Mixing in surround is fun and creative. However, mixing is the easiest part. The encoding and formatting can really cause havoc on your audio. From hires DVD-A or Video DVD-V there is plenty of reasons behind each that will make you choose which to go with. And some are so hidden, even the makers of my Dolby Encoding software were not aware of certain constraints which forced me to change formats mid project and update them on the limitations.
I am the type of person that likes to always be learning or else I feel stagnant or predictable. One way for me to keep learning is to introduce a new piece of gear that is different is color/sound texture or purpose. This year I added multiple new mic preamps that are tube or solid state or in between, which really opens up the soundscape, and also a mastering EQ and compressor. All of them has changed the sonic pallet and the mastering gear has changed my workflow. Of course the sound quality is phenomenal.
Imaginary Love Ballads is the brain child of artist Todd Whisler. This is album number 7 that I have produced for Todd. We spent a whole year working on every aspect of the CD and DVD for a dual release. Check out this trailer.
Michael Ronstadt is a very accomplished cellist and is our number one choice when it comes to recording strings in the studio. In the past I’ve recorded Michael in our vocal room (which is acoustically dead for a very produced sound), but lately I’ve put him in the live room and utilized our new mobile absorption panels. This gives us flexibility in adjusting the reflections around him while avoiding the bass buildup typically found in smaller rooms and keeps the cello’s natural low mids from getting muddy. Michael just finished tracking Farther to Run by Lori Sumberg and is currently working on Todd Whisler’s progressive album. Maybe the distortion pedal will make an appearance!
Shooting TSE Drums
My TSE Drum series has just been released in three sections – The Anatomy of a Drum Kit, Drum Preparation & Tools for the Studio, and Microphone Placement, Tracking and Mixing for Drums. This tutorial provides the most comprehensive drum information ever put together in a video. Not only does it teach you how to record drums, it gives you all the information about choosing the right drums, heads, and dampening techniques. You can find more out at www.TheStudioEdge.com.
