June 1, 2011
Features
The Class of 2011
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By The Mix Editors
Each June, we canvas the studio scene to find the hottest new facilities to open in the past year. This year’s survey brought in more than 50 great rooms, making for some very tough decisions. Here, then, are the top 20 studios to come online since June 2010. For a look at all submissions and more detailed descriptions, go to mixonline.com for an extended photo gallery. …
Studio Designers | Form & Function
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By Barbara Schultz
Tastes and technology evolve, but the principles of acoustics remain the same. Another immutable reality: “Sooner or later, you need some kind of facility to create content,” as 40-plus-year studio designer John Storyk says. And though the music recording industry has never seen stranger times, there seems to be no end of public demand for “content.” …
Acoustical Materials to Go
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By Matt Gallagher
A cornerstone of any great studio design is its acoustical treatment. While the best option is to build the treatments into the walls and ceilings, manufacturers continue to design and develop highly effective products for easy installation that can address myriad acoustical issues in a variety of commercial and personal studio spaces. This month, Mix looks at the latest product offerings, including foam, panels, isolation products and complete treatment kits (bass traps, diffusors, tiles). …
Music: Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By Blair Jackson
The formation of the Tedeschi Trucks Band marks the union of two formidable talents: 40-year-old Susan Tedeschi, one of this country’s finest blues/roots singers and songwriters for the past 15-plus years; and 32-year-old Derek Trucks, who has been writing great tunes and laying down some of the most wickedly soulful slide-guitar licks ever since he was 14—in his own band, as a member of the revitalized Allman Brothers and even touring in Eric Clapton’s group for a spell. The two share so many of the same musical loves and influences—old gospel, rock, blues, jazz, classic soul and R&B—it seems only natural that they would play together in a band. …
Coachella 2011
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By Sarah Benzuly
If you couldn’t jet down to Southern California for the annual Coachella festival, sitting in front of your computer may have been the next-best thing. During the three-day event, nearly 4 million views were recorded on the YouTube Coachella streaming page, which hosted three separate channels. …
Product Reviews
Avid Pro Tools|HD Native With HD OMNI Review
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By Brandon Hickey
There is no question that Pro Tools 9 has been one of the most significant releases of the popular software to date. Long-standing barriers have been broken down, ushering in a new era. Opening up to third-party hardware and unlocking features like the timecode ruler, automatic delay compensation and DigiTranslator in all tiers of the software has, indeed, invited a new school of users. Now, with the release of Pro Tools|HD Native, Avid offers a new and affordable way to use its high-end I/O, including the HD Omni (reviewed here), while promising super-low latency. Pro Tools|HD Native can be purchased with just the PCIe card and software, or as a bundle. (Various bundle pricing at Avid.com.) …
Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Review
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By Kevin Becka
The ranks of external hardware plug-in accelerators have thinned since SSL went Native-only with its Duende plug-ins in February 2011 and Waves stopped making its APA32 and APA44 units. Still, Universal Audio has been chugging away, developing a wide array of options for those wanting access to its UAD-2 plug-ins, which are only accessible on the company’s proprietary hardware. Universal Audio’s latest effort in this regard was released at NAMM in January 2011 as part of the UAD-2 Satellite Duo and Quad accelerators. …
Mackie MR5MK2 Active Studio Monitor Review
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By Michael Cooper
Forget everything you might have known about the original Mackie MR5 studio monitor (introduced in 2008). The new MR5mk2 is a whole other ballgame. Among the many design changes, the updated two-way, bi-amplified monitor shows off an all-new silk-dome tweeter and polypropylene woofer. A revamped baffle and eye-catching waveguides contribute to improved imaging and depth. The bass response has been extended, and they can get louder, too, if you want. What’s more, the price has been chopped down to only $199.99 each (MSRP), making these impressive performers veritable trailblazers in their price range. …
Bag End InfraSub-18 Pro, PMM-8 Monitors Review
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By Joe Hannigan
From longtime speaker manufacturer Bag End comes a new package designed for a variety of mixing, mastering and reference applications: the InfraSub-18 PRO and PMM-8 powered monitors. Designed to work as an integrated, self-powered turnkey system, this combination of workhorse speakers offers a host of useful features with loads of solid power and crisp detail. …
API The Channel Strip Review
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By Steve La Cerra
There has been an incredible surge producing 500 Series devices during the past few years. Recognizing this, API has released The Channel Strip (TCS), which combines three of API’s 500 Series processors in a rackmount package with a dedicated power supply, API 325 line amplifier and comprehensive I/O. The front panel mirrors its default signal flow. From left to right, there’s a 512C microphone preamp, 527 compressor, 550A EQ and 325 output. Anyone familiar with these units has a jump on learning TCS, but there are differences. …
Music
Music: The Lonely Island
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By Matt Gallagher
Anyone who has watched NBC’s Saturday Night Live in recent years has seen “SNL Digital Shorts”—the wickedly satirical, off-the-wall, manic, edgy and often risqué hip-hop/R&B/pop music videos and conceptual pieces that humorously and mercilessly skewer pop culture. These videos are the creation of The Lonely Island, a comedic and musical trio comprising SNL actors and writers Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone. In May 2011, the group released its second album, Turtleneck & Chain (Universal Republic), which includes collaborations with Akon, Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, Rihanna, Michael Bolton, Beck, Nicki Minaj and Santigold. …
Music: The ‘8IN8’ Project
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By Matt Gallagher
From April 25-27, the Berklee College of Music and MIDEM, in association with Harvard University’s Berkman Center and Business School, presented the “Rethink Music: Creativity, Commerce and Policy in the 21st Century” conference, which sought new models for creating and distributing music. One discussion panel—Amanda Palmer, Neil Gaiman, Ben Folds and Damian Kulash—challenged the norms of pop music production and distribution in the hours before their scheduled appearance. “All four of us are well known for using the Internet creatively,” Palmer says. “I came up with the idea that we should do some non-traditional collaboration.” …
Music: Paisley’s Deep Country Roots
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By Sarah Benzuly
Brad Paisley’s ninth studio album, This Is Country Music, is an homage to the genre he’s loved since he started performing when he was 13. Taking samples from classic country hits, Paisley also brought together a fine set of musicians—such as reuniting Alabama’s Randy Owen, Jeff Cook and Teddy Gentry, and singing alongside Marty Stuart, Carrie Underwood and Blake Shelton. Making the album a cohesive whole is Paisley’s longtime producer, Frank Rogers. …
Music: Music Works NYC Opens
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By Sarah Benzuly
Boutique recording spot Music Works NYC was designed by Platinum-winning engineer/consultant Christos Tsantillis (50 Cent, Patti LaBelle, The Roots, Diddy) and built by Michigan-based custom studio builder Ken Capton (Eminem, Kid Rock). Geared for mixing, overdubs, voice-overs, sound design, film scoring, radio production and audio for music videos and audio books, the space offers Avid Pro Tools HD3 systems and Apple Logic Studio. The facility is the vision of Theberge Music Works founder Chris Theberge, founding member of Grammy-nominated contemporary jazz group Groove Collective. …
Music: Haynes to Tape
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By Sarah Benzuly
When Warren Haynes played “Save Me” for co-producer/mixer Gordie Johnson for the first time in a small rehearsal space in Manhattan, they knew they were on to something. Haynes first album in 18 years, Man in Motion (Stax Records), which he co-produced, was recorded live to 2-inch tape at Willie Nelson’s studio, Pedernales, outside of Austin. “I work out of that room so much I keep a toothbrush there,” says Johnson. “Warren and I share a love of vintage gear and Willie’s studio is a treasure chest. We have a 24-channel Neve and 48-channel SSL G+ side-by-side in the control room, every fat vintage compressor you can name and the loveliest selection of microphones I’ve ever seen.” …
Classic Tracks: The Fireballs “Sugar Shack”
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By Ron Skinner
In August 1958, George Tomsco was facing a dilemma that many high school graduates face: what should he do with the rest of his life? Tomsco was the guitar player in the Raton, N.M. rock ‘n’ roll band The Fireballs. The band got its name at a high school talent show after performing a flawless rendition of Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire.” The recent success of his band in his hometown gave him the idea that he could make a career in the music business, but he had no idea how someone from a small town New Mexico could make that dream a reality….
Live
Mumford & Sons Tour Profile
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By Sarah Benzuly
With the exception of opening night, front-of-house engineers Chris Pollard (Mumford & Sons), Sckotch Ralston (Edward Sharpe) and Mark Richards (Old Crow Medicine Show) literally get off an old-timey train, set up FOH compound and start the show. No soundchecks. No line checks. Just 20 minutes between each act. For the 6-date Railroad Revival tour, these engineers are sharing a common board—an Avid Profile 48-channel—with scenes set for each of their bands. No outboard pieces are to be seen; the engineers rely on onboard effects—just one less thing to patch in with such a limited time frame. The majority of the gear—mics, wedges, etc.—is provided by Sound Image. …
‘White Noise’ Musical
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By Sarah Benzuly
New musical White Noise follows a top-selling music producer who, according to the show’s producers, “stirs up an explosive cocktail of shock and spin with a touch of controversy to package talented artists into blockbuster stars.” Sound designer Garth Helm and associate designer/programmer Brian Hsieh have packed an amazing amount of technology into what Helm likes to call “the biggest little show ever.” …
FixIt: Cage the Elephant Monitor Engineer Jay Rigby
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM
All of the guys have wedges in front of them, but the guys who wear ears use them for kick drum and that kind of thing. I like having them on individual controls [on the DiGiCo SD8] so when I’m switching between the two, it’s not blasting out of the wedges. Funny thing, too, but the guys have noticed! At rehearsals in Nashville, the first time I mixed the band on the SD8—the first day, right off the bat—the one guitar player looked over to me, and said, “Something’s different.”…
Live: London Bridge Amps It Up
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM
New London live music venue Under the Bridge installed a record number of 66 QSC PL3 amplifiers (23 PL380, 31 PL340 and 12 PL325) and a custom-engineered EAW P.A. for its 600-capacity space. Under the Bridge’s new interior was created by Jim Cafarelli of House of Blues fame, while turnkey technology design and installation was submitted by XL Video’s Ian Woodall and Andrew Frengley of Matrix 9. …
All Access: Jeff Beck and Imelda May Band
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, Photos and Text By Steve Jennings
Under the “Rock ’n’ Roll Party” concert line, legendary guitarist Jeff Beck and the Imelda May Band performed “How High the Moon” at the 2010 Grammy Awards, as well as at a tribute for Les Paul in New York City. Mix met up with the Schubert Systems–provided tour at their final stop at San Francisco’s Fillmore Auditorium. …
Sound for Picture
SFP: ‘Tree of Life’
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By Blair Jackson
Pity the poor journalist who has to write an article about a Terrence Malick film before it’s released. The notoriously publicity-shy director isn’t talking, the official synopsis is tantalizing but sketchy, the actors are purposefully vague in interviews and the one authorized trailer is frustratingly enigmatic. When we reach supervising sound editor/sound designer/mixer Craig Berkey and co-supervising sound editor/sound designer Erik Aadahl in late April to talk about The Tree of Life…
Current
Lon Brannies, 1945-2011
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, Compiled by Sarah Benzuly
Longtime Yamaha employee (27 years) and audio industry veteran Lon Brannies passed away on April 18 after a long illness. He was initially hired as a professional audio district manager covering the Southern U.S. and in 2007 as a consultant marketing manager. In 2008 he went back to college and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing. Brannies spent 15 years as a sound and electronic systems contractor prior to joining Yamaha. Donations can be made in his memory…
Behind the Scenes: Joe Barresi
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, Compiled by Sarah Benzuly
Producer/mixer/engineer Joe Barresi (Tool, Queens of the Stone Age, The Melvins) and On the Mark Media release Joe Barresi: Tracking Rock, a behind-the-scenes HD video that takes you through his process of producing and tracking a song for alt rock band Zico Chain in his private studio, JHOC (Joe’s House of Compression)….
Focusrite to Produce Select Audient Gear
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, Compiled by Sarah Benzuly
The Focusrite Control 2802 dual-layer mixing console is the first product under this new agreement, whereby Focusrite will commence the production and sale of certain Audient product designs. The two companies will continue to work together on developing and delivering new designs. …
Departments
Editor’s Note: Empire State of Mind
Jun 1, 2011 3:37 PM, By Tom Kenny, Editorial Director
This was supposed to be a note about Mix. About how we have new owners in NewBay Media and a new design with a wider format. A new column by longtime tech editor Kevin Becka and a new position and focus on our Big Three: Music, Live and Sound for Picture. New energy. New approach. New. New. New. But then I got sidetracked by New York. Something is happening there. Right now. …
On the Cover: Jungle City Studios
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By Tom Kenny
We’re taught from a very young age that hard work pays off, that if we practice, put in the hours and hone a skill, we will find success. Parents tell us this almost before we can talk, then teachers, Little League coaches, instructors of private music lessons. Then later we hear it from college professors, who tell us that with good grades we will get a good job, if we do the work and do it well, we will be rewarded. …
Tech: New Products, June 2011
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM
Mix magazine June 2011 tools of the trade article features new pro audio products in June 2011 Mix magazine pro audio product section…
TechTalk: It’s All About Trust
Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM, By Kevin Becka
As I was learning the craft of engineering, I was fortunate enough to assist some of the best ears in the business, which gave me a rare opportunity to see and hear what they trusted. They all trusted their ears. That comes from working with great gear and putting in your 10,000 hours. (Google “Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers.”) Their gear choices and techniques intrigued me, providing me with something I could quantify and immediately put into my own bag of tricks. …
