January 2010
11 posts
4 tags
Charlie Peacock and the Civil Wars
I mentioned Charlie Peacock in my last post. Tonight I was reading blogs in my blog reader and I became more inspired to create something authentic than I have in a very long time. I truly believe that this post will inspire you in much the same way. I’d love to hear your comments but more than that, please thank Charlie for this wonderful post!...
3 tags
My favorite resources
I find myself frequenting many blogs and websites throughout the week as I work. Sometimes I’m looking for a specific solution for a problem I’ve run into, sometimes I’m looking to be creatively inspired and sometimes I’m just looking for some light reading (where I accidentally pick up on new tips and tricks). I’m sure there are lots of sites I’m forgetting...
4 tags
In The Studio With Michael Jackson
I just finished reading In The Studio With Michael Jackson by Bruce Swedien. What a great book! If you’re into recording and/or love the music of Michael Jackson you’ll really get into this book. Bruce is a BRILLIANT recordist and mixer. He has been at the forefront of music recording for decades. In this book you really get a sense for Bruce’s love for music and his love...
4 tags
Where's your focus
Where’s the focus? Mixing for bands can be interesting. Sometimes the guys don’t even need to tell me what instruments they play. I can often tell by listening to their critiques of the mix what they play. The drummer is most concerned with finding the best drum sounds. The guitarist cares most for his solos and on and on. As a producer I find myself doing the same thing. I am an...
4 tags
MY FAVORITE DRUM MICS
Here’s a list of my favorite drum mics. KICK DRUM - INSIDE: (one of the following) EV RE-20, AKG D12, Shure Beta52 OUTSIDE: Telefunken Fet 47 SUB: NS10M with attenuator (I like this much better than the Yamaha SubKick for some reason) SNARE DRUM - TOP: Shure SM57 and a Josephson E-e22s BOTTOM: AKG 414 (in hyper cardioid mode) or a Shure SM57 HI HATS Neumann KM84, AKG 451, or AKG 414...
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If I knew then what I know now: What I'd buy with...
My friend John Carl (who is a creative genius in any format) suggested that I write this blog. In 2005 I put up my first investment for my studio (I purchased the assets of Unseen Sound Studios in Lynchburg, VA). I spent about $22,500 for all the gear. With that I got an Pro Tools HD System, some preamps (Avalon 737sp, Drawmer 1960 and a few other nice pieces), some Mackie 824 Monitors, and a...
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QUICK TIP-"Removing Automation"
When I’m preparing files to be mixed it is standard practice to remove all the plugins, sends and automation from the session so that the mixer has a blank session to work from. Here are a few shortcuts that will help you perform these tasks quickly. REMOVING PLUGINS/SEND ASSIGNMENTS By holding down [option] and removing a plugin it will remove all of the plugins in that row of inserts...
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Onion Mixing
Mixing (and producing) is like peeling an onion… you mix slowly, one layer at a time. The difference is that in mixing you might put a few layers back on if you’ve gone too far :) Oh, and you peel away the layers with your ears not your hands (hahaha! stupid joke). It’s true, you’ve gotta mix with your ears and not get too bogged down with one particular task. This is...
3 tags
THE RIGHT STUFF
As I continue to learn record production and mixing I’m always learning in extremes. I’ve tried producing tracks with extremely light “production” (few lays, fewer instruments, etc.) and I’ve tried massively over-producing tracks (stacks and stacks of guitars and vocals, many parts, heavy tuning). I’ve tried mixing songs the same way. One day I’ll mix...
Screen Captures - "You Saved Me" by Justin Kintzel
Every now and then I’ll post some screen shots from sessions I’m working on just for fun. The session below is a song called “You Saved Me” from worship artist, Justin Kintzel. His album is due out this spring. He’s a very talented guy (musician, photographer, videographer, designer, underwear model… wait? what??!)
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2010... my new era
I remember the year 2000. I was really young (still in high school actually) and wide-eyed about my future. There was so much I wanted to do and accomplish with my life and I was eager to get started. 10 years later I’m proud of where I’ve been and I’m still very excited about the future. This year I’ve resolved to make several changes in my life and strengthen the...
