In this edition of FAQ Friday, Warren shares his thoughts on mixing decisions, time management for budding engineers and producers, and dispels the myth of being “too old” to learn new recording techniques. Let’s dive into the insightful world of audio engineering and production.
Mixing Decisions and Limiters: Warren begins by addressing a common question about making mixing decisions with limiters. He discusses how he incorporates limiters within a mix, especially when working on specific elements like drums. While he doesn’t start with a limiter on the mix bus, he might add some light compression and limiting at the end to control overall transients. Warren emphasizes the importance of avoiding preset templates and tailoring each mix to the unique characteristics of the song and artist.
Managing Time and Resources for Growth: The discussion shifts to a more personal aspect as Warren shares valuable advice on balancing a full-time job, family life, and a side gig in music production. Drawing from his own experiences, he highlights the sacrifices involved in building a career in music. Warren suggests incorporating family into your work, maintaining open communication, and understanding that finding the right balance is a unique journey for each individual.
Overcoming the Age Barrier in Music Production: In response to a viewer’s concern about being “too old” to learn computer recording, Warren passionately shares a story about working with rock legend Ace Frehley, who, in his mid-60s, embraced and excelled at using Pro Tools. Warren dismisses age as a limiting factor, emphasizing that the basics of any DAW are accessible to anyone, regardless of age. He encourages individuals to focus on their passion for music and assures them that learning the essentials of recording is well within reach.