Live Recordings

[2TallDrummer]

Can someone please tell me why there is such a wide gap in terms of how well Live Recordings are done for top gospel artists?  My focus isn't on the artists or their style of music, but rather how well the music is EQ'ed, mixed, recorded etc.  I just recently purchased a CD of someone I view as a top artist in the gospel music industry.  I love the CD, I just hate the way it's mixed.  On some songs the drums sound like paper or rubber.  It seems like the drums were recorded very low.  I remember back in the day, you could always count on Milton Brunson and the Tommies to produce a clean and crisp CD.  I actually have CD's of local artists, who in my opinion, have CD's that are mixed and recorded better than national artists.  Is it the mics, engineer, software, hardware, sound board, venue, etc?

[j_kay]

Is it the mics, engineer, software, hardware, sound board, venue, etc?

Ay, you just answered your own question.  Those variables can make or break you. 

[sugabear]

I agree with J_kay on this one. All of these variables can be determining factors. For instance, my favorite gospel artist is James Hall, but he get's the award for "Worst CD Production Quality of the Year". The mix on that cd is horrible. From the way it sounded, I think the room acoustics had a lot to do with it, but still horrible none the less. I hope when he comes out with another one in 8 more years the production is better.

[vocalist182002]

I also think that it depends on the way the artist want's it to sound. Don't forget thatsometimes the artists are involved with the mixdown as well. 

[min_amw]

Some people don't understand how difficult it can be to be an engineer. Until you actually sit in on mixing/mastering sessions, you'll never really understand what goes in to making a good recording. If you ever get the opportunity, to go to a mixing session, GO! There's a lot to learn.

[j_kay]

Ay, we never said it was easy, but the way that some of those recordings sound, a monkey could do it.

[min_amw]

Ay, we never said it was easy, but the way that some of those recordings sound, a monkey could do it.

I agree. I was just stating that for those who really don't know what's involved.

[sugabear]

I agree. I was just stating that for those who really don't know what's involved.

I understand how hard it is. I'm about to graduate college with a degree in Audio. If we recorded and mixed like they did some thirty years ago, I don't many would survive. Just because the mix sounds good coming out of your $2000 studio monitors doesn't mean that they sound good everywhere. A lot of engineers rely solely on the sound in the studio without considering what they'll sound like in your car or stereo, or not to mention, the degraded mp3 format.

[j_kay]

So, would you say that it would be wise to listen to the mix utilizing different sound sources, other than the studio monitors?

[sugabear]

So, would you say that it would be wise to listen to the mix utilizing different sound sources, other than the studio monitors?

That usually will help. I've heard of a few engineers mixing on their expensive monitors and then creating a cd to take a listen to the mix in their car stereo. They would go back and forth until the mix sounded right in their car. Other engineers, such as Dave Weckl, get some not so good monitors along with their quality monitors to compare mixes. If you get the mix to sound good on the crappy, cheap monitors it'll more than likely sound good everywhere else.

[Da_Drumma]

That usually will help. I've heard of a few engineers mixing on their expensive monitors and then creating a cd to take a listen to the mix in their car stereo. They would go back and forth until the mix sounded right in their car. Other engineers, such as Dave Weckl, get some not so good monitors along with their quality monitors to compare mixes. If you get the mix to sound good on the crappy, cheap monitors it'll more than likely sound good everywhere else.

See thats what Im talking about!! My boy is on point!!
I taught him everything he knows!!! 
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Just Kidding!!! 
Keep doing ya thang homie!!

[JFunky]

That usually will help. I've heard of a few engineers mixing on their expensive monitors and then creating a cd to take a listen to the mix in their car stereo. They would go back and forth until the mix sounded right in their car. Other engineers, such as Dave Weckl, get some not so good monitors along with their quality monitors to compare mixes. If you get the mix to sound good on the crappy, cheap monitors it'll more than likely sound good everywhere else.

...yup.  They teach you that at Full Sail and Berklee.  Oh wait, you don't need to go to school for audio.

[sugabear]

...yup.  They teach you that at Full Sail and Berklee.  Oh wait, you don't need to go to school for audio.

You're absolutely right, you don't. But, I had to have a bachelor's degree under my belt, no matter what it was for. I know myself, and school was a good way to keep me focused as opposed to doing it on my own. I don't regret one minute of going.