PDS: where magic happens.

Our cavernous studio facility consists of:

• A computer
• A digital interface
• A microphone
• Headphones and monitors
• A desk and chair

In other words, no “tape” involved, just sounds and voices, captured by microphones, forced to swim and leap upstream through an interface into the laptop, where those sounds mingle and mate before dying in the shallows.

No “studio space” per se either, but lots of sound effects blended together create the feeling of space, spacer, spacest.

In the time-honored tradition of home studios everywhere, this tiny setup is surrounded by some strips of carpet hung from the beams.

Poison Dart Frogs

Our home state-of-the-frog studio is named after some of our favorite animals, a group of amphibeans collectively known as “Poison Dart” (or “Poison Arrow”) frogs, or Dendrobates. These tiny critters produce toxic secretions from mucous glands in their skin, and their name derives from Amerindians (of Central & South America) who would capture the frogs, distill their poisons, and smear them on arrow tips.

As with coral snakes or lion fish, these vivid, colorful patterns warn predators away from bitter (or potentially deadly) prey. The frogs are active during the day, which is pretty unusual for tiny frogs.

Many of them are, unfortunately, endangered. As creatures of the tropics, they suffer along with all fauna affected by deforestation, and they have also taken a hit from whatever has been causing the massive drop in frog populations.

It was a visit to the National Aquarium in Baltimore that introduced them to us. We were already fond of the Red-Eyed Tree frog, which carries its young on its back, and when we saw the startlingly adorable Poison Dart frogs, we decided that tiny frogs would be our totem animal.

Frogs have been a symbol of good luck for many cultures over the centuries, according to a historical study we just made up, and have soothed many a despondent heart to sleep with their gentle humming.

In the Only Barely Related Dept., we do not highly recommend the movie Frogs, with Ray Milland and a young Sam Elliot, altho it does have a cool message of eco-revenge by wet & slimy creatures.

Tech Specs

For those who really care! Here’s the rundown:

• Logic Pro software
• Apogee One interface
• Shure SM-7 microphone
• Rode NTK microphone
• Shure SM-63 mic
• SE Reflexion Filter

Not pictured:

• Sony PCM M10 digital recorder
• Adobe Audition 3.0 for final mastering

If you’re considering starting your own podcast, by all means do! Don’t let a little thing like DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY intimidate you! It’s surprisingly docile, once you figure out what kinds of treats it likes.

The music is a combination of:

• Instrumental bits from my 2 albums
• More recent recordings made at home over the last couple years
• Instrumental bits that were created by combining different Logic Pro/Adobe Audition instrument loops, like the show’s opening music
• ‘Canned’ music loops (from Logic Pro) for mood and breaks.

Instruments I play: Reverend Warhawk guitar, Schecter Bass guitar, Seagull acoustic guitar, Yamaha Stage Custom drums, keyboards, and Logic Pro electronic instruments (MIDI).