Emulating a "Vibe"

[days]

I was wondering how many project studio guys (or pro studio engineers for that matter) make a deliberate and regular effort to emulate a particular “vibe” in their recordings and mixes. That “vibe” might be one drawn from a period or “movement” in recording history, or might be as specific as that contained on a favorite album or song, or might even be some ineffable quality that can't really be expressed. (For example, someone enamored of the sixties might use plate reverb and certain tube gear and vintage mics to get his recordings to sound like that period.)

I'm particularly interested in people whose interest in a particular “sound” or “vibe” is so strong that they typically try to get this vibe into their recordings. I know one guy who is so in love with the sound of Meddle-era Pink Floyd that virtually every time he records or mixes he tries to achieve that sound. That kind of singular obsession might be extreme, but I find it very compelling.

[vincentvangogo]

I have a project studio with 1965/6 Abbey Road as my ideal (Rubber Soul/Revolver basically.) Mics include a Neuman 67, AKG c28, d19s, d12 and various STC/Coles, going through V72s to 8 track tape. I mix through an ex-BBC desk to Revox 1/4" (18" Tannoys for monitors.) Also use Altec compressors, tape echo, (I've figured out my own version of ADT) and I have a plate reverb in my living room.

[theblue1]

I'm not a retro-tech guy, myself. I gave away my own 8 track (just couldn't keep it working -- and that was about 17 years ago) but I do enjoy a good retro vibe from to time...

Still... I have to drop some serious respect on a guy with a plate 'verb in his living room.

[Mark Kaufman]

I've been thinking lately that the ability to escape our own particular vibe of preference is sometimes more valuable than the ability to nail it.

[stevesound]

Originally Posted by vincentvangogo

I have a project studio with 1965/6 Abbey Road as my ideal (Rubber Soul/Revolver basically.) Mics include a Neuman 67, AKG c28, d19s, d12 and various STC/Coles, going through V72s to 8 track tape. I mix through an ex-BBC desk to Revox 1/4" (18" Tannoys for monitors.) Also use Altec compressors, tape echo, (I've figured out my own version of ADT) and I have a plate reverb in my living room.

I can say for certain that my missus would disown me if I even suggested having a plate reverb in the living room! That's seriously deadly!!

[days]

Originally Posted by vincentvangogo

[...] and I have a plate reverb in my living room.

Awesome.

[vincentvangogo]

Originally Posted by stevesound

I can say for certain that my missus would disown me if I even suggested having a plate reverb in the living room! That's seriously deadly!!

There are times in life you have to decide which is more important, a girlfriend who loves and cares about you or a great sounding reverb. I go for the reverb.

[Ernest Buckley]

I don`t feel that gear by itself creates a vibe. Gear has a sound to it but its the performer who adds the vibe to a session so trying to recreate any era of music really comes down to the performance, not gear.

How exactly does gear make an artist sound 60-ish or 70-ish if they completely lack any those elements in their performance?

As a mixing engineer you can arrange the song and make it sound a certain way but creating a vibe that is not there with gear... tutt

[bgrotto]

I've never felt you could emulate a vibe...you just gotta do what the music tells you. I might draw from a classic recording's vibe for inspiration, but the real magic happens when you discover the inherent vibe of the tune you're working on.

[Never1]

Originally Posted by vincentvangogo

I have a plate reverb in my living room.

Originally Posted by vincentvangogo

There are times in life you have to decide which is more important, a girlfriend who loves and cares about you or a great sounding reverb. I go for the reverb.

You are my new hero. That is some seriously funny shit, right there.

[vernier]

Music *is* vibe.
'

[Never1]

As far as vibe goes, I guess I try and impart as much "bigness" to my recordings as possible. I love epic, timeless sounds and productions... many of which are multi-layered and far removed from any reality, which some would argue as over-production but when done right I have to disagree.

I also love and will always love big verby snares. Not the 80's cheese ones, but the ones that wrap around you and put you in a big space, sonically. I don't always use them but god I love 'em.

[vincentvangogo]

Originally Posted by Never1

That is some seriously funny shit, right there.

[BuildaFriend]

Originally Posted by vincentvangogo

i have a project studio with 1965/6 abbey road as my ideal (rubber soul/revolver basically.) mics include a neuman 67, akg c28, d19s, d12 and various stc/coles, going through v72s to 8 track tape. I mix through an ex-bbc desk to revox 1/4" (18" tannoys for monitors.) also use altec compressors, tape echo, (i've figured out my own version of adt) and i have a plate reverb in my living room.

awesome!!!