Video Blogging
(this post is mainly targeted towards people still learning or wanting to learn more about making records, so if you already know how to, this post is not for you)
So I've been pondering for a while now the thought of posting some video blogs here on my site. Any interest? I've been talking to a great website about doing some video blogging for them and i think thats the catalyst to put the whole thing into motion. Obviously some of my written blogging here is of a more personal nature, however, i think i'll approach video blogging as more of an instructional course on some engineering basics. I think i could convey some ideas via video with audio much easier than typing. I'll probably do some stuff on the basics of compression, EQ, reverb, recording, editing, how to prepare a song to be mixed, etc... Alot of stuff thats become second nature to me and that i probably take for granted, but stuff that i get questions on regularly, or mistakes that i consistently see on sessions coming in to mix. Some of you dont have the luxury of schooling, and quite frankly, not all recording schools are created equal anyway, so maybe a few of these things might let you guys side step some common pitfalls of record making. We'll see.
In the past, I've been asked to do instructional DVD's on mixing, which i personally think is not a good idea. I think its misleading. I think that 90% of the people who would buy it would think "Wow, if i watch this 5 hour instructional DVD, I'll be able to mix my own music like the pro's". Sorry, wrong. Mixing takes YEARS to get good at. Trust me. Years. Years of mixing every day. My production partner Brent Kolatalo is becoming quite the talented mixer lately, and he's been working every day with me for over 3 years, getting trained in the art of mixing by me for three years, every day. And he's just lately really cranking out some great mixes. So, do you really think watching a 5 hour DVD, or watching some video blogs is gonna make you a good mixer? No, its not, and thats not my goal in doing them. I'm hoping to give some of you some extra tools for your tool box that you can practice with and get a feel for. I'm hoping to clear up some common mistakes you might be making, and show you some basics about gear that hopefully i can explain in a way thats easy to understand and implent. We'll see.
I get asked all the time "I cant afford you but can you give me some tips on how to mix like you?". Honestly, i get this alot. My response is always "Here's my suggestion..... forget a social life, work 80 hours a week for years on end, mix every day and challenge yourself every day to get better, and maybe someday you'll be a really talented mixer". Or maybe you were just naturally born into it, a rare few are and I'm jealous of them. Anyway, after i start video blogging, I can just tell people to watch that for tips :-) Problem solved.
So are there any specific or general topics anyone would like to see a video blog on?
-Ken Lewis
check out the new upgrades at indieTunes.com membership is FREE!
So I've been pondering for a while now the thought of posting some video blogs here on my site. Any interest? I've been talking to a great website about doing some video blogging for them and i think thats the catalyst to put the whole thing into motion. Obviously some of my written blogging here is of a more personal nature, however, i think i'll approach video blogging as more of an instructional course on some engineering basics. I think i could convey some ideas via video with audio much easier than typing. I'll probably do some stuff on the basics of compression, EQ, reverb, recording, editing, how to prepare a song to be mixed, etc... Alot of stuff thats become second nature to me and that i probably take for granted, but stuff that i get questions on regularly, or mistakes that i consistently see on sessions coming in to mix. Some of you dont have the luxury of schooling, and quite frankly, not all recording schools are created equal anyway, so maybe a few of these things might let you guys side step some common pitfalls of record making. We'll see.
In the past, I've been asked to do instructional DVD's on mixing, which i personally think is not a good idea. I think its misleading. I think that 90% of the people who would buy it would think "Wow, if i watch this 5 hour instructional DVD, I'll be able to mix my own music like the pro's". Sorry, wrong. Mixing takes YEARS to get good at. Trust me. Years. Years of mixing every day. My production partner Brent Kolatalo is becoming quite the talented mixer lately, and he's been working every day with me for over 3 years, getting trained in the art of mixing by me for three years, every day. And he's just lately really cranking out some great mixes. So, do you really think watching a 5 hour DVD, or watching some video blogs is gonna make you a good mixer? No, its not, and thats not my goal in doing them. I'm hoping to give some of you some extra tools for your tool box that you can practice with and get a feel for. I'm hoping to clear up some common mistakes you might be making, and show you some basics about gear that hopefully i can explain in a way thats easy to understand and implent. We'll see.
I get asked all the time "I cant afford you but can you give me some tips on how to mix like you?". Honestly, i get this alot. My response is always "Here's my suggestion..... forget a social life, work 80 hours a week for years on end, mix every day and challenge yourself every day to get better, and maybe someday you'll be a really talented mixer". Or maybe you were just naturally born into it, a rare few are and I'm jealous of them. Anyway, after i start video blogging, I can just tell people to watch that for tips :-) Problem solved.
So are there any specific or general topics anyone would like to see a video blog on?
-Ken Lewis
check out the new upgrades at indieTunes.com membership is FREE!
posted by Protools Mixing at 2:40 AM
13 Comments:
Hey Ken,
what I would like to know more about, is how to make the vocals sit right in the mix or how to mix vocals in general. Most of the times I manage to get a quite decent result, but every now and then I struggle with vocals that either stand out too much, or drown out in certain song parts. Automation does help, but dunno...not always.
regards
Hello Ken,
I would like to see a video blog on how to properly set the parameters on a commpressor, and one on setting pre delays(in relation to the tempo of a song) and other parameters for reverbs.
Thanks,
F.L. Freeman,111 Entertainment
Hello Ken,
I would like to see a video blog on how to properly set the parameters on a commpressor, and one on setting pre delays(in relation to the tempo of a song) and other parameters for reverbs.
Thanks,
F.L. Freeman,111 Entertainment
What a great idea. I'm glad you're gonna do this. I would like to see more about dynamics, ie. how to utilize gates and expanders.
Ken,
It would be great to see how to set-up the drums and begin to get sounds when you mix? I know it's a long process, but how you bring up your drums, how you start, whate you listen for, etc.
I would like to know how to get rid of a problem I have with the low end, it think it's a pretty useful for everybody. If you have a beat that has some samples and a drumbreak. The drum break is hitting like fat popcorn and the sample has a rumbling 808 bassdrum and a pretty low frequency bassguitar playin most of the melody.The problem is that I'd like to utilise the break but still have the melody of the sample(bass). when I mix these up the mix always gets "muddy"and undefined and drums are not punchy enough. So the main question: How to get more room and things in order in the low end?
Hi Ken,
Maybe some blogging on using outboard next to your DAW? When or when not to... i know it's a matter of taste but just to see (and hear) the difference in approach on let's say leadvocals (EQ, Comp, verb etc.). Greets, Irving.
WOAH! I think this whole Video Bloggin idea has struck a chord. Well, the update on my end is that i bought a good webcam that i can use, it will be in next week. As soon as i learn how to use it, and get some video editing chops, work out how to do all of this, i'll start blogging. Keep the suggestions coming in, I'm taking note of all of them and will tackle what i can.
-Ken Lewis
This is a great idea Ken. I'd like to hear how you get that full thick sounding vocal track--where you hear all the nuances even through a lot of layers of instruments.
i think the most important video blog would be about where to get the mix to feel like a tight record. i mean, people always get soo deep into the technical side of mixing, with eq's and compressors and all that tech junkie stuff, but when it comes down to it, we want to communicate the song to others and that is very important. i think that all the tech stuff is 2nd to the primary feel sector of the mix. What us wanna-be pro mixers need realistically is a lesson in how to get mixes tight and bound! I personally would love and hugely respect the opportunity to see how you guys get songs to just feel tight. because a tight record instantly makes people roll wid it.
Ken - you continue to inspire.. I've spent most of my years observing and learning - feeling I didn't have time for forum participation or a blog, etc.. And you continue to show us what dedication and sincere enthusiasm yield. Thank you for that~! As to video, love the idea - thinking maybe the initial setup and break-in for a new recording session would be good.. I see so much on the specifics and technical aspects of recording and feel like we often overlook putting the artist in the right element and frame of mind to be 'artistic'. just my two cents (found at a bus stop this morning)
T Frye
FAB Productions
Ken,
I wouldn't mind seeing your screensets and how you've got Logic configured. I often get ideas and have those "why didn't I think of that" moments by seeing other people's work methods.
Kevin
Hi Ken,
One this I would like to see is how you use the stereo field. How do you pan the different instruments/vocals across it. Do you pan the effects?
The other comments here are great as well.
Post a Comment
<< Home