The film “A Complete Unknown,” directed by James Mangold and starring Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, co-stars Edward Norton. It chronicles Dylan’s arrival in Greenwich Village in 1961, his rapid ascent to stardom, and his controversial 1965 electric performance at the Newport Folk Festival, along with key recording sessions from his first two CBS/Columbia Records albums.

Sonic Circus provided historically accurate audio gear and musical instruments for the live settings at Monterey and the Newport Folk Festival, and assisted with the recreation of CBS/Columbia Records Studio A. Our team helped the production identify specific equipment from photographs. Most of the gear was sourced from our vintage collection. For the film’s overall feel, it was essential that every detail be period-accurate, including the studio “recording” lights. The instruments, amps, mics, and recorders had to be functional and not merely props. Chalamet recorded and performed all his vocal and instrumental parts in the film, and the audio from the recording studio scenes was used in the final cut. Equipment loaned from our collection included accurate versions of Bob Dylan and Michael Bloomfield’s studio and stage amps, our original Hammond B3 organ acquired from Bearsville Studio (founded by Dylan’s manager, Albert Grossman), and vintage microphones. Prior to production, the script and music sequence were rehearsed and approved by Bob Dylan.

One of our main challenges was providing the original CBS/Columbia Records Studio A recording console, which was originally located at 49 East 52nd St in Manhattan. The control room of Studio A housed a custom tube console, and very few photographs of it existed. Thanks to photos from former CBS recording engineer Jim Reeves’ archive, we were able to fabricate an accurate replica. The original console was custom-designed by Columbia’s in-house R&D department and was the heart of the sound quality for those records. In the film’s CBS control room scenes, you can also see two tall equipment racks loaded with Ampex tube electronics, which were early 8-track recorders. The Ampex 8-Track “Octopus,” named by comedian W.C. Fields, was first adopted by Les Paul. It allowed engineers to sync eight external inputs to an Ampex 1” machine, adapting quickly to the increasing demands of multitrack recording.

Columbia Records is the oldest existing record company in the world, founded in 1888. In the 1960s, custom tube consoles, Ampex 300 analog tube tape machines, and Pultec equalizers, along with beautiful acoustic environments, talented staff, and visionary artists and producers, came together to create a continuous string of influential hit records. At the forefront of Dylan’s career was producer John Hammond Jr., known for his keen ear for musical talent and his role in shaping the careers of many influential musicians in the 20th century. Today, in a digitally dominated DIY recording world, vintage recording equipment is increasingly sought after by musicians and collectors, who are captivated by its unique sound and historical significance. The restoration and preservation of these pieces fill an important niche.

Sonic Circus has been working with studios, musicians, and producers since 1996, supplying new, used, and vintage equipment. We are passionate about recording consoles and maintain a significant collection of historical vintage gear. Our commitment to helping clients supply, service, and support their recording studios drives our company. Sonic Circus is family-owned and operated, with a dedicated team of professionals ready to assist artists in achieving their music production goals. Our recording studio and tech/engineering department are nestled in the hills of Southern Vermont, and we operate by appointment only.