batsbrew
i think some simple decisions, like using more room mics for the husker du sound, versus close micing and selective eq and effects for the more classic sound, is all you need to do.
He's spot on, Scott. The classic rock sound is simple brother. A bit more room, less processing, compress only when needed, do NOT push any "air" highs, and do not push any sub lows. You want that middle of the road sound that is open, a little roomy and you don't want layers all over the place.
Me personally, I don't ever go for a total classic rock sound for bands that are looking for that sound. I try to not allow them to sound dated. I think a band can write in any style they want....and sound how they want in their songwriting. BUT....I don't think they should try to get the sound of say Bad Company or CSN's production. So I sell them on a hybrid which to me....would be this to the "T" and what I just did with the last 3 classic rock bands that recorded here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWmFIfZ2rJ4 The only problem with the above band production to me....it sounds too digital. This band would sound so much better if they had more of an analog sound. This is what I mean by "no air highs." But the other side of the coin is, these guys sort of have a now sounding production with an old writing style, which makes them a bit more acceptable. As soon as you go for a total analog sound for a band like this, it double dates them. But I personally would have went for a little warmer tone for these guys.....you can still get the idea though.
So if I were you:
1. You always do your best to accommodate. The man you are, you will NEVER have a problem there.
2. Don't "produce" unless you are asked/paid to. However, always give advice or let the band in on your ideas. Most bands do not know about the audio field. All they listen for is themselves individually in a mix and just can't comprehend how it all works or blends together like we do.
3. Always make suggestions. 90% of the time, you are the 5th Beatle and will make an impact on how their record sounds. Just look at how I played a role in your stuff as the mastering engineer. Imagine how it might have been if I was the one that recorded you.
4. Try not to get too involved unless you're invited to be. But, again, always give advice and make sure you really know what you're talking about before you give any. The last thing you want to do is make someone believe in you and the project fails because they listened to you. So do just what you did here and post on the forum or call someone you trust.
You'll be fine man.....you have to accept what comes through the door. But it's also great to improve what comes in the door so it's 100% better going OUT the door. Just make suggestions and let the play come from them. Maybe try a little experimenting before the band comes. If you have a drum kit or other instruments....try going for a more classic rock sound with a bit more room ambiance.
Remember, it's not really lo-fi....it's just a stylistic preference that goes with that type of music. It doesn't have to be lo-fi. It can just be warm and analog sounding...or you can get a hybrid mix and make it "the production of today with the sound of yesterday". :) The same with punk....the razor sharp edges that music has...is due to two things.
1. Aggression
2. Edge and bright high end
You take those two things away....and punk loses its luster really fast and no longer has that "impact." The high end abrasiveness some of it has annoys me the same as some classic rock with excessive warmth annoys me. You have to take the good with the bad, achieve a happy medium and do your homework on different styles so you know how to record and process them. You'll have no problems.....I have faith in you brother. Best of luck! :)
-Danny