Interview questions for music engineer

[Fade]

I have the chance to do an interview with Ryan West, music engineer out of NY. I figured it would be best if I was to get a bunch of questions from Ill members, to find out what YOU want to know about (engineering, mixing, etc).

So if you want to ask him a question, please reply to this thread asap. I'll be sending off the questions by tomorrow, so get them in now!

More info on Ryan West:
http://www.indabamusic.com/people/860506797

Thanks.

 

[Relic]

Whats the best way to seperate bass gtr and tones from kick drums? (generic I know but someone had to start it off.)

 

[NobleWordz]

Does he have a specific routine when mixing a track, e.g like starting with the drums or mixing around the vocals.

 

[Ash Holmz]

how does he use effects when mixing vocals? how much reverb and delay? .. what is the key to getting an upfront vocal but still having it sit in its own space? ...... does he prefer double tracking or single tracking vocals? how many takes for hooks? .. what are his fav plug ins/hardware units? would he rather tap beyonce or rhianna?

 

[Ominous]

Is mixing and engineering more of an issue of preference or science?

In other words, what is the ultimate goal? To make a better sounding song? But then who determines if it is better sounding? The artist? Producer? Engineer?

 

[Ash Holmz]

just to let u guys know ryan west is just blaze's main engineer so dude def knows his shit

 

[thedreampolice]

what does he think of analog summing.

 

[Da IllFellaz]

i dont even feel alot of just blaze's mixes. HOWEVER, just blaze is STILL a monster. ryan west replayed ALOT of his samples. but one question to ask is:

in his opinion, whats the best way for aspiring producers to get placements?

and are they really in the studio till 5 or 6 in the morning? i work best in the morning when im fresh after a good nites rest. i get my worst material when im tired. namean?

 

[Fade]

Great questions, keep 'em coming!

 

[5th Sequence]

What are the preferred levels to get the best sounding mix (or what are the most effective levels) for receiving a mixdown (ones that he receives). None of the seperated tracks peaking higher than -4db, no compression or not too much compression on individual instruments, etc.

I guess my question is because I mix a lot of my own stuff to get it in the ballpark range of how I want it to sound by adding my own compression and EQ settings. If I wanted to send off MY mix to an engineer to have them do the finishing touches, what levels should I be delivering my tracked out files in so the engineer can have the most to work with?

What are tips on what not to do when sending your mix to a mixing engineer?

Does he only focus on the mix or does he master as well? Like how would his process go, does he receive a track and then mix it, then pass his work along to a mastering engineer? If so, what might his mix look like (no track peaking higher than -4db for example again).

 

[Relic]

^^^ good stuff!

Is it possible to get a professional sounding mix in a home studio?

Does he have any presets that he uses?

 

[Fade]

I'll keep this up through the weekend so I can get more questions to ask, keep 'em coming!

Thanks.

 

[Ash Holmz]

as an engineer, does he feel that it is always best to keep the track as dry as possible? or is he the type to eq and compress every track?

 

[5th Sequence]

What is the difference between a mediocre engineer and a great engineer?

What are things that a great engineer will take into account that a mediocre engineer might not?

How can we as producers know how to select a good engineer for our projects?

What are your thoughts about music production/engineering schools?

How do music engineering students compare against engineers that just apprenticed/interned for other engineers in studios?

What is your personal Engineering background?

Does audio engineering pay enough or is it common to have a second job to supplement your income?

What are some essential pieces of equipment needed for crafting a good mix (monitors, treated room, compressor)

What are the biggest things you as an engineer would listen for when you are analyzing a mix that a client has given to you? (for example, how the low end holds up, if the vocals don't sit right, dull instruments, etc)

 

[Fade]

Ok thanks to everyone with the questions, I just sent them all off. I'll update this thread once the interview is done.