Is it too Easy?

I really wanted to hate it…I really tried but failed. I think .

  Waves recently updated the Mercury bundle and this gave me the chance to try the new “Chris-Lord Alge Signature Bundle”. They’re plugins that are supposed to give you instant sounds from the super star engineers. Just apply signal, tweak a few setting and PRESTO! Instant Grammy. No skill set needed. You don’t even need to know what frequency or compressor settings are. You just move the sliders until you get the sound you want. Took me all of 15 seconds. And it sounded good. Really good.

I come from a era when we would take a really long time perfecting our craft. Painstakingly tweaking settings, A/Bing…obsessing. I have a friend that spends literally hours on his drum sounds. 15 seconds! Poof! Killer drums.

Should I be angry about this?

On one hand, it sure saved me a lot of time. But on the other hand, why do I feel like all of my years spent training and perfecting my skills are only worth the price of a plugin now?

Is this devaluing the mix engineer? Why would someone hire me for my skills when they can “hire” CLA as a plugin? Maybe these type of plugins should only be made available to proven audio engineers? Then we can use them as time savers, or on the budget deals we give from time to time.

Am I angry? Heck yes. Am I going to use it? Heck yes! But I ain’t tellin’ nobody.

Time with a legend.

 

I really don’t know how or why I get the honor of meeting so many unbelievable people but I am grateful for each opportunity.

This past weekend I had the privilege of spending time with mega producer  Steve Lillywhite . No one’s work was more inspirational to me in my younger years than his. Listening to the album “War” by U2, I knew what I had to do with my life. I had to make records.

Like most people at the top of their game, he was a very down to earth and gracious guy. Full of life and humour, a true joy to be around and of all that I learned from him, I think the greatest was just how to enjoy life, be friendly and do what you love.

It was hard not to ask millions of questions since he has produced some of the best recordings of all time, but he was always willing to share his experiences and knowledge.

Steve shared some fantastic stories about his career that gave me inspiration to go out and make history by recording great music! He also shared insights into production techniques that are priceless.

I am truly grateful to Steve Lillywhite and all the others like him that are willing to share their unique skills and perspective on this wonderful art of making records!