@@nickyboyleo you can use UAD interfaces without using console, that means hardware never get useless. Also console es not a plugin is a standalone controller
I don't know if this is just so much fun for you that you don't notice it anymore, but how disciplined you must be oozes out of the screen. It's like anything else, of course; I'm sure you've spent thousands of hours alone just learning and working but I don't suppose you get many comments on it or how obvious it seems. I notice it immediately and I really respect and appreciate it.
07:43 This makes SO MUCH SENSE!! No matter how good a product is, if it's software-driven, the company responsible for supporting it will not support it forever. First of all, they want to innovate and expand, and old software just doesn't last. Second, it will eventually become obsolete, and software companies just love to make their customers upgrade. Thirdly, there's no guarantee a company will last as long as their hardware. If a company is bought by another, the old software will no doubt be expunged or forced to upgrade. I really love this tip. Thank you for sharing!
the losing your cool tip with a client is something I've always heard and known as well as strived for.. but was something that was only truly learned through experience.. its such a massive tip on what not to do. Every artist is so different in expectations and how they operate and prefer to work the clashing of personalities is something I wish I learned sooner and earlier on. something that has helped bring me back to earth is reminding myself recording/mixing/mastering is a service industry egos need to be left at the door if this is a service you are providing and it honestly doesn't matter what you want or think needs to happen with your clients music they are king when it comes to all decisions and revisions. this was a big hurdle for me when starting out.
I personally think that a piece of hardware that could be controlled with software AS WELL as manually is a perfect case of best of both worlds. So when the software inevitably isnt supported it still works. Imagine your whole mix bus being recalled to the same setting you left it at last in the session - as well as tweaking knobs the exact same way! 😍
All the right advice! Take heed aspiring producers and engineers! Too many of us had to find this out the wrong way. Thanks Colt. You have outlined some simple-but actually make or break- hits here.
Hardware not supported by Software anymore…had that issue like two times with recording stuff. A pretty old focusrite interface. It was working fine. There was no iodate available anymore, but still worked on my mac OS. Than I updated the OS and it just stopped working. It was okay for me because it served me like 10 years or so just fine. Than i ordered the slate interface, wich did go bad after a half year. Loved the sound and the build quality. So I sended it back Thomann. Didn’t had them in stock, so I got my money back. Like a few weeks later Slate announced that it’s not longer supported and they stop the production of it. I was so lucky that it got broken, after I heard that. 😂 Got an Apollo few weeks later. Everything works great :)
Hey Colt! So, in an effort to satisfy both of our curiosity about this, I reached out to the folks at Bettermaker. And let me just say that their products are cooler than I initially realized. Their products are completely analog with an additional circuitry board to handle the recall capabilities. Even if your daw crashes or say the products were just going to be installed in a completely analog environment, their products will still work. Even without the plugin. They are not plugin dependent and contain a completely analog signal chain. So it would be a piece of gear that is not plugin dependent. Which I think is super awesome! Doing this research today has made me really consider getting some of their gear now that I know how well made they are and that they will still have full functionality without being connected to a computer. You can also use the LCD display to dial in and save settings without the need of the plugin. I hope that you found this information useful.
You are absolutely right about the hardware not being supported anymore by its software. A good way to go with an interface in my opinion, is getting a good to high-end common PCM interface with at least a 16-bit DAC/ADC, or even multiple stereo ones and then tying them into your setup using ASIO4All, it's a free and open source tool that lets you turn any "common" audio codec into a studio-suitable interface (latency wise, since ASIO4All operates as its own virtual audio driver). It also lets you turn multiple separate audio interface devices into one big virtual device, which is great for a console I/O to your music software. PCM codecs never stop being supported, since they're based on one of the most common standards in PC Audio. This also means if you've got decent hardware, it won't degrade a lot, or a lot less, since you can still use it. Even the operating system and your choice of music software doesn't matter with it. Great video, keep it coming :)
Spot on about the software+hardware comment. This is absolutely true. Even if you keep the ecosystem alive at some point the hardware will fail too. Underscores the need to backup everything frequently in the most benign format available to preserve the IP. Everything fades. Entropy. And, have you ever taken an inventory of how many incompatible formats you have around? All needing the correct ‘translation’ to work? It is staggering. At the same time it is wonderful when everything comes together and you make something amazing. Nice video and keep up the great work!
Another great episode. Excellent advice, especially about the software-driven gear. I've been in IT for 20 years and am an avid believer in your point. That advice is wise beyond its years. Thanks for another great video, Colt!
Yup! If ya tune down to the note, the instrument will inevitably come right back out of tune because of string slippage. Tuning up to the note keeps the tension on the string which will result in much much much less detuning due to slippage.
You cemented my like/subscribe when you started talking about your disdain for software-dependent hardware. I'm an IT guy for a living, a musician for fun, and occasionally a sound guy/recording guy...I hate hardware that requires software from a vendor to keep functioning with a passion. You are 100% correct that at some point support for those pieces of kit will be de-orbited, and everybody using their stuff gets hung out to dry.
Your software-driven hardware point is an interesting one. Never thought about the lifespan of a piece of software but of course you're totally right. I suppose with the software recallable compressors and EQ's at least they'll still work on their own... But yea good luck using your modeling mic once the company goes out of business or further supporting their product
Exactly. The compressors and EQs are still analog, and they'll work even without the plugin controllers (such as Wes Audio's). I find it weird that Colt had that glossed over.
You can use downward expansion in the place of gates. Limited mixes sound more "radio ready". Also, hardware does not necessarily hold its value or increase in value unless it its "vintage". There is also upkeep and maintenance involved--like changing out caps and other components when they die--and discrete components are becoming hard to find. That is why I prefer software to hardware in many cases. Lower purchase price and maintenance costs.
I totally agree on the harware without software bit(And everything else). Nice to hear someone else with the same view 🙂 And I love this channel. Thank you !
Totally with you on software driven hardware. I understand the appeal, but to me it falls under the category of "buy cheap, buy twice". I get bang for your buck, but that hardware will be worthless in the future (as you said). I appreciate you calling that out.
i think this also speaks to good business sense in purchasing and making sure your purchases (while having to support an artistic goal) also have to make economical sense in the future if the purchaser is intending to stay in the business of doing music for their living. i dont think this gets spoken about as much as it probably should
I'm with you on the whole no-software-driven-hardware thing. My dream recording setup is DAW-less. Like the old days, but with digital recording tech. Not a (scummy) subscription service and never needs a software update. Purpose built hardware that just works.
Reaper is the only ethical daw. Endless free evaluation and then a cheap enough perpetual license. All the improvements are user driven, sounds great, endlessly customisable. Coded by the guy who coded winamp back in the day! Its a subject very close to my heart after removing Adobe and Steinberg from my life for their shitty subscription practices. The alternatives are getting better every day
@@bazjaddley6369 Good to hear. My dad's a Reaper user and he seems to enjoy it. I still want to go DAW-less regardless. Something more fun about being involved in every operation, having real-time influence on the mix and the creativity that results from working within limitations.
Thank you so much Colt! I started watching you during the 2020 situation and I remember being so inspired by you as I am right now watching this video. Also I realized that I wasn’t subscribed 😱, I thought I was, my bad! The thing about you is that you emanate so much good vibe to everything and everyone.. it’s absolutely amazing 🙏🏻🙌🏻✨🔥 Thank you so much again 😊✨
"Never say anything negative! Frame it in a positive way!" That's a good tip for any profession how to treat employers, employees, clients, suppliers, colleagues, friends.
For many AD/DA interfaces there is a shelf life when it comes to computer OS changes ... very valid point ... I have owned a couple of pieces of hardware which were paperweights ...
Great videos and wonderful suggestions. Most are things that are also good common sense based stuff. One thing I do a bit differently is the regular listening to music almost every morning. I find that the “top-10” stuff on a daily or weekly basis gets filled with a bunch of music that (1) seldom stands-up over time; (2) is all too often either sub-optimally recorded, and/or based on musical performances that they had to poke and prod to some point of being good/interesting to listen to. I find it a lot more beneficial to create my own daily mix from (a) songs from the past year’s top-50 coupled with (b) best-produced, well-mixed/mastered great performances for the musical types representative of the types of sessions you have that day.
Related to the part about software driven hardware.... The algorithm is real. I just got off the phone with a Sweetwater rep. We were talking about the WesAudio ngBusComp. Hopped onto UA-cam and this video was in my feed. 🧐
While I'm OK with using Plugins, I totally agree with the "no hardware that relies on software" thing. Not only that, but hardware can usually be repaired - old software can't. Great channel!
Totally agree on the software-operated hardware. What has happened to me more often is that the operating system for my computer gets upgraded, but the manufacturers of some gear item don't update their software to run on it, and it's done. I want a microphone like the one that Elvis sang into at Sun Records in the '50s (it probably still works).
I like this style of you showing off cool gear/tools giving the viewer some kind of educational backing to go with ways that help you and your channel. It goes a long way 👍
Loved this video! Question about the software driven hardware. I totally agree if it’s completely reliant on the software, but how do you feel about hardware that has software that just enhances it? For example, I’ve seen some compressors that have a corresponding plug-in, and when you recall a session with that plug-in, it automatically sets the hardware to the same settings as the plug-in. The hardware doesn’t need the plug-in, but it just enhances the hardware.
My biggest argument with it is just that wants anything software driven becomes no longer supported it’s worth basically no money. Obviously plug-ins, and interfaces are necessary for us to do our jobs and become on support it all the time. But I’m specifically talking about things like microphones, headphones, patch base, software driven compressor and EQ hardware units. Etc.. Just the fact that it will be worthless when it’s on supported keeps me from ever wanting any of it. Hope that explains it better!
@@ColtCapperrune Totally! I absolutely agree. And I guess if a piece of software that “enhances” the hardware will always eventually go obsolete, so you might as well buy the hardware that’s just beautiful hardware from the start. This actually helped me A LOT, Colt, thank you😊
ESPECIALLY loved that last one! I'm a full-time hobbyist, but my day job is in high tech (a chip design sub-field). All those things that have a requirement for a plugin, even if it's just for configuration should be able to host a simple webpage that you can access through USB or whatever, or have a good enough display. It's just a planned short lifespan. For audio interfaces, I've completely switched to RME, purely because of their lengthy support for old devices. But any HW that could very well be standalone but needs a computer connection to either work or have its functionality be accessible, yeah, nah thanks. PS. Did Steven Slate show up yet to complain? ;)
really good point at the end ! So I have one question to al this hardware stuff.. So I want to start using more hardware like EQ's Comp's and my point is how expensive is hardware when it comes to using power because a plugin don't need more power than your computer have.
Hi Colt, do you ever record singer songwriters who are playing whilst singing? Would be really interested in hearing about how you record that situation without all the spill being a mess and cluttering any extra production elements that may come after. Thanks!
Always love seeing you progress tho bro, mounting your monitor controller under your desk flush to the edge might be the move if your desk would allow tho 👀👀👀👀
$150 is a crazy deal! I’ve got a whole bunch of $60-$80 stands that are pretty much junk honestly… So compared to those $300 for this makes sense. I wish I would’ve gotten some for $150 though lol!
@@ColtCapperrune They were $180 just before Feb 2020 (Covid). I only remember because I was building a friend's studio and he bought two of them. I sold him my Focusrite ISA One which I bought new for $500. They're $900 now!!!
The software driven hardware point is a real good one. I only bought the Slate ML-1 because it was on sale. I have plenty of great mics, just wanted to try it. Bought it a year ago, and it is still in the box. I've bought a lot of software. The only Hardware Driver driven hardware was the M-Audio keyboards. Had 2 that they wouldn't update drivers for. Never again. Honesty, if we could just going back to 100 percent analog tape and outboard I'd be happy.
Love your content. The only thing I really want to bring attention to here is popping a limiter on the mix before sending to the client. I'd hugely suggest a limiter that's transparent. I get you're taking it off before sending to mastering, but if you dont use a transparent one and opt for a limiter with colour and vibe, what if the client really gels with the colour the limiter provided on the mix? If the mastering process than adds a different limiter or vibe, it might move away from an expectation that you initially set. So I'd say it's important that any limiting on the mix prior to approval is as transparent as possible.
Paperweights - My studio used to be all Yamaha/Steinberg. o2R, 01V, i88x, Motif, etc all running mLAN protocol. Was such a tight integration with Cubendo, 24 channels of digital with routing you couldn't imagine without 100s of cables and patchbays... was a dream to work on. Then Yamaha killed mLAN and everything went 64bit. I could barely get 20 cents on the dollar, and eventually just donated the 01v to a thrift store. So I am with you - no hardware that requires a PC to run it.
I like checking my mixes with a limiter to get an idea of any mud that might surface once a track gets pushed to a target LUFS. Might there potentially be issues with the client hearing discrepancies between your limiting and the mastering engineer's limiting?
Metric Halo is an exception. Hardware that utlizes a software mixing console, and software plugins, but they are committed to not turning their older products into paperweights.
Hey Colt, Love your videos as a hobbyist and enthusiast. Question on the guitar stands you mentioned. I don't see your multi-guitar stand in the description links, can you share which one you use? Is it the Hercules or the K&M on Sweetwater?
Regarding software-driven products, how do you get around keyboard controllers in your studio? What’s the best product for the job? I can’t imagine only ever mic’ing a real piano or owning every vintage synthesizer, it’s not practical. Also, a keyboard controller is used to trigger things like superior drummer. I’ve already ended up with a couple keyboard controller “paper weights” and would love to avoid that moving forward. Appreciate your expertise and feedback. Thank you!
Hey Colt, just curious do you listen to Apple Music with "Sound Check" on?....that kind of does away with much of the loudness wars and I think is informative about how good high dynamic ranges sound. Recently I think "sound check" just toggled on without me knowing about it....that is how I discovered it. (Mixes that i know to be loud were not loud any longer) And if your clients listen through Apple Music, maybe the limiter thing is not as important? I think it is putting most things at -16 LUFS or so? (see preference / playback tab under Apple Music)....fascinating changes.
That's so weird, just the other day I was burning a first draft, barely mixed CD for a client to listen to in the car after 5 days of recording. I debated putting a limiter on it so that it would be loud enough through the stereo. I decided against it because I didn't want the raw tracks to be colorized or altered in any way that might effect the clients perception. I explained that it would be much quieter than the radio/itunes/cds so not to let that bother them. I basically just wanted to make sure the client could hear all the various takes/tracks/instruments and make sure that no further recording was necessary. I will probably put a limiter on any further mixes now. Good advice overall. It can be hard not to show frustration at a session that is going poorly.
I find your video and technical aspect on music very impressive, beside the gear you have, great information for myself from you..keep up the great work I have a question but I will massage u . I belive I have taken up enough of your time
Hey Colt! I like your videos, I've seen couple of them and subscribed. I'm a rooky producer and a wannabe-mixing/mastering engineer trying to learn from experienced ones like you (kinda "new dog - old tricks" scenario ;-) ). My kind remark for you would be to bear in mind also other music styles (like electronic ones vs rock) and to mention potential differences in those tricks/techniques/recommendations when you are aware of any. Best regards. Good job! 🙂
Great video! Honestly, with the way I mix my drums I could never see myself consistently not using gates. It’s just become such a big part of my workflow. However, I’d love to see a tutorial on how you mix drums so I could try that approach for myself. Edit: Also! I just thought about this. How do you feel about hardware that has optional software? For example I have a pair of Austrian Audio OC818s. You can use them as a standard microphone, and thats how I use them most of the time, but if you use the dual output and use their polar designer plugin, you can get really useful sounding multi band polar patterns that are like EQ without using EQ. The software does unlock other features, but you don’t actually need the software to use the microphone at a high end level.
@Zack Darce Interesting! I'll have to check that out! However, making multi band polar patterns seems like it would be more complicated using this method as you'd have to manually manage all the crossovers. It's definitely a cool option though.
Careful with those Ultimate Support Stands. I’ve heard and seen some horror stories about them failing under very minimal load and the replacement parts not fitting correctly.
Hey Colt! Love your videos, thank you for making them 🙏🏻 I feel you on the software-driven hardware. I’ve been hesitant to buy any sort of that equipment for the reasons you mentioned.
You didn't call anyone out - just loved your observation about worthless software gear. . . The vts studio interface lasted what - 2 years before it was discontinued. . . I always thought that was borderline criminal.
dang that last one is a good point. A lotttt of the smaller focusrites, apollos, and many other audio interfaces are software driven hardware devices. what audio interfaces would be good replacements? (in the range of 4-8 ins and outs)
That was one of the reasons why I sold my Townsend. Also, my Mojave MA-201 fet sounded more like a U87 than my actual U87. A lot of the models we spot on in character, but not in sound (if that makes any sense).
Hey Colt, some great points here! I was wondering how you feel about UAD interfaces with your point on software controlled hardware? I saw they’re on your spec list so I’m guessing you’ve made an exception here, or maybe that’s not quite what you meant by software controlled hardware? I guess all interfaces need some kind of software/hardware control as that’s their job!
Thanks for sneaking us into the video Colt! Always love hearing your studio insights
"No hardware driven by software" NAILED IT!! Totally agree, Colt. Awesome video man, cheers!
Does UAD console not count? 👀
@@nickyboyleo you can use UAD interfaces without using console, that means hardware never get useless. Also console es not a plugin is a standalone controller
Sphere L22 baby! lol
I don't know if this is just so much fun for you that you don't notice it anymore, but how disciplined you must be oozes out of the screen. It's like anything else, of course; I'm sure you've spent thousands of hours alone just learning and working but I don't suppose you get many comments on it or how obvious it seems. I notice it immediately and I really respect and appreciate it.
I really really appreciate that, means a lot!
Seconded.
Thirded Absolutely! Thanks for mentioning here!
07:43 This makes SO MUCH SENSE!! No matter how good a product is, if it's software-driven, the company responsible for supporting it will not support it forever. First of all, they want to innovate and expand, and old software just doesn't last. Second, it will eventually become obsolete, and software companies just love to make their customers upgrade. Thirdly, there's no guarantee a company will last as long as their hardware. If a company is bought by another, the old software will no doubt be expunged or forced to upgrade.
I really love this tip. Thank you for sharing!
Dude genuine af and earned a subscriber
the losing your cool tip with a client is something I've always heard and known as well as strived for.. but was something that was only truly learned through experience.. its such a massive tip on what not to do. Every artist is so different in expectations and how they operate and prefer to work the clashing of personalities is something I wish I learned sooner and earlier on. something that has helped bring me back to earth is reminding myself recording/mixing/mastering is a service industry egos need to be left at the door if this is a service you are providing and it honestly doesn't matter what you want or think needs to happen with your clients music they are king when it comes to all decisions and revisions. this was a big hurdle for me when starting out.
I personally think that a piece of hardware that could be controlled with software AS WELL as manually is a perfect case of best of both worlds. So when the software inevitably isnt supported it still works. Imagine your whole mix bus being recalled to the same setting you left it at last in the session - as well as tweaking knobs the exact same way! 😍
All the right advice! Take heed aspiring producers and engineers! Too many of us had to find this out the wrong way. Thanks Colt. You have outlined some simple-but actually make or break- hits here.
Hardware not supported by Software anymore…had that issue like two times with recording stuff.
A pretty old focusrite interface. It was working fine. There was no iodate available anymore, but still worked on my mac OS. Than I updated the OS and it just stopped working. It was okay for me because it served me like 10 years or so just fine. Than i ordered the slate interface, wich did go bad after a half year. Loved the sound and the build quality. So I sended it back Thomann. Didn’t had them in stock, so I got my money back. Like a few weeks later Slate announced that it’s not longer supported and they stop the production of it.
I was so lucky that it got broken, after I heard that. 😂
Got an Apollo few weeks later. Everything works great :)
Hey Colt! So, in an effort to satisfy both of our curiosity about this, I reached out to the folks at Bettermaker. And let me just say that their products are cooler than I initially realized. Their products are completely analog with an additional circuitry board to handle the recall capabilities. Even if your daw crashes or say the products were just going to be installed in a completely analog environment, their products will still work. Even without the plugin. They are not plugin dependent and contain a completely analog signal chain. So it would be a piece of gear that is not plugin dependent. Which I think is super awesome! Doing this research today has made me really consider getting some of their gear now that I know how well made they are and that they will still have full functionality without being connected to a computer. You can also use the LCD display to dial in and save settings without the need of the plugin. I hope that you found this information useful.
You are absolutely right about the hardware not being supported anymore by its software. A good way to go with an interface in my opinion, is getting a good to high-end common PCM interface with at least a 16-bit DAC/ADC, or even multiple stereo ones and then tying them into your setup using ASIO4All, it's a free and open source tool that lets you turn any "common" audio codec into a studio-suitable interface (latency wise, since ASIO4All operates as its own virtual audio driver). It also lets you turn multiple separate audio interface devices into one big virtual device, which is great for a console I/O to your music software. PCM codecs never stop being supported, since they're based on one of the most common standards in PC Audio. This also means if you've got decent hardware, it won't degrade a lot, or a lot less, since you can still use it. Even the operating system and your choice of music software doesn't matter with it. Great video, keep it coming :)
Thanks for watching!
Spot on about the software+hardware comment. This is absolutely true. Even if you keep the ecosystem alive at some point the hardware will fail too. Underscores the need to backup everything frequently in the most benign format available to preserve the IP. Everything fades. Entropy. And, have you ever taken an inventory of how many incompatible formats you have around? All needing the correct ‘translation’ to work? It is staggering. At the same time it is wonderful when everything comes together and you make something amazing. Nice video and keep up the great work!
How it’s called never do this in your home studio? This man actually knows how to finesse the algorithm keep going bro
Another great episode. Excellent advice, especially about the software-driven gear. I've been in IT for 20 years and am an avid believer in your point. That advice is wise beyond its years. Thanks for another great video, Colt!
love the tuning tip too I was looking for something about this the other day
Yup! If ya tune down to the note, the instrument will inevitably come right back out of tune because of string slippage. Tuning up to the note keeps the tension on the string which will result in much much much less detuning due to slippage.
You cemented my like/subscribe when you started talking about your disdain for software-dependent hardware. I'm an IT guy for a living, a musician for fun, and occasionally a sound guy/recording guy...I hate hardware that requires software from a vendor to keep functioning with a passion. You are 100% correct that at some point support for those pieces of kit will be de-orbited, and everybody using their stuff gets hung out to dry.
Colt, you nailed it on every item talked about. Thank-you !
That last point is exactly why I only record\mix with analog gear and directly to a lathe for vinyl pressing. /s
Great info in this video.
Your software-driven hardware point is an interesting one. Never thought about the lifespan of a piece of software but of course you're totally right. I suppose with the software recallable compressors and EQ's at least they'll still work on their own... But yea good luck using your modeling mic once the company goes out of business or further supporting their product
well kind of... but then again: some modelling mics actually sound wonderful even without the modelling. I often use my Slate ML-2 without emulation.
Exactly. The compressors and EQs are still analog, and they'll work even without the plugin controllers (such as Wes Audio's). I find it weird that Colt had that glossed over.
So happy I found your channel... Thanks for the great information.
You can use downward expansion in the place of gates. Limited mixes sound more "radio ready". Also, hardware does not necessarily hold its value or increase in value unless it its "vintage". There is also upkeep and maintenance involved--like changing out caps and other components when they die--and discrete components are becoming hard to find. That is why I prefer software to hardware in many cases. Lower purchase price and maintenance costs.
I totally agree on the harware without software bit(And everything else). Nice to hear someone else with the same view 🙂 And I love this channel. Thank you !
Totally with you on software driven hardware. I understand the appeal, but to me it falls under the category of "buy cheap, buy twice". I get bang for your buck, but that hardware will be worthless in the future (as you said). I appreciate you calling that out.
i think this also speaks to good business sense in purchasing and making sure your purchases (while having to support an artistic goal) also have to make economical sense in the future if the purchaser is intending to stay in the business of doing music for their living. i dont think this gets spoken about as much as it probably should
Didn’t see that software driven advice coming but can relate completely. Have a few paperweights myself in shelves somewhere..
Ooph that don't say negative things to singers is GOLDEN
I'm with you on the whole no-software-driven-hardware thing. My dream recording setup is DAW-less. Like the old days, but with digital recording tech. Not a (scummy) subscription service and never needs a software update. Purpose built hardware that just works.
Reaper is the only ethical daw. Endless free evaluation and then a cheap enough perpetual license. All the improvements are user driven, sounds great, endlessly customisable. Coded by the guy who coded winamp back in the day!
Its a subject very close to my heart after removing Adobe and Steinberg from my life for their shitty subscription practices. The alternatives are getting better every day
@@bazjaddley6369 Good to hear. My dad's a Reaper user and he seems to enjoy it. I still want to go DAW-less regardless. Something more fun about being involved in every operation, having real-time influence on the mix and the creativity that results from working within limitations.
I recognised the music you played when talking about listening to music. Then I realised I used it as an intro for my Route 66 videos 😄
Thank you so much Colt! I started watching you during the 2020 situation and I remember being so inspired by you as I am right now watching this video. Also I realized that I wasn’t subscribed 😱, I thought I was, my bad!
The thing about you is that you emanate so much good vibe to everything and everyone.. it’s absolutely amazing 🙏🏻🙌🏻✨🔥
Thank you so much again 😊✨
You are absolutely spot-on about the software driven hardware problem. You get 11 out of 10 on that!
"Never say anything negative! Frame it in a positive way!"
That's a good tip for any profession how to treat employers, employees, clients, suppliers, colleagues, friends.
For many AD/DA interfaces there is a shelf life when it comes to computer OS changes ... very valid point ... I have owned a couple of pieces of hardware which were paperweights ...
Lots of excellent and usuable advice.
awesome video! Totally agree about the limiter and staying positive in the studio.
Great videos and wonderful suggestions. Most are things that are also good common sense based stuff. One thing I do a bit differently is the regular listening to music almost every morning. I find that the “top-10” stuff on a daily or weekly basis gets filled with a bunch of music that (1) seldom stands-up over time; (2) is all too often either sub-optimally recorded, and/or based on musical performances that they had to poke and prod to some point of being good/interesting to listen to. I find it a lot more beneficial to create my own daily mix from (a) songs from the past year’s top-50 coupled with (b) best-produced, well-mixed/mastered great performances for the musical types representative of the types of sessions you have that day.
03:33 this is great advice to a question I hear alot, I call it the stock limiter and joke it does more work than me!
Related to the part about software driven hardware.... The algorithm is real. I just got off the phone with a Sweetwater rep. We were talking about the WesAudio ngBusComp. Hopped onto UA-cam and this video was in my feed. 🧐
While I'm OK with using Plugins, I totally agree with the "no hardware that relies on software" thing. Not only that, but hardware can usually be repaired - old software can't. Great channel!
Thanks for very usefull tips on home studio owners!
Very good information here. Much ❤️ Colt!!
Great video as always. Totally agree about the software comment.
Totally agree on the software-operated hardware. What has happened to me more often is that the operating system for my computer gets upgraded, but the manufacturers of some gear item don't update their software to run on it, and it's done. I want a microphone like the one that Elvis sang into at Sun Records in the '50s (it probably still works).
Tuning up to the note is huge for stable tuning 👍
I like your idea at the end there very good perspective
I like this style of you showing off cool gear/tools giving the viewer some kind of educational backing to go with ways that help you and your channel. It goes a long way 👍
Really appreciate you making these videos.
I dig all these Nevers.
Loved this video! Question about the software driven hardware. I totally agree if it’s completely reliant on the software, but how do you feel about hardware that has software that just enhances it? For example, I’ve seen some compressors that have a corresponding plug-in, and when you recall a session with that plug-in, it automatically sets the hardware to the same settings as the plug-in. The hardware doesn’t need the plug-in, but it just enhances the hardware.
My biggest argument with it is just that wants anything software driven becomes no longer supported it’s worth basically no money. Obviously plug-ins, and interfaces are necessary for us to do our jobs and become on support it all the time. But I’m specifically talking about things like microphones, headphones, patch base, software driven compressor and EQ hardware units. Etc.. Just the fact that it will be worthless when it’s on supported keeps me from ever wanting any of it. Hope that explains it better!
@@ColtCapperrune Totally! I absolutely agree. And I guess if a piece of software that “enhances” the hardware will always eventually go obsolete, so you might as well buy the hardware that’s just beautiful hardware from the start. This actually helped me A LOT, Colt, thank you😊
High Emotional Intelligence shown by his point about not speaking negatively to singers...That can destroy them (for life)...
as usual, your advice is gold, thank you.
Great advice, Colt!
Thanks man your last point is on point lol I never thought about it and now I think I was about to make a huge mistake
These are good thoughts Colt!👌
Thank you very much especially the "software driven hardwares" that's a good one.. 👍🏾👍🏾
colt it akes sense to avoid sotware based gears, the fun thing about building a studio is from time to time we tend to upgrade and sell our old stuff.
Agreed with that last sentiment.
Thanks for the video! I envy your lighting rig!
Thanks so much! Just slowly build it up over the past three years!
All solid info!! Absolutely love the positive vibes!
ESPECIALLY loved that last one!
I'm a full-time hobbyist, but my day job is in high tech (a chip design sub-field). All those things that have a requirement for a plugin, even if it's just for configuration should be able to host a simple webpage that you can access through USB or whatever, or have a good enough display. It's just a planned short lifespan. For audio interfaces, I've completely switched to RME, purely because of their lengthy support for old devices. But any HW that could very well be standalone but needs a computer connection to either work or have its functionality be accessible, yeah, nah thanks.
PS. Did Steven Slate show up yet to complain? ;)
Great Videos, Love your attitude!
100% spot on about forced obsolescence...
really good point at the end ! So I have one question to al this hardware stuff.. So I want to start using more hardware like EQ's Comp's and my point is how expensive is hardware when it comes to using power because a plugin don't need more power than your computer have.
Hi Colt, do you ever record singer songwriters who are playing whilst singing?
Would be really interested in hearing about how you record that situation without all the spill being a mess and cluttering any extra production elements that may come after.
Thanks!
Always love seeing you progress tho bro, mounting your monitor controller under your desk flush to the edge might be the move if your desk would allow tho 👀👀👀👀
I have 3 of those stands. I bought them when they were $150, years ago. They are $300 NOW!!! Insane!
$150 is a crazy deal! I’ve got a whole bunch of $60-$80 stands that are pretty much junk honestly… So compared to those $300 for this makes sense. I wish I would’ve gotten some for $150 though lol!
@@ColtCapperrune They were $180 just before Feb 2020 (Covid). I only remember because I was building a friend's studio and he bought two of them. I sold him my Focusrite ISA One which I bought new for $500. They're $900 now!!!
The software driven hardware point is a real good one. I only bought the Slate ML-1 because it was on sale. I have plenty of great mics, just wanted to try it. Bought it a year ago, and it is still in the box.
I've bought a lot of software. The only Hardware Driver driven hardware was the M-Audio keyboards. Had 2 that they wouldn't update drivers for.
Never again.
Honesty, if we could just going back to 100 percent analog tape and outboard I'd be happy.
I certainly agree with owning only hardware driven equipment when you can.
some really good points here, even though I do run an Apollo rack...been happy with it and I think UAD is a solid company
Great vid! If you master the tech but not the social arena - DONT work with other people!! Great of you to bring this up!!
Enjoyed the vid Colt. Thank you for doing what you do.
Right on Colt awesome as usual
Love your content. The only thing I really want to bring attention to here is popping a limiter on the mix before sending to the client. I'd hugely suggest a limiter that's transparent.
I get you're taking it off before sending to mastering, but if you dont use a transparent one and opt for a limiter with colour and vibe, what if the client really gels with the colour the limiter provided on the mix? If the mastering process than adds a different limiter or vibe, it might move away from an expectation that you initially set.
So I'd say it's important that any limiting on the mix prior to approval is as transparent as possible.
Great space! Great advice regarding interaction with the talent or guests (I don’t usually allow guests but sometimes it is unavoidable)
Very interesting point of view on the software driven analog units. Hmmm. Never looked at it that way but I have to say it’s true 😮
Paperweights - My studio used to be all Yamaha/Steinberg. o2R, 01V, i88x, Motif, etc all running mLAN protocol. Was such a tight integration with Cubendo, 24 channels of digital with routing you couldn't imagine without 100s of cables and patchbays... was a dream to work on. Then Yamaha killed mLAN and everything went 64bit. I could barely get 20 cents on the dollar, and eventually just donated the 01v to a thrift store. So I am with you - no hardware that requires a PC to run it.
I like checking my mixes with a limiter to get an idea of any mud that might surface once a track gets pushed to a target LUFS. Might there potentially be issues with the client hearing discrepancies between your limiting and the mastering engineer's limiting?
Nice approach
This is the important stuff
Thank you Colt! Great tips!
Metric Halo is an exception. Hardware that utlizes a software mixing console, and software plugins, but they are committed to not turning their older products into paperweights.
Hey Colt, Love your videos as a hobbyist and enthusiast. Question on the guitar stands you mentioned. I don't see your multi-guitar stand in the description links, can you share which one you use? Is it the Hercules or the K&M on Sweetwater?
Regarding software-driven products, how do you get around keyboard controllers in your studio? What’s the best product for the job? I can’t imagine only ever mic’ing a real piano or owning every vintage synthesizer, it’s not practical. Also, a keyboard controller is used to trigger things like superior drummer. I’ve already ended up with a couple keyboard controller “paper weights” and would love to avoid that moving forward. Appreciate your expertise and feedback. Thank you!
Hey Colt, just curious do you listen to Apple Music with "Sound Check" on?....that kind of does away with much of the loudness wars and I think is informative about how good high dynamic ranges sound. Recently I think "sound check" just toggled on without me knowing about it....that is how I discovered it. (Mixes that i know to be loud were not loud any longer) And if your clients listen through Apple Music, maybe the limiter thing is not as important? I think it is putting most things at -16 LUFS or so? (see preference / playback tab under Apple Music)....fascinating changes.
Ps...thanks for the tips!
wait where's the link to get a better temperament?
😂😂😂
That's so weird, just the other day I was burning a first draft, barely mixed CD for a client to listen to in the car after 5 days of recording. I debated putting a limiter on it so that it would be loud enough through the stereo. I decided against it because I didn't want the raw tracks to be colorized or altered in any way that might effect the clients perception. I explained that it would be much quieter than the radio/itunes/cds so not to let that bother them. I basically just wanted to make sure the client could hear all the various takes/tracks/instruments and make sure that no further recording was necessary. I will probably put a limiter on any further mixes now. Good advice overall. It can be hard not to show frustration at a session that is going poorly.
Great insights. Thanks.
I find your video and technical aspect on music very impressive, beside the gear you have, great information for myself from you..keep up the great work I have a question but I will massage u . I belive I have taken up enough of your time
Hey Colt! I like your videos, I've seen couple of them and subscribed. I'm a rooky producer and a wannabe-mixing/mastering engineer trying to learn from experienced ones like you (kinda "new dog - old tricks" scenario ;-) ). My kind remark for you would be to bear in mind also other music styles (like electronic ones vs rock) and to mention potential differences in those tricks/techniques/recommendations when you are aware of any. Best regards. Good job! 🙂
Who is this scammer? 🤣🤣🤣
Great video! Honestly, with the way I mix my drums I could never see myself consistently not using gates. It’s just become such a big part of my workflow. However, I’d love to see a tutorial on how you mix drums so I could try that approach for myself.
Edit:
Also! I just thought about this. How do you feel about hardware that has optional software? For example I have a pair of Austrian Audio OC818s. You can use them as a standard microphone, and thats how I use them most of the time, but if you use the dual output and use their polar designer plugin, you can get really useful sounding multi band polar patterns that are like EQ without using EQ. The software does unlock other features, but you don’t actually need the software to use the microphone at a high end level.
@Zack Darce Interesting! I'll have to check that out! However, making multi band polar patterns seems like it would be more complicated using this method as you'd have to manually manage all the crossovers. It's definitely a cool option though.
Really interesting last thought. Cheers!
And don’t forget to send the approved mix (with limiter) to the mastering engineer. We like to use it as reference!
Careful with those Ultimate Support Stands. I’ve heard and seen some horror stories about them failing under very minimal load and the replacement parts not fitting correctly.
Per usual, great vid in both content and presentation. Would love to sit and shoot the breeze with ya some day. 🎃
I concur with the point on software driven hardware. When it comes to audio interfaces how do you apply this point?
Right on colt awesomeness as usual
Hey Colt! Love your videos, thank you for making them 🙏🏻 I feel you on the software-driven hardware. I’ve been hesitant to buy any sort of that equipment for the reasons you mentioned.
Calling out Slate - without calling out slate ;). Isn't their whole virtual studio worthless now?
Love the channel!
Did I???? 😜
You didn't call anyone out - just loved your observation about worthless software gear. . . The vts studio interface lasted what - 2 years before it was discontinued. . . I always thought that was borderline criminal.
dang that last one is a good point. A lotttt of the smaller focusrites, apollos, and many other audio interfaces are software driven hardware devices. what audio interfaces would be good replacements? (in the range of 4-8 ins and outs)
This video Was really educational
That was one of the reasons why I sold my Townsend. Also, my Mojave MA-201 fet sounded more like a U87 than my actual U87. A lot of the models we spot on in character, but not in sound (if that makes any sense).
Hey Colt, some great points here! I was wondering how you feel about UAD interfaces with your point on software controlled hardware? I saw they’re on your spec list so I’m guessing you’ve made an exception here, or maybe that’s not quite what you meant by software controlled hardware? I guess all interfaces need some kind of software/hardware control as that’s their job!
Great stuff.
Thanks for watching my friend!