[BC] Re: Making music worth listening to

[Rockwell Smith]

Sort of related .... A couple of the stations in our group frequently bring 
in bands that are touring and/or performing locally for what we call 
"In-Studio" performances.  Sometimes it's just a solo singer and an 
instrument, other times, full-blown groups with drums, keyboards, multiple 
guitars, etc.....  We do a live interview with the band, have them do 2 or 3 
of their songs, and record the session for future use.   Many times we have 
selected listeners in the room as well to meet the band.

One of our prod rooms is next to our conference room, and we have eight mic 
inputs extended to the conf room, along with a couple headphone returns.

Over the years we have NEVER had a good mix if we allow the so-called 
engineer from the band dictate how we mix it.  More often than not, when 
they were allowed to set the faders, the meters were pegged and the 
recording was useless due to clipping.    So, we have made it a policy that 
they are not allowed in the mixing room during the performance and 
interview.  We have a library of live stuff we have accumulated that all 
sound excellent, due the talent of our own staff doing the mixes.  Just 
today I was handed a stream of profanity and told "you can't mix it because 
you don't know our music".  Well, he still never got in the room, and we 
have another pristine, well-mixed set of three songs that surpass most CD's. 
We have been doing live mixes longer than some of these guys have even been 
on this earth, and we DO know what we are doing.

Do any of you do anything similar, and if so, how do you handle the upstart, 
know-it-all tour managers that may be able to put on a passable stage sound, 
but are clueless when it comes to a really good radio mix?   Fortunately, 
the rep from the label was there with them, and he understood the problem, 
and told his tour manager to chill.


Rockwell Smith
Radio Engineering Manager
Journal Broadcast Group - Idaho
KJOT,  KQXR,  KRVB,  KTHI,  KGEM-AM,  KCID-AM
(208) 344-3511 - Main      (208) 947-5624 - Direct Line
(208) 947-6765 -Fax         (208) 869-6413 - Cell
Email:      rockwellsmith at journalbroadcastgroup.com
Personal website: http://www.engineer-exchange.com


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Tonne" <tonne at comcast.net>
To: "Broadcasters' Mailing List" <broadcast at radiolists.net>
Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 6:00 PM
Subject: Re: [BC] Re: Making music worth listening to


>
>> Re poorly mastered CDs these days I thought it was just me and my hearing
>> from too many years of being in radio.  I can cancel the audio 
>> specialist's
>> appointment now.
>
> That statement brings to mind one time when I purchased a CD
> and took it home.  Plopped it into the player and out came a
> fairly loud (maybe 30 dB below signal) hum.  I checked all the
> wiring, all the connections, etc.
>
> Turns out it was cut that way!  Some cuts on the CD were OK.
> Store took it back sans question.
>
> How can a reputable outfit send out such stuff?
>
> (Just answered my own question, I am afraid.)
>
> - JimT
>
>
> _______________________________________________