Jazz-fusion collective Snarky Puppy has unveiled their latest album, Somni, a project that showcases their innovative compositions and technical prowess in collaboration with audio equipment manufacturer Audio-Technica. This album, recorded during live sessions in January 2025 in Utrecht, Netherlands, marks a significant chapter in the longstanding partnership between the band and Audio-Technica, which has spanned nearly two decades.
The recording of Somni took place over three nights in front of an enthusiastic audience, capturing the energy and spontaneity that define the band’s sound. The sessions featured the renowned Metropole Orkest and conductor Jules Buckley, with bandleader Michael League leading the ensemble through the entire album. “The idea is that the audience provides energy for the band,” said engineer Nic Hard, highlighting the unique atmosphere of the event.
Innovative Recording Techniques
To create this hybrid recording environment, Hard and his team transformed a nightclub-style venue into a professional studio. The space was meticulously prepared, featuring carpeting, drapes, and acoustic treatments to control sound reflections. Over 200 audio channels were utilized across four synchronized Pro Tools systems operating at 96 kHz, ensuring high-fidelity recordings.
As there was no PA system, all 300 audience members experienced the performance through Audio-Technica headphones, which were paired with wireless RF packs to provide a custom live mix from front-of-house engineer Michael Harrison. The headphones used included the ATH-M50x Limited Edition Ice Blue for the musicians, ATH-M50x White for the Metropole Orkest, and ATH-M20x Black for the audience.
State-of-the-Art Equipment
The microphone selection played a crucial role in achieving the album’s sound. The team employed the new ATM355VF compact clip-on cardioid condenser for the violinist Zach Brock, alongside a variety of other microphones tailored for different instruments. This included AT4081 bidirectional ribbons for horns and AE6100 hypercardioid handhelds for talkback communications.
“It was absolutely breathtaking to walk into that room,” recalls Roxanne Ricks, Audio-Technica Artist Relations Manager. “You weren’t just watching a recording session; you were immersed in an incredible experience and part of history.”
Hard noted that microphone choice and isolation were vital in capturing the diverse range of instruments present, including four drum kits and various string instruments. “We relied heavily on AT4050 microphones in the percussion setup, with about 20 mics covering 50 to 60 instruments,” he explained, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the recording process.
After the completion of the recording sessions, Hard mixed Somni entirely in his home studio in Spain. He managed over 200 tracks per song before creating a Dolby Atmos® mix that offers an immersive listening experience. “I wanted to make it as fun as possible without being distracting,” he said, illustrating the meticulous attention to detail that went into the final product.
As Snarky Puppy continues to evolve, their collaboration with Audio-Technica remains a cornerstone of their production process. “Audio-Technica provided us with the flexibility and reliability we needed to make such a complex production work,” said Dirk Overeem, the staff sound engineer for the Metropole Orkest, who served as technical producer for the project.
With Somni, Snarky Puppy reaffirms their position as one of the most innovative ensembles in contemporary music, while Audio-Technica is proud to play a significant role in bringing this ambitious vision to life. This ongoing partnership not only enhances the band’s artistic journey but also enriches the experience of all those who participate in their performances.
