Al Schmitt: The Most Successful Engineer of All Time - Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2024
- ➡️➡️Get his autobiography "The Magic Behind the Music" here: amzn.to/2S9a6OX
➡️➡️Learn more about Al Schmitt here: bit.ly/2A7xRzX
Al Schmitt is a recording engineer and and producer. At 88 years old, with a career spanning 7 decades, Al has won 23 Grammy Awards and recorded/produced over 150 gold and platinum albums. Needless to say, he is the most successful engineer/mixer in history, despite not necessarily being a household name. His legacy has seemingly flown under the radar, despite his name almost certainly being on a record (or several) in your collection.
Schmitt was inducted into the TEC Awards Hall of Fame in 1997; in 2006, he was received the Grammy Trustees Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014, he received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music. A few years back, in 2015, Schmitt received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, just outside the Capitol Records building which has been his second home since 1976. To date, he is the only recording engineer with a star, recognizing his contributions to the music industry.
With over 1100 credits on Allmusic (Henry Mancini, Steely Dan, Jefferson Airplane, Bob Dylan, George Benson, Toto, Natalie Cole, Quincy Jones, Diana Krall, etc.), much of his success and career sustainability stems from his firm analogue groundings and his talent to adapt new technologies to improve on the old. His sound is famous for being open and clean, allowing the best natural qualities of instruments to shine.
Al Schmitt is nothing short of a living legend and one of the most important figures in recording history.
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If you're reading this, please leave a comment and let me know that you're here! I read all of your comments :)
I'm beyond blessed to have had the opportunity to sit down with the legendary Al Schmitt!
With over 1100 credits on Allmusic (Henry Mancini, Steely Dan, Jefferson Airplane, Bob Dylan, George Benson, Toto, Natalie Cole, Quincy Jones, Diana Krall, etc.), much of his success and career sustainability stems from his firm analogue groundings and his talent to adapt new technologies to improve on the old. His sound is famous for being open and clean, allowing the best natural qualities of instruments to shine.
Al Schmitt is nothing short of a living legend and one of the most important figures in recording history.
@produce like a pro - I’m here ! ( I think). Great interview Warren 😁👍🏻
Such an amazing interview,! I love the information and was fully engrossed!
Thanks ever so much Apple!
Thanks ever so much Valium FM!!
Wow. This is great. Al Schmitt is the nicest guy! Will definitely get this book :)
Warren is so respectful , industry needs more people like him
Awe shucks! Thanks agon! You rock my friend!
Thanks ever so much Agon! When you're sitting with a truly successful person who you admire so much it's hard not to be humbled!
@HECTOR JUNIOR thanks ever so much. Al was the greatest of all time
Wow, he was almost 89 in that interview... I would have bet 15-20 years younger: What a charming gentleman.
Hugely charming, smart, youthful and talented,
i hope to be as spry when i get to that age. totally present, and cool AF
I came to check out this interview after learning of Mr Schmitt's passing. R.I.P. 😔
Terrible news, he was such a huge influence on all of us.
You enhanced the sonic landscape for all of us to enjoy. Rest in peace Sir.
He was a Prince among men!
Did al pass away? Oh god I had no idea. That’s a huge loss. Makes this interview even more special.
For 88 years young, AL seems very "bright eyed and bushy tailed" !
I loved his comments on "no EQ's or Compressors", and "but Sir.... you don't understand.... I'm not qualified"
I could imagine the Duke smiling and thinking, "maybe not now, but after this session, YOU WILL BE".
Very nice interview Warren and team, I enjoyed it ;0)
Agreed, what an incredible story!!! Yes, he is extremely lucid! A true inspiration!
Rest in Peace Mr.Schmitt ...
He was a Prince! Incredible guy, wonderfully talented
Amazing he’s 88. Seems like such a sweet guy. It’s great he’s still so energetic and doing great work.
I agree! Amazing!! Thanks for your great comment!
I am so honored to have him come to my college class at Citrus College and he invited us to his own studio at Capitol Records and I even played Nat King Cole's piano...that was in his studio..He was a classic man...very humble and so full of love ...
One of the many things I admire from your channel is how you make everyone feel relaxed and not threatened to have a great engineer like you around, you have a gift to befriend musicians, engineers, everyone. Keep it up!!!
Thanks ever so much Maura, that REALLY means A LOT! Al is a true gentleman and an amazing talent! We are blessed to be able to talk to him!! Thanks for your marvellous comment!
I've just watched this again, but it may even be third time I've watched it. All the more poignant given Al's recent passing, but it popped up after I watched Mix With the Masters' tribute to Al, and PureMix tribute on Monday, both of which featured such an impressive array of pro's to talk about their love and appreciation for the great man. To say Al was the Engineers' Engineer would be true, if an understatement, and obvious, but nearly everyone that spoke about Al, spoke about him, his loves, the way he treated musicians, the way he treated everyone, the hidden 'magic' in how he worked, his passions, his endless enthusiasm, and since he was working up to the end with his boy-like enthusiasm and his humanity. And he absolutely did not look his 91 years. It's been so, so inspiring. I get a tremendous amount of my technical information from people like yourself and others, so it took a while to realise why so many of the modern engineers who are famous for their use of compression et al, were all so in awe of The Engineer who is noted for using hardly any. I was wondering what is it that they admire. His 'magic' was obviously on show, but it was more than that, so what was it? It finally dawned, it was everything about him, it was the unending involvement, the pursuit of excellence, the humour, the character, the life, love and soul. It tumbled from his being. It is something to aspire to that doesn't really encompass what he did in the studio. I truly feel, there will never be another engineer on his level again. If people like Bob Clearmountain, Andrew Scheps,, Chris Lord Alge, Jack Joseph Puig, Greg Wells and so many more would hold this man in such awe, where do people like me stand? But then, it became obvious, whatever I do in engineering, firstly, take it seriously because it's a wonderful opportunity to do a wonderful thing, and have fun doing it, and make every event a wonderful and worthwhile experience, treat people with genuine interest and respect - inspiring. Thank you Al
I'm watching this video for the first time, unbelievable stories from such a legend! Very sad to think that he's no longer on Earth. God bless his soul. RIP Mr Schmitt.
He was the greatest of the greats!
he's got the best attitude of anyone and he's sharp as anyone al schmitt is a role model for me
I agree 100% my friend!
One of the best interviews on the channel. Living legend!
Many thanks Alexey! Living Legend indeed!!
Wow! What a loss. Universally respected by the music world. THE producers’ producer and so humble. Condolences for everyone family and friend alike.
I love how informal yet educational this interview is! It's like watching two friends talk
yes! I agree
Thanks ever so much Sonny! I learned so much from Al!
Thanks Darlene!
I love listening to Al talk about his time in the business. Pleasant surprise that he talked a bit about his sobriety too. 31 years. Wow! What an inspiration!
Such an inspiration Toby!! Thanks for watching!
This is Dave, I'm here. Ran my own studio for years. Loved reading about Al in mix magazine. Great interview!!! I feel like I know him!
Hi Dave!! Yes, he's amazing!! Happy New Year!
In Al Schmitt we have lost somebody truly unique. A real master of the art of sound recording. His recordings will live on as some of the best ever made. Having been lucky enough to meet him, he was as special as a person as he was an engineer. Sadly, we will not see his like again.
Hi Mark, Al was a one of kind, incredible talent! A true Gentleman who we all could learn so much from!
another top interview Warren .. I can picture Al working with Robbie Williams, both of them at the top of their game completely unfazed by each other's legendary status, bringing out the best in each other.
Thanks ever also much for your great comment!!
Wow, no compressors, no EQ, no auto-tune, everything in mono. Everyone should have to work that way at first. Warren, thanks for making sure the stories from these legends can be heard. Much appreciated!
You're very welcome my friend!
Always refreshing with honesty but woow this was just on another level. From the amazing rant on mastering engineers to the whole sobriety episode. Could listen forever to this man!
Thanks ever so much my friend! He's such an amazing guy! Huge talent and so honest!
Love the story of how you started! "and the Elevator doors opened" haha
Haha yes! Al has amazing stories! This interview could have been 10 hours! haha
He just comes across as such a giving man. Passionate about his craft and time in the industry.
I agree 100% Graeme!!
Wonderful interview. I've seen a lot of interviews with Al Schmitt, but this has been one of the best ones. Thanks, Warren.
Thanks ever so much T W Tobin! You Rock my friend!
What a nice guy. What a history. Good job, Warren. Sorry for his passing.
Yes, absolutely terrible news. He was the best
My absolute favorite engineer. My recordings completely changed when I started studying how he worked. Thanks Warren.
Thanks for your marvellous comment!
There is a reason why highly succesfull people are so nice: they combine their heart and soul in allll facets of life...Not one aspect...;) We should be happy for our gifts and use them with respect...Respect for AL and ofcourse WARREN guys!!!!
Thank you so much Jeroen! That is very kind of you to say! Agreed, Al is a true Gentleman!
@@Producelikeapro Only a gentleman recognise another one...;)
That microphone phasing knowledge and having no eq HW in the signal chain is a HUGE reason for the utterly amazing harmonic and phasing quality there in Al's recordings.
I agree 100% my friend!!
We should all have an uncle Les. Great guy, great interview. These people had to put so much more effort in their work. It's good to be remembered now and then.
Haha I agree Peter! That would be amazing!
Excellent video. Always learn so much from your channel. Many of my compression techniques I got from you and Graham. GREAT TEACHERS!!!
Wow! Thanks Second 2 None! Glad to hear that! Graham is a great teacher!
What a treat to hear Al Scmitt telling stories that are our recording heritage, well done.!
Duuuuuuuuude, that shit he said about mastering engineers was hilarious! Great interview as always.
Haha oops! Yes, it was!!
Warren you are all dressed up for this one :-)
Haha! Yes Meta!
@@Producelikeapro Ooh He's dropping all the Gem's. Franks Benson. Those records shaped My Life. Reading liner notes and Listening to Tones..Still Thanks so Much inspired.
Fantastic! I do the same, I get Wiki going, read the liner notes! Haha
Just amazing. Would bet you were genuinely starstruck. Amazing interview. Loved the simplicity in both of you.
Yes I was Bruno! Thanks for your great comment!
What sort of troll gave this a thumbs down? What a lovely example of his memory lane! Thanks Warren, people will treasure this for decades or more!
Yes very sad! Rival channels do it!
That's quite alright Darlene!
Warren, I want you to know. As an aspiring engineer, early in his career, I hope to always carry myself in a similar fashion to yourself. Your professionalism, respect and knowledge is unparalleled and makes for a pleasant experience, every time! Thank you for giving us someone to look up to!
Thank you ever so much! That really means a lot!
@@Producelikeapro Of course! Please keep doing what you're doing!
Excellent interview of one of the best ever. Amazing that he is still doing it at 88 years old. Thanks for bringing it.
Hi Charles! Agreed, I hope I am still working at Al's age! Truly incredible!
It's staggering how many of my early musical memories have this gentleman's handiwork on them. What a guy!
Have you come across the paintings of Andrew Wyeth, at all? I'm a huge fan, his temperas of New England's landscape are beautiful.
I always enjoy your interviews Warren, but this is undoubtedly my favourite to date. Listening to Al Schmitt talk about recording, particularly his process, is not unlike talking, and listening, to Geoff Emerick, may he RIP. Of course the stories are very cool, but Al’s candor in answering your savvy queries made this the best. Thanks loads.
Thanks ever so much Ron! That really means a lot! Yes, RIP Geoff Emerick!
I admire this legend, from the start I began mixing, he is just the benchmark of engineers. Especially only mixing on the ballistics of the VU meters, so no sound necessary for Al. For me, the best engineer ever, and just there under are all the other amazing mixers, like Bob Clearmountain, Nicolas Bolas and other amazing people. And also humble, I had another idea of those people doing that work. It's great the internet is there, to know these legends a little better. Great interview Warren.
Warren - thank you for your incessant sense of grace for the up-and-coming Producers of the world! You truly are a great man.
yes I agree so much
Thanks ever so much Recordman555!
Thanks Darlene!
You are so lucky to go and meet these people and talk to them like this for an hour. I hope I get to your levels of success someday Warren...
Rest in peace Al. It was a great honor to have met you in the past. I will never forget.
Wow a REAL LEGEND 🔥
Yes Mohan!! Thanks for the comment! Enjoy the interview! :)
Absolutely gold.
Beautiful interview.
Does anyone ever wonder what their contribution is?...and how that will be remembered? ...Wouldn't it be nice to have no doubt?
Thanks ever so much my friend! We are blessed to have these opportunities!!
Hey Warren, this is without a doubt the greatest interview that I have seen. Not only your interviews but any interview about the music business.
Thank you so very much for putting this together and sharing this amazing man with the rest of us.
Just an unbelievable video and an unforgettable guest!
Seriously, Thank you for sharing this.
WOW!! Thank you ever so much my friend!! I really appreciate your very kind words my friend!!
What an amazing interview . Well done to Warren and Co for organizing this .
Thanks SJ! Enjoy the interview!
This has to be my favorite interview. I learned so much about the industry
Thanks ever so much my friend!!
Great interview warren, amazing how enthusiastic Al still is
Thanks Jim! You rock!
I loved this interview so much! I was blown away by his stories about the early days. Recording and mixing without the fancy tools that we have today. Totally working with e.g. mic placement and having artists and big bands performing in ways that we almost never see today! Real musicians and vocalists! What a wonderful guy he is Al Schmitt. And Warren, you are just a great interviewer! Thank you so much for this! I am inspired! =)
Thanks ever so much Petter! Yes, Al is amazing ands I loved being able to talk to him! Truly wonderful!!
Cheers to another marvelous interview! Warren is the Larry King of record producer & engineer interviews.
Congrats to Mr. Al Schmitt for 30+ years of sobriety. Rest in peace, no sans eq sans compression wizard.
Thanks for capturing this - its true history - amazing
Thanks ever so much my friend!!
Yippee!!!!! I love these interviews. I've learned so much from these, from stories of the greats!
It was marvellous talking with Al!
Wow, this is so amazing. Thanks Produce Like A Pro!!
Thanks Sam! It was absolutely amazing chatting with Al!
I have this irresistible urge to go, OMNIS! Looking forward to watching this. One of the best.
haha! Enjoy the interview Neal!
Awesome.A lot of history in that one guy.Amazing.Kisses is one of my favs since it's release.I love singing low,hahaha.And Sam Cooke.OMG!
Thanks ever so much Brian for your amazing comment!
Wow. These stories are amazing! Thank you so much for this Warren!
Indeed they are Matthew! - Thank you for watching!
What an incredible story. Thank you Warren for a great interview and thanks to Mr. Schmitt for his great insight and stories. What a life.
Thanks ever so much my friend! Yes, Al is amazing!
What an amazing and talented man. Incredible resume. The wealth of knowledge he must have. Loved the conversation about art. And Warren, may I compliment you on your hair.
haha! Many thanks Mark!
What an awesome gentleman. Thank you Al and thank you Warren for doing this. World-class interview! Bought the book, can't wait to read it!
Thanks ever so much. It is truly a wonderful book!
Thank you both... Really love the way Mr. Schmitt records the pure method would be great to learn such a craft... Thank you Warren much appreciated with all you do for us all...
Thanks Dustin! Wow! I appreciate your support!!
Just FAB !!! Bought the BOOK!! I can't tell you both how many years I have paid even more attention when his name was in the credits. Thank You to you both. Namaste
Amazing Wayne! Yes, such an incredible book!
Wazza! Absolutely Marvelous! An era of recording, possibly never to be repeated again. Best wishes to everyone for the festive season. Peace!
Thanks ever so much!! You Rock my friend!
More than 40 years later, Breezin' is still one of my favorite cruising singles. Thank you Al.
Wow... just wow... what a legend. And such a nice guy it seems. Thanks for this one Warren!
You've very welcome Martin!!! Many thanks!
That was incredible Warren. My face hurts from smiling the whole time ! Thanks for doing what you do.
Thanks ever so much Skip!
It was great to be a fly on the wall! Thanks!! My favourite part was when he said Out On The Beach 😍 big love
Thanks ever so much!! Happy New Year!
Unreal, thank you so much Warren and thank you Mr. Schmitt for sharing your stories with us. This may be my favorite interview of all time.
Wow! Thanks ever so much my friend!!
Great walk down some of the finest moments in recording history Thanks! Have I mentioned how much of a positive, motivating person you are? Thank you for making the time to continually share your amazing skills and experience in such an honest, humble way. Have a marvelous day!
Thanks ever so much Andrew! You are very kind my friend!! I am so glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
What a lovely, fascinating man and a super interesting interview. Thanks Warren!
Yes ShiningHourPop! It was such a pleasure to chat with Al!
Warren, you do absolutely insane things...
It hard to underestimate all that kind of stuff! I'm very, very grateful to you for everything you do and I'm so glad I have an opportunity to see this man sitting here and telling stories!
Thank you, Warren, for all you do! And thank you again.
Thank you ever so much Ivan! You are very generous, Al is a true master and a Gentleman!
Such an amazing interview,! I love the information and was fully engrossed!
Thanks ever so much Apple!
I'm here because I'm a studio nerd and for the pleasure of hearing Al Schmitt. Video should be longer, and it would be nice to play some of the stuff he worked on, and isten to his comments. Very nice video.
Amazing interview with Al Schmit. Absolutely you best interview. I’ve learned so much.
this was great
You're very welcome my friend! Thanks Menno!
Thanks Liquid Studio Productions!
RIP to the great Al Schmitt. so much knowledge.
Hey, Warren! Cheers from Brazil! Thank you so much for this amazing interview!
Hi Kike, you're very welcome! Thanks for your great comment!
I'm buying that book because of this interview.. I'm not a reader. But this take got me in...
I'm glad you enjoyed the video Manny!
You should read bro. It changes your brain way more than anything else. Or don't lol do you
It is a truly wonderful book No Filler!
Amazon is giving me the Bull Izzz ups send the book to a different state .hopefully by next Friday the book is home ..
Happy new year ....
What a fantastic chat. Wow! Al is a legend.
Thanks ever so much
Honestly this was one of my favorite video's of the year!
Thank you ever so much!!
I've listened to almost every Al Schmitt TH-cam interview there is. When I found out Al Schmitt FINALLY did his autobiography "Al Schmitt On The Record", I couldn't order it fast enough! It's wonderful that he includes setups on various recordings.
Warren, I'm sure many would agree you are a terrific interviewer for all these legendary music people. Thank you!
Wow! Thanks ever so much for that amazing comment!! I’m blessed to be able to talk such wonderful people as Al Schmitt, he’s a huge part of so many incredible albums!!
@@Producelikeapro Oh, just got to the part where he talks about his mentor, Tom Dowd. Another legend! Believe it or not, I was blessed to find Dowd's documentary "Tom Dowd & The Language Of Music" at a thrift store! Most amazing find so far (the next was a signed copy of "Creativity Inc." by Ed Catmull). Take care and keep doing what you're doing!!
Thank you so much for sharing this awesome video. Truly an inspiration to us all 😎👍
Thank you for the kind words Martin! You rock!
Thanks,Warren!It's amazing to see it,so inspired!
Thanks Daniel! He's very inspiring!!
Thanks for sharing this awesome interview
You're very welcome Keyaa! It was an absolute pleasure to be able to chat with Al!
Congratulations Al on 31 years sober! That’s a huge achievement. Great interview 👍
Amazing! 31 years is huge!! Thanks for your marvellous comment!
Hope to see you at NAMM!
We'll be there Bobby! Come say hello!
What a class act, and a beautifully done interview :😊👏
Yes, he was the greatest!
Rest in peace Al
You can literally watching him telling all the stories all day long and you never get bored...Amazing man! Glad you could pick him up and ask to make such a great interview! Thank you! :)
I stumbled on your site while researching monitors. I discovered so much more. Fantastic stories plus learning opportunities. Great gift for the Holidays. And birthday this Saturday. Thanks!
Thanks ever so much Al! I really appreciate it!!
Thanks for the interview Warren. Greetings from Argentina.
Hi Luciano, in Argentina!! Thanks for your great comment!
Al is a true legend! He has been through every change there has ever been.
Thanks Warren for letting us in.
The grandmaster of recording and a great man. RIP AL
I came back to watch this again; prompted by firstly watching a Mix with The Masters Q&A with Al, and then a Pensado's Place interview, with Al, and now this. Now, I love the technology and I admire tremendously what people can do with it, but it can't be argued, when it comes down to the fact that, this man can record - granted with some great tube mics and pre-amps - simply by great mic placement (often with omni patterns), no EQ and fader riding instead of compression, then I realise that there is a big hole in my abilities that will probably never be filled, at least, not fully. I come to absorb, I know not what, I just know it's worth it with such great engineers
highly honored n respectful to his great talent and skills!
What an amazing man! He's both a legend and someone to learn so many things from! He's extraordinarily inspiring! Doing the interview must have been a awesome experience. Thank you so much, Warren!
He's incredibly inspiring Jürgen!
I enjoyed this interview so much. Thank you for sharing, Warren.
Thanks Marc! Glad you enjoyed the interview!
Dude! Thank you for the interview! This is amazing! Well done, Al is a true hero!
Thanks ever so much Pedro!
"ProTools...nightmare sometimes...", the legend spoke! Love it, because it's so true!!!
What a great interview! So well done. One of the best I ever watched. As a retired engineer myself I can so relate, and have nothing but love for Al and his irascible personality. So sad he's gone now, but WHAT a legend.
Thanks ever so much George, I really appreciate it