I first met Jahidi Vibes through our 2024 Emerging Artist Program, and right away, his music stood out to me. What caught my attention was the way he blends acoustic percussion with electronic elements—something I hadn’t seen done quite like this before.

Jahidi is a percussionist at heart, playing instruments like tabla, table drums, and a full drum kit. But he also mixes in electronic sounds, using synthesizers to create these incredible soundscapes that feel both ancient and modern.

When Jahidi came to Barnhouse, the goal was to capture his unique sound and also film two performance videos that would showcase his artistry. This project was all about honouring the fusion of organic and electronic elements that make his music so special.

Recording Jahidi’s Sound

Recording Jahidi was a departure from the usual acoustic guitar or piano setup. He’s got this ability to switch between instruments seamlessly, like triggering a Moog synthesizer with his foot while playing a full drum kit. It’s a true performance.

Here’s how we approached the recording process:

Tabla and Table Drums

Microphones: A pair of AKG 4501s were placed about 4 to 6 inches away, angled slightly for a stereo effect. A Neumann U 47 was added in the center, also 4 to 6 inches from the drum surface.
Room Mics: Two pairs of stereo room mics captured the studio’s acoustics. One set was placed about 10 feet from the instruments, while the other was positioned on the mezzanine, approximately 40 feet back. This setup gave the recordings depth and a sense of space.

Drum Kit

Jahidi’s drum kit setup included three tom-toms, a kick drum, snare drum, and traditional cymbals (crashes and a ride). The performance combined these classic elements with live-triggered drones, adding a hypnotic quality to the tracks.

Synthesizers

Instruments Used: Moog Grandmother, Moog Mother, Korg MicroKorg, and Korg Minotaur. These analog synthesizers required manual sound design for each session, as there are no presets.

Signal Chain: Each synthesizer was plugged into a Radial DI box, then routed through our Warm Audio 1073 mic pres for rich, analog warmth. Compression was applied selectively using a Warm Audio 1176 compressor in-line as an insert, not to control dynamics but to add width and presence to the sound.
Effects: We utilized plugins like the EMT 140 plate reverb for lush ambience. For delay, we alternated between Waves H Delay for modulated, Lo-Fi textures and Soundtoys EchoBoy for cleaner, more precise delay effects.

Video 1: Tabla Sound Healing | Live @Barnhouse

In the first video, Jahidi focused on his sound healing work with the tabla. The session was all about creating this calming, introspective energy that you could feel in the room.

This performance really highlighted the connection Jahidi has with his instruments. The tabla’s tones were resonant and rich, filling the live room with warmth. For me, this session captured the heart of what makes Jahidi’s music so powerful—it’s not just something you hear; it’s something you feel.

Video 2: "Galactic Pocket" Rhythmic Soundscape on Drum Kit | Live @Barnhouse

The second video was a completely different vibe. Jahidi switched to the drum kit, blending dynamic rhythms with a drone triggered live by his left foot. The energy in this session was incredible.

To bring out the full depth of his sound, we leaned into the recording process:

Drum Compression: Using a Universal Audio DBX 160 plugin, we added compression to enhance the punch and presence of the drum kit.
Reverb and Delay: The EMT 140 plate reverb added a lush, expansive quality to the room sound. Delay effects were carefully chosen to complement the rhythmic interplay between the drums and synth drones.

This session captured Jahidi’s ability to create grooves that feel both organic and otherworldly.

Looking Back

Working with Jahidi on this project was a real treat. He’s an artist who knows exactly what he wants but is also open to experimenting and trying new things. Watching him blend the organic rhythms of the tabla with the warmth of analog synthesizers was inspiring.

What I love about projects like this is how they push the boundaries of what we think music can be. Jahidi’s performances at Barnhouse weren’t just recordings—they were experiences, and I’m proud we could help bring them to life.

Final Thoughts

Jahidi Vibes’ sessions at Barnhouse were a perfect example of how tradition and innovation can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re an emerging artist or a seasoned pro, Barnhouse is a place where you can explore your sound and take your artistry to the next level.

We’ll be releasing videos of more artists Live @Barnhouse every month. Subscribe to our channel at https://www.youtube.com/@BarnhouseSoundProductionsLTD.

Jahidi Vibes | Sonic Alchemy at Barnhouse Sound