When I was recently asked how I processed some tracks on a collab.

The truth was it was single Waves plugin (from the CLA Artist series).

End of story.

Nothing to be embarrassed about. It probably means you tracked a lot of things well and got things sounding good on the way in. In fact I think people put far too many plugins on tracks and busses and from a hi fi point of view it actually means in some ways you are degrading the sound more than you are improving it. 

I like to try and use the least amount of processing on a track. In the end it will probably sound better in the long run. (unless it is a special effect you are after of course) While I was working with Roland for a while demoing the V Studio system they gave this amazing recording of a great band. It is just such a fine example of miking things well. With no plugins anywhere when you pull up the tracks a killer mix can be obtained in seconds without a single processor in sight. 

I was quite surprised a couple of years ago when a good friend of ours who also happens to be an accomplished mixer told me that he often used Logic's channel strip presets when mixing.

Personally, I'm always trying to learn as much as I can so I tend to do things the hard way. That being said, we shouldn't be kidding ourselves.

A lot of us these days do the jobs of an entire crew back in the days - from engineering, to songwriting, programing, performing, mixing, producing and mastering... On top of having to deal w/ all the computer-related stuff. At some point, we have to pick our battles.

For me it was - switch to Mac, forget about mastering, take advantage of the amazing drums libraries and apps like Superior Drummer. At the end of the day, it's all about the song.

That fact that you get flattered, amused and embarrassed easily are three of the main reasons we all like you Ed!
(Or is it simply because you know Mooch?)

Yes, it isn't the tool it is how you use the tool! Be proud!

J

bapu


When I was recently asked how I processed some tracks on a collab.

The truth was it was single Waves plugin (from the CLA Artist series).

End of story.

I guess you won't be needing any of those other plugs then, roight?

If you're looking to dispose of them before they clutter things all up and drag you down, I have an idea how you might get rid of part of them (just the first 32 bits).

How about a how too video?

mike_mccue


How about a how too video?

A girl does not give away all her secrets on the first date, does she?

bapu

mike_mccue


How about a how too video?

A GOOD girl does not give away all her secrets on the first date, does she?

Corrected for societal norms.