Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Single microphone. Direct to tape. No EQ or compression.
This video explains how one of the most purist analog recordings was made.
This video looks closely at Smoke & Mirrors Percussion Ensemble, the exceptional Yarlung Records release originally issued in 2012 and newly reissued in 2025. Featuring a virtuosic contemporary percussion ensemble, the album combines inventive compositions with a rigorously music-first, purist analog recording approach that places the listener directly in the hall.
Beyond what I covered in my written review at Audiophilia.com, this video shares additional insights drawn from conversations with producer and recording engineer Bob Attiyeh. I discuss the single-microphone, direct-to-tape recording process, the absence of traditional mastering, and how microphone placement and the acoustic space itself are used to shape the final sound — elements that help explain why this recording feels so immediate and natural.
If you’re interested in contemporary percussion, all-analog recording, or how a minimal approach can yield extraordinary musical and sonic results, this video offers perspective not included in the written review.
👉 Read the full written review at Audiophilia.com
audiophilia.com/reviews/2025/12/28/smoke-mirrors-percussion-ensembleyarlung-records-reissue-2025
My thanks to Bob Attiyeh and Yarlung Records for providing the review sample and for generously sharing insight into the recording philosophy behind this release.
Reference System
-VPI Scout with Classic Platter Upgrade
-JMW Memorial Tonearm
-VPI Analog Drive System
-Phasemation PP-500 MC Cartridge
-Miyajima Labs Infinity Mono MC Cartridge
-ModWright PH 9.0 Tube Phono Preamplifier
-Cayin A-50T Integrated Tube Amplifier
-System Audio Pandion 30 Loudspeakers
-Degritter Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
-VPI 16.5 Vacuum Record Cleaner
-Sweetvinyl Sugarcube SC-1 Mini
-Pioneer RT-707 Reel To Reel Tape Deck
-Ramar Record Brush
-The reference system is wired exclusively with Audio Art cables.
#YarlungRecords
#SmokeAndMirrors
#PercussionEnsemble
#Audiophile
#AnalogRecording
#DirectToTape
#VinylCommunity
#HighEndAudio
#ContemporaryClassical
00:00 Introduction
00:56 Some Percussion Records
03:50 About Yarlung
04:26 Smoke & Mirrors Details
10:18 Music and Sound
13:31 Pressing Quality and Conclusion
Single microphone. Direct to tape. No EQ or compression.
This video explains how one of the most purist analog recordings was made.
This video looks closely at Smoke & Mirrors Percussion Ensemble, the exceptional Yarlung Records release originally issued in 2012 and newly reissued in 2025. Featuring a virtuosic contemporary percussion ensemble, the album combines inventive compositions with a rigorously music-first, purist analog recording approach that places the listener directly in the hall.
Beyond what I covered in my written review at Audiophilia.com, this video shares additional insights drawn from conversations with producer and recording engineer Bob Attiyeh. I discuss the single-microphone, direct-to-tape recording process, the absence of traditional mastering, and how microphone placement and the acoustic space itself are used to shape the final sound — elements that help explain why this recording feels so immediate and natural.
If you’re interested in contemporary percussion, all-analog recording, or how a minimal approach can yield extraordinary musical and sonic results, this video offers perspective not included in the written review.
👉 Read the full written review at Audiophilia.com
audiophilia.com/reviews/2025/12/28/smoke-mirrors-percussion-ensembleyarlung-records-reissue-2025
My thanks to Bob Attiyeh and Yarlung Records for providing the review sample and for generously sharing insight into the recording philosophy behind this release.
Reference System
-VPI Scout with Classic Platter Upgrade
-JMW Memorial Tonearm
-VPI Analog Drive System
-Phasemation PP-500 MC Cartridge
-Miyajima Labs Infinity Mono MC Cartridge
-ModWright PH 9.0 Tube Phono Preamplifier
-Cayin A-50T Integrated Tube Amplifier
-System Audio Pandion 30 Loudspeakers
-Degritter Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
-VPI 16.5 Vacuum Record Cleaner
-Sweetvinyl Sugarcube SC-1 Mini
-Pioneer RT-707 Reel To Reel Tape Deck
-Ramar Record Brush
-The reference system is wired exclusively with Audio Art cables.
#YarlungRecords
#SmokeAndMirrors
#PercussionEnsemble
#Audiophile
#AnalogRecording
#DirectToTape
#VinylCommunity
#HighEndAudio
#ContemporaryClassical
00:00 Introduction
00:56 Some Percussion Records
03:50 About Yarlung
04:26 Smoke & Mirrors Details
10:18 Music and Sound
13:31 Pressing Quality and Conclusion
