Digital Meters and The Meters

Thought we’d throw some tech at you today. Most mixing is done by ear – after all, it is sound and relates most to our sense of hearing. But we’re also used to looking at meters in the studio. Often it’s just to make sure overall levels don’t clip, or to compress and add volume if necessary. You can also look at levels of individual tracks to compare them. Once you’re in the overall mix, how do you compare individual sounds on the meters? Here’s a metering device from Dorrough that gives a better idea of how individual sounds appear on a meter. I also like the street sound example they use. Wish I could afford one of these buggers.

http://www.dorrough.com/part2.html

Here’s a song from the band that introduced me to New Orleans funk. For some perspective, Cissy Strut came out in 1969. The Meters backed a lot of great R & B and funk players through out the years. A band that definitely should be better known.

What do The Meters have to do with metering? Nothing. I just like them.

 

 

 

True Genius

The music world just lost Lou Reed – I couldn’t let this pass without a reverent shout out. With the variety of styles in rock today, sometimes it’s hard to grasp just how different The Velvet Underground were when their first album came out in 1967. They weren’t following an established style or trend. Musically sparse and lyrically dark, it was something special. Listen to ‘Venus In Furs’. You can hear how many current styles follow their pattern: shoegaze, drone, punk, you name it. True genius is pulling it out of thin air. R.I.P. Lou.

 

A Little History

I came across this video of Frank Sinatra recording in the studio. For anyone who has interest in recording and recording technology, there’s a lot to see here. First, the vocalist and a orchestra in the same room while recording? The sound has separation and clarity despite being in the same room – try that one at home. You get a few glances at the mic placement when you see the orchestra and the mic setup for Sinatra. Interesting that he talks about ‘popping’ – there’s no ‘pop screen’ – they went by mic adjustment, singing technique and I would imagine some EQ adjustment in the booth. Again, amazing separation without multitrack or overdubs – right down to two track tape. Sinatra also discusses vocal technique. I don’t know if as much attention is payed to that today. His vocal sound is amazing and looks effortless.

   Sinatra may not be your cup of tea, but there’s a lot to be learned watching recording history.

 

 

How Do I Miss This Stuff?

Sometimes I think I spend too much time in the studio. Maybe I don’t get out enough. Not sure how I missed this cover version considering I’m a Led Zeppelin and Yeah Yeah Yeahs fan. There is the possibility that someone did tell me about it and I don’t remember. The mind is a terrible thing to waste…..      Uhmmm……   Where were we……..

Oh yeah, Immigrant Song…