This man works with things that go beyond polishing and that kind of things. He delves really deep into the musical language and allow the intention of the musicians get to the listener clearly. Brilliant mind.
Thank you Dave and Herb. I'm speechless after watching this. Dave you aren't scared to give and I just want to say how much I appreciate what you and the team are bringing. Thanks again.
Please do more of these longer in-depth videos, this one was awesome and very insightful. Id really be interested in seeing your entire mixing process of a basic acoustic song from start to finish, maybe with more focus on aux setups and mix bus plug-ins as well. Thanks Dave!
Always cool to hear the thought process behind different areas of a mix, pop vs rock vs "artsy" even independent of the specific techniques being used. Helps give some perspective on direction before you even start turning knobs.
Thanks Dave! The greatest part about watching your instructional videos is your presentation of the creativity of mixing. You aren't following rules but creatively using tools to get a result you hear in your head. Plus you enforce the idea that everyone should do it their way! Great advice and thanks for showing us your creative process! I wish this kind of thing existed in the 80s when I started out!
happy new year to you Dave I'm learning a lot I finish college and Engineering sound design and the whole classes watch you all the time and said nothing but amazing things about you .I'm a producers of music productions,a jazz keyboardist and a band leader in San Francisco getting into engineer all my life as a musician hanging out with great engineer and now I"m loving it .. thanks for the knowledge always watching
It's so difficult to find the right words to explain these processes because so much of it is about feel and instinct, it's like trying to explain a colour so well done sir.
Dave, thank you so much. This episode brings me back to what matters..... what’s important in the music, how the song moves, musical dynamics. Thank you. 🙏🏻
Love the song and how it finally came up, checked it up on Jill Scott's facebook. I was waiting for this since I saw the tutorial. Thank you for doing this! And for reminding us there's no problem about working hours for a track to sound as you hear it in your head.
Funny when you are really proud of a sound you wanted and achieved. I love seeing the paths you set up. Using some ideas on songs that are already mixed (by someone else) and out...but I wanted to really get what I wanted out of my songs. Thanks again!
Dave, Dave, a working man's man. Love your new digs and your presentation here had great focus and insight to your job as a mix engineer. Hats off to you, Herb and your whole crew. Good job to Coleplay for sexy shaker too!
thanks for keeping mostly to the "philosophical," a welcome overview; there's plenty of specifics out there, including yours, and I enjoyed your laying out your approach. helpful.
Dave, you're my new best friend and virtual mentor. I love what you do. Can you tell us a little bit (or a lot) how you tuned your EQ to compensate for the room? Was it just a simple frequency analyzer in at the "sweet spot"?
It's really good to hear your philosophies on mixing and dealing with clients etc Dave. I believe thats the way you develop your own skills personally.
This was an excellent talk, especially if you've seen other ITL videos. Dave, thank you for taking the time to share your philosophical approach. I think lots of us will find this kind of information is very helpful be we -- artists, producers, engineers or all of the above. I was keeping some of your ITL videos in mind while watching this. Based on what I've learned from you and one or two other youtube channels (shout out to MixBusTV) my work is sounding better. Thank you!
This is very helpful in understanding what to look for when mixing vocals and analog sound. Great insight, I would love to see you go further in depth with tweaking the actual plugins and showing us what you look for as you play with the plug in, i.e. the threshold or settings of the plugins.
Hi. how are you doing? I would love to come the thing in DC in April but its on my wife's birthday. I have been watching you videos for about a year or so and love what you are doing it has been helping me a-lot. There is a-lot I would to ask but just want to say thank for the work you do and what you are giving us.
One of the things I struggle with is the producer in me always want to add sounds to sessions i have to mix. Its a distraction sometimes but I work through it with a mental SSL Buss Compressor.lol
Dave any chance of Getting a INTO THE LAIR on what exactly what he did to get that Vocal sound with WAVES TUNE in episode # 200 Thanks for all the great stuff
zen buddhists say that the state of 'no mind' is the most natural and creative state, to not think, that is what dave is saying here. Do not think simple BE
thx this and I have developed my own mix template to version 4.0 I really want to create a more efficient mix template. I wish I could do it better in the future. templates make Mixing no longer boring!
Big Dave- The modern Godfather of mixing! I really enjoy the show, you should do an ITL on treating muddy vocals. Maybe a rock/ heavy metal mix where the vocalist didnt get the best performance? I'm sure you dont see much of that though because of your mixing rate and clientele, but it would be nice to see strategically how you would approach it. I always tend to lean towards adding guitar fx sometimes but it varies.
Hi dave! Im a young hiphop producer who study sounds engeineer and i'd like to thank you for all of your good advice. You rock!!!! I was wondering if i could send you my mixes so you can tell me what what you think Thank you very much
@pensado'splace Dave I know you're extremely busy with a lot on your plate and don't have a lot of time to respond to people but I really need some advice on a good pair of studio monitors you recommend me buying as a first timer?
C800G (Wa8000) or 251 (WA-251) I really like the silk top of the 800 but I miss the high mids of the 251. I know the warm audio clones aren’t the same at all but that’s all I can afford for my studio. I need the mic to cover a really wide range of singers
I have to admire Daves ability to get excited over mixing all this terrible music he's getting. And this is one of the better tracks I've heard him mix! I have considered mixing for other people, but hearing the stuff Dave gets, even at his level, makes me hesitant. I can't do a good job if I'm not digging the music.
Mixing might not be for you. I know several top level mixers who mix Kelly Clarkson one day and then some swedish metal band you've never heard of that had money to pay them the next day. Also, Jill Scott is know joke. Look her up. I don't know what kind of music you consider good music, but she is much more capable of singing than 90 per cent of the artist out there today.
You're probably right. She might be and sounds like she is (which is a bit harsh as we are given an insight into her song's rough mix = into the soul of the song). But then again... I don't know, isn't there something missing in the music put out lately? My opinion is, that's her tune, she's performing it, so let her perform it the way she feels it. And when an artist feels it's right, it's right. Sure, we can autotune / pitch correct / quantize / time correct everything. But then, well, in my opinion we just shot ourselves in the foot. Why? Well, cos we just took the human element out of the equation. I mean, do want to hear the artist, the music, or some software? And hey, no offence intended towards anyone, peace, but I've personally been thinking about this and been going back into listening to the stuff from the late 60s, thinking "what the hell is it that makes this stuff jam? What did they know back then that we don't get now?" The debut album by The Doors, the Hendrix catalog, the Zeppelins. To me the answer is, we're polishing the stuff up too much. Sure, Maestro Dave Pensado is amazing, he's great, cos his mixes always sound great, not to mention awesome. That's a fact and that's why we love him. But, overall, I say we're overproducing. That is just it. It's like we're flattening the rollercoaster ride cos we are afraid the original version of it might be too extreme / original for some people. Just my opinion.
J.M. Wolfman its quantization. widespread quantization of rhythm really didn't start happening until around 1980. Most "producers" these days quantize songs to death and destroy the feel. Making matters worse, around year 2000 or so, "triggers" became commonplace on all drums, live and recorded, so the dynamics of the kit was lost as well. So now what you are left with, is the exact same kick, the exact same snare, the exact same loops, playing through the entire song.
I think the job of a producer is to get out of the way and let the music grow, evolve and develop into everything it has potential to be. Every piece of music brings something to the table no matter how "terrible" it may seem at the outset. It's my job as a producer to work with what I am given every time like it's the last piece of music I will ever get to produce. There's no right or wrong - only opinions and choices. That's the way I approach my job at Cool Brick Studios anyway.
![Into The Lair #58 - Ear Training Part 2 [FULL]](/img/n.gif)
This man works with things that go beyond polishing and that kind of things. He delves really deep into the musical language and allow the intention of the musicians get to the listener clearly.
Brilliant mind.
Thank you Dave and Herb. I'm speechless after watching this. Dave you aren't scared to give and I just want to say how much I appreciate what you and the team are bringing. Thanks again.
Please do more of these longer in-depth videos, this one was awesome and very insightful. Id really be interested in seeing your entire mixing process of a basic acoustic song from start to finish, maybe with more focus on aux setups and mix bus plug-ins as well. Thanks Dave!
Brilliant episode, tbh i actually prefer this than the interviews
Always cool to hear the thought process behind different areas of a mix, pop vs rock vs "artsy" even independent of the specific techniques being used. Helps give some perspective on direction before you even start turning knobs.
Probably one of the most important episodes of Pensado's Place ever!
Thanks Dave! The greatest part about watching your instructional videos is your presentation of the creativity of mixing. You aren't following rules but creatively using tools to get a result you hear in your head. Plus you enforce the idea that everyone should do it their way! Great advice and thanks for showing us your creative process! I wish this kind of thing existed in the 80s when I started out!
Dave and Herb are both two beautiful people! Thanks for your time, honesty, and expertise.
Dave you're a treasure. You're way of working is familiar yet eye opening and inspiring at the same time. Your videos are gold. Thank you so much!
happy new year to you Dave I'm learning a lot I finish college and Engineering sound design and the whole classes watch you all the time and said nothing but amazing things about you .I'm a producers of music productions,a jazz keyboardist and a band leader in San Francisco getting into engineer all my life as a musician hanging out with great engineer and now I"m loving it .. thanks for the knowledge always watching
It's so difficult to find the right words to explain these processes because so much of it is about feel and instinct, it's like trying to explain a colour so well done sir.
Dave, thank you so much. This episode brings me back to what matters..... what’s important in the music, how the song moves, musical dynamics. Thank you. 🙏🏻
Thank you Mr. Persado. It is a gift to watch an artist at work.
This mix is crazy Dave ! You’ve done such a musical work on it, just what it needs ! So relaxing to hear
I love your approach and how you think about the process of mixing from a creative perspective, not just technical. Thank you for this video!
Love the song and how it finally came up, checked it up on Jill Scott's facebook. I was waiting for this since I saw the tutorial. Thank you for doing this! And for reminding us there's no problem about working hours for a track to sound as you hear it in your head.
Funny when you are really proud of a sound you wanted and achieved. I love seeing the paths you set up. Using some ideas on songs that are already mixed (by someone else) and out...but I wanted to really get what I wanted out of my songs. Thanks again!
One of the better Pensado's Place Episodes of recent times. I really need to get a good mix template up and running.
Dave, Dave, a working man's man. Love your new digs and your presentation here had great focus and insight to your job as a mix engineer. Hats off to you, Herb and your whole crew. Good job to Coleplay for sexy shaker too!
What a beautiful place to spend your time! Interesting video,as most are,thanks Dave!
Falled in love with the song and everything about it. Thanks for sharing and being an inspiration!
thanks for keeping mostly to the "philosophical," a welcome overview; there's plenty of specifics out there, including yours, and I enjoyed your laying out your approach. helpful.
Many thanks for the mixing chat, Dave. I really enjoyed that and I hope I can remember (or even understand!) a fraction of it. Thanks again.
That look on his face at 25:35 haha, awesome video
my buddy pat brown went to blackbird and is now working for electric lady sound studios !!!!
veryy cool
love you guys
Dave is a master of not OVER stepping. he really does enhance the artist and not over produce with 1000 tools.
This episode is EXTREMELY helpful. Very insightful use of aux channels to manipulate the energy of the song, which could be applied to anything.
Love all of your videos Dave, thank you for sharing the knowledge!
Dave, you're my new best friend and virtual mentor. I love what you do.
Can you tell us a little bit (or a lot) how you tuned your EQ to compensate for the room? Was it just a simple frequency analyzer in at the "sweet spot"?
It's really good to hear your philosophies on mixing and dealing with clients etc Dave. I believe thats the way you develop your own skills personally.
Baller. Thanks for the tour, Dave!
Thanks Dave! Been waiting for a session like that from you. You're the man!
Dave the GOAT!! Thanks for sharing... PEACE
Dave you guy's are Awesome Brother i wish i would have had access to all you Herb and your Gets you have on your Show Knowledge Years ago Awesome
These negative comments guys be grateful this is a great lesson
This was an excellent talk, especially if you've seen other ITL videos. Dave, thank you for taking the time to share your philosophical approach. I think lots of us will find this kind of information is very helpful be we -- artists, producers, engineers or all of the above. I was keeping some of your ITL videos in mind while watching this. Based on what I've learned from you and one or two other youtube channels (shout out to MixBusTV) my work is sounding better. Thank you!
Wow! Best ITL for a long time! Thanks for being cool and for sharing. You're what's right with the world!
This is very helpful in understanding what to look for when mixing vocals and analog sound. Great insight, I would love to see you go further in depth with tweaking the actual plugins and showing us what you look for as you play with the plug in, i.e. the threshold or settings of the plugins.
this guy is a philosophical type of musical genius. ..
When you move the levels on the drums and/or music, doesn't it affect the overall level in relation to your mix bus metering?
Great video Dave. Drooling right now.
Great job! really like your videos and ideas. Thanks. Have a great day!
One of my favorite videos to date!!! Thanks again
Hi. how are you doing? I would love to come the thing in DC in April but its on my wife's birthday. I have been watching you videos for about a year or so and love what you are doing it has been helping me a-lot. There is a-lot I would to ask but just want to say thank for the work you do and what you are giving us.
Dave thank you for this, it was a really great ITL. As always I learned something, even though I've been mixing for years.
Fantastic DAVE !!!!
Brilliant episode!
Every new producer should beg Dave to get a tour of his studio! This guy is a freakin beast!
Thanks for everything
fuckinnnn such good energy off all you guys
Dave you are THE MAN !
One of the things I struggle with is the producer in me always want to add sounds to sessions i have to mix. Its a distraction sometimes but I work through it with a mental SSL Buss Compressor.lol
Beautiful song
Thank you for the video, I enjoyed it very much.
Dave any chance of Getting a INTO THE LAIR on what exactly what he did to get that Vocal sound with WAVES TUNE in episode # 200 Thanks for all the great stuff
zen buddhists say that the state of 'no mind' is the most natural and creative state, to not think, that is what dave is saying here. Do not think simple BE
Thinking is state for solutions, mostly thoughts are just attentionseekers into ourselves...
Can't wait to get a master on my tracks by Dave
This was one of the best ITL!
This is all great info!
Best episode in a long time!!!
thx this and I have developed my own mix template to version 4.0 I really want to create a more efficient mix template. I wish I could do it better in the future. templates make Mixing no longer boring!
Amazing guitar first song, very good decision to make it up front
Big Dave- The modern Godfather of mixing! I really enjoy the show, you should do an ITL on treating muddy vocals. Maybe a rock/ heavy metal mix where the vocalist didnt get the best performance?
I'm sure you dont see much of that though because of your mixing rate and clientele, but it would be nice to see strategically how you would approach it. I always tend to lean towards adding guitar fx sometimes but it varies.
I learned more from this video in 5 minutes than I did watching 2 hours of other tutorials.
Hi dave! Im a young hiphop producer who study sounds engeineer and i'd like to thank you for all of your good advice. You rock!!!!
I was wondering if i could send you my mixes so you can tell me what what you think
Thank you very much
Who is that man on the left. Where is Dave ?
16:40 cutest mix engineer moment i've ever seen
This is amazing.
Great Videos Dave!, you always help me spark ideas with my setup. Thanks! I also Sent you a couple mixes of my own. Hoping for a critique from you.
thanks for the update and studio tour. I wish I cold have seen this 200 episodes ago. Do you have a gear list for your home studio???
haha too true
@pensado'splace Dave I know you're extremely busy with a lot on your plate and don't have a lot of time to respond to people but I really need some advice on a good pair of studio monitors you recommend me buying as a first timer?
This is great. Thanks!
great team
C800G (Wa8000) or 251 (WA-251) I really like the silk top of the 800 but I miss the high mids of the 251. I know the warm audio clones aren’t the same at all but that’s all I can afford for my studio. I need the mic to cover a really wide range of singers
Thank you!
Nice one Dave.
of course it helps... how is not gonna help... great as always
where should I actually start in ur videos to get a full understanding of whats going on?
good show that's what I'm talkin about!
Idk what y'all are talking about, this track is classy as shit. Great job as usual Dave.
best ITL ever !!!
love it
2023 … thank you SoundGod 🎈
Thank You
I want to see him mixing electronic music,any videos?
Thank you Dave, You saved me the money that would have been wasted on a psychologist 😅🧡
What gear is used to get like 48 channels out from computer and back in when mixing it on analog desk and outboard gear?
+asdfdsa16 Apogee Symphony 64 ThunderBridge
great insight into the process! and loooove Jill Scott! the same way I love Chevelle or Kendrick Lamar : )
Recording Connection fucking blows guys.. come on!
Wonder how tall Cole is? And why is he playing drums with no cymbals?
thank you
liked the shaker! :)
What is the name of this song?
This song reminds me of an old Minnie Riperton song "Lovin' You"...
a good itl for watching on sundays
I have to admire Daves ability to get excited over mixing all this terrible music he's getting. And this is one of the better tracks I've heard him mix!
I have considered mixing for other people, but hearing the stuff Dave gets, even at his level, makes me hesitant. I can't do a good job if I'm not digging the music.
Shawty, you a weirdo.
This actually sounds nice but weird vocal
well you have, can't be picky as an engineer unless you want to be a popular genre specific producer.
Mixing might not be for you. I know several top level mixers who mix Kelly Clarkson one day and then some swedish metal band you've never heard of that had money to pay them the next day. Also, Jill Scott is know joke. Look her up. I don't know what kind of music you consider good music, but she is much more capable of singing than 90 per cent of the artist out there today.
Mort Subite hahahah! I know exactly the song your talking about
7:58 I got one of those! :D My first real amp! :D
Is it me or is there some dissonance on the vocal? It's almost like she's a little flat in some spots..maybe it's just me tho
I agree.
You're probably right. She might be and sounds like she is (which is a bit harsh as we are given an insight into her song's rough mix = into the soul of the song).
But then again... I don't know, isn't there something missing in the music put out lately?
My opinion is, that's her tune, she's performing it, so let her perform it the way she feels it. And when an artist feels it's right, it's right.
Sure, we can autotune / pitch correct / quantize / time correct everything.
But then, well, in my opinion we just shot ourselves in the foot.
Why? Well, cos we just took the human element out of the equation.
I mean, do want to hear the artist, the music, or some software?
And hey, no offence intended towards anyone, peace, but I've personally been thinking about this and been going back into listening to the stuff from the late 60s, thinking "what the hell is it that makes this stuff jam? What did they know back then that we don't get now?"
The debut album by The Doors, the Hendrix catalog, the Zeppelins.
To me the answer is, we're polishing the stuff up too much.
Sure, Maestro Dave Pensado is amazing, he's great, cos his mixes always sound great, not to mention awesome. That's a fact and that's why we love him.
But, overall, I say we're overproducing. That is just it.
It's like we're flattening the rollercoaster ride cos we are afraid the original version of it might be too extreme / original for some people.
Just my opinion.
Me too
J.M. Wolfman its quantization. widespread quantization of rhythm really didn't start happening until around 1980. Most "producers" these days quantize songs to death and destroy the feel. Making matters worse, around year 2000 or so, "triggers" became commonplace on all drums, live and recorded, so the dynamics of the kit was lost as well. So now what you are left with, is the exact same kick, the exact same snare, the exact same loops, playing through the entire song.
Winter Charlton I feel like Quantization can sometimes be a good thing
I think the job of a producer is to get out of the way and let the music grow, evolve and develop into everything it has potential to be. Every piece of music brings something to the table no matter how "terrible" it may seem at the outset. It's my job as a producer to work with what I am given every time like it's the last piece of music I will ever get to produce. There's no right or wrong - only opinions and choices. That's the way I approach my job at Cool Brick Studios anyway.
"At some point you gotta trust yourself."