The Importance of an Audio Engineer

Back in December when I really started to focus on the completion of PGEP, I figured I would write, record and mix it for myself. Well, I followed through on the writing and recording aspect, anyway. When it came to mixing, I decided in the spring that it would be better if someone else performed that task. Even though I graduated from a Recording Arts program, I still thought it would be best for PGEP to get mixed elsewhere. There are a couple reasons for my decision: I don’t have a proper listening environment to mix (sorry Dartmouth apartment!); I wanted to remove my biases towards parts and allow it to be mixed for an audience instead mixed for me; I wanted a knowledgable, experienced set of ears engaging the project to bring out it’s full potential. His name is Luke Batiot and he is the Chief Engineer at Village Sound in Halifax.

Luke and I have a great history. We were classmates in Recording Arts, then roommates in 2012 and 2013 and now we watch Game of Thrones together. Maybe you’re thinking that I picked Luke to mix PGEP because he’s my friend. I suppose that’s maybe partially true. I selected him over any others because I trust him. I trust his ears. I trust his mixes. I’m so happy he was able to mix this project. PGEP now sounds like I always heard it in my head. I couldn’t have reached those heights without Luke, Dave and Jason at Village Sound.

I’d like to use this space to demonstrate the importance of mixing and the importance of finding an audio engineer you trust.

This recording is Forrest at a rough mix stage (before Luke):

This recording is Forrest post-Luke:

Hear the difference? I hope so. The drums are tighter, more impactful. The vocals shine like they’re supposed to. That bass pad at the end is suddenly taking up every square inch in your room. The use of delays and reverbs is much more refined in the Luke version as well. The mastering really smooths out the tracks and makes it way more listenable. Overall, Luke’s version has so much more life, texture. The rough mix falls flat in comparison.

I don’t want this blog post to be a butt-kissing parade or an awkwardly long thank-you, but merely a tip of the hat to Luke, Dave and Jason and Village Sound and to stress the importance of finding an audio engineer you can depend on. It certainly has a cost but all the important things do. If you want your music to be the best it can be, get it mixed, get it mastered. Your future self will be thankful.

Sidenote: PGEP is done (that was fun to type). On Monday, pop on back to this website and hit the PGEP tab for your free download. 

I’ll see ya then.

A long slow goodbye,

Ryan

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