Yo, would anyone hear love to hear Mix Tips from Jean-Marie Horvat?

[scdafunkyg]

Hey Jean-Marie, I am a great fan of your work. I was wondering, you outlined in an earlier post your choice of mic pre for male vocals. I was wondering what setup would be your suggestion for female vocals?

Thanks!
Sean

[jmh]

Originally Posted by sonnyblack2000

here s the 1s version of the Bed remix we did. EMI liked so much they just asked us to do some more!
Let me know what you think and what could be done to make it closer to the original.
I know its weird to hear some french part in there for most of you guys but you get use to it after awhile
Sonny

Brutha i'll listen to it first thing monday thank you for sharing this with everyone

[jmh]

Originally Posted by blayz2002

Hey Jean,

Good to see you here and I'm glad to hear your answers to questions like "How do you mix" being you let the song lead the way. That's always been my approach.

Not sure if you have any info on this, but 'No Diggity' (and some other Teddy tracks) was one of the tracks that really made me want to get my music game on.

Did Dre have any input on the production or mix of this track because to me it sounded very Dre like with the drums (especially the snare) and the piano, and I always though it strange that if he didn't, he was a strange choice to put as a featured rapper (as at that point he was known more for production).

Also Teddy doesn't seem to have done more tracks in this style, where as Dre's whole thing now, seems to be based around this style.

WOW well to be quite honesty with you i really cant tell you but i know that teddy did alot of what you heard on the record i wasnt down in Virgina Beach at the time i was branching out as a mixer he called me back to do a few things for Janetjackson of i get so lonely remix an few other things but i know he was going thru alot doin that record i believe that he asked dre to come in an do a rap intro, if ya like i can ask teddy a few things.

[jmh]

Originally Posted by scdafunkyg

Hey Jean-Marie, I am a great fan of your work. I was wondering, you outlined in an earlier post your choice of mic pre for male vocals. I was wondering what setup would be your suggestion for female vocals?

Thanks!
Sean

Hey Sean

man to be quite honest i rarely cut,only when i'm requested becuase of the artist or my track an production .but i use an Api mic pre soundelux E47 mic an a disstressor on all my vox if i can get my hands on a 251 eLam i will use that,these setups work for me.


i hope this helps a lil

[jmh]

Originally Posted by andrewj

yeah no diggity is nice

and some details on don't leave me would be great! i love the vocals and choirs!

Hey andrew that was pretty much a teddy riley mixed record as i stated b4 to BLAYZ
i was freelancing in LA.yo that record was mixed by teddy he is incredible all the around ,oh an Geogre Mayer contributed alot he was point person on the mix as well
Jr.(geogre mayers) has never got the credits an the accolades as he should've,everyone seems to believe someone else helped mix the album it was he an teddy.Jr if ya out there holla at ya boy

[PettyCash]

Hey JMH whats up dogg?

I got a few questions that I want to pick at your brain with....

What is your personal take on approaching eq and compression when dealing with vocals?

Also, currently, Do you prefer letting vocals you mix hover a bit over the beat, or do you tend to make them blend in with everything?

As well, What is your take on the use of delay and reverb on vocals? As in what styles of delay and reverb do you tend to use and why?

Is frequency distribution one of your main concerns when tackling a mix?

How do you decide when the mix is complete?

[Puma]

Damn, this is like early christmas!

Thanks for sharing all these words of wisdom JMH



and now......

HOW do I get my tracks to sound like Storch & Timbo!!??

Hahahah just kidding

[blayz2002]

Originally Posted by jmh

WOW well to be quite honesty with you i really cant tell you but i know that teddy did alot of what you heard on the record i wasnt down in Virgina Beach at the time i was branching out as a mixer he called me back to do a few things for Janetjackson of i get so lonely remix an few other things but i know he was going thru alot doin that record i believe that he asked dre to come in an do a rap intro, if ya like i can ask teddy a few things.

Cheers Jean,

If time permits and everyone is cool on it, I wouldn't mind knowing more info.

My main reason for wanting to produce, was listening to tracks where the instrumentation was very sparse (like very little bass) but the track still had the drive mainly due to a real catchy hook/sample and a great vocal & drums. I remember hearing those kind of tracks in the clubs starting with early Marley Marl stuff, and just being amazed at how those tracks moved crowds. Later came some Teddy stuff with Rump Shaker, where he got the groove real tight.

I was like damm! I wanna make records like that!...so any info would be appreciated.

[jmh]

Originally Posted by PettyCash

Hey JMH whats up dogg?

I got a few questions that I want to pick at your brain with....

What is your personal take on approaching eq and compression when dealing with vocals?

Also, currently, Do you prefer letting vocals you mix hover a bit over the beat, or do you tend to make them blend in with everything?

As well, What is your take on the use of delay and reverb on vocals? As in what styles of delay and reverb do you tend to use and why?

Is frequency distribution one of your main concerns when tackling a mix?

How do you decide when the mix is complete?

Hey my brutha,
in all fairness its about practice the more you do the more you'll invent create your own sound.i tackle every mix like a pitbull a crazed fan then i tone it down bring it back to perpective but still as a lunitic.when developing your tone for vox or the track the key is balance an sellin g point here let discribe
1Balance does it feel good
2.do i have the producers best interest meaning does it knock
3.is the vocal heard

then submit it to the prod.label or whoever they'll let you know if your done.

i hope this answers you thoughts

(freq an comp is like a chess game "Let It Flow")

[jmh]

Originally Posted by Puma

Damn, this is like early christmas!

Thanks for sharing all these words of wisdom JMH



and now......

HOW do I get my tracks to sound like Storch & Timbo!!??

Hahahah just kidding

Dont ever sell yourself short,find what you like bout them work the the idea an there youhave it thats what i did.i went by alias for production for years.an no im not goin to say what they are meaning my names.hahahah

[jmh]

Originally Posted by blayz2002

Cheers Jean,

If time permits and everyone is cool on it, I wouldn't mind knowing more info.

My main reason for wanting to produce, was listening to tracks where the instrumentation was very sparse (like very little bass) but the track still had the drive mainly due to a real catchy hook/sample and a great vocal & drums. I remember hearing those kind of tracks in the clubs starting with early Marley Marl stuff, and just being amazed at how those tracks moved crowds. Later came some Teddy stuff with Rump Shaker, where he got the groove real tight.

I was like damm! I wanna make records like that!...so any info would be appreciated.

Well in a nutshell they are more complex then ease,teddy would be on a song for weeks tuning in the kick replacing adding enhancing.let me discribe "Rump Shaker"
has 5 vers that came b4 it came out it went thru a month revisions.when teddy made the production on that song he monitored very low in fact if you hear any production/mix by Myself Teddy an Dre at low volume you still can define the mix.im not sure what dre does but for myself an tr we work on the simpliest speakers to get the tone if bangs on them we are in the house

[jmh]

Originally Posted by Mount Cyanide

Jean-Marie introduced me to the Etoufette
at Netty's in Silverlake some ten years ago.
That shit is good.
And so are his mixes.
Time friggin flies.

my brutha did we do a mix at soundcastle if so what was that session

[PettyCash]

Originally Posted by jmh

Hey my brutha,
in all fairness its about practice the more you do the more you'll invent create your own sound.i tackle every mix like a pitbull a crazed fan then i tone it down bring it back to perpective but still as a lunitic.when developing your tone for vox or the track the key is balance an sellin g point here let discribe
1Balance does it feel good
2.do i have the producers best interest meaning does it knock
3.is the vocal heard

then submit it to the prod.label or whoever they'll let you know if your done.

i hope this answers you thoughts

(freq an comp is like a chess game "Let It Flow")

Lol not exactly, I was asking more for your personally opinion and tastes in regards to those questions, not an actual "How To'". Just wanted to see how my personal tastes compare to someone such as yourself. But hey it was worth a try, I figured there might be a 50/50 chance you wouldnt be willing to spill jewlz that important on those type of questions.

[Mount Cyanide]

Originally Posted by jmh

my brutha did we do a mix at soundcastle if so what was that session

Yep.
Sound Castle in '97.
Heartless Records.
Red Stripe was flowing all day. Fun sessions.
You made a mark in my memory because of your passion for the craft
and your willingness to share/teach
as is evidenced by this thread.
You had just finished up working with Chico Debarge
and remarked how cool it was that I was using the same smooth instrumentation as
R&B guys (guitars, rhodes, etc) but using/abusing it to make gritty hip hop stuff.
That's the thing about working with top mixers.
It's more than just the mix. It's more than ooh those drums are banging.
It's the interaction and the knowledge you walk away with.

[jmh]

Originally Posted by Mount Cyanide

Yep.
Sound Castle in '97.
Heartless Records.
Red Stripe was flowing all day. Fun sessions.
You made a mark in my memory because of your passion for the craft
and your willingness to share/teach
as is evidenced by this thread.
You had just finished up working with Chico Debarge
and remarked how cool it was that I was using the same smooth instrumentation as
R&B guys (guitars, rhodes, etc) but using/abusing it to make gritty hip hop stuff.
That's the thing about working with top mixers.
It's more than just the mix. It's more than ooh those drums are banging.
It's the interaction and the knowledge you walk away with.

yes i remember how are you doin how are they also did you ever get that ssl board?i remember you were entaining that thought.

[jmh]

Originally Posted by PettyCash

Lol not exactly, I was asking more for your personally opinion and tastes in regards to those questions, not an actual "How To'". Just wanted to see how my personal tastes compare to someone such as yourself. But hey it was worth a try, I figured there might be a 50/50 chance you wouldnt be willing to spill jewlz that important on those type of questions.

well what is the grit of it then i have nuthing to hide its all bout your ears,so let me know what you mean.

[EKG Productions]

Hey Jean I was wondering if you could give us any tips on becoming relevant and staying relevant in an industry that is ever changing. In an age where artist are here today and gone tomorrow, besides your work which speaks for itself, how have you managed to stay in the loop with the right people.

Thanks

[jmh]

Originally Posted by EKG Productions

Hey Jean I was wondering if you could give us any tips on becoming relevant and staying relevant in an industry that is ever changing. In an age where artist are here today and gone tomorrow, besides your work which speaks for itself, how have you managed to stay in the loop with the right people.

Thanks

GREAT QUESTION!!!!!!

reinventing yourself is the first thing that comes up ,but also embracing technology. remember when pt 16 bit was in effect then 24bit, i was on project protools for less than a month i said this is the future, the next thing i was using it in my mix.my 2nd Grammy was "Say My Name"by Dystinys Child people thought i was lil off crazy, the next thing it was becoming a standard.never settle,i dont im always learning i'm far from good but im getting better everyday.also try to find up an coming cats producer engineers or what have you,what you feel your lacking an learn.I'm bout to do on line listening for people who can hear my mix an maybe q&a afterward or during.this might also open up vision for your ear trainging, i hopr to this real soon.
i hope this answer question if not let me know.

[EKG Productions]

Thanks man that was exactly what I was looking for. One of the hardest things to do in this bizz in getting clients and keeping them.

Another question about mixing. In my experience it has been difficult to create a wide mix wile still keeping a focused punch low end punch. What are some of the things you do to acheive this. Does alot of this have to do with having the proper sound already there when you get the session to mix or are there ways to "stroke" the image you desire.

[jmh]

Originally Posted by EKG Productions

Thanks man that was exactly what I was looking for. One of the hardest things to do in this bizz in getting clients and keeping them.

Another question about mixing. In my experience it has been difficult to create a wide mix wile still keeping a focused punch low end punch. What are some of the things you do to acheive this. Does alot of this have to do with having the proper sound already there when you get the session to mix or are there ways to "stroke" the image you desire.

a trick i use is i starting b4 is vox first the bring in the other element,bro is all bout the pans an balance also get creative in the freq selection that plays a major part.i gouge my freq compress less.jus do alot of experimenting remember i dont do ITB mixing i spread it out ergo there is the trick spread it out

[H-Rezz]

JMH , we all know you are an OTB mixer ......

What is your take on ITB mixing ? Considering it is becoming more common place these day's ...

Has there been a mix recently that you've gone 'Wow great mix ' and then found out later that it was mixed ITB ?

Do you think something is missing from ITB mixes as opposed to console mixing ? i won't include summing mixers into the equation because IMHO and experience i do not think they impart enough phase shifts that you get via croass talk of channels on a console which seem to give the music its distinct OTB console appeal , although if you feel they are valid no problem including them as well , (i'm talking about summing mixers with no Hardware inserted )....

Thanks ...

[jmh]

Originally Posted by H-Rezz

JMH , we all know you are an OTB mixer ......

What is your take on ITB mixing ? Considering it is becoming more common place these day's ...

Has there been a mix recently that you've gone 'Wow great mix ' and then found out later that it was mixed ITB ?

Do you think something is missing from ITB mixes as opposed to console mixing ? i won't include summing mixers into the equation because IMHO and experience i do not think they impart enough phase shifts that you get via croass talk of channels on a console which seem to give the music its distinct OTB console appeal , although if you feel they are valid no problem including them as well , (i'm talking about summing mixers with no Hardware inserted )....

Thanks ...

Wow tuff question,Well you guys havent really asked me what im mixing on. the other hand is that Serban does a pretty dang well.but i do feel on my end there a whole in the mid range,maybe its all the plugins i just feel there is a thin top an nice bottom however where is the mid.the perc feels a lil straight line but that s my take.yes its a big common place but thats by chioce on the individual,i try to do a hybrid mix an so far its been sounding not to shabby.if i can make a suggestion, do a test spread the mug out on a simple mixer you'll be surprise how much more your mix would blossom.

[H-Rezz]

Originally Posted by jmh

Well you guys havent really asked me what im mixing on.

OK, JMH what are you mixing on ?

More importantly how to you go about your Hybrid setup ?How do you view it conceptually ? I know Ken Lewis who is another great contributor to this forum mixes hybrid with the centre piece being an SPL MIXDream if i'm not mistaken(Sorry Ken if it's not)

How do you split up your mix on the board ? And how do you decide what gets Hardware treatment and likewise what gets a plug-in ?

I think it's safe to say 99% of productions and mixes these day's are a Hybrid(even console mixes) it's just the degree of this hybrid system that varies ...

[jmh]

Originally Posted by H-Rezz

OK, JMH what are you mixing on ?

More importantly how to you go about your Hybrid setup ?How do you view it conceptually ? I know Ken Lewis who is another great contributor to this forum mixes hybrid with the centre piece being an SPL MIXDream if i'm not mistaken(Sorry Ken if it's not)

How do you split up your mix on the board ? And how do you decide what gets Hardware treatment and likewise what gets a plug-in ?

I was doing various prod on the low an the mixes where coming out differently lil more ie an Tony Maserati said you to work in your studio an Cool and Dre firmed it up on mix i did. ready folk a D8B mackie console modified by Mitch Murcuillia(i might have mispelled his name) everything is hitting console digital 32 in then analog for 24.out of console analog in to my black box which is a mod center section that goes to a L2 harware analog in(for front end b4 protools) the hit protools digitally. lots of tweeking thru the year i been mixing in thiks fashion off an on for years but put it into fruition last year.I love Ken Lewis's mixing as well as his production.i really hit the inserts first homes i invested in gear thru the years i kinda wanted my own stuff low an behold its helping.i tried all the summing boxes the only thing that stood out is the Manely Tube mixer.they all sounded the same to me i didnt listen to the Neve.an your right the phase thing was killin me as well.

[KEYBEEETSSS]

Originally Posted by jmh

ready folk a D8B mackie console modified by Mitch Murcuillia(i might have mispelled his name) everything is hitting console digital 32 in then analog for 24.out of console analog.

WOWWWW....Mannn 1st of all let me say what an honor it is to be in the midst...Man I've been using a D8B since early 99 myself & it does jus what I need(not modded tho, but I have the final plug & Massenberg EQ in it); U need to paste what u said u use in the "WHY DOES EVRYONE HATE MACKIE CONSOLES" THREAD....that'll really be funny b/c all of a sudden Mackie will be the "SHIRT"....LOL....Man i've been a fan of ur work for some time not jus from the R&b/hip hop hits but the Gospel as well; I have to say I was/is a John Jaszcz another one of my favorite mixers which i had the opportunity to mix a couple records with him & gettin ready to do another...the reason I brought that up is b/c a lot of records I jus knew he did, turned out to be urself & thats when i began to notice more & more; I also did a few remixes after the fact of course on a few records u've done being {not sure u did Naughty Girl-Beyonce but I know u did the B-day stuff} & Heaven by Jagged Edge...don a record on K-ci, my boy Elvis actually did {& i'll say along w/Polow the "Like This" joint...We're workin this new artist now that we will definitely be contacting u about...Carlos & Tricky also has worked w/her so we're gonna have some good records....I mix but it's nuthin like a new set of ears after doing everything on the front end...& i'm still leaning a lot so this is great having u here....I'm gonna see about gett'n Jaszcz on here as well...with u guys, mannnnn, that'll be greattt...

Don't wanna ask questions as I know u r gonna be bombarded with them; I jus wanted to reach out to ya bruh....I know i'll be meeting U in a min. from the projects @ work...

Well i do have 1, how do u pronounce Jean...like Gene or Zhohn...

[PettyCash]

Originally Posted by jmh

well what is the grit of it then i have nuthing to hide its all bout your ears,so let me know what you mean.

Hey JMH, thanks for responding to my post.

I guess to be more specific, your personal take on your eq and compression approach could mean,

Which gear in your rack do you see yourself reaching for the most when working on the vox and why? and what inspires you personally to make the choices you do when using those tools? Sharing insight on your personality as a mixer in regards to vox eqing and compression.
And The same in regards to your personality when approaching delay and reverb.
Just sticking to what or who inspires the choices you make for these things.

I am not interested in knowing about any of the technical settings and approaches you are using with your gear.
That is your personal touch and I am not going to risk disrespecting you by asking such questions, but I am insterested in hearing about what "artistically" motivates your choices.

Sorry for any confusion concerning my first post.