Limitations

So I have been thinking a lot lately about recording in general and what has changed for the better and what has not.  This is not really a post about how bad things are or how much better they were just something to point out differences in how things are done.

In the old days (analog recording) there were limitations.  The track count was limited.  It all started with mono recording and then the largest analog tape machine I know of is a 32 track analog reel to reel tape machine.  Today we have the ability to nearly unlimited tracks only limited by hard drive band width and space.  Why am I talking about this?  I have been working on projects lately that push even the limits of the modern world.  Everything recorded in stereo and multiple passes of each instrument.

Many of these projects are putting everything but the kitchen sink in them.  It has made me think about many of the classic recordings of the last 40 years or so.  What made these recordings so special?  They are similar to what I have been working on.  Pushing the limits of the technology of the time.  I think one of the main things besides the fact that the songs were excellent, but they had limitations.  Track counts were lower, prior planning had to be made before the recording even started.  Musicianship had to be great and nearly flawless.  Prior planning had to be involved in making the record (track count limited so you could not just overdub to the end of time.)  Parts were worked out ahead of time not just edited to fit or copied and pasted on the next Chorus etc..

I think the thing that I am trying to say is that sometimes limitations are very good and can actually be just what the doctor ordered.  I am about to start on a new music project and in the planning phases we are talking about limits.  (Track limits, Overdub limits, Etc...)  We are wanting to focus on just what is important to us, the songs and sonics.  We are using the planning the methods that I teach in the Preproduction and planning class on https://www.sessionsatstudiom.com.

I will keep you posted as the project progresses and the obstacles of limiting ourselves in our modern environment.

Now offering weekend recording seminars

I am offering some weekend recording seminars.  I love the interaction of people in the room.  This goes right along with my online recording school. I have developed a set of basic recording courses that will give even the most basic novice to the intermediate user a great understanding of recording. I have worked on many records as an Assistant Engineer, Head Recording Engineer, Producer, and Mastering Engineer. By the end of the weekend you will have hands on experience with world class recording equipment. You will also be given an opportunity to take part in a live recording session. This course takes place over a Friday night, Saturday all day, and Sunday all day. By the end of the course you will have been taught the basics of recording. This course is not specific to any recording program (DAW). This course is specifically designed to cover basic recording topics from:

Here is a link to the information page. http://www.sessionsatstudiom.com/?p=417. Thanks all. Forward link onto all your friends.

Creativity Outside the Studio

I recently took a short vacation and it got me thinking about recording and being creative in general. My vacation was to a place I have been to many times, Sunriver Oregon. One trip I made to Sunriver was to record a friend of mine, Glen Zucker. It was not as grand as, say, when U2 recorded The Unforgettable Fire album in the castle, but we made it work.

We were in the vacation home of a friend there and set up a mostly portable recording studio, consisting of a Pro Tools set up along with some great pre amps and microphones.  We had 6 channels of Daking 52270 mic pre eq, 8 channels of API 3124 mic pres, 4 channels of Summit mic pre, and 4 channels of Focusrite ISA 215 mic pre eq.  We used very little compression during recording but did employ 2 channels of DBX 160X compressors and a stereo Drawmer 1960 on the drum room microphones, and a Urei 1176 blue stripe compressor for vocals.  We utilized the traditional microphones on the instruments etc..

What made this trip great was the freedom we had in the creative process. No real time constraints, just had to be done by a reasonable hour with the drums for the sake of the neighbors. We were able to wake up, have breakfast, get ourselves going for the day, and then sit down to record. Nothing else mattered.  If something was not happening at the moment, no stress. We walked outside and enjoyed nature and came back to the piece later.

I have always enjoyed being outside of the traditional recording studio when making records. There is something very freeing about it. There are windows to the outside, generally, no real time clock, and a much more open atmosphere to creativity. I'm not saying you can't have this in the traditional studio.  You definitely can in the right ones. But what I am saying, is that for some projects the off the beaten path place is best.

On my latest trip I felt the urge to create. There was a freedom, even though I was with my kids and wife on a family vacation. Something about being surrounded by beauty and the relaxing atmosphere made me want to create. So, I ended up remixing a song I had on my laptop. The mix I did while on vacation makes the song sound so much better! I was able to make the song sound like I had wanted it to from day one, but for some reason could not. I think it was the freedom my surroundings helped me to feel that cleared my mind and allowed me to focus on the task at hand. Even though I hadn't set out on vacation thinking that I would create or work on any recordings, when the urge came I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity and do it.

So what I really want to say with this long winded post-- find creativity anywhere. Make it happen. Live in that moment and you will find some great rewards.

Health Nuggets

I plan on covering a variety of topics as I post on this blog, all recording related (or at least mostly related). Hopefully you'll find what I post helpful and of interest.

Today I just wanted to post on a topic I have been thinking about.-- maintaining good health and stamina during long sessions.  As I become older my health and well being are of great concern to me, so I have been thinking about how I have managed to survive 12 to 16 hour marathon sessions day after day.  Over the years I have learned a few things that help me do so without feeling completely trashed by the end.

First, sleep is an important thing.  If I can get good sleep I am better prepared to handle the rigors of a long session the next day.  Also I find I am more patient with my clients if I have had a good night's sleep.  

Second, eating properly is another thing that will make the long sessions go well.  Eat a good breakfast (not just coffee or Pop Tarts).  They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You may be tired of hearing it, but it's true.  Not only does it help wake you up and give you a clear head,  but it will give you energy and help your mind create, too.

Third is another food topic, but snacking is important. Not the typical snickers or other candy, though, and chips don't cut it either.  Have some good snacks on hand.  Think of things that you like that are not loaded with sugar and junk that will cause a big energy crash after just a short amount of time.  Stuff that can sustain you, like fruit, nuts, proteins (like cheese or beef jerky), etc.

Fourth, exercise is another key element.  I am not saying you need to take a break in the middle of tracking to hit the gym., but try to move around during the session.  In this modern age of the Digital Audio Workstation, we can sit in front of a computer screen to do 99% of what we do.  I was at an AES convention a few years ago and Bob Clearmountain was the featured speaker.  He was talking about his SSL console that is around 12' long and jokingly said that going from one end to the other is the only workout he gets.  I got thinking about this and realized that some days he is right.  We can just focus our selection to the center of our control surfaces etc., so we don't have to move.  Couch potatoes on the job.  To combat this, listen from different spots in the room, or go in the hall to listen to your mix.  When tracking, rather than reaching for the EQ, get up and move the microphone.  A little blood movement can go a long way.  Also along these lines, when it comes to lunch and dinner, find a place that is close enough to walk to whenever possible.

Fifth, and this one is important to me, go outside every once in a while! Leave the control room, even if only for 5 minutes, but leave and go outside (smell the roses).  This gives your ears a chance to cool off and your mind a chance to refocus on the task at hand.  

Now, I haven't always lived my life according to these suggestions (I mean, a pink frosted cookie and a Mountain Dew used to be my breakfast of choice!), but I've gotten a little smarter over the years. Making great recordings is the goal, and I think that following these things will help you do that. 

I've listed just a few of the many things you can do-- we'd love some comments letting us know some of the healthful things you do to make it through a long session.

Thanks

Michael Maughan

sessionsatstudiom.com

It is finally here.

The day is finally here, http://www.sessionsatstudiom.com is up and ready to roll.  You may ask exactly what is sessionsatstudiom.com?  Well let me tell you, it is an online audio recording school that is an alternative to the high priced trade schools that are out there now.

I will be posting more on many audio topics as the days and weeks go on.  But for now I am just announcing the start of something very cool.

Thanks,

Mike