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From the legendary stages of the Sphere in Las Vegas to the intricate layers of modern pop and hip-hop, Keith Harris has built a career on precision, passion and the perfect drum sound. As a Grammy-winning drummer, producer and Musical Director (MD) for icons like the Backstreet Boys, Fergie and the Black Eyed Peas, Keith knows that the foundation of any great record starts with the signal chain.
We caught up with Keith to talk about his long-standing relationship with Audient gear, his transition into the world of immersive audio, and how his ASP008 and ASP880 mic preamps remain the backbone of his studio.
The Pursuit of Sonic Clarity
For Keith, the choice of equipment is dictated by the need for absolute detail. He relies on his Audient 8-channel mic preamps to capture the nuances of his performances without unwanted colouration.
“I run my toms, overheads, and electronics through the ASP008,” Keith explains. “The clarity and detail in the pre’s shine through and have stood strong in every project I’ve recorded – from Fifth Harmony and Estelle to my most recent work for the Backstreet Boys at the Sphere.”
Keith often opts for the ultra-transparent path of the ASP880. This clean signal is a strategic choice for his workflow. “I prefer the ultra-transparent route in order to give my Front of House Engineer the most flexibility to process the audio for different venues and genres,” he notes.
Streamlining the Workflow
Between global tours and studio sessions, Keith’s time is a premium commodity. Having 16 channels of high-quality ADAT-expandable preamps has revolutionised how he moves between creative spaces.
“Having the flexibility of 16 channels lets me tackle any recording situation with ease,” says Keith. “From my full touring Tama drum kit to live horns, bass or synth, it’s easy to get the job done and have the best sound possible.”
Building for the Future: Harris House Studios & Atmos
The next chapter for Keith is an ambitious move into immersive audio. Inspired by the massive sonic storytelling possibilities of the Sphere, he is currently building Harris House Studios.
“The immersive environment is still somewhat new to major artists, and I want to have a space that caters to that form of creativity,” Keith says. His goal is for the facility to be a premier destination for Atmos and 360RA.
Translating a traditional stereo production style into a 3D space comes with its own set of challenges, particularly regarding “clean” audio and placement. “The only challenge I had taking the stereo mix to a 3D environment was making sure all recorded audio was as clean and clear as possible,” he explains. This vision for immersive precision is also why Keith is eyeing the Audient ORIA – the dedicated immersive audio interface and monitor controller – to anchor his new setup as he continues to push the boundaries of “Pop-Urban” music.
Beyond the Kit: Musical Direction and Vol. 2
Keith’s role as the “MD” or the “dad of the stage” is informed by his bird’s-eye view from behind the drums. This perspective allows him to see how every instrument works in tandem with the vocal arrangement, a skill that translates directly into his production.
He is currently applying these concepts to his upcoming record, The Keith Harris Experience: Volume 2. This project represents his connections with global pop-urban music and the stories of his life on the road. Interestingly, Keith has even embraced AI as a “companion tool” for songwriting and refining his arrangements, though he maintains it is “never a means to replace human creativity”.
What’s Next for Keith Harris?
The year ahead is packed for Keith. In addition to finishing his studio and releasing Volume 2, he is working on:
- Creative Music Director for the Coca-Cola 250 Campaign.
- The Common Thread: A new docu-series.
- Musical Director & Drummer for Ben Gleib’s YouTube Tonight Show.
- Pass The Aux Las Vegas: A monthly artist event he hosts in Nevada.
Stay connected with Keith online:
Instagram: @keithharrisexperience
Harris Entertainment: @harrisentertainment2047
Pass The Aux: @passtheaux_LV