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recording | mixing | mastering | production | music transcription |
| Making a great recording is equally an art as well as a science. |
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There are certain technical aspects that one must understand so that creativity can emerge without constraint. It is my responsibility to assume this technical understanding in order to allow you—the artist(s)—to focus on your creative output and performance.
Also, I feel it is imperative for any recording artist that is serious about their craft to sustain a relationship with someone they can trust to help them accurately convey their musical ideas. As a dedicated musician and composer, myself, I prefer to take an active role in the projects I am a part of—providing an abundance of fresh ideas and supportive feedback.
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 recording
The recording (or tracking) stage lays all of the vital groundwork for any audio production. Particular attention must be paid to properly setting up equipment, mics and levels to get the cleanest possible signal. There are countless predefined methods, but, as each artist or group is unique, there is always a demand for for some variation and experimentation.
It is important that each performer is able to comfortably monitor themselves and the other talent or prepared tracks they are performing along to. I work attentively with each artist to draw out their finest possible performance, often recording multiple takes that we can later compile into one magnificent performance. |
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mixing
There are considerations to make when selecting someone to mix your project. Each engineer will likely have a distinct method or style, and most impart a subtle, yet perceptible characteristic sound to a majority of their work. It is a good idea to listen to various examples from various engineers to decide which has the overall distinctive sound or vibe that you desire for your project.
Although every mix requires a different approach, my ears tend to guide me towards rich, dense mixes that possess an organic sensibility. I contemplate the personality of each individual song, while maintaining a consistent vibe or atmosphere throughout the project as a whole (a result which can save time and money during the mastering stage!).
The editing of performances has been a significant part of preparing a mix for some time. A benefit of working in the digital realm is the depth of the virtually seamless edits that can be made. This allows us the option of compiling several imperfect takes into one flawless performance without the time, hassle and limitations of "cutting tape." |
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mastering
Mastering (or premastering) is the final stage of processing and manipulation that an audio production receives before the duplication or replication process. It takes a very skilled engineer with the appropriate equipment to generate an exceptional sounding commercial-ready master CD.
I offer the budget-conscious what I call "virtual-mastering." This is ideal for demo, EP, and independent level productions and includes the following:
- cleanup the beginning and end of each track (fades, edits, etc...)
- add digital processing as needed (noise reduction; equalization; compression; limiting; enhancement of the stereo image)
- arrange the CD tracks to your specifications
- burn a redbook standard CD
If your project is going to be released as a full length, major production album, I would be the first to encourage you to bring it to a larger professional mastering facility. There is simply no substitute.
 For more information about mastering, here is an immensely comprehensive site: http://www.massivemastering.com/html/welcome.html |
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production
With the advent of recent digital recording technologies, it has become much more affordable for artists to create superb recordings. However, one crucial element that is often overlooked is the need for working with a producer.
Bringing together all of the elements necessary to yield a professional sounding musical product is no simple task. There can be many snags and pitfalls along the way that often do not even begin to surface until you are already at your first recording session. The resulting stress can drastically impair your performance and inhibit your creativity. Thus, compelling you to spend much more time and money in the studio or face settling for unsatisfactory results.
I can help you get the most out of your studio time, whether at my studio or another facility, by offering my insight and perspective in the following areas:
- Composition: you may need help constructing parts for your songs or writing for an unfamiliar instrument.
- Arranging: you have the ideas and the material, but perhaps you are having some trouble sorting everything into an effective composition.
- Pre-Production: cut down on excessive time in the studio by working out a solid plan before you get there. With my moderate rates, my studio serves as an ideal pre-production workshop prior to recording at a larger, more expensive facility!
- Performance Coaching: work out any performance issues you have (especially issues you may be unaware of) with help from an attentive, patient coach before and during your recording session.
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music transcription
More soon... |
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