Newly Formed Boy Band Cre5cendo Achieves Modern Sounds with HARMAN’s AKG Microphones

MILAN, Italy – Formed around the 15-year old guitar prodigy Gianluca Gentilesca, boy band Cre5cendo ambitiously offers a modern interpretation of Classic Rock, with help from HARMAN’s AKG microphones in one of Milan’s historic studios. While working with producers, KNAGUI of 7:06PM Entertainment Group and Massimo Caso, who also serves as studio engineer, Cre5cendo has found its voice as a band that respects the works of original artists while adding its own unique flavor to the mix.

Working out of Caso’s studio Il Cortile, the producers, who together call themselves GUIMAX Productions, recently cut a cover of “Happy” by Pharrell Williams as one of Cre5cendo’s first songs. Two AKG C12A and two D12 microphones, plus a few 414 and D112 microphones, were used to record the drums, guitar amps and room acoustics for the song.

“What I love about the AKG microphones is that they give a certain life to the recording,” said KNAGUI. “They have a distinct flavor when they pick up the sound, but unlike microphones from some other brands, it’s not so dominant that the microphones only have specific uses. Therefore, the placement is flexible and allows us to bring out the unique qualities of the band.”

The drummer enjoyed a setup of three microphones that covered the overhead, kick and bass, thanks to a cardioid configuration with AKG C12A microphones, which according to KNAGUI is a “modern and realistic approach to the sound. Rather than providing a microphone for each drum, this setup allows the drummer to “be the drummer” and showcase his finesse and proficiency."

The C12A were the favorite microphones of Caso’s inventory, and also his first choice for the acoustic guitars, providing certain “softness without the dullness. Also, they are able to capture the sounds of electric guitars effectively, which are usually notoriously difficult to record with condenser microphones,” Caso said. “So far, only the AKG C12A and 414 microphones were able to do so!”

While recording the band’s EP this past January, the D12 and D112 microphones were used on the kick drum, while the C12A and 414 were used on the hi-hat and cymbals, providing excellent balance and a natural reproduction of sound in the studio.

“When Cre5cendo was looking for a modern sound with a rock-centric and open approach, I knew the choice and use of microphones would be essential,” said Caso. “This is why AKG’s established heritage in sound is greatly appreciated by me and the band.”

For more information on Cre5cendo, please visit www.facebook.com/cre5cendo

HARMAN designs, manufactures and markets premier audio, visual, infotainment and integrated control solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. With 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson ®, the Company is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a global workforce of 15,200 people and reported sales of $5.1 billion for the last 12 months ended March 31, 2014.