Jeff Ellis: Engineering Frank Ocean

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ก.ค. 2024
  • After 5 years working with enigmatic R&B trailblazer, Frank Ocean, engineer Jeff Ellis talks art, monitoring and a microphone technique called 'The Chicago Jingle' for getting the sound of a large ensemble from few players.
    Jeff speaks about his break in the L.A. music industry, his evolving approach to audio engineering, and how a typical session starts in the recording studio. Jeff explains his vocal mixing techniques for Frank Ocean, recorded using the Telefunken U47. He then details his favourite techniques, plugins, effects and audio hardware that he uses for music production.
    Thanks to Jeff Ellis.
    www.jeffellisworldwide.com
    www.twitch.tv/jeffellisworldwide
    00:00 - Start
    00:40 - Working With Frank Ocean
    02:31 - Learning The Craft And How To Think Like An Artist
    04:18 - Preparing For A Recording Session
    06:30 - Recording Chain For Vocals
    08:31 - What Effects Were Used?
    12:03 - Jeff's Approach To Mixing
    20:19 - String Sounds & 'The Chicago Jingle'
    23:29 - Choosing Artists To Work With
    25:20 - Twitch Streaming Show
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    #frankocean #recording #musicproduction #mixing #studio
  • เพลง

ความคิดเห็น • 373

  • @timoed
    @timoed 5 ปีที่แล้ว +604

    Dude spent over 20 minutes sharing something that would take some 3-5 years to acquire. Y'all are turds to have disliked this video or this man. You are so underappreciated Jeff, you're a legend.

    • @sindromerecords6667
      @sindromerecords6667 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Definitely gave insight and secrets that most wouldnt. Honest and real af .he is a legend

  • @rockyAQ04
    @rockyAQ04 4 ปีที่แล้ว +156

    “I don’t like cutting a lot of low end out of voices” THANK YOU!!! So many great singers have the power and emotion EQed right out of their vocals.

    • @cookiedenis
      @cookiedenis 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      But then it clashes with the bass

    • @ethandemille2585
      @ethandemille2585 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@cookiedenisnot necessarily

    • @cookiedenis
      @cookiedenis 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@ethandemille2585 my vocals have too much low end not to roll off but I’d love to keep it in a nice way

    • @hugofredriksson1528
      @hugofredriksson1528 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@cookiedenis use fabfilter pro q or another dynamic eq and sidechain the low end of your voice against the bass elements of your track. That way it will only ”cut” or preferably lower the low frequencies of your voice when needed!

  • @mickey8217
    @mickey8217 7 ปีที่แล้ว +777

    Channel orange is a classic, you sir are a legend. Thank you for the great music.

  • @outernational
    @outernational 4 ปีที่แล้ว +87

    “Never let the engineering get in the way of the art”. What he said!

  • @HabitMusic
    @HabitMusic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    This guy was ahead of his time, saying "extra" in 2016, streaming on twitch, mixing gems back in 2011. Great philosiphy on music and mixing. What a legend!

    • @kevinburke3941
      @kevinburke3941 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      What? Everyone said extra in 2016. That was its peak popularity

  • @almaroxxmusic
    @almaroxxmusic 4 ปีที่แล้ว +187

    I can't really explain it. But this interview really lifts my spirits.

    • @Stjayflows
      @Stjayflows 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Alma Roxx it’s very humble and sincere. This guy just seams like everyone else and he cares about what he does. he makes me feel like i can be successful like him too

    • @robomonkeysonfire
      @robomonkeysonfire 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      he comes across as someone that is so genuine and earnestly loves what he's doing. if seeing someone in love with his own life and thankful isn't uplifting i don't know what is!

  • @mattsb17
    @mattsb17 4 ปีที่แล้ว +93

    This dude deserves hella credit for his work . I know Frank’s voice sounds great already but I when I heard Channel Orange come out , it felt like he was another level production wise from Odd Future . Jeff keep doing your thing man

  • @11219tt
    @11219tt 4 ปีที่แล้ว +207

    I engineered professionally for 10 years. I can vouch that everything this guy said is true. From being ready for everything and constantly scrambling, to mixing on shitty speakers at low levels. Good interview.
    Oh and I love that he said he doesn’t have sub on until way later in the mix. Smart guy.

    • @user-ux1vj9vx7s
      @user-ux1vj9vx7s 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I mean, This dude has mixed shit for people you’ve actually heard of, so I’d say what he says is pretty right on anyway, without the need for you to vouch for anything

    • @11219tt
      @11219tt 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@user-ux1vj9vx7s just because you've heard of something doesn't mean it's good for example, I was just listening to an Ariana grande song where literally the first line of the song has a bad edit and cuts her voice off early.
      And no need to throw me down because you haven't heard anything I've done. My pedigree speaks for itself. No need to have a TH-cam comment devalue what I've done, the musicians I've worked with (famous or not) or the projects I've done big or small.
      I could name some names if I wanted to but who cares.

    • @smokoguap
      @smokoguap 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      do you still engineer?

    • @benjamindiaz1645
      @benjamindiaz1645 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@11219ttwhat Ariana song haha

    • @11219tt
      @11219tt 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@smokoguap I stopped a few years ago, last big name project I worked on was a Kid Cudi release for Amazon prime. Acoustic version of pursuit of happiness.

  • @drummerboy231434
    @drummerboy231434 7 ปีที่แล้ว +143

    Honestly haven't heard many engineers who have been able to explain what it means to get good translation in mixes as well and as clear as this guy

  • @lewisbaxter8738
    @lewisbaxter8738 7 ปีที่แล้ว +366

    shout out to this guy just getting on with it and teaching everyone straight up

  • @blondeb1031
    @blondeb1031 4 ปีที่แล้ว +238

    So this guys is behind
    Seirra Leone
    Pyramids
    White Ferrari
    Slide on me
    Higgs
    Rushes to
    Self control
    Godspeed
    And so many unique Frank songs?

    • @benja303
      @benja303 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Engineer not producer

    • @ivanorozco8669
      @ivanorozco8669 4 ปีที่แล้ว +26

      benja303 he didn’t say produce

    • @migullityo2448
      @migullityo2448 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      yeah he records frank and moves things around

    • @movimentodoscacos
      @movimentodoscacos 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      The mixing on Sierra Leone specially is pure art

  • @matthewpayauys9889
    @matthewpayauys9889 7 ปีที่แล้ว +769

    A good interview and encouraging story. I love his philosophy on doing work.

  • @joelanderson839
    @joelanderson839 6 ปีที่แล้ว +209

    This guy just dropped SO much knowledge. Thank god for this video

    • @JGThePresent
      @JGThePresent 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Joel Anderson agree. "Simplify Simplify Simplify" -Thoreau

    • @revishon
      @revishon 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Joel Anderson may the force be with u

  • @riskzerobeatz
    @riskzerobeatz 7 ปีที่แล้ว +167

    Jeff is a fantastic guy. I like his attitude and value his skills :D

  • @jstonemnl8138
    @jstonemnl8138 6 ปีที่แล้ว +164

    People need to stfu about his voice. hes an engineer and we enjoy his work.

  • @JeffEllisWorldwide
    @JeffEllisWorldwide 7 ปีที่แล้ว +214

    NAILED IT.

    • @Thatpastaiscold
      @Thatpastaiscold 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Jeff Ellis Worldwide,
      You're a legend

  • @CIRCLEOFTONE
    @CIRCLEOFTONE 7 ปีที่แล้ว +45

    I like his speaker mix. Unapologetically using beats as part of his bass monitoring is ballsy.

  • @TheJoelAbides
    @TheJoelAbides 7 ปีที่แล้ว +61

    That's that dude! So hard working yet humble. SALUTE! 🙌🏽✌🏽

  • @KungFuTayo
    @KungFuTayo 4 ปีที่แล้ว +63

    This man's ahead of the game. It took me a while to get used to blondes choice alteration, but it ended up being my favorite album of all time. The replay value is amazing

    • @Checo43
      @Checo43 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      He didn't mix blonde only recorded

  • @MontellFishMusic
    @MontellFishMusic 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Sick man, thank you guys.

  • @vincek.3941
    @vincek.3941 7 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    Wow what a great video. He breaks down his work flow so well.

  • @precisionsoundworksstudio
    @precisionsoundworksstudio 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Such a great interview and that recording tip is soooooooo good. Thank you for posting!

  • @monadamus42
    @monadamus42 5 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    Man, I so wish there was one place, one program that had tons of interviews with the wonderful people that work, with legends and witness the magic of creation with them. Great interview but I need more.

    • @MrArtVein
      @MrArtVein 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Adan Walsh *MIXWITHTHEMASTERS*

  • @Rosonicole
    @Rosonicole 6 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Thank you for the knowledge! Love when engineers stay simplistic about the arrangements and the input. This guy is awesome! I'm currently interning and this was super helpful

  • @EqDior
    @EqDior 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What a great interview this was. So many gems!

  • @CriticsConfession
    @CriticsConfession 6 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    That little knit octopus up on that speaker behind melts my heart it's so cute ahhh

  • @bwoodfilms
    @bwoodfilms 6 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Really great interview. Props to Jeff for adjusting his style to work with the artist.

  • @JimMcGuirk1
    @JimMcGuirk1 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks Jeff. Enjoyed the video and learned a bit.

  • @NickColemanLive
    @NickColemanLive 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Really great video. Thanks Jeff Ellis & SOS

  • @Iamjohnnythethird
    @Iamjohnnythethird 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Very informative and you can see how passionate this guy is. Loved it. I learned a lot form this video!! Thank you!

  • @amalhandley3914
    @amalhandley3914 6 ปีที่แล้ว +629

    This man is dropping gems and y'all re wondering about his sex life.... get out of music while you can and don't come back.

    • @ClideGeardenaweseomeness
      @ClideGeardenaweseomeness 4 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      Chill out bigman

    • @maxhitikos
      @maxhitikos 4 ปีที่แล้ว +55

      Clide Gearden nah, he’s right to snap

    • @Engenifffo
      @Engenifffo 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Wondering? it’s crystal clear.

    • @amalhandley3914
      @amalhandley3914 4 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      John K lmao nigga this comment 2 years old let’s all move on 😂 I don’t even remember posting this

    • @ephascus8974
      @ephascus8974 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Well said lad

  • @octaviomora9810
    @octaviomora9810 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    So thankful for this interview

  • @AJL200
    @AJL200 7 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    really really interesting re his approach to mixing for the different speakers / user end devices. Thanks

    • @MrNotesofmusic
      @MrNotesofmusic 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Andy Liggins that’s a very common thing to do. In fact it’s a mixers job.

  • @TheTonyAndreas
    @TheTonyAndreas 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Amazing dude! Cant wait to work with Jeff! He definitely knows whats he's talking about and Channel Orange is dope! Kudos!

  • @lassorb4752
    @lassorb4752 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you, Jeff! Great stuff! 🙏🏼😍

  • @umraansyed
    @umraansyed 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    What a cool guy. Informative video as well. Would love to work with him one day.

  • @stevenmaragos8657
    @stevenmaragos8657 7 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    He did an amazing job with Channel Orange. Much respect for this guy

  • @markozivanovic117
    @markozivanovic117 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Amazing interview.

  • @marcusjayallen
    @marcusjayallen 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    didnt expect to learn that damn much holy shit. such a great interview

  • @marcus47069
    @marcus47069 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Love the way he talks about his craft

  • @Joeandpeace
    @Joeandpeace 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    woah the string idea sounds sweet! amazing video

  • @nebstaism
    @nebstaism 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Channel orange is a wicked sounding album... this guy really knows his craft... his passion for mixing is inspiring

  • @adambrown7893
    @adambrown7893 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Fantastic interview!

  • @ikeasante6165
    @ikeasante6165 7 ปีที่แล้ว +69

    IS THAT A SAVE MONEY STICKER ON THAT KEYBOARD?? WAVY

  • @sirjamesy
    @sirjamesy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Seems like a nice guy. Super humble, and obviously very talented. A great interview, very insightful with tons of tips in there.

  • @facksvillain2296
    @facksvillain2296 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was a dope interview!!!

  • @d3a1990
    @d3a1990 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is what I've been looking for!

  • @beatz04
    @beatz04 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I would want to work with the guy based on his humbleness alone. Plus he shares a ton of great information in this video. Well done !

  • @donkeyfacekilla1
    @donkeyfacekilla1 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    More great stuff from SOS ! Thanks guys!

  • @kylecredo
    @kylecredo 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Gold. Love this. Thank you.

  • @lostimemusic1255
    @lostimemusic1255 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great stuff. I'm a young aspiring music producer and have been self taught since day 1. I liked how he mentioned his own struggles with that as well. His work is inspiring.

  • @banzaj06
    @banzaj06 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This guy seems like a humble, hard-working fellow. Inspiring

  • @garyatilano8281
    @garyatilano8281 7 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    this interview is legit thanks for it

  • @thecatevans
    @thecatevans 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    This young man is smart as hell. Glad I saw this. Can’t wait to go home and engineer!!

  • @solootto
    @solootto 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    ive learnt so much from this .. thank you bro

  • @MrMattave
    @MrMattave 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    So humble man. Amazing.

  • @eddiecollins2510
    @eddiecollins2510 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is insane advice and im so glad I found you thank u

  • @caleblatreille8224
    @caleblatreille8224 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    watched this a few months back but after the astonishing mix of Tyrant by Kali Uchis had to watch again. so inspiring Jeff, thank you!!

  • @sonicboom1970
    @sonicboom1970 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I really enjoyed this video. Thank You Mr. Ellis and Thanks to SOS !!
    I can relate to mixing different different genres on different speakers, ( budget allowing of course) Its nice to hear a "tech" guy, saying that it`s ok to be creative and artistic. Because most home "engineers" like myself are limited to space, equipment, and funds, I think we all question ourselves, and wonder if it`s really possible to make a decent mix! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. I wish you well with the new online project and hope to learn a lot more there,.. Cheers!!

  • @Bgoods
    @Bgoods 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    informative interview! thanks!

  • @marniebrimhall986
    @marniebrimhall986 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great job 👍😁 great interview

  • @cameronmurphy5850
    @cameronmurphy5850 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for the tip regarding the Pyle speakers! Absoultey great auratone alternative! Just bought the pair!

  • @degnerate
    @degnerate 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The technique that he did with the strings is really ingenious

  • @duderadley2383
    @duderadley2383 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    thanks sound on sound, such great content

  • @7550375503
    @7550375503 7 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    Love his passion.

  • @saaannteaaa
    @saaannteaaa 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This man knows so much I hope to be like this one day so much inspiration

  • @keyron4
    @keyron4 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    wow this is heavy, beautiful and inspiring words

  • @Kevinciano577
    @Kevinciano577 6 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    he’s so passionate, im in love

  • @damirbalo1588
    @damirbalo1588 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Dope. Made me appreciate my mix way more

  • @dormaettu302
    @dormaettu302 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks ! I would loved to see the whole setup

  • @althurdjerah
    @althurdjerah 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    It took me 30 seconds to fall in love with this guys voice timbre, pure love. I appreciate so much the good ideas and insights. But he is charming af.

  • @BenReddell
    @BenReddell 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    WHAT A VIDEO. CAN'T STOP WON'T STOP YEAH!

  • @carlchristopher-ansari8155
    @carlchristopher-ansari8155 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very insightful

  • @MarceloMoss
    @MarceloMoss 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome!

  • @cjparch4516
    @cjparch4516 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Do a PART 2 with Jeff ‼️ new age new info

  • @SMProductions45
    @SMProductions45 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love how this feels like I’m listening to one of my friends talk about what they love

  • @hearmenow909
    @hearmenow909 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    'Never let the engineering get in the way of the art'. Valuable advice.

  • @bbbernardooo
    @bbbernardooo 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Top work, Informative & great energy from Jeff

  • @ivantunek3837
    @ivantunek3837 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you Jeff Ellis !

  • @drtylaundry
    @drtylaundry ปีที่แล้ว

    this is so fire, you go Jeff Ellis

  • @jasonlucas3593
    @jasonlucas3593 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Jeff the man this was awesome

  • @djsplyce
    @djsplyce 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So dope!

  • @HellaHipHop
    @HellaHipHop 7 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    really informative video. I've heard a guy named joey sturgis does a similar thing when referencing other speakers. he's an incredible mixing engineer what fills up the progressive pop metal scene with his sound. and crazy breakdowns.

    • @S2kTi
      @S2kTi 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Don't forget the awesome plugins he puts out too hah

  • @SPYCONIT
    @SPYCONIT 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    ty great content appreciate it

  • @NigelCruickshank
    @NigelCruickshank 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Liked this. Thanks.

  • @tehxperience
    @tehxperience 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Humble and very very able

  • @davidjonathan3854
    @davidjonathan3854 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    super cool dude!

  • @jacobcervantes2552
    @jacobcervantes2552 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This video is a hidden gem

  • @alexpick2028
    @alexpick2028 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Above everything else ... he seems like a really lovely guy! Who said nice guys finish last , ) Inspirational Jeff, keep up the great work man!

  • @Rgdonaire_07
    @Rgdonaire_07 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This interview was pure gold. I like his approach and his humbleness. Most engineers mixing famous artists have a super diva status which I don’t get.

  • @supazsa
    @supazsa 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    God bless you Jeff....

  • @alias-_unknown9999
    @alias-_unknown9999 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This guy dropped 💎 💎 thank you

  • @33and1third
    @33and1third ปีที่แล้ว

    "never let the engineering get in the way of the art" great advice Jeff, thanks!

  • @TiMauricien
    @TiMauricien 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you

  • @Brandonmericle
    @Brandonmericle 5 ปีที่แล้ว +229

    Lol at Pro Tools being crashed during the entire interview

    • @robomonkeysonfire
      @robomonkeysonfire 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      fucken LOL

    • @5592justin
      @5592justin 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      my life lol

    • @swimgood.
      @swimgood. 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @Brandon Mericle this reminded me of the scene in Atlanta lmao

    • @cosmblus
      @cosmblus 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Henry Bird same

    • @justleo2956
      @justleo2956 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      The trauma

  • @301larussomusic
    @301larussomusic 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    You can see how humble he is

  • @peppyp7323
    @peppyp7323 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Amazing individual. this one. ideal.

  • @mattfritz1071
    @mattfritz1071 6 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    I like how he talks about the microphone like it's just a normal microphone 😂

  • @AnkhManRaw
    @AnkhManRaw 7 ปีที่แล้ว +90

    I just found he was talking about a recording w/ a $15k microphone (u47). Like any engineer could get one.

    • @soundonsound
      @soundonsound  7 ปีที่แล้ว +107

      They're actually not that expensive to hire. And if you do a sessions in bigger commercial studios, it's not uncommon to have them in the mic lockers. Owning one isn't necessarily a reality for most, though!

    • @preston77021
      @preston77021 6 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      AnkhManRaw lol dawg thought I cashed out when I bought a $250 mic 15k????????????

    • @charliezumkehr
      @charliezumkehr 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      its not even necessary either just spend 300 on a sm7b and you're good to go