I think you might enjoy these articles about some of the gear and process used to record Neil.
https://www.uaudio.com/blog/john-nowland-ua-interview/
and this.
https://www.uaudio.com/blog/100-percent-ua-610-console/
Finally, "under tuned and mopey" ? ... oh no no no.... the people do not abide such language about the beloved Levon. Earthy, dry, plain by choice, rhythmically rooted in old time r&b grooves and beer soaked .... maybe. The Band wouldn't be The Band if the drums were all fancy pants jacked up and pretty.
Thanks for a nice review.