Dave Way Interview & Studio Tour Pt. 2 - Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro

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Dave Way Interview & Studio Tour part 2: Q&A, Recording and Music Production, Gear and Guitar Demo.
Hey friends,
This video is the second part of our interview and studio tour with multi-grammy winning producer/mixer Dave Way.
We've received a lot of wonderful comments and questions in the last episode and we're covering them in today's interview:
We talk about drum recording and micing techniques, Dave's favourite vocal recording chain and music production. Dave tears down some of the dogmas about recording and producing of the modern age:
- Dave's unconventional way of recording vocals to help singers keep pitch more easily & his favourite low budget tube microphone, which only costs $700 and has a "251 top end"!
- How to use microphone bleed creatively to add dimension to your mix.
- How putting limitations on your recording process can spark your creativity and help you to create better arrangements.
- Recording drum overheads in mono for extra depth.
- Mixing and matching different styles of music to create something new and exciting: "Giving it a twist is what keeps things moving forward, otherwise we’re all just transcribing."
- Dave explains his advanced hybrid studio setup & routing system, shows off his favourite pieces of outboard equipment and explains what he likes to use them on: From compressors, preamps, custom guitar amps to clocks and even his process of backing up his audio files and mixes!
As a bonus, we're also trying out several electric guitars of Dave's amazing collection:
- Gibson ES - 330, which is almost identical to the Epiphone Casino, which was played by John Lennon, George Harrison, and Paul McCartney.
- A custom Tele which Dave was given by Val McCallum
- Custom guitar built by Larry Pogreba
I hope you enjoy this interview, lots of gold nuggets in this one!
Many Thanks,
Warren
Produce Like A Pro is a website which features great tips to help the beginning recordist make incredible sounding home recordings on a budget.

[@Eventual420]

This is what I mean when I say TV is not worth watching, when there are guys who hone in on my inner geek on KZbin, making videos that matter. A true blessing, this Warren Huart. Cataloging history that matters, with the highly skilled and talented, ever illusive Producer.

[@Producelikeapro]

Aw shucks thanks ever so much Eventual420!! Have a marvelous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@zistheword]

The chemistry between you and Dave is awesome. I'd love to see more of you guys!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Z!! You Rock! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@noisesoundtonevibe]

Yeaaaaah!!!! What a great episode! And of course we want part 3!! You can never have too much Dave Way! Thanks Dave, Peter, all the PLAP team and of course, Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi noisesoundtonevibe, haha yes I'm sure we will do one fairly soon! These two came very close together! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@crestiferj2689]

great episode, warren. love dave. his mixes on macy gray's debut have been blowing me away still for almost 20 years.

[@Producelikeapro]

That’s amazing to hear!!

[@charliehiggs6758]

So good to hear you guys talking about recording 'as live' without headphones. I just recorded an EP in a tiny studio, with our engineer in the room, with everything done live, with just one or two overdubs for added texture. We felt the need to get the right takes down, and when we did the results are some of the best I've had with any band. The vibe is great to the tracks, and the raw desk mix was seriously good since we spent a bit of time getting our sound in the room comfortable. Loved it. Great to hear you guys on this too!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Charlie! Yes, Shelly Yakus recorded many amazing albums like that! Both Dave and I are huge fans of his! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Friends, we are back for Part Two with Dave Way! We answer some of the questions you posed in the first video and get to look at equipment that we didn't cover in the first video! I hope you enjoy the video! Please leave any comments and questions below you may have! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@iwantappledumplings6187]

Another great episode with Dave Way! Thanks Warren!

[@darlenesheffield9835]

Dave is such an easy going guy !! I would love to keep learning from him !!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks IWant Appledumplings! I agree Dave rules!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed Darlene! Yes, Dave is a great guy! So easy to learn from! I've picked up many tips from him! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@akterkhan6943]

Producer Like A Pr3ko6v0h 04l

[@greengo9]

I get a feeling you guys have tried a little bit of everything - what a pleasure to listen to your conversation!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi GreenGo haha thanks! Maybe! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing many thanks Warren

[@DylWa3]

Loved both these interviews!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@dylankaminkow5411]

great video as always! one thing i wanted to comment on is how he answers the recording drums in one room question.one thing i do is check all the microphones with a super clean digital delay, so i can hear the individual microphones in solo. gets a bit tricky with OH and ROOM mics, or checking the full kit but then i just have the drummer play at a few dynamics for about 15 seconds and record it to check phase and other things. make small adjustments move mics then try again. all in all it takes a bit of extra time to get a drum sound at least coherent before we start a take.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Dylan, thanks for your great insight! I really appreciate you sharing your experience with us! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@ostreetsteve1259]

Hey Warren.... Produce like a pro is my favorite show next to John Oliver. Thanks so much Dave for sharing.I always get something from your shows Mr.Huart. Peace and certainly will.......Have a mar....

[@Producelikeapro]

Aw shucks thanks ever so much Steve! That's a huge compliment! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@mypanicboy22]

Love to see how Dave will mic the violins for his upcoming session... and also a part 3!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much! Yes, that would be amazing! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@hanneshampel3303]

Nice man man Part 2 - didnt expect that. Youre badasses Warren&Team, thanks a lot! =)

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Hannes! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@Sasketchejuana_man]

I noticed Rarefield Recording studio in San Diego, CA also is using the converted ampex tape machines as mic pre's. Also Warren you mentioned Depth in recordings. A lot of time volume is the biggest proponent/illusion of depth. Not always from reverbs or delays.

[@grahamvamplew1456]

By far my favorite review yet!!!!! Why too many questions.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Graham! Glad you enjoyed it! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@EricGPLAP]

More Dave Way! More Dave Way!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha yes More Dave Way!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@Dissiprin]

Gets lost in guitar land, fesses up immediately. Great stuff.

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha thanks ever so much my friend!!

[@HeyItsMe52]

Can't beat Vic Firth iso headphones for the money...They significantly drown out my big size drums, let me hear the click so I don't get lost in the noise and get the job done....Another great show, Thanks for taking the time and effort!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Ted Mentzer thanks ever so much for your kind words! Yes, the Vic Firth's are the industry standard. I enjoy the Extreme Isolation Headphones! They sound great as well as providing great Isolation! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing many thanks Warren

[@pvampman]

I always see those green goemeeks units in a lot of warrens’s videos in his studio tours. The green always pops out

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! The Joe Meeks are actually rather good in certain circumstances!

[@tiagocastro2202]

Another great segment! By the way, I love Peter’s t-shirt!

[@Producelikeapro]

Tiago Castro thanks ever so much! Haha yes, indeed!

[@Salantsoundstudios]

Man that guitar rig sounds great! I have a 78 twin (used mainly for rhodes) but i also have a 62 vibrolux, fender amps are a labor of love, but beautiful!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Josh, yes agreed! Great guitar sounds!! Dave knows his stuff! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@JedWunderli]

If you do a part III I would love to see the plate reverb in his shed and have him explain how it works. Thanks Warren.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Jed, I hope you're doing marvellously well! Great to see you on here! Yes the Plate in the shed! Haha Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@mazzeumusic]

Use a 2s delay on the master Buss to monitor the drums in the same room :)

[@ShpiraLTD]

XTC! Love your reaction Warren, yes :)

[@Producelikeapro]

Shpira LTD I’m a HUGE XTC fan!!

[@sixby24]

I use a pair of Studio-Kans by Metrophone when I need good isolation. Another great video by the way.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Rob for the information! That's very kind of you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@motoservo]

Regarding iso cans, I just returned a pair of Direct Sound EX29 after comparing them side by side with a pair called Remote Audio HN-7506. These have, by my guess, 10 to 15 db better isolation (rated at 45dB) than the EX29. These are 7506 drivers installed into custom cans. There's another company called Ultraphones that also takes 7506 drivers and installs them into rifle muffs. But they're only rated at 29dB, like the Direct Sound. These Remote Audio are a bit more than the others but have a really quality build. I found the Remote Audio at a place here in LA called Trew Audio. Just throwing this out there since I spent a bit of time researching and saw you discuss here.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for the great info motoservo!! Have a marvelous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@GingerDrums]

Hey friends! Great to see some talk about drives, this is such a crucial aspect of being a pro! one of my close friends is a mac repair man in Berlin. He claims that 90% of the bust drives that he gets are from Western Digital. He strongly suggests against them. I have seen the stacks of dud drives at his workshop and can confirm its a tough world for the WD drives. Samsung offer best reliability in his opinion, just based on the fact the he rarely gets an in.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for the information Snowdenbleep! You Rock! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing! Many thanks Warren

[@FireMoon42]

Really enjoyed this one Warren as it was as much about the "headspace" of recording and mixing as it was about specific details and gear. Be really good to see you sit down with some mixer and go through tracks from the 60s-70s-80s-90s-00s and show how mixing has developed or if it really has, past mere "Slartibartfasting"? I'd also like to see a discussion on this latest trend "You can only concentrate on three things at one time , so why bother putting much more detail in a mix?" meme that seems to have become flavour of the month? Also, if there's any of the people around who engineered on the classic "Sound Techniques" sessions, John Martyn. Fairport, ISB albums etc etc, that would be a splendid video. Oh and talknig of all recording in the same room. A comparison of techniques between say The Band and Can would be a truly fascinating video? i know it might seem a tad niche however, both seminal bands whose influence is still very much present today and it would be a real eye opener for many to see just how "good" a sound can be achieved with relatively, little gear?

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi FireMoon42, thanks for the great comment! So much to talk about! Particularly when you mention John Martyn I get very excited! He was a musical genius! 'Solid Air' is one of my favourite albums and I've used it as a template many times when recording! Wow! The Band and Can!! Great ideas! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@matthewtoomer2181]

mono verb on vocals reminded me of when i was studying speakers that full range drivers are fantasic on vocals as they sound more mono and focused like the actual singer is in the room... When i say full range drivers i mean single coned speakers that do mid highs and lows. like coaxial car speakers

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Matthew, great point! Yes, I love the sound of coaxial or dual concentric speakers! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@Jeppe4421]

Can´t wait for part 3! :-) Many interesting disscussions, and thanks for answering my "violin questions"! Really nice to get some answers from Dave about what mics he uses on the violin and good point about samplinglibrarys. /Jeppe

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Jesper! Glad Dave was able to answer your question on Violins! Great question by the way! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@darlenesheffield9835]

Yes !! When is part 3 ??

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha hopefully soon Darlene! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@VagendaAdnegav]

I first seen this video playing your back was to the camera - and I thought you were Dave Pensado for a second :D Cheers - hope that gave you a laugh.

[@blender1952]

Hi! What about the comparison for passive speakers, can't wait to see it? :) I think ProAc's should be paired with Bryston amp, to do fair in comparison with Amphions and their belonging amps.

[@nathanbieber2840]

1:16:49 Dave Grohl walks by the back window hahaha

[@everglass]

Was that a vintage Fender Princeton we were hearing? Sounded wonderful!

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! Amazing!

[@dylankaminkow5411]

hey warren, great video as always. i was hoping you could clarify what program you're using to back up your system and session data? you mentioned sync pro x? did you mean Qdea Synchronize Pro X or Resilio Sync Pro? Ive had issues with time machine backups in the past and want to find something more stable

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Dylan Kaminkow yes! I use Qdea Synchronize Pro X! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@jc.1191]

Roy Blankenship has some tech videos online. Found them pretty helpful, I see why he uses him as a tech.

[@danielsilberman3505]

Just to clarify for anyone that cares, the difference between a U67 and M269 is the tube inside. That is what makes them sound different. The AC701 tube which is the tone for the 269 is generally seen by engineers, myself included, as a much more open mic. Great on vocals! Though I do love my 67 and everything it does. Sorry if that sounded like a snarky comment!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Daniel, thanks for the clarity! I love both mics, the U67 has always been a favourite of mine for Rock and you can throw it on anything! The M269, I've used a handful of times and it's sounded great on vocals! My personal favourite for vocals is still the U47, but of course any of those 3 Neumann's would do an amazing job! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing! Many thanks Warren

[@danielsilberman3505]

Hi Warren! Thanks for the response. I am kinda in the same boat as you, love my 67 and 47 but don't own a 269 to really put through the paces. The ones I have used at others studios though are just so bloody brilliant. I would have to agree that I heavily favor my 47 on vocals!

[@Producelikeapro]

Great stuff Daniel! Yes, a U47 is pretty hard to beat! I'll ask for a 269 next time I'm in Sunset, Capitol, United or NRG, I'm one or more of them have one to try! Sometimes there is time for a shootout, other times you just go to what is guaranteed to work! Budgets are significantly smaller these days! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren

[@danpeltier1354]

and yes it just to cool . nice work warren Dave Way rock ,s .

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Dan! Agreed! Day Rocks! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@IleSpasev]

Hi Warren, can you make an interview with Serban Ghenea? That would be marvelous!

[@mlwsf]

I know that Guild well. Have seen John Dow play it a number of times.

[@mt3994]

Hey Dave I found your AC/DC-Bluegrass. Search for "Thunderstruck by Steve'n'Seagulls (Live)...........Enjoy. Thanks for the interviews Warren, always enjoy these. Cheers.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for sharing that MT! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@Salantsoundstudios]

I love it! Dave way is the "donal logue" of recording! Hahahaha

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha Josh! Some would say that Donal Logue is the Dave Way of Film! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@Salantsoundstudios]

Produce Like A Pro haha i can dig that!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha thanks Josh! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@patrickmckinney8610]

It seems like he has very little sound treatment in his studio. That's not a criticism, just an observation. Does that square with other folks watching this? I do see some sound panels, but not a ton, which is pretty exciting to me really. I think people can get kind of obsessive about making a room totally dead. I'm also pretty excited about a home studio that is producing really high end recordings. His drum room is not what I would think of as an ideal recording situation, but obviously his recordings sound fantastic and full (he mentioned filling things our with reverb in Part One). As a home studio guy this is really inspiring! Curious what others think about this.

[@burnradio9681]

Hi Warren! Great stuff, I really enjoy your videos, and how you interact with people. Very inspiring. My question is: You said Music From Big Pink got it's drum sound from recording vocals and drums with only one mic, if I understood you right. Though Levon's vocals seem to be panned apart from the drums a lot of the time. And there seems to be more reverb on his vocals than on the drums. What's going on? :D /Björn from Sweden

[@Producelikeapro]

It’s not on every song! Some of the songs were recorded only on 4 tracks and when Levon was singing and playing simultaneously Shelly said they gave up trying to be clever and just got used to the enormous amount of bleed of the drums into his live vocal mic which they kept! The point was I was trying to mimic the drum sound and Shelly said a big part of the drum sound on some songs was the bleed into the vocal mic!

[@burnradio9681]

@@Producelikeapro Ok, cool! There can really be magic results where you least expect it ✌✌

[@Producelikeapro]

@@burnradio9681 Absolutely!

[@bradmodd7856]

All this analog hardware is going to start to move real cheap real soon, as people switch to plugins, latency is solved. Then analog gear will get collectible and go up in price again. Retro 70s timewarp tape studios or Jack Whites wax cylinder studio will always be fun.

[@elliotignasiak5152]

yeah...sure...ok

[@Heavymetalinigo10]

Sir Warren, how do producers eliminate cymbal bleed during the 70s to 80s? The 21st century has noise gates and debleeder plugins to solve the issue of cymbal bleed, but the 70s and 80s was pure analog. I am a huge fan of new wave and classic rock and I wonder how the producers of those songs were able to come up with "reverby" snare sounds yet sound tight.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Inigo, great question! Noise gates have been around for a long time! They were used in the 70's and 80's! In the 50's and 60's there were one maybe 2 mics on the kit so what yo got is what you got! Haha Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@MichaelBriggs3]

Warren, what wireless lav mics do you use for these videos? Thanks!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Michael, I'm using Rode Wireless ics! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@nickafflitto7519]

Nice isa428!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much Nick! Yes! isa428!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@Bmagical]

Hey Warren, I was just talking to my studio partner about cataloging all of our hard drive... Perfect timing!. Dave and you mentioned an app you guys use called disk pro? I was wondering if you can tell me the exact name for it. I did a search and came up with a few different option. Thanks for keeping us informed! I appreciate it!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Brian, the Software that's really popular out here is Synchronize! Pro X - Qdea, it's really good! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing! Many thanks Warren

[@Bmagical]

I also found Disk Catalog Maker for scanning the drives and cataloging them for archiving. You can see and search your drives without having to mount them.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Brian, yes, I use that as well! Have a marvelous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@paulmiller1746]

For what it's worth Hayseed Dixie are the Bluegrass AC/DC band ;) unfortunately that's the level of my contribution

[@utubehound69]

They are amazing.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for letting me know! I'm going to check them out now! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Great thanks Watchman4u! I will definitely check them out! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@noisesoundtonevibe]

Also, Steve N Seagulls do a kind of Bluegrass AC/DC... They're amazing too!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for the info , Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@brandonboozer688]

Hey Warren. Can you do an episode on "The Warren Huart Guitar Lick"? You know which one it is. :) LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this stuff. Keep it coming.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Brandon! Haha Which lick? Glad you enjoyed the video! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing! Many thanks Warren

[@brandonboozer688]

58:08, 58:13, 58:17, 59:21, 59:35, 1:07:26, 1:07:29, 1:07:37, 1:08:11, 1:09:16 (volume down), 1:11:03, 1:11:22, 1:11:32, 1:11:38, 1:11:46, 1:12:34, 1:14:06. LOL!

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha the resolve I do at the end of the lick! Minor 3rd to major 3rd Root to 7th to create a Dominant 7th Triad! Haha Have a marvellous time recording and mixing! Many thanks Warren

[@thebarcodestv]

Warren you forgot to check the AMT140.... PLEASE REMEMBER...!!!!

[@memriloc]

limited track could vs arranging. I can not agree with that more. some of my best writing was done with a foster B-16. that had 9 to 12 (on a good day) tracks working hahaha I do miss those days.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Dom, exactly! You are 100% correct! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@memriloc]

Cheers man. Always do Hehe. Thanks for all your vids. I'm a small operator but work with some very talented up and comments. New studio being built. Anyway, cheers for replying. Keep up the good work Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Dom, congrats on the new studio! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@memriloc]

Will do man. Music has been my passion since I could remember. Keep up the good work Warren and have a brilliant time. Hope to speak soon

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Dom! All the best! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren

[@clarkosborne6695]

MORE PETER!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Clark, haha yes more PETER! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@PeterChunmusic]

Clark Wayne 😬😬

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha Peter you're popular indeed! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@Elsteveador2]

Wahey! T'is a PLAP day!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi SteveJoeAllen, haha yes thanks! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@Elsteveador2]

Thank you Warren! Y'know what? I think i will!! You too!

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha glad to hear it SteveJoeAllen! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing! Many thanks Warren

[@jeromefreer1258]

Good trick Warren,unplug the jack on the amp a little bit then unplug guitar.Good trick and respectfull to engineer's and people who own the gear. peace out.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Jerome, yes! I should have remembered that! Thanks for reminding me!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@iwantappledumplings6187]

Great trick Jerome!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi IWant Appledumplings, yes agreed! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing! Many thanks Warren

[@hobbitkiller45]

Produce Like A Pro o

[@diregremo]

All those guitars were nice, but you ain't got shit if you don't have a Synsonics Terminater. Haha! With the speaker.

[@kofiteddyministries6867]

more guitar less talking please

[@Producelikeapro]

Kofi Teddy Ministries oh yes!! Haha I'm happy to play a lot of guitar! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing many thanks Warren