I can really give you my four hour answer to this 3) Create an environment in the studio that to all the things you do, be it in the studio or
one! But for now, here are the headlines… encourages playing live?
creativity
and
inspires
great
performances! Make the technology disappear
1) Get the music right first! Trying to repair and focus on heart-stopping, jaw-dropping, [Tom] The first thing that comes to mind is…
things later costs more money, frustrates the goose bump popping performances! people, learn your craft! Be awesome at what you
creative process, and never sounds as good as
playing it great the first time. Here’s the math…
do. Singers, musicians, engineers, arrangers,
If you want the rest, you’ll have to meet me and producers – learn everything you can
at Starbucks! about every style of music. Be curious. Listen
Brilliant song + killer band + great singer +
decent recording gear = awesome results
Average song + sloppy band + bad singer +
to music, analyze, investigate, experiment, ask
[WM] What are some of the most valuable questions, and gain knowledge from experts.
studio lessons you've learned working with so Never stop growing. Don’t perform for the gig
many artists over years? you have today – perform today at the level of
state-of-the-art gear = awful results
the gig you want to have next week. Playing for
[Tom] There is an incredible amount you can a room of 50 people? Play like you’re on stage
2) Think like an electron! Understanding signal accomplish before the artists ever show up with Billy Graham, Quincy Jones, Jimi Hendrix,
flow is vital. Start at the beginning of the sound to the studio. The best way to kill a recording and Queen at LiveAid to a million screaming
and follow the path of the electrons. Listen to session it Is to start setting up when the fans! When I was a kid, before every concert
the sound coming off the instrument / vocalist musicians arrive! You’ll be missing the first my Mom would say, “The King sits in every
– good? If not, have them make it right. Then several hours when the players are fresh and audience.” Give your best with every breath.
listen to the sound coming directly off your mic the singers are inspired. The first few takes Put your heart on the line. Take a risk. Trust with
– good? If not, move the mic or change it. Is are usually the best ones. Set up everything all your heart and learn to love to learn… and
the mic preset properly? Is the EQ set properly? in advance so the artists can walk in and start don’t forget to be awesome!
Make your EQ adjustments, then bypass EQ – making great music right away.
THE WRAP
did you improve the sound? Do the same thing
for any compression or other effects that you [WM] You've been blessed to make a living And there you have it. As Tom pointed out, bring
are adding to the sound. Want to be a great through a long career working with Christian your best not just for today, but for tomorrow.
engineer? Then put your mics in front of great artists like Ron Kenoly and mainstream artists Every service, every song, every session is a
musicians! like Alan Parsons. What are some of the most perfect opportunity to for you and your team to
valuable studio lessons that you've applied step into your tomorrow!
Recording gear mentioned in this article can be
FOUND ON
Allen & Heath AH-M-A Dante Card
Allen & Heath ME-1 Personal Monitoring Mixer
Allen & Heath SQ Series Mixers
Aviom A320 Personal Mixer
Aviom A360 Personal Mixer
Behringer P16M Personal Mixer
PreSonus EarMix P16 Personal Monitor Mixer
Boss DB-90 Dr. Rhythm
Line 6 Helix
Melodyne
February 2019
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