Influential Mixing Engineer Bob Clear Mountain Shares Insights and Techniques

🎛️Bob Clear Mountain invented techniques and Sonic signatures that have shaped countless hits and inspired generations of audio engineers.

🌟Bob emphasizes the importance of understanding the lyrics and capturing the essence of each instrument while mixing.

💥He shares his approach to drum panning and how he achieves a solid and punchy drum sound.

🎚️Bob discusses the use of bus compression in mixing and shares his settings for achieving the desired punchiness and tightness.

🎧He reveals his favorite microphones for drums and explains their placement to achieve the desired sound.

What inspired Bob Clear Mountain to become a mixing engineer?

—Bob initially started as a recording engineer but gradually grew interested in mixing. He was inspired by the sound of records he listened to, such as L Russell, and wanted to be a part of the exciting process of mixing.

Did Bob Clear Mountain invent the modern mixer?

—While Bob Clear Mountain is known for his contributions to mixing, he did not invent the modern mixer. However, he has invented techniques and sonic signatures that have greatly influenced the field of audio engineering.

What is Bob Clear Mountain's approach to drum panning?

—Bob Clear Mountain prefers an audience perspective when panning drums. He typically pans guitars and keyboards to balance the left and right sides, while keeping the drums centered to maintain a solid foundation.

How does Bob Clear Mountain use compression in his mixes?

—Bob Clear Mountain uses compression on the mix bus to achieve punchiness and tightness. He prefers a fast attack and release time and adjusts the gain reduction based on the desired effect for each specific mix.

What are Bob Clear Mountain's favorite microphones for drums?

—Bob Clear Mountain favors the C451 and C604 microphones for drum recording. He adjusts their settings to capture the intended depth, attack, and overall sound of the drums.

00:00Rick B interviews Bob Clear Mountain, an influential mixing engineer.

05:20Bob Clear Mountain discusses his journey from being a recording engineer to becoming a mixing engineer.

09:40Bob Clear Mountain explains his approach to drum panning and achieving a solid and punchy drum sound.

15:00Bob Clear Mountain shares his use of bus compression and provides insights into his settings for achieving desired punchiness and tightness in his mixes.

19:30Bob Clear Mountain reveals his favorite microphones for drums and their placement to achieve the desired sound.