Hey there! The summer has brought with it both the Houston heat, and the culmination of a handful of projects I've produced and mixed.
Late last year I started mixing on an SSL 4000, and the switch has been so enjoyable. I love the immediacy of the cause and effect philosophy inherent in mixing on a large format, analog console. I've had to build up a new workflow, which is a hybrid workflow.
Believe it or not, I mix from my laptop, bypassing the studio's computer. I bring my own converters (an Orion 32+) and I patch 32 outs from my laptop and ProTools via the Orion into the SSL via the studio's DB25 patchbay. I sum down to 30 tracks in ProTools, bring those 30 up on the desk to process and automate. The stereo mix off the console is patched into ins 1 and 2 of the Orion to print. Then 31 and 32 send the printed mix back out of Pro Tools so I can monitor post-print.
To keep the PT session and the SSL synched when automating on the console, I patch the analog LTC SMPTE timecode out of the console into a MOTU device, which converts the LTC to MIDI time code, which Pro Tools can follow. So my laptop and session are slaved to the transport controls of the SSL.
The reason I've put together this rig and workflow (instead of using the studio computer) is so that I can use any and all of my plugins in my session and always know the state of my rig. Otherwise I would have to try to keep up with plugins and updates at the studio, and that would be a major bummer when I can do that at home, and focus on mixing when I'm at the studio.
I still mix in the box as well, as I see this as an important skill to keep sharp. But mixing on the SSL has been so much fun.
I've had a blast working with fellow Houston artist and producer Ben Rothberg on his new project Bright House. In fact, I mixed the new single "All That Remains" on the SSL, and you can get it here...
I've just finished up the 3rd EP with singer and songwriter Lisa Renee for her "Better Place Project", a trio of EPs named "Faith", "Hope", and "Love". Lisa was a blast to work with, and her jazzy influences bring out sweet and contemplative songs.
Also finished up one of my best friends debut EPs...the amazing Lauren Holmes (Niscavits) released "Panoramic View" this week. Grab it here...
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/panoramic-view-ep/id1127248684
I've begun pre-production with a rock/punk band named Gunrocku. This 3 piece is super energetic and fun. Already having a blast working through the tunes and getting ready to track in July.
At MediaTech, where I teach business of music, I've begun teaching an advanced mixing class for the students nearing graduation. It's been fun to take the students on a deep dive into the technical and philosophical aspects of record mixing.
Keep a look out for the Bright House EP coming out soon!
-Ty