I don't get it.

[halljams]

A world class talent, for some bizarre reason, decides to hang out with us maroons and some of you people behave like total fucking idiots to him.

 

ARE YOU REALLY INTO RECORDING???????

DO YOU WANT TO GET BETTER AT MUSIC?

WHAT THE FUCK IS YOU GUY'S PROBLEMS?

 

It's obvious some people's priorities are about making themselves feel less pathetic at other peoples expense.

 

Some people here (LIKE MYSELF-CALL ME AS SUKKY AS YOU WANT) feel privilidged to have the opportunity to peek into the mind of a talented and experienced guy like Bruce and have the chance to ask questions and get FREE education!

 

You guys talking about sucking up and challenging the guy???.

What the fuck???

He's here to help and share his knowledge. He's also a person and should be treated with respect.

I can't believe he is even still checking into this fucking place.

[djwayne]

I took a look at his cylinders, and at first glance thought it was a nutty idea, but after reading about them, and seeing how many very respectable artists and studio's are using them, it started making sense. I like the idea of having movable, lightweight, adjustable sound barriers, and wish I had more room to use them. I may "borrow" the idea and make a smaller diameter homemade set of tubes for my studio. Not for the looks, but for the diffusing aspects of the cylander shape.

[Tedster]

Dead on, there, Hall...

[halljams]

Originally posted by djwayne:

I took a look at his cylinders, and at first glance thought it was a nutty idea, but after reading about them, and seeing how many very respectable artists and studio's are using them, it started making sense. I like the idea of having movable, lightweight, adjustable sound barriers, and wish I had more room to use them. I may "borrow" the idea and make a smaller diameter homemade set of tubes for my studio. Not for the looks, but for the diffusing aspects of the cylander shape.

Well, honestly i could care less if he is promting something. If every second post is helpful or educational, it's a deal, I'll take the advertising if that's the price for free info, every other fucking thing on the internet works that way, why shouldn't he?

[Lee Flier]

Totally agree halljams.

[Dan Worley]

Boy, I totally agree with you. I don't come to this forum often because there's just way too much bullshit to wade through to get to the good stuff. But when I heard Bruce Swedien was answering questions on this forum, I flew over here. I respect and admire him for his contributions to music and the recording arts, his vast experiences and accomplishments. Most of us won't even come within a light year of what he has achieved in his illustrious career. No, it doesn't make him a better person than anyone else, but by God it makes him a better engineer and he's someone I would very much like to learn from. He's earned respect through his years of work, study and experimentation and teaching.

 

But when I read these little punks taking pot shots at him just because they think that makes them tough or cool or nonconformist, or just to be outright rude and disrespectful, well, all I can say is there's a bunch of little spoiled children on this forum that were not raised properly. I wish they would all shut-up and learn something. But they won't. They have no respect for anything. All they want to do is hear their own little voices.

 

Sad. So sad.

 

Dan Worley

[John Sayers]

Ok - so it appears I'm to be ashamed because I took a potshot at Bruce eh??

 

I thought I asked a very valid question - he'd just stated that the RULE was non-parallel walls. So I ask him why does he break the rule?? and I get a reply saying there are no rules.

 

I'm sorry - I'm not a newbie engineer hanging on his every word - I've also been in the game since the 60s and I recorded big bands, with strings!, onto 4 tracks.

 

cheers

john

[halljams]

I've printed every post he has made with any audio recording info in it!

In fact, I'll be head SUKKER!

Everyone can call me names and point at me and laugh and say look at "Sukkyboy".

I'm ok with that cause i will be the one you'll be asking questions to in ten years, as you mow my lawn(s).

"Mr holland, should i weed-wack the hedge around the Geraniums today sir?"

I'll be all like...."Yes damn it, and your wife is not allowed to leave until Castle is spotless"

In the words of the immortal Arell Spencer.....

"Haaaahhhhh ha ha ha ha ah""

Clonk that shit!

[halljams]

Originally posted by John Sayers:

I'm sorry - I'm not a newbie engineer hanging on his every word

john

I'm not hanging on his every word either but Damn it, don't you think you just take the oppurtunity to learn from the guy and encourage him to share, if even for us lesser experienced folks.

Surely there is something even you could learn from him, why not look for it.

[dj jud]

Hey, Halljams, I won't mow your lawn in 10 years, but I'll be happy to buy your book and talk to you about your cholesterol (I'm an internist at my day job).

[halljams]

Originally posted by dj jud:

(I'm an internist at my day job).

Cool. What does it mean when my Nephrology acts up when i eat kidney beans anyway?

[John Sayers]

don't you think you just take the oppurtunity to learn from the guy and encourage him to share, if even for us lesser experienced folks.

Mate - I was encouraging him to share - I gave him the perfect opportunity to give his views on the tube traps etc etc. He chose not to take the opportunity which was a pity for "us lesser experienced folks".

 

cheers

john

[halljams]

Originally posted by John Sayers:

don't you think you just take the oppurtunity to learn from the guy and encourage him to share, if even for us lesser experienced folks.

Mate - I was encouraging him to share - I gave him the perfect opportunity to give his views on the tube traps etc etc. He chose not to take the opportunity which was a pity for "us lesser experienced folks".

 

cheers

john

It read as sassy and confrontational.

[DC]

Say Halljams,

 

You've got to ac-cen-tu-ate the positive and e-lim-a-nate the negative...

 

Honestly, I think Craig has said it plenty of times, respond to what's going right and ignore what's outta line.

 

Works every time if everyone will do it.

 

Remember that analyzing crap can be annoying too. Don't waste your time on what you're not digging/getting into...

 

[Dak Lander]

The latest edition of Pro Sound News has a nice little article about our Mr. Swedien. Some of his remarks about Jennifer Lopez have given me pause to think a bit better of her, in her professionalism. Doesn't look like she's the normal ilk.

If you're interested the articl is on page 25. For those of you who do not subscribe, go to Pro Sound's website and subscribe.

 

AS to sucking up...

Knowledge like Bruce has is immeasurable for most of us. Those who don't know better are the idiots and will likely never progress beyond where they are now.

Is there a bit of spam? Yeah, but that's a small price to pay for the information a guy can gleen from guys like Bruce Swedien.

If it weren't for guys like him, Craig Anderton, Ethan Winer, Bill Park, Phil O'Keefe, David Frangioni & many others, this place would be a hack joint.

I hope he sticks around and is not driven off like George Massenburg was.

What has surprised me, upon meeting the folks from these forums I've met in person, is the humility of those who are so well known in the industry. I haven't met Bruce yet but I'm betting he too is just an ordinary guy with extraordinary knowledge.

[dj jud]

Post By DakLander

[/quote I haven't met Bruce yet but I'm betting he too is just an ordinary guy with extraordinary knowledge.

 

I heard he puts his pants on one leg at a time. lol

[halljams]

Originally posted by DC:

Say Halljams,

 

You've got to ac-cen-tu-ate the positive and e-lim-a-nate the negative...

 

Honestly, I think Craig has said it plenty of times, respond to what's going right and ignore what's outta line.

 

Works every time if everyone will do it.

 

Remember that analyzing crap can be annoying too. Don't waste your time on what you're not digging/getting into...

 

You are right.

I take this whole thread back.

But i am still "SUKKYBOY" though, mkay?

[Prague]

Originally posted by halljams:

... cause i will be the one you'll be asking questions to in ten years, as you mow my lawn(s)...

A forum is supposed to be a dialog. If some people ask questions, it's because they are on a forum.

 

It is a bit difficult to get past the star-struck sometimes. Maybe it wasn't worded well.

 

And, yes, I'll take fries with that.

[kylen]

Hey Halljams - get in there and fight the good fight. Ask Bruce whatever you like - I did, he digs talkin right now. Like you say nothing lasts forever so gettin Bruce to relate some cool stories and secrets he enjoys sharing is cool. I don't think anyone should feel self conscious about it...

 

Like today when Bruce was giving us some good info about Blumlein mic technique - I found out that part of the secret is to wear shorts while you play classic guitar. Things like that help keep it all in perspective for me

 

As far as the ASC tube traps go I don't know much about Bruce's involvent but I stumbled over there before and like that idea. There's even a 'powered' tube trap so you learn cool stuff every day!

 

Alright youse guys let's get crackin!

[TheFunkman]

Let's not forget...These forums aren't all about what's in it for me...

 

In many cases, these forums represent the only places to find like minds and fellow-travellers in an otherwise indifferent universe.

 

Sure, it's nice to be able to absorb the knowledge that some on this board can provide, but let's make sure we can provide them with something of value in return, or they might not be here for long!

 

http://www.billfriedrich.com/~kelly/LN/mirrmeld.jpg

[PBBPaul]

I've read every post by "Brucie the Viking" but I don't feel even qualified enough to ask the guy a question much less confront him. I absolutely appreciate his participation on this forum. I've learned a lot. I think phrasing questions or comments in a confrontational way that questions an acknowledged authority's authority is silly and non-constructive. If one disagrees, there are constructive ways of making that known that in my mind, are not sucking up.

[KenElevenShadows]

Originally posted by PBBPaul:

I've read every post by "Brucie the Viking" but I don't feel even qualified enough to ask the guy a question much less confront him. I absolutely appreciate his participation on this forum. I've learned a lot. I think phrasing questions or comments in a confrontational way that questions an acknowledged authority's authority is silly and non-constructive. If one disagrees, there are constructive ways of making that known that in my mind, are not sucking up.

Wisely spoken. Except that I'd have to disagree with your first sentence. You ARE qualified to ask him questions. Anyone who asks a perfectly valid question (that optimistically shows some thought) can ask questions. You've done that before, so why not with him?

[boosh]

I think that Mr.Bruce Swedien is still human after all the great work he has done. I never heard of him before but that's because I'm not a pro like some of the guys here. I'm just a silly musician and home-recorder.

I think it's really cool of him to answer all these questions on here and I know for sure that he's used to kiss-ass people and people who envy him for what he has achieved.

He has a good sense of humor and knows what to respond to and what not.

I pm-ed him to thank him for all the info he gives us but he doesn't read Pms. I did that not to suck up. In fact sucking up is not my style that's why I wrote the swedish Mahalia Jackson thingy.

Thanking him 2767 times on here won't do much good, gheez If I had to thank all the industry people onhere time after time if they give me advice or treat them like they're Gods,..that'll take a lifetime for me 'cause I'm on the lowest step of the stairs.

I treat everyone onhere the same 'cause no matter who you are and what you've done : Everyone on here is here because they love recording music and making slash creating music.

 

My dad tought me:

 

Giving someone respect is not looking up to him and being humble.

Giving someone respect is treating someone like he is your brother.

 

Mr.Swedien and Booshy's life are the same. We both record musicians and create music. He does it his way with MJ and QJ.

I do it my way with some weirdos in Amsterdam/Netherlands. When we finish the day and go to bed we both have a late night bathroomvisit and go to sleep.

 

Pain in the ass thing about the sucking up and all that shit:

My interest in music started with thriller,...damn how I loved that record and how I cried when a dart bounced off my dartboard while I was listening to it and hit the record so Beat It had a hole in it.

 

My love for whole allbums started with that record and now I can't even thank one of the creators for that because I might fall into the suck up category.

[PBBPaul]

Originally posted by Ken/Eleven Shadows:

Originally posted by PBBPaul:

I've read every post by "Brucie the Viking" but I don't feel even qualified enough to ask the guy a question much less confront him. I absolutely appreciate his participation on this forum. I've learned a lot. I think phrasing questions or comments in a confrontational way that questions an acknowledged authority's authority is silly and non-constructive. If one disagrees, there are constructive ways of making that known that in my mind, are not sucking up.

Wisely spoken. Except that I'd have to disagree with your first sentence. You ARE qualified to ask him questions. Anyone who asks a perfectly valid question (that optimistically shows some thought) can ask questions. You've done that before, so why not with him?

You are of course right as Bruce has IMO, humbly made clear. I was just trying to make the point that I am a rank, low budget beginner at this stuff. Fortunately, there have been no shortage of good questions and answers for me to digest.

[D_dup3]

Well, for my part, I just sat back & read...& downloaded the threads to disc for concise editing!

[the stranger]

Originally posted by halljams:

In the words of the immortal Arell Spencer.....

"Haaaahhhhh ha ha ha ha ah""

Clonk that shit!

[coyote]

I've not participated in most of this stuff. But I'll say this: If someone's 'authority' cannot withstand a question or two, there's a problem. Every GOOD teacher in my life had no aversion to being questioned, or their pronouncements doubted. It gives THEM a chance to re-think their philosophy, and come out even more knowledgeable for it.

 

I once had a rather interesting conversation with a well-known & respected player/teacher about the nature of timekeeping in a band context. I asked some rather pointed questions, and he was secure enough to think about them and question himself and give valid answers. We both learned somthing from the exchange.

 

Just something to think about.

Originally posted by halljams:

Originally posted by John Sayers:

I'm sorry - I'm not a newbie engineer hanging on his every word

john

I'm not hanging on his every word either but Damn it, don't you think you just take the oppurtunity to learn from the guy and encourage him to share, if even for us lesser experienced folks.

Surely there is something even you could learn from him, why not look for it.

[LawrenceF]

This is a weird thread. I'm not quite sure what to make of it.

 

I came back here after a long absence (due to the mostly irrelevant posts, some which I participated in ) and saw that Bruce Sweiden was talking to people here. My first thought was...

 

"Damn, how often will I have the chance to ask an industry legend for recording advice?". So I asked. The word "legend" is not used lightly. After every answer I thanked him and will continue to do so. Why?

 

1. Because I know for sure he has better things to do than answer my questions.

 

2. Because he spent many, many years learning his trade and he is not obligated to share it with me. This goes for many of your also and I regularly thank you also.

 

3. Because he's a legend. Show me a regular poster here who has recorded such GIANTS from Count Basie to Michael Jackson over the last 30 years and engineered and mixed so many classic records and hits I will be in awe of him or her also.

 

For those of you have might not know, this man is arguably one of the best audio engineers on the planet. Period. If there was (is) a such thing as the Audio Engineering "Hall of Fame" as there is in baseball he'd be in on the first ballot. Would you? Then let the ego go and learn something.

 

I have no problem admitting that I'm a little in awe of his accomplishments no more so than I was when I met Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods or others who have risen to the very top of their profession. This isn't unusual behavior. On the contrary it's quite typical. The problem here seems to be that some others here who are far above and beyond the typical SSS'er in engineering skill feel their position is in jeopardy. Bruce is here so I'm made less. Nonsense.

 

By the logic I've read here women screaming and tearing Prince's clothes off at a public appearance are "sucking up". He did nothing to deserve the adoration. You can play guitar too so why should people "suck up to him"? Because he's one of the greatest ever at what he does. You and me, however, are not.

 

What I find strange is that some here seem threatened by that. That shows a bit of insecurity if you ask me. Are there people here who are as good at audio engineering as Bruce? Probably a few and I think I know who they might be. And they have been listening carefully and posting respectfully because they know they had to work hard to learn what they know.

 

Are there people regularly here with the catalog of credits and credentials and ultra-diverse work experience that Bruce has? Yeah right. From Basie to MJ and beyond? If you've got those kinds of credentials then step up and let us know, i've got many questions for you also. Not "I set up a mic at a MJ session once" but "I regularly engineer for the very best artists. They come looking for ME." So...

 

Point me to a forum where these people will come on line 3-4-5-6 days in a row and answer questions and I'll take a different view.

 

1. Wynton Marsalis

2. Tiger Woods

3. Barry Bonds

4. Insert "one of the world's best anything" here.

 

Show me. I wanna see that. Let the ego go. If you disagree with what I said above then tell me who has posted here with better credentials i.e. a more influential engineering resume than Bruce.

 

I'm waiting...

 

Lawrence

[KenElevenShadows]

I don't know who has better credentials, but I do know that there are a lot of really knowledgeable people here, including Bruce, and I for one greatly appreciate their collective wisdom and knowledge and am totally grateful. I think we have some interesting dialogues going (and a few insipid ones ) and I hope that the interesting ones continue.

[Lee Flier]

Originally posted by coyote:

I once had a rather interesting conversation with a well-known & respected player/teacher about the nature of timekeeping in a band context. I asked some rather pointed questions, and he was secure enough to think about them and question himself and give valid answers. We both learned somthing from the exchange.

I'm sure that player wasn't Buddy Rich.

 

Not all people of great ability are nice people, or modest, or free from eccentricities and insecurities. It's a bonus when they are, but not really that common. That doesn't make them any less great at what they do and you don't lose anything less by not learning what you can from them.