Sure you've heard that before, right?
With all the digital technology available to us today, we can assume that we will have total control over all audio editing decisions later on in the recording production process.
This assumption is partially correct. We can compile numerous tracks of information. Up the point where our computers can not handle any more information without compromising performance.
But one of the other not so obvious residual affects of handling so much information is our ability to make sense of all that info come mix time. How many bass tracks? Which vocal did we like? Which take was the best one? And this all is subjective to the moment.
Capturing performances is really what recording audio has always been about. The ability to translate an idea or emotion to the listener by way of the artists' performance. We believe this is where the rubber meets the road. Taking all things into consideration, if an artist is able to perform at his or her highest ability during those brief moments when the record button is on, then we should be able to capture that idea or emotion. The tools by which we achieve that goal become almost irrelevant. Almost
Today people can run out to their favorite music super store and purchase a digital recorder and open up a studio in their bedroom. That's cool. But consider the years of experience and technical ability required to get to that place where the music sounds like a professional recording. Granted, there have always been and will always be exceptions, but generally the quality of a recording will be closely related to the quality of gear and the knowledge of how the use it.
Our studio is here first and foremost for the artist. As artists ourselves, we are always focused on achieving the goals of the songwriter/producer first. Attaining the highest level of audio quality is our goal, but not in spite of allowing the artist to flow. Too many times technology gets in the way of the moment and blows it for the performer.
We have learned to stay out of the way. Just take care of the tech stuff and let the performer focus on performing.
Come and see for yourself why it does matter. Remember, junk in-junk out.
Mixing Decisions
