In this week’s podcast Mike Thornton is joined by William Wittman and Audrey Martinovich to discuss approaches to recording groups of musicians in the studio. From technical matters like headphone mixes and mic strategies to the all important people skills we share the approaches and opinions of two working engineers.
The Guests
Audrey Martinovich’s interest in recording was sparked from her background as a classically trained singer who, through experimenting with recording voice lessons and performances, fell in love with engineering. Audrey co-owns Audio for the Arts, a Wisconsin-based recording studio specializing in acoustic music.
William Wittman is a Grammy Award-winning Producer/Engineer/Musician/Songwriter based in New York whose credits include the multi-platinum debuts from Cyndi Lauper, Joan Osborne, the Hooters, and The Outfield.
Talking Point
Running a recording session can be inspirational but unless well run it can quickly become unproductive. How do the guests manage the session, the equipment and most importantly the clients?
When you are approached to record a band, how do you establish the best way to approach the project.
Where are you on using a click track?
Do you have a preferred approach to recording a band?
How do you go about choosing mics? Do you have a preferred pool of mics or are you more adventurous?
How do you approach what the artists hear?
Headphone mixes can get very loud and especially if there are a number of performers, click bleed can become an issue. How do you address headphone spill?
How do you handle the band auditioning the takes? Do you keep them out of the control room or do you encourage their participation?
What if it’s not working, maybe they are good enough? After all, they are the client. What do you do?
Arturia
Arturia has a wide selection of software effects, including 3 Compressors, 3 Filters, 3 Preamps, and 3 Delays You'll Actually Use. The latest release, 3 Delays You'll Actually Use, includes Delay TAPE-201, Delay MEMORY BRIGADE, and the unique and experimental Delay ETERNITY. A bundle of selected effects, called the AudioFuse Creative Suite, is included with all AudioFuse audio interfaces. Visit arturia dot com to find out more on the Effects You'll Actually Use.
Source Elements
The Production Expert Podcast is made possible using ‘Source-Connect Now' from Source Elements, the free way to record high quality audio over the internet. Need to record an interview, or a podcast like this one, remotely? With 'Source-Connect Now', you can. Using a Chrome browser, you'll get ISDN equivalent quality audio, without the need to install any additional software. Register for your free account at the special page on the Source Elements website
Find Of The Week
William - Gretsch G5422T guitar
RSPE Audio Solutions
RSPE Audio Solutions design, sell and install professional audio and video equipment. Their team are available by phone, live chat, or email to receive and process orders. They have everything you need to build or upgrade your home studio to ensure you can continue to work from home. If there is anything they can do to help, reach out or shop online at RSPEaudio.com