Movin’ On Up
Posted on | March 6, 2011 | No Comments
Many have already read that Apple is in talks to offer high-quality audio downloads. It’s encouraging that industry decision/ style makers see (hear?) the value of investing in quality. Thanks, Apple.
Candor
Posted on | March 3, 2011 | No Comments
Here’s a candid interview from the founder of the rock band Cake. I can’t say it encourages me.
Audio Article Database
Posted on | February 13, 2011 | No Comments
It occurred to me I have a fairly extensive list of published articles, ranging from Tape Op to EQ to Sound on Sound magazines. I’ll be converting them to PDFs soon and linking them off their corresponding issue covers from ZenMastering’s About Us page.
The Value of Analog
Posted on | January 26, 2011 | No Comments
As I migrate into a completely analog signal chain (to be complete in 2011), it makes me realize the value of analog processing. It has taken me a long time to get everything in place to be at this point, but now that I’m “here” I can ponder the beauty of the situation.
I’ve put a lot of money and time into plug-ins over the past 10 years. And when I consider the cost of professional plug-ins, the time it takes me to maintain upgrades (the latest-and-greatest plug now doesn’t work with the iteration of my DAW), and the limited GUI capabilities inherent in digital…analog gear is a great value for sound quality, stability, and work flow.
2010->2011
Posted on | December 29, 2010 | No Comments
Well, another trip around the sun. 2010 was a good year for ZenMastering. Somewhere along the line we mastered our 500th project and I learned a lot about process and refinement. It was one of those times that I simultaneously realized how much I’ve accomplished as well as how much I still have to learn.
On the gear front, I’ve implemented some more key analog pieces to our arsenal: two amazing EQs and a custom-built compressor (I believe it’s 2 of 2 currently in existence). So far the feedback has been positive…to say the least.
As I look forward to 2011, I’ll be focusing on working more with my mix partner-in-crime, Kyle Thompson, of Iconic Audio. I’m hoping 2011 is the year we remind the industry just how good modern recordings can sound.
Stay tuned…
Windows 7 Tips
Posted on | December 28, 2010 | No Comments
I was browsing THE NET looking for tips on optimizing Windows 7 for audio and came across this excellent Native Instruments page.
The Art of Collaboration
Posted on | November 30, 2010 | No Comments
IMO, one of the downsides to the the era of computer recording is that collaboration is dwindling. As I like to say, a generalist can never replace a team of specialists. The problem is, a group of specialists cost more than a generalist.
The act of making a recording has so many facets that one person can easily lose objectivity. Bringing in other perspectives is crucial to avoiding myopic pitfalls. This is one of the reasons Iconic Audio was created. Yes, it is two specialists instead of one generalist. But it’s also the ability of one person to validate or question the other’s decision.
I’ve learned over the years that our minds love to rationalize ideas that support a goal we want to achieve. It’s only another perspective that can make you stop and re-consider.
Turn Me Up (.org)
Posted on | November 29, 2010 | No Comments
It’s been a long time since I made a blog post. Apologies if you read it regularly. Life can get busy.
My conundrum now is that I’ve written so many (hundreds) I can’t remember if I’m in danger of repeating myself. I guess with that many, it probably doesn’t matter if it happens here or there.
I received an e-mail yesterday from a group called Turn Me Up. As you’ll see, it’s focused on bringing dynamics back to recorded music. There is a good section at the bottom that links to useful articles and resources regarding the Loudness War. Check it out.
Ways Sound Affects Us
Posted on | October 27, 2010 | No Comments
If you’re involved in audio — or just have an interest in how sound affects us — this TED presentation is worth watching.
Radio Land
Posted on | October 22, 2010 | No Comments
I got this text from a client today about his album being played on the radio. Always good to hear positive reports from the airwaves.
“They’ve played some cuts from [our album] in between news stories on KPBS and the word on the street is the sound was great, professional, blended right in. Thanks to our mastering genius!!”
About This Blog
From Ohm to Om reflects the opinions of mastering engineer Paul Abbott, owner of San Diego's ZenMastering.
We welcome comments from readers...pro or con!
