to the studio is a Ridge Farms Gas Cooker, an all tube Mic-pre/DI with lot's of mojo.
  
  
  
  We've upgraded our Protools rig to an HD|Native setup with Protools HD10. Super low latency and great sound combine for good time vibes.
  
  The Tank has four artists and five songs featured on Jamie Reaume's upcoming Windsor Artists Compliation, a tribute to Bradford Helner. The Golden Eagles - 'See You Coming', The Hung Jury's - 'The Put On', Dusty D'Annunzio contributing 'Puss N' Boots' and 'Sugar Shack' and The Unquiet Dead are kicking it off with a great song off their latest album - 'Maanendam'. Four of these tracks feature the late Bradford on the kit and percussion. We're looking forward to hearing all the great contributions!
  
  Hope to see you soon here at the Tank.
  
  

• 04.24.2012 Same Latitude As Rome - CD Release
  
  

Same Latitude As Rome's latest CD "1812" will be released on June 23 at Mackenzie Hall in Windsor, Ontario at 8 pm. Advance tickets are through Mackenzie Hall. The concert will be a combined musical performance of the CD by SLAR, and a historical presentation by Dan Loncke relating the actual historical events of each song. The event will also feature SLAR musicians Peter Boyer (guitar, vocals), Anneke McCabe (djembe, vocals), David Light (guitar vocals), Chris Martin (bass), Tim Logsdon (mandolin), and Besnik Yzeiri (violin).

http://www.facebook.com/ events/257032994392020/




• 04.18.2012 Spring has sprung and we're crankin' out the tunes



It's been a busy few months, here's the new releases from the artists who have been working here at The Tank. The Unquiet Dead new album 'Tales of the unquiet dead: Book One' has been released to critical aclaim. The new record was recorded on our MCI JH-24 and mixed down to the Ampex ATR-102 in studio A. The songs are great and their live performances are memorizing. The band shook things up recently at Canadian Music Week and are showcasing for Universal Music on May 11th.



The Stig will be releasing their CD entitled 'This Lovely Filth' Friday, April 27th at the FM Lounge here in Windsor. They have been receiving air play across the country. Jeff Stiles will be interviewed on CJAM's 'The Windsor Scene' on Record Store Day.




The Windsor Regional Writers Group have completed work on their record 'Reflections on 1812'. With sponsorship from Heritage Canada this talented group of songwriters combined to produce a rockin' reflective ride through the War of 1812. The CD will be released in colaboration with the Town Of Tecumseh's 1812 celebrations.

Same Latitude as Rome has completed work on their CD 'Songs of 1812' which group leader Peter Boyer has colaborated with local historian Dan Loncke on this group of songs about the War of 1812. Featuring a varied group of talent from the area the CD is a tour de force of great songs. The CD will be released along with a performance of the songs on June 23rd at McKenzie Hall.

Song writer John Pilat is releasing his group of songs on vinyl in a unique 7-inch format. The record will feature eight song vinettes which tell a cohesive story about the state of NY. Copies should be available soon. The Hoop's latest release 'Panada Boy' has been receiving a lot of airplay after it's release in January.




UK based band Our Mutual Friend will be releasing their collection of songs recorded here at the tank earlier this year. A very strong debut for this band.




We've added a ton of new/vintage gear to the studio. Come by and visit, Mark will be sure to show you the sites.

Till next time folks, stay funky. {mp}

 

• 01.08.2012 New Year and a New Website
  
  Welcome 2012! We fully expect a block buster year in keeping with the red hot close to 2011. Our analog based recording has taken off, we're adding more gear. New and returning clients have remarked how good things are sounding. I definitely think we've hit our stride, I really missed working on tape, so easy on the ears, so remarkably great sounding, glad to be back.
  
  Joe Labine and THE HOOP have released the debut PANDA BOY. The UNQUIET DEAD are progressing on their debut full length album and working towards their March 21st showcase at CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK. NEIL TUPPLING formerly of THE GOLDEN EAGLES has been in working on his album, these are all analog projects. We've also been working with DENNIS CANTAGALO formerly of TEN INDIANS and PETER BOYER on their efforts.
  
  We've made over our website to make it concise, succint and to the point How's that for some ten cent words.
  
  

• 10.27.2011 Work is continuing on Windsor's SONGWRITERS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA 1812 project.
  
  

  This full length CD project features local song writers from the SAC group and focuses on topics based on the War of 1812. The CD will be prominently featured in the town of TECUMSEH'S 1812 celebration. The CD will also be distributed through Parks Canada and will be available across Canada.
  
  The MAGNIFICENT BASTARDS completed work on their debut CD this summer, recorded and mixed to analog. The UNQUIET DEAD are releasing their EP recorded here, more analog love. THE HOOP will be releasing their 11 song effort on Vinyl and CD this December.
  
  

• 07.21.2011 Very busy summer here at the Tank.

  
  The HOOP is continuing to record their debut album after a successful tour of the UK. 
  
  Glen MacNiel and his good friend Russel Devaux came in to record 10 originals penned by Glen. 
  
  Found some reviews of a record I worked on FOR SALE AS IS by LEWIS MACLEOD. You can find them here and here. 
  
  Work resumes on the Alex Carruthers and Rhythm Brother album after Alex returns from his extended stay in PERU. 
  
  A recording is in the works with some Jazz greats, more details as the project comes together. 
  
  My good friend John Ashley has one of the best record shows coming up. For all the vinyl enthusiast out there, this show can't be beat! SUNDAY JULY 31st 10AM-4PM, PLAYERS CLUB - 1530 Langois Ave, Windsor, ON. Live entertainment and lots of COOL STUFF! 
  
  Many exciting projects in the works as the summer progresses. Stay cool.
  
  

• 06.25.2011 Trevor Malcolm in this week and next.

  
  Check out the 7 inch from The Hoop. Mixing the Speakeasy Trio at Mackenzie Hall Sunday June 26th. Brown Dog apple fritters mmmm/
  
  

• 05.17.2011  A lot has been happening here at the Tank.
  
  

  The JH-24 and ATR-102 analog decks are humming along nicely, sounding absolutely huge. I didn't realize how much I missed tape until I got these beauties up and running again, feels like a pair of comfortable shoes. We've been busy adding other gear to; a truly iconic compressor/limiter the Neve 33609 has been added. This one was custom built by yours truly and features genuine vintage Marinar transformers tracked down from all sides of the globe. The sound of this Neve compressor is legendary, we're very excited to add it to the arsenal.
  
  Also added is a EMI TG Limiter built to original EMI specs. This includes sourcing long obsolete parts from around the world and getting them here. These compressors where stock items in the EMI TG consoles that recorded almost everything that came out of Abbey Road between 1969 through to 1984. That's quite a lineage.
  
  Projects coming through the studio recently include the Hung Jury, Alex Carruthers and the Rhythm Brothers, The Michael Patrick Band, Hugh Leol, Years Of Earnest, The Windsor Salt Band, Jeff Stiles, Joe Labine's The Hoop, along with some Voice Over work for various project.
  
  Stay tuned for a rip roaring Summer.
  
  

• 12.23.2010 Working on remixes for METRIC.
  
  

  New recordings coming from Pitch Union, Michele Moro, Stateside Sin, Mike Herford and Angelo Alfini, The Trash Brownies, Al Penner and Liam O'Donnel, John Ashley.
  
  

• 12.10.2010 ASK's new album has been mixed by Mark Plancke and was mastered by Phil Demetro at Laquer Channel Mastering.

  
  This the second release from the Windsor band. 
  ASK on Facebook
  
  

• 10.14.2010 Our analog machines have been restored to their former glory and are now being used as an active part of our productions.
  
  

  The MCI JH-24 2-Inch 24 track and the AMPEX ATR-102 1/4-Inch 2 track machines are available for tracking and mixing your project right now.
  
  

• 06.29.2010 New songs posted on the site player featuring tracks from the FROM THE TANK compilation and HIGH MOTHERS
  
  
• 06.10.2010 FROM THE TANK, compilation featuring 17 artists is being released, produced by Mark Plancke
  
  
• 04.03.2009  The Sharktank is profiled on Jamie Greer's Musically Speaking Blog
  
  

  Over the years, one man's name has continually been at the forefront for serious music makers in Windsor - Mark Plancke. His reputation has preceded him as he is time and time again the go-to man for many of Windsor's most serious acts. When former Big Sugar member Kelly "Mr. Chill" Hoppe was looking to record his new act's record, he turned to Plancke to handle the boards for Mr. Chill & The Witnesses' debut, Cold Testament. So impressed with the work, another Big Sugar cohort, co-songwriter Patrick Ballantyne recorded his self-titled 2008 release at the Shark Tank as well. His attention to detail and bringing out the very best in his clients, Plancke has worked with a veritable who's-who of Windsor's musical elite over the years, from Jimmy Bronco to Citywide Vacuum, from Anneke's Star to Grand Marais, with each release sounding as unqiue as the individuals responsible, but unified by the distinctive professionalism that you can only get at the Shark Tank. 
  
  

  Check out the full article.

  
  
  
• 03.25.2009 Critical Track Support is here at the Tank.
  
  
• 01.09.2009 We're completing work on our new room which is 28' x 16' space
  
  
• 09.21.2008 We've taken up residence in Walkerville.