LA Based Cubase Mixing Engineers + Mastering

[CJ1973]

I would like to know more about LA based mixing Engineer who is competent in mixing on Cubase 5. Also I would like to know more about mastering Engineers here as well. I understand there are alot more protools based but I would like to get my work mixed at my place. Are engineers typically mixing on different platforms? Also do they do mastering services as well?

[CJ1973]

Bump... surely there's someone out there who is proficient in mixing on Cubase....

[CJ1973]

wow..still no one? Am I tripping or is this reality? Is everyone still stuck in Protools mode and havent opened up to other great softwares?

[redroom]

Ask for a Nuendo Mixer

You may get more sucess

[CJ1973]

Originally Posted by redroom

Ask for a Nuendo Mixer

You may get more sucess

Thank you. I will try. However, I am thinking I am asking in the wrong continent....NO?
Any Nuendo Based Mixing Engineers Out there?

[Mike Brown]

Originally Posted by CJ1973

I would like to know more about LA based mixing Engineer who is competent in mixing on Cubase 5. Also I would like to know more about mastering Engineers here as well. I understand there are alot more protools based but I would like to get my work mixed at my place. Are engineers typically mixing on different platforms? Also do they do mastering services as well?

Its going to be EXTREMELY hard to get people to come mix at your place on a regular basis without PTHD... maybe a console... maybe a ton of outboard gear etc..... especially in LA.

Good luck!

[CJ1973]

Originally Posted by Mayor999

Its going to be EXTREMELY hard to get people to come mix at your place on a regular basis without PTHD... maybe a console... maybe a ton of outboard gear etc..... especially in LA.

Good luck!

Interesting how there is a contradiction to 'money talks' factor ha? I hate to say it but there are beggers (purely metaphorically speaking here) who are choosers too... (just like George Michael said)... i say if that is the case FK em. However, I hope you are wrong because I am sure you are very ignorant yourself and havent realized some of the greatest pop songs today are done on either Cubase or Logic. Thanks for your thoughts. I'll try and pass.

[ryst]

Originally Posted by CJ1973

Interesting how there is a contradiction to 'money talks' factor ha? I hate to say it but there are beggers (purely metaphorically speaking here) who are choosers too... (just like George Michael said)... i say if that is the case FK em. However, I hope you are wrong because I am sure you are very ignorant yourself and havent realized some of the greatest pop songs today are done on either Cubase or Logic. Thanks for your thoughts. I'll try and pass.

It has absolutely nothing to do with how many songs were mixed in a certain DAW or not. I think what he was getting at (and I agree with him) is that although pro mixers can work on different platforms with great results, some prefer certain things to be consistent because it helps in their workflow to get the type of mixes they get. Being comfortable as a mixing engineer is EXTREMELY important.

To me the difference between mixing on an analog console and mixing in Pro Tools is much less than the difference between mixing from one DAW (like Pro Tools) to another (like Nuendo, Cubase, Sonar). I personally would much rather know that if I have a mixing gig, that the studio has a good monitoring environment that is translatable to other systems and it's got either Pro Tools or a 2" machine w/an analog board or both. You throw in a different variable like mixing ITB with a DAW that I don't use much or never used at all, then I'm gonna spend more time learning the program and how I can make it work with MY workflow than the actual mix. And that, to me would be a disservice to the client. I'm hired to mix. Not to learn how to mix on YOUR DAW. Also, when you say "mix at your place", that sounds to me like your house. Which goes back to my point about a great sounding room as a lot of people who have "studios" in their home seem to neglect proper acoustic treatment. If "your place" means your studio that has a great sounding translatable monitoring environment, then you should be more clear about that.

Although the principles of mixing are pretty much the same across the board, the DAW programs have enough differences in terminology and appearance to make even the best mixers think twice about the work if they had to mix on a platform they aren't too familiar with. Money doesn't talk in this case.

If your goal is to hire someone to come to your place and mix in Cubase so you can watch, learn and ask questions, then you need to find someone who is a PRO at Nuendo or Cubase. Not someone who CAN do it. Otherwise, just hire a good mixing engineer, period. The platform should matter way less than the mixing engineer (from your perspective as the client). Plus, you could hire a good mixing engineer who mixes in Pro Tools, ask him/her questions, then apply what you learned to your DAW.

Just my opinion.

[CJ1973]

Originally Posted by ryst

Being comfortable as a mixing engineer is EXTREMELY important.

I'm hired to mix. Not to learn how to mix on YOUR DAW. Also, when you say "mix at your place", that sounds to me like your house. Which goes back to my point about a great sounding room as a lot of people who have "studios" in their home seem to neglect proper acoustic treatment. If "your place" means your studio that has a great sounding translatable monitoring environment, then you should be more clear about that.

Money doesn't talk in this case.

If your goal is to hire someone to come to your place and mix in Cubase so you can watch, learn and ask questions, then you need to find someone who is a PRO at Nuendo or Cubase. Not someone who CAN do it.

Just my opinion.

Hi and thank you for the opinions and points. I appreciate your time in answering and clarifying.
However, to clarify, which I should have done previously, this is for mixing at my studio with a great room with advise from Steven Klein. The acoustics are fine.
In regards to mixing engineers being 'extremely' comfortable, to me thats just an excuse. It falls into the same category as saying things like 'I am stressed' or 'it's what it is'. Yes I agree it takes time to learn a task or skill. I can put that into the equation and I can assist in any technical questions on Cubase/Nuendo as I know it well. I dont need to learn mixing as I am a composer producer and can mix okay but my goal is to know my music well and not aspire to be a mixing engineer, so this is purely work for hire.
I do think that alot of the old-schoolers need to just get over and adjust (or you will be pretty much doing the same thing Detroit car workers did and not keep up with the world because of your pathetic excuses and please dont think you are god because its just a job like any other job and I have a day job as a Civil Engineer myself which when I went into a new environment had no clue on and its all about billing rates and productivity so I understand the pressure but if one has the will, thats all it takes) because Cubase is currently being taught in places like Berkeley, so it just would be another (maybe not common but atleast a strong minority language like Logic) and you just may be missing out on getting some work....also I do think, even though mixing engineers will be picky, that people with those excuses need to get over it, because its not just the great mix that determines the future of the song, its alot of elements such as song, beat, music, producer, artist and if its a top 10 artist with a hot song and its done on Cubase, in my opinion its silly for a mixing engineer to resist mixing something like that because it just adds to their portfolio. Not everyone can be as picky as people like the great Lord-Alge's or Swediens because they are so proven in certain environments and they can choose their clients. I certainly cannot say that for every mixing engineer who at the end of the day is looking to get paid and be a part of a great project. Also one must remember, gone are the great days of top mixing budgets (or for that matter any darn budget for songs) so it's pretty much studio-to-shelf and that will be the continuing trend. THis tells me to be prepared for this and my idea is to find a talented/edgy mixing engineer who can do a mix at my studio and understand the fact that the trend is here to stay and 'Versatility' rather than 'Extremely comfortable' is going to be alot more critical to keep the bread and butter going. Thanks again for your thoughts.

[dgkenney]

Your other option is to hold you breath and continue to write post calling others ignorant until the world sees it your way.

Just a thought.


Dan

[CJ1973]

Originally Posted by dgkenney

Your other option is to hold you breath and continue to write post calling others ignorant until the world sees it your way.

Just a thought.


Dan

Sure. I will do that and why dont you sell your house and donate it to Digidesign if you worship it so much and think that is your only world.
Just a thought. .. and no. I am not trying to bring about a 'change'. just trying to find an awesomely talented openminded versatile crew to churn out ongoing work.

[lordward]

I mix and master on a daily basis on Cubase. I use a hybrid system as well.
Unfortunately I live on the other side of the world...

DW

[CJ1973]

Originally Posted by lordward

I mix and master on a daily basis on Cubase. I use a hybrid system as well.
Unfortunately I live on the other side of the world...

DW

I hear ya man. THanks for pitching in. It's just a matter of time now..thumbsup
FYI. nearly 1 in 5 cars I see on the road here in LA are Mercedes Benz with 10 year on-site maintenance programs..wish some would learn from the Detroit failure incidents..... you get the picture right..!
by the way, by hybrid, do you mean partly analog or other DAW?

[lordward]

Originally Posted by CJ1973

I hear ya man. THanks for pitching in. It's just a matter of time now..thumbsup
FYI. nearly 1 in 5 cars I see on the road here in LA are Mercedes Benz with 10 year on-site maintenance programs..wish some would learn from the Detroit failure incidents..... you get the picture right..!
by the way, by hybrid, do you mean partly analog or other DAW?

I mean lots of analog outboard (API, TK Audio, Audient, Empirical Labs, Neve, etc....) and 16 channels of SSL X Desk Summing.

DW

[Mike Brown]

I didn't mean to offend you.

The fact of the matter is: Most freelance engineers won't even LOOK at a room in LA without seeing PTHD on the gear list.

This has nothing to do with PTHD being better or worse than any other DAW... I am not sure why you keep trying to make it about that.

Just the facts of life.

There's a place you've got to go for learning
all you want to know about the facts of life
the facts of life.

When books are what you're there about
and looks are what you care about
the time is right,
to learn the facts of life.

When the world never seems
to be living up to your dreams
it's time you started finding out
what everything is all about

When the boys you used to hate you date,
I guess you best investigate
the facts of life you gotta get'em right
the facts of life,
the facts of life,
the facts of life

[CJ1973]

Originally Posted by lordward

I mean lots of analog outboard (API, TK Audio, Audient, Empirical Labs, Neve, etc....) and 16 channels of SSL X Desk Summing.

DW

Thats cool with the XDesk. I am considering between the XDesk, Equinox or Inward Connections,...possibly XRack.. what made you go XDesk? Can I ask what AD you are using with how many outputs? I have some outboards too such as API, Neve, Retro.. so looking to get a summing mixer to slam it all together while continuing to use to Cubase 5 daw system.

[CJ1973]

Originally Posted by Mayor999

I didn't mean to offend you.

Just the facts of life.

The facts of life are better taught by my parents but thanks for your offer. That includes money managing.
As for mixing, just get over it dude. Producer RedOne who has pretty much top 10s every month on LA radio purely uses Logic. Period. So does David Foster who was introduced Cubase in 2003. Period. They get the engineers to mix on those. I am not RedOne nor Foster but I certainly aspire to be them and folllow my instincts in doing so. These are some facts I know of. So does the Stevie Wonder crew. Fact.
Get over your poetic gestures and get real. Fact of life is beggers cant be choosers. Even a Slumdog Millionaire can tell you that.
Its like when ADAT moved to PTHD. If all kept to ADAT (some of them resisted change), we would not have had the Digi movement. Its all about adaptation to new environments which are here to stay. Thats a damn fact of life.

[lordward]

Originally Posted by CJ1973

Thats cool with the XDesk. I am considering between the XDesk, Equinox or Inward Connections,...possibly XRack.. what made you go XDesk? Can I ask what AD you are using with how many outputs? I have some outboards too such as API, Neve, Retro.. so looking to get a summing mixer to slam it all together while continuing to use to Cubase 5 daw system.

I went Xdesk because of a few small features (faders, auxes) and also because it fits well together with my SSL Alpha link converters (24 I/O). 16 of the I/Os I use for summing and 8 I use for inserting outboard into cubase channels. I use the inserts in the Xdesk for other things (drum bus compressor for example). I have the SSL MX4 soundcard and eventually I will get another Alphalink to be able to insert more outboard gear into my projects and just for practicality.

I know in the states most are using Logic/PT. 10 years ago in Germany Logic was the only way to go it seemed. Now Cubase has made a lot of new friends and I really prefer it as my main Mix platform. I still like Protools when I freelance. I just know it's going to work. With Cubase, I'll only use my system that I made myself. To much can go wrong. Horses for courses I guess.....

DW

[CJ1973]

Originally Posted by lordward

I went Xdesk because of a few small features (faders, auxes) and also because it fits well together with my SSL Alpha link converters (24 I/O). 16 of the I/Os I use for summing and 8 I use for inserting outboard into cubase channels. I use the inserts in the Xdesk for other things (drum bus compressor for example). I have the SSL MX4 soundcard and eventually I will get another Alphalink to be able to insert more outboard gear into my projects and just for practicality.

I know in the states most are using Logic/PT. 10 years ago in Germany Logic was the only way to go it seemed. Now Cubase has made a lot of new friends and I really prefer it as my main Mix platform. I still like Protools when I freelance. I just know it's going to work. With Cubase, I'll only use my system that I made myself. To much can go wrong. Horses for courses I guess.....

DW

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. Yes horses for courses/causes for sure.
Sounds like you have a cool system going. I have worked on PT myself but always preferred Cubase/Nuendo from a composer point of view and also from a sound point of view. Verifying this with other producers who get their mixes done on Nuendo/Cubase just makes me want to continue on a path I know best. If it comes to a stage where I have huge budgets and can send off my work to top engineers who use whatever they are comfortable with, then I will do that. But for now my goal is to not complicate my set up, keep budgets reasonable and deliver a great product from my studio, by hook or by crook..lol..I have had a few pms already so thanks for those. Anyone else who may be interested, please feel to msg me. Thanks!

[Mike Brown]

Originally Posted by CJ1973

I have worked on PT myself but always preferred Cubase/Nuendo from a composer point of view and also from a sound point of view.

[CJ1973]

Originally Posted by Mayor999

I thought Minneapolis is so cold it kept all the rude people away.. I wonder what happened..
anyways, I emphasize that. From a sound point of view. To me Cubase is warm and slightly closer to analog than PT is.. if you are losing hair over that and not have even had a chance to check out Cubase let alone listen to it, then I guess its not entirely my issue...

[DaVogi]

how about michael wagener?

as far as i know he uses nuendo in his studio... and he does exactly what you want (come to your place to mix)

EARS4HIRE

only downside: will cost u serious money!

[Thumper]

[CJ1973]

Originally Posted by Thumper

lol... great comment..especially 'there are more engineers than people listenin to music' part...i wonder if that is true then are you saying the engineers don't themselves listen to music? they just engineer? lol...

[andersmv]

Your posts are really throwing me off, and I'm sure a lot of other people in here feel the same... Let me just throw a few thoughts out for your consideration that you probably already know, and if not then it might clear some things up:

It's an unfortunate reality that the MAJORITY of good engineers, especially in the LA area, work in ProTools exclusively. The majority of engineers that do not do all their work in their own studio and are available to work in other studios and even do "house calls" like you are requesting all work in ProTools because that's about the only universal DAW in that city.

It's not a question of opening up to other DAWs and recognizing that it is VERY possible to get professional results on other platforms (Because without a doubt it is, and you know this if you have had good results on your platform and made great music), it's a simple issue of TIME IS MONEY and in regards to that, one of the most essential components to that is being in a work environment that you are comfortable in and are competent in. That is the reality of the industry you are in, and no matter how much you like Cubase or Logic or any other great program, ProTools is the system making the most money in the most studios. If you want to make money and be your own boss, by all means do it your way, but don't expect to waltz into Burger King, order a BigMac, and get one. Only Chuck Norris can pull that off. Go to burger king or make your own burger.

You seem like the guy that is making your own burgers and doing well for yourself, don't bitch at the Burger King employees because they can't make a BigMac....

[CJ1973]

Originally Posted by andersmv

The majority of engineers that do not do all their work in their own studio and are available to work in other studios and even do "house calls" like you are requesting all work in ProTools because that's about the only universal DAW in that city.

First of all thanks. There is nothing wrong with Big Mac..if someone wants to eat it.. but you dont come across like Mr.Wisdom yourself because you saying 'thats about the only universal DAW in that city' tells me you are probably not from here, enjoy making half-assed burgers and like making similar half-assed profound statements. Go to Guitar Center or any other music store, music school and work it out. There are other DAWs that are popular and its very disappointing to know that perhaps good engineers arent that versatile after all. As for time is money, I agree. But you know, I do have 2 fairly professional rock based engineers who use my studio because they like the acoustics for mixing (these guys work in PT platform elsewhere) and it perhaps took both of them an additional hour or so to understand the Cubase platform. Ofcourse I am understanding of that if its purely for my project. The reason I am looking for other engineers besides these 2 great guys is I do edgy pop and these guys have confessed to me to find other engineers to mix my work. They do rock brilliantly. Mine is nearly all synth and samples and 'doof doof' based.
So my point is, you are WRONG in saying a statement like that. I can personally name a few (as I mentioned earlier who work with some of the top tier in town) who do use other DAWs than protools. Maybe because PT was the only option in the US say 10 -15 years ago, there are still those who have made a career out of it and want to knock people like me out of the way who present reality because they fear it? maybe.....?

[CJ1973]

Originally Posted by andersmv

ProTools because that's about the only universal DAW in that city.

..

Just as an FYI to all out there... here is a cool article...
Secrets Of The Mix Engineers: Jochem van der Saag
It tells me a few things. I agree a majority of the engineers use PT to mix but it also tells me there are many others out there who use other platforms and its just a matter of persisting to find the versatile burger making kid.. whether it be at Burger King, MacDonalds or the local In-n-Out.. I am happy to persist until I find the right person for the job and not worry about the fears of some...just coz some are dead set on sticking to only what they know, i really cannot lose focus on finding the right person for my situation. It would really make me laugh if David Foster (one of the all time greatest) comes up and requests for a Cubase mixing engineer and ya'll (most of ya'll) were being drama queens....LOL.. u would turn him down right? especially if its a Seal record..lol..

[Mike Brown]

Originally Posted by CJ1973

I thought Minneapolis is so cold it kept all the rude people away.. I wonder what happened..
anyways, I emphasize that. From a sound point of view. To me Cubase is warm and slightly closer to analog than PT is.. if you are losing hair over that and not have even had a chance to check out Cubase let alone listen to it, then I guess its not entirely my issue...

Originally Posted by CJ1973

First of all thanks. There is nothing wrong with Big Mac..if someone wants to eat it.. but you dont come across like Mr.Wisdom yourself because you saying 'thats about the only universal DAW in that city' tells me you are probably not from here, enjoy making half-assed burgers and like making similar half-assed profound statements. Go to Guitar Center or any other music store, music school and work it out. There are other DAWs that are popular and its very disappointing to know that perhaps good engineers arent that versatile after all. As for time is money, I agree. But you know, I do have 2 fairly professional rock based engineers who use my studio because they like the acoustics for mixing (these guys work in PT platform elsewhere) and it perhaps took both of them an additional hour or so to understand the Cubase platform. Ofcourse I am understanding of that if its purely for my project. The reason I am looking for other engineers besides these 2 great guys is I do edgy pop and these guys have confessed to me to find other engineers to mix my work. They do rock brilliantly. Mine is nearly all synth and samples and 'doof doof' based.
So my point is, you are WRONG in saying a statement like that. I can personally name a few (as I mentioned earlier who work with some of the top tier in town) who do use other DAWs than protools. Maybe because PT was the only option in the US say 10 -15 years ago, there are still those who have made a career out of it and want to knock people like me out of the way who present reality because they fear it? maybe.....?

That chip on your shoulder must have hurt!

Again no one is saying Cubase/Nuendo is not an amazing program which can attain excellent results. However your view of its "analog" sonics is hilarious.

No one is saying that big time mix engineers don't/could not use Cubase/Nuedo.

What we are saying is: If you want to attract freelance engineers to a commercial studio space PTHD is really the way to go.

Please stop missing the point.

Thanks!

[CJ1973]

Originally Posted by Mayor999

What we are saying is: If you want to attract freelance engineers to a commercial studio space PTHD is really the way to go.

Please stop missing the point.

Thanks!

I have taken your point but it goes hand in hand. If a freelance PTHD engineer is open minded enough (also to know that I am okay with an additional couple of hours learning time), then I think they would gladly be up for it. I think I am coming across those who fear a different platform and trust me (ALL).. it does not bite. What I need are your ears and expertise in hearing and seeing the vision behind the product and deliver it with an edge, with the use of the tools I have. I thank you for trying to clarify it and I appreciate it but I truly believe there will be that one or 2 people who still may be using PTHD but are open minded enough to take on another platform immediately, improvise along the way and get a great product. Thats a winner for me.

[CJ1973]

Originally Posted by Mayor999

However your view of its "analog" sonics is hilarious.


Thanks!

Oh I forgot to address this. Its not just me. I will drum up a few articles where there are direct comparisons and the subject of 'analog' sonics is touched. Watch this space ..ps. Since you mention cubase is a great platform, I am assuming you are aware of it and have used it, so i am lost to find out you dont know of the 'analog' factor...