#974354 - 06/02/00 05:10 PM
How should we amateurs approach you for post services?
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Anonymous
Anonymous
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Greetings!
Am very much enjoying your comments. So refreshing to read posters that actually have something intelligent to say. (the signal/noise ratio in USENET these days diabolical)
Question as follows;
How do we amateur musicians (home/garage/bedroom recorders) approach you professionals, RE: post-production? (read. mix & burn master demo CD) Obviously we can’t afford that outrageous rate card you all have. (insert sarcasm here) So I’m wondering how do we gain your interest in our projects? Or is that simply not done, outside of the studio/client relationship?
What about the disparity in recording equipment? (production vs. post-production) I’m sure my MACKIE/ADAT/SM58 etc. setup is quickly out performed in a PROTOOLS/HDD/U87 enviroment.
Should I save my pennies for production in a studio?
I would venture to say that, most of you Record/Mix for a living either fulltime or to supplement another career. You shouldn’t have to apologize for the rates you charge. But how do I get the minimal rate without insulting you? And more importantly how do I generate excitement in you, about my music, rather than the typical , “Oh no! another wannabe vanity CD…”
My "real job" is computers. I am Mr. Tech support to all my relatives. That’s fine with me because its family. However when the neighbor across the street buys a new hard drive and expects me to spend Sat. afternoon helping him install it. Then I’ve got a problem.
I would imagine its much the same for you. You’ll do some “favors” for friends and relatives, but when a distant acquaintance wants you to mix all 13 hrs, of their “pipe-organ-magnum-opus,” that’s probably where you draw the line.
All intelligent reply’s welcome.
Keep it real,
Tyler http://www.music-personnel.com
PS. What kinds of media formats are acceptable? Is it reasonable to expect post-production types can accept consumer media? (ADAT/DAT/WAV)
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#974355 - 06/07/00 12:18 PM
Re: How should we amateurs approach you for post services?
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THE MIX FIX
Platinum Member
Registered: 03/01/00
Posts: 1552
Loc: NYC Area
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Tyler:
Just trade your "outrageously" expensive computer tech time for some recording/engineering/production time.
Last time I checked, you guys charged/made WAY more than any engineering/production guys.
Hey, I have this problem with my PC....
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Bob.
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#974356 - 06/07/00 02:37 PM
Re: How should we amateurs approach you for post services?
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Ed Cherney
Gold Member
Registered: 02/11/00
Posts: 547
Loc: Venice, Ca.
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Tyler,
First, I beleive that any kind of media is acceptable, as long as it plays back and sounds about the way you intended it to sound. Geez, sorry about some of our exhorbitant rates, but when you're hot, you're hot, and supply and demand dictates that. None of us stay hot for too long, and the arc of most of our careers looks like a rollercoaster. To get to the "big guys" takes comitment, determination.....no one truly determined ever let anything like a lack of money get in their way. It's really not too dificult to get to any of us, either through managers, record labels, A.A. meetings, group therapy, etc. If your music is happening, and you can connect with someone that believes in you, money is rarely the deciding factor. A lot of folks will work on spec (spec not to get paid) on a project that they really believe in. You may have to wait for a hole in their schedule, or for their career to hit the skids, but determination goes a long way......Do you think any of us have gotten where we are in this impossible profession without major focus and determination?
ed c
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#974357 - 06/07/00 07:17 PM
Re: How should we amateurs approach you for post services?
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Originally posted by THE MIX FIX: Tyler:
Just trade your "outrageously" expensive computer tech time for some recording/engineering/production time.
Last time I checked, you guys charged/made WAY more than any engineering/production guys.
Hey, I have this problem with my PC....
Fix,
LOL! Funny.
I've found that most computer probs can be solved in one of two ways;
1) The three-fingered-salute. (Ctrl-Alt-Del) This of course makes you feel
very powerful. Like you are really doing something. I usually encourage anyone who uses the 3-Fingered method to chant the special incantation during the reboot; “Come on! Baby needs new shoes!” or the tried and true; “Nothing up my sleeve, Presto!” Clicking your heels together 3 times and saying “there’s no place like home!” also helps, but then again, not everyone has the legs for ruby slippers.
2) Format c: (erase the HDD) Everyone needs a good fire now and then. Clears out all the junk in their garage. If your not reformatting the hard drive at least 2 times a year, your not getting the full value out of the technology. In fact I encourage everyone to reformat the hard drive, when you change your clocks. (spring/fall) Not only does this give you a chance to reinstall all your Microsoft “Bloat-ware” it has the added benefit of erasing all traces of those “Today’s Anarchist” and “Babe-O-Ramma” websites you visit.
If all else fails, try calling the manufactures tech support “Hotline”. Be sure to have a nice warm beverage and a good book to read. It might take them a little time to get to you. Or you could always ask the spotty teenager across the street for help.
Tyler http://www.music-personnel.com
:-)
PS. I am more than willing to trade some tech-time for mix-time. Any takers?
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#974358 - 06/07/00 07:37 PM
Re: How should we amateurs approach you for post services?
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tcb@canada.com
Senior Member
Registered: 05/31/00
Posts: 56
Loc: ,,CANADA
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well.. I don't think it sounds too outragious to ask computer related questions. I'm a computer technician who's been troubleshooting and building custom PC's for the last 7 years.. I'm sure I could be some help in troubleshooting hardware PC relative problems.
I came here to get some solutions to production and sound recording problems.. the least I can do is give some back!
Let me start a computer related topic... hopefully the computer nerds could help the production god's and vise versa!
p.s. I'm not talking about Ctrl-Alt-Del or formating the drive at the signs of problems.. btw!
-bungle.
Production Manager @ the clones Society
[This message has been edited by tcb@canada.com (edited 06-07-2000).]
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#974359 - 06/07/00 10:59 PM
Re: How should we amateurs approach you for post services?
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THE MIX FIX
Platinum Member
Registered: 03/01/00
Posts: 1552
Loc: NYC Area
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tcb:
GREAT!!
That's what I meant.
So, like, can we now bug you for a computer question we've had fo a long time?
First one is, HOW COME Windows 98 NEVER works the same two times in a row, every time I turn on my machine?
Is it REALLY Bill Gate's version of "Artificial Non-Intelligence"?
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Bob.
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#974360 - 06/07/00 11:07 PM
Re: How should we amateurs approach you for post services?
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THE MIX FIX
Platinum Member
Registered: 03/01/00
Posts: 1552
Loc: NYC Area
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Tyler:
I've tried ALL of your sugguestions already.
The only one that got me in trouble was the teenager across the street was an Underage Girl. 
I should be out of here in about 5-7 years, but I'll bet the technology changes by then.
PLUS, when I DO get a support guy on the phone, it seems like they don't know which one is their elbow. 
Is it just me? Or are some of these IT support guys, er.., Kids, just reading the stuff from a template/macro, and watching their watches to find out when they can get home to play Tetras on THEIR machines? 
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Bob.
[This message has been edited by THE MIX FIX (edited 06-07-2000).]
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#974361 - 06/08/00 03:22 AM
Re: How should we amateurs approach you for post services?
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Uh Clem
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 03/13/00
Posts: 3442
Loc: Atlanta, GA USA
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Mix, you gotta bag Win98 and go to NT if you want to use Windows and have a reliable system. Win98 is not made for professional work.
I use NT in my studio and I cannot even remember the last time I booted the system - probably when I installed that insidious anti-pirate WavesLtd dongle driver a few weeks ago.
You wouldn't use a consumer mic for serious work, so don't expect a consumer OS to give professional results either. It ain't made for that. 1,000,000 straws on the back of DOS - the camel is about dead.
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#974362 - 06/08/00 04:41 AM
Re: How should we amateurs approach you for post services?
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alphajerk
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 03/06/00
Posts: 7950
Loc: asheville nc usa
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as much as i hate windoze, my win98 has been super stable lately but as i type this i will crash. my mac crashed for the first time in 6 months the other day.
but i wouldnt trust using a DAW on a pc.
and formatting a HD is a nightmare on a pc. all those damn drivers. too many cds to put in the machine. and reinstalling all my programs, where's those damn serial #'s. i cant tell you how many times i have had to email the manufacturer saying i lost the number, could you email me back (one of the massive benefits of registering the product).
it takes all the tweaking i can do to the machine when i get it nice and smooth, i DONT screw with it. its like a house of cards, nobody breathe. but like i said, its been super stable lately.
tech support story:
i got a call from a friend who i talked into the technology craze to buy a computer. the new machine wasnt working, nothing. i said bang on it. worked.
related story, i recently moved and totally cleaned my computers, all the dust etc. the mac worked fine. my pc wouldnt boot on the hard drive. my dad was in town visiting who is the supergeek, the ed cherney of computer science who i call for tech support whacked it with a screwdriver and dammit if it didnt work again.
in case you care:
case1 was improperly seated memory probably jostled out when he moved the machine. i later went over and fixed it right.
case2 i have no idea, its still working to this day, except later on the motherboard completely went.
_________________________
alphajerk FATcompilation "if god is truly just, i tremble for the fate of my country" -thomas jefferson
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#974363 - 06/08/00 06:53 AM
Re: How should we amateurs approach you for post services?
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THE MIX FIX
Platinum Member
Registered: 03/01/00
Posts: 1552
Loc: NYC Area
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HEY!!
What happened to my first post on here about you computer/tech guys making more than us engineer/producers guys?
Is Ed screwing around with these posts?
I NEVER said I'd trade mixing time for tech time,(in those little letters; how do you get those, anyway?), although maybe it's not such a bad idea).
I know, I know, Windows 98 just doesn't make it, but I was given this system, so I can't complain too much (although I orignally did, a LOT!!)
BUT, I can still make a recording with a consumer mic, so I'll sweat this one out.
I'm only kidding about it not working every time I turn the stupid machine on.
I got it down to where it's humming as good as it will EVER get, so it'll do, for now.
Besides, by the time this thing gets posted, 20 new magazines will be out with, better, cheaper, software, and 950 MHz machines for $19.95.
And aren't those Waves dongles a super pain in the ass??!!
Glad I have the "Authorized" versions, and back up "unauthorized" versions, just in case the dongle dingles out.
The other ones work ALL the time!!
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Bob.
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#974364 - 06/08/00 02:51 PM
Re: How should we amateurs approach you for post services?
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Originally posted by THE MIX FIX: HEY!!
What happened to my first post on here about you computer/tech guys making more than us engineer/producers guys?
Is Ed screwing around with these posts?
I NEVER said I'd trade mixing time for tech time,(in those little letters; how do you get those, anyway?), although maybe it's not such a bad idea).
I know, I know, Windows 98 just doesn't make it, but I was given this system, so I can't complain too much (although I orignally did, a LOT!!)
BUT, I can still make a recording with a consumer mic, so I'll sweat this one out.
Ok ok, a couple nerdy computer things attached;
As to the outrageous money comment. Your right! Computer geeks rule the world these days, but then again with all the blood letting on Wall Street, looks like reality is finally returning. ( the millennium/dot.com work kinda gave us all over inflated egos… you want to charge how much for Y2K work?)
A few suggestions re: computers & music;
1)If you can, use a dual boot system or go to WINNT.
WINNT is very stable. NT4.0 & service pack 5 or 6 is about as close to “no-fault” OS as Microsoft is capable of, at this time. WIN2000 looks promising, however there will be the usual 6-8months wait for drivers.
I have my system set to boot WINNT/ WIN98/LINUX. NT has all my internet/mail/programming/business etc. WIN98 has all the games/music-software etc. and I support my website from the Linux partition. Multimedia drivers for WIN98 are very good. NT drivers even better. (If you would like to know how to set up dual boot, send me a mail and I’ll help out if I can, or direct you to some good websites)
2) Be careful when installing computer games that automatically update your DirectX SW.
Almost every computer game will attempt to update your DirectX version. Use caution, when installing any new software. I find it best to “Just Say No!”
3) Limit the number of Audio/Midi devices active at any given time.
Most of us have a couple different sound/midi cards and peripherals installed. Time to get rid of that old AWE64 or V.32 Modem card. (sad but true) Most motherboards come with built in sound/midi/joystick ports. If you are using an aftermarket sound/midi card. Disable all those other ports. (control panel under system will allow you to do this) Cable modems are the worst. New technology, that likes to take full control of the system. Seriously consider having a hardware profile that disables you cable modem when you want to work on music.
4) Uninstall demo/expired/free software. Most computers come to you loaded with lots of “extra’s” get rid of that stuff man! You don’t need 14 different versions of 3D Tetris, or some really cool screen saver with flying cows. (control panel again, use caution!)
5) Use external peripherals when you can. I highly recommend using external modems, midi breakout boxes, CDROM/tape drives etc. (they may be a bit more expensive but the simplicity/configuration is much better) There is a little more “clutter” around your workspace, but that’s a small price to pay when it comes to ease of use. External devices use default system installed ports and standard interrupts. Therefore conflicts between external devices are easier to identify and remedy. (usally)
6) USB isn’t quite there yet. The devices are still maturing. I’d give anything other than a ZIP drive a pass right now. 6 months 2nd gen will be out. Then take a look. Its worth the wait. And remember item #5. Go external if you can.
7) You can never have enough hard drive space. I just bought a great 7200rpm 20 gig drive from Seagate for $139 you can’t beat that kind of value for money. Get as big as you can. You can always use more HDD space. If your going to use a Master/Slave relationship between the drives make sure the manufactures play nice together.
8) Extra RAM. You can minimize performance problems through judicious plug-in use, a good multimedia CPU (Intel MMX or A6 from Cyrix) and having lots of RAM. More is always better when it comes to RAM.
9) Soundcard latency. All sound cards have latency issues. Some are better than others. A few suggestions for minimizing the probs. (see #8) When trying to keep midi and audio in sync, use smaller audio clips that loop. (If you can) This will allow the audio to sync better. Mute tracks that aren’t essential to the playback, or bounce/mix track together. Remember just cause the card says it can playback 8/16/24/32 tracks of audio doesn’t mean you should do it. Especially with all those DirectX plug-ins your using.
10) One master clock. Use an external clock device if you can. (I use my ADATs as my MTC master) Nothing harder than getting two sound cards, from different manufactures to sync together. If you aren’t going to use an external device as the master clock. Try and use the midi ports on your audio card (if present) to send/receive midi. Multiple audio playback/midi devices are difficult to keep working and happy together. You may update the drivers for one and suddenly lose functionality in the second.
KISS method is always best. (keep it simple stupid)
Good Luck,
Tyler http://www.music-personnel.com
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#974365 - 06/08/00 04:20 PM
Re: How should we amateurs approach you for post services?
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rstroope
Senior Member
Registered: 03/14/00
Posts: 64
Loc: Shreveport, LA USA
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I use Win98, 128 megs of ram, have 2 hard dirves, one for programs the other for wav files ( 7200 )...I've never had any problems with my system but I don't clutter the hard drive either. I use the pc for recording and have an internet connection and save files to my zip drive. Once a month or after a busy session I run Defrag. I run Scandisk about twice a month. I'm a PC tech and find that Win98 works great for me. For those of you having problems try running the service packs available from Microsoft. Also, soon there will not be a Windows 9x or 2000 and we will have an OS that is mostly NT and that will solve all our problems....(right)
Until then the best thing to do is keep the hard drives free from clutter and always back up. My .02 worth.
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