Radio Production Assignment

I know our next assignment should be Work 6, but that is too complicated, so I switched the order, Work 7 is next. There are copies in CRA MARS.

 It’s obviously not due this Mon; let’s make it be due the following Mon. I know some of you will get a jump on it today or tomorrow.

Back to KMADradio blog

Osato-Flo

Osato’s signal flow session is Mon, 4/2 at 6pm. Anyone else coming?

http://kmadradio.blogspot.com/2012/03/osato.html

Back to KMADradio blog

Jane Lee Hooker 3/28/12 Session Announcement

JLH live at Local 269 recently.

Jane Lee Hooker is a NY based blues-rock 5 piece, and I’ll let them say it in their own words:

Jane Lee Hooker plays rock n roll versions of traditional blues songs. Why form a blues cover band? Because it's goddamn awesome. Because five grown women can do whatever the hell they want...and do it really, really well. And because there are few things in this world Jane Lee Hooker would rather be doing. Double lead guitars, a heavy-bottom rhythm section, and soul-scouring vocals are their calling cards. This band is their way of paying proper respect to the music that changed their lives, and, you know, the entire world.

The name Jane Lee Hooker is a play on John Lee Hooker.

Noel Ford, left, in the studio.

Additionally, I am bringing in the band’s Producer, Noel Ford, who you will be working with directly. Noel is a legendary NY live sound guy and all the bands who play in or come through New York love him. He also goes out on the road doing live sound and recording. 

 The basic will consist of drums in the studio, and electric bass, 2 electric guitars and scratch vocal simultaneously in the control room. We will use the Radial Reamp box to send direct feeds to the amps, but since I own only one Reamper, both DIs will be recorded simultaneously, plus one reamp mic set in the iso (Royer R121/Shure 55, as done with The Break Evens.) Following the basic, we will load the ISO with the other guitarist’s amp and Reamp that using the same mics.

While we are recording the basic, we will have to insert a distortion plug-in on the guitar which is not mic-ed, so it sounds acceptable until it can be Reamped.

The guitar amps used will be very loud tube heads with 4x12 cabinets. One is an Orange, model unknown, possibly this. The other is a Hiwatt.

We will complete basic plus overdubs for 2 songs.

I will edit chain and other details into this post.

Obviously we need to start early.

EDIT:

Chain for basic:

-Kck: D112->VTC 1073-> DSR1(1176)
-SubKck: Subkick->VTC 473
-Sn: Sm 57->VTC 1073->DSR2(1176)
-SnBtm: 414(attenuate)-> Joemeek VC1Q->
-Hat: 451->C24MP
-HT: 421->C24MP
-FT: as above
-OH (overhead) L & R: KM184 (spaced pair, as per last week)->DAK
-RM (room): AT2020 (spaced pair)->C24

-EBass: DI: VTC 473->FTSO1(opto)

-E GT 1 (DI): VTC 473 (instrument input)->mult*
-E GT 1 mult->PT 
-E GT 1 mult->ISO panel->Radial RE-AMP->GT amp
-E GT 1 (amp) close: Royer R121{RIBBON}->Cloud->Vin’s DAK->FTSO2(opto)
-E GT 1 (amp) close: Vin’s Shure 55-> Drawmer 1960
-E GT 1 (amp) room: AKG 414 bidirectional with null facing amp->C24MP {we may not use a room if time is short}

-E GT 2 (DI): VTC 473 (instrument input)->PT (external insert ART Tubepak in PT channel to get tube distortion until GT 2 can be Reamped.)

-Vox (VxScr) scratch [in CR] SM7->C24MP

-Vox: L47(fixed cardioid “C”)->VTC->DSR(opto)

Noel Ford at FOH position.

  

Back to KMADradio blog

Quan-Group Session Notes

Erich and Osato had to overcome some serious issues during the course of this 10-hour session, and, in the end, the recording sounds good. Quan and the group did a great job and a big thanks to them for being so patient. Amazing. We may be able to do a return session for overdubs at some point.

I’ll just mention two of the more serious problems, because I am trying to distance myself from the bad memories.

Firstly, not the Engineer’s fault: Staff had disconnected the C24 and reconnected it carelessly, which caused several mispatches to C24 line inputs. I corrected the miswired connections, but I’d bet that burned a few hours of good time. To remind you, we were boosting the keyboard instrument output to a useable level, routing it through C24 line inputs to achieve gain. Remember that if any C24 input is in use, mic or line, then it is unavailable to the other, regardless of available patch points in the bay. So any C24 input module can be either mic or line for a particular numbered input, say #12. So, 12 can be either mic or line, but not both.

The other issue, Erich’s fault, is that stray inputs and audio remnants from a previous session used as a template caused the drum mix to have multiple inputs at a certain point. Normally I take the Engineer through the initial session setup to ensure everything is correct and the folder hierarchy is logical, residing in the proper location, and that the mixer is set up appropriately. I did not do it this time and we wound up with the aforementioned issues and a session which is intermingled with The Break Evens’. Next session I will supervise this, but I think everyone should be clear on this by now.

Osato and others, see my previous post regarding signal flow.

This session is not yet split-out to a student version for mixing. No one is allowed in my folder. Some sound files from Terry Haman’s session have been deleted. I repeat, no one is allowed in my folder.

Next session, which I have just finalized, will be the most complex yet this semester and I will post details shortly.

Photos to freshen the bad memories troubleshooting:

Back to KMADradio blog

OSATO!!!

Make an appointment to see me about signal flow. Book MARS CRC for that time as well. If anyone else needs this, coordinate and we will do it with Osato.

Back to KMADradio blog

3/21/12 Session

EDIT: I did not see Quan on Tues for drum setup. But I did get an email, so I believe we are on. Since the drums are not set up, I suggest we mic for standard kit. How early can we start? 

Lineup:
Yves: Keys
Izzy: Bass Drums
Stan: Bass
Quan: Vox/Drums

Guitar: out sick

They have 3 or 4 songs and an additional jam.
I do not have any info for the keyboard. Let's assume it will be a stereo signal.

Bass will go DI. I do not know if there is an amp.

At this point, Erich, you and Osato can put together the signal flow. I will be in from about 3pm, maybe earlier.

Engineer: Erich
Second: Osato

Back to KMADradio blog

Radio Drama Wants Audience

WNYC will be airing live radio dramas, and you can be in the audience, just like in the Golden Age.

I might be going to this one, Haunting Julia. Although it sound’s like WNYC couldn’t get it together for Halloween, no matter. I love good radio plays. It's not free, though.

Below is a pic of my 1938 Zenith console radio. Yes, it works. Yes, it's huge; you are not seeing all of it.

See the flash hotspot? That's a reflection off of the "tuning eye," a green glowing vacuum tube, which looks like a green alien eye, and gives an indication of signal strength for tuning. Great with the lights off.

Every Halloween, I transmit a recording of War of the Worlds via a small AM transmitter so I can receive it "live" on the old Zenith console. Fun stuff.

Back to KMADradio blog

Haman Performs in JC

Our friend Terry Haman will be appearing at Lucky Seven in Jersey City, Tues March 20^th,  9pm, in the Songwriter Showcase. See you there!

https://www.facebook.com/events/236778673085781/

http://www.lucky7tavern.com/pb/wp_aac85c36/wp_aac85c36.html

Terry told me that our session with him crystallized some aspects of this song and that now he has a final version. I think the recording process, being very focused, often moves work toward its eventual, definitive state. So now he only has to record it one more time. : )

Back to KMADradio blog

Do We Say This Stuff?

Got this from Tape Op, sorta humorous:

Back to KMADradio blog

Terry Haman Mix Tests

Here are some mixes of your Terry Haman session. Soundcloud tends to have compression artifacts and distort the highs a bit, but I think the vocal recording is superb. Clear demonstration of a ribbon’s characteristic transient response and warmth.

The combination of KM184s and Countryman DI has a lot of potential. The major problem never resolved that night was the thumping from the AG mics. You can here it on these selections:

The stereo coincident pair/mono DI combo makes the guitar solid, anchored, but spread amply, so the presentation approximates a live performance. However, the mic proximity was too close, and that, in conjunction with the compressor settings during the session, caused the problem.

In this mix I inserted a bass frequency dependent compressor which helps a bit with the thumping we have on the recording:

This plug-in is the Waves C1 s/c. The compression is keyed off of a side chain, which controls gain reduction. In this type of setup, you control the gain reduction by a separate filtered signal which only carries the lows. The side chain can be tuned in frequency and Q, and traditional compression settings are provided. This setup is offered in “split” mode wherein only the lows (or highs) are processed. I forgot which one I used. I did not have time to tweak much. I will try to go over this next class.

Terry gave a beautiful performance.

Back to KMADradio blog

Alumnus John Blevins Slams Another Voice-Over

Media Arts alumnus John Blevins records another slamming voice-over for MSG Networks in a series premiering tonight:  TheLineup.

John is not in the teaser.

You may know John, he comes back to provide voice-overs for my classes every year. Good going, John!

I used Johnzo for some VOs in my band’s last recording. Here, in The CYCLONES cover of The Dead Boy’s classic “I Need Lunch,” he correctly IDs and credits original DBs bassist Jeff Magnum at the end of the song:

Haha!

Back to KMADradio blog

The Break Evens Session Notes

Erich, Second; Ruthie, Engineer

Ruthie did an admirable job handling our most complicated session so far this semester. The Break Evens were the perfect band to record at this stage, because of their fundamental lineup, a trio, they deliver clarity of execution. Fun to capture.

And I think we all agree, besides being a great band, they are great people, very kind and patient. Thank you guys!

Now for the bad news: There were 2 significant issues that were very troubling. Firstly, phantom power was sent to the Royer R121. It was probably in this condition for 1-2 hours. Very unfortunate. The reason why I always indicate RIBBON in bold or red, is to remind you that they require special treatment. I now recall that the walkthrough of the Studio by the Engineer was done, but not the walkthrough of the Iso. Not good. There are reasons we have all the procedures.

I can’t remember the other issue. Remind me and I’ll edit it in. EDIT: See comments.

Please remember that the Main Mon is cut out of the system now because the C24 is failing. I have re routed the Alt Mon out to the main monitors (Pi speakers.) Make sure Alt is selected and the Alt pot is up when working. The small monitors are not currently available.

Another note: As we discovered last night, people are banging chairs into equipment in the producer’s rack. That has damaged a switch on one of the Daking units. Don’t do that!

General notes: Your cable wrapping is shit. If you don’t improve I will devote an entire session to wrapping cables. Additionally, your setups are untidy and it is just a matter of time before someone hooks a cable and we lose an irreplaceable microphone. Don’t leave floor-box equipment in vulnerable areas. When doing cart inventory, roll the cart right up to the gear, pick up the mic box, present it to me, then stack it neatly. It’s NG to have the cart on the other side of the room while doing this.

Photos for your scrapbook:

Back to KMADradio blog

3/7/2012 Session

421, R121 and SM57 on 4x12 guitar cabinet

 I have made arrangements to meet Jay, the drummer of The Break Evens, Tues at 6pm so he can set up the kit. Session will begin Weds at 4PM. I will post more info on Tues; band member names, additional readings, etc.... EDIT: The Break Evens:
Jay: Drums/vox, Bass: Mark, GT: Mel. The band is direct from Minneapolis, their previous gig on-tour. Major influence, The Replacements. Band based out of NJ.

  Chain:

-Kck: 414 (attenuate)->VTC->Vin’s 1176
-SubKck: Subkick->VTC 473
-Sn: Sm 57->VTC->DSR(1176)
-SnBtm: 414(attenuate)->VTC 473->
-Hat: 451->C24MP
-HT: 421->C24MP
-MT: as above
-FT: as above
-OH (overhead) L & R: KM184 coincident->DAK
-RM (room): AT2020 (spaced pair)->C24

-EBass: DI: VTC 473->Vin’s DeMaria Opto

-E GT (DI): VTC 473 (instrument input)->mult*
-E GTmult->PT 
-E GTmult->ISO panel->Radial RE-AMP**->GT amp
-E GT (amp) close: Royer R121{RIBBON}->Vin’s DAK->DSR(opto)
-E GT (amp) close: Sennheiser 421->Joemeek VC1Q
-E GT (amp) room: AKG 414 bidirectional with null facing amp->C24MP

-Vox: L47(fixed cardioid or hypercardioid))->VTC->DSR(opto)

* A mult is a series of jacks on a patch bay which are internally connected to one another. Therefore, when you plug an output into a mult, it is passively split multiple times, allowing you to patch those jacks (same signal) to different destinations. Our mults are indicated on your patch bay diagrams.

**Read Radial ReAmp manual.

Read this SOS article on E GT micing.

Read, MRT: Re-amping: 147-148; 153-154.

PMT pg: 61-63; 47-54; 39-40.

Some good photos of Royer mics on GT amps.

GT amp will be Orange Tiny Terror and 2x12" speaker cab.

Note: GT amp will be in ISO. We will Re amp the bass DI through the GT amp after the basic tracks are completed. Lets make the main studio absorptive behind the drums and reflective on the edges. Vox will be an overdub.

Back to KMADradio blog

2/29/2012 Session Notes

 Will and Erich did an admirable job. Thanks for hanging tough guys. I think you displayed some mettle. I respect that. Props to Joey and Dan for playing.

However, the session went too long. One stupid error killed 1-2 hours of technical setup time. The reason why we have to work so hard is to get the technicals down, only after which creative aspects can be addressed.

In the course of our 7 hour session, only about 10 minutes, in my estimation, was devoted to the art of recording. The rest was about learning the science.  That’s ok, because you must learn the science first. Learn from your errors or you will never get past this stage.

Preparation, too, is important. If you come to sessions unprepared, you will be in a daze for about 1 hour, minimally, and you’ll never recover from that. It also makes your Prof. impatient.

On Friday I will come in and make a student version of the JM Experience (last night’s session,) for you to mix. I hope your mix sessions have been going well and continue doing those. If you have problems starting the computer (due to the UPS), please contact Central, do not troubleshoot.

I will have some major announcements regarding next week’s session, which should be fun, but will be, for you, a major undertaking.

Here are more photos to acid etch onto your sonic nightmares:

Back to KMADradio blog