Get your recording basics right | Shantanu Hudlikar || converSAtions || SudeepAudio.com

When these words come from the chief engineer at one of India's best recording studios - YashRaj Film (YRF) Studios - you need to take his advice seriously. Very seriously.
Shantanu Hudlikar shares his views on the current state of affairs in the music recording business and ways to improve the scenario. He's not against using VSTs or technology products. He is all for using them - but only in the right manner, and where required.
Shantanu will be hosting several episodes on the Sudeep Audio KZbin channel covering other dimensions of audio recording and song mixing.
Don't miss any future videos, product updates, and special music software and hardware offers from Sudeep Audio by staying connected to us on Facebook and Twitter:
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[@Daddyfatclaps]

This gentleman speaks with emotion...because this is his passion.

[@SoulPapiii]

for real

[@Rohan122]

Mike Lord exactly

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Shantanu sir, I have deep respect for your views. Your's work is very tough. God bless you.

[@advaitmahesh6402]

Recording well and giving more importance to recording more than mixing, is one advice I've heeded in my current short career, and it's helped a long way.

[@sudeepaudio]

thank you for liking this video. As for other videos, they are interesting in their own right too. we are covering credible people who remain unfortunately behind the scenes and may not be good orators. but their work speaks for them. thank you.

[@ryanybos]

I'm an engineer and I am very happy to say just how correct Mr. Hudlikar truly is. Nice Job !

[@talkswithvigy7860]

Hey, do you do commissioned work?

[@JenniferMikeFernandes95zen]

He is the kind of teacher we need in todays time. I am so pleased to come across this video, I am a fan.

[@SuPaRaTt]

If you dont have standards then you will never make a name for yourself. This guy has very high standards, I'm sure he is great engineer. He is obviously just trying to bring it into perspective. I want to record punk music and I still take way he says to heart, cause good sound is still important. I appreciate this guys output, he just wants to make sure music turns out well.

[@jamessaldana2022]

Great candid interview from a PRO : HE IS CORRECT : Audio Engineering is about capturing sounds in context to convey ideas & emotions that can excite & entertain us. There is way too much mediocrity in music production today....GIGO = garbage in garbage out...Please teach us better practices...Thank You & God bless you +

[@RickyKejmusic]

Fantastic Interview. I agreed with every single statement.. and alot of what he said was a wake up call to me! In the entire recording process, it is the musician who is the most important..and it is always the musicians responsibility to ensure his/her instrument sounds the way it is supposed to. Hats off to Shantanu for taking the time out and doing this. This video is a must watch for every single person in the music/audio industry.

[@sparkelius]

Shantanu, I had to quit this line and join a full time job because music directors wanted DAW operators and EDM programmers. I can fully understand what you say. the kids of today have never heard or felt the air moving out of a kick drum or a dhol to be able to mix it.

[@sleepingdogstheband]

He is right that the recording is the most important part of the process.... You cannot make a bad recording sound good in the mix!!!! Great video

[@sudeepaudio]

thanks. please spread the link to all musicians and engineers you know.

[@chnacr2]

Lol. So many people getting offended by this. He makes his point clear at 5:38 - It's absolutely impossible for a mix engineer to make a badly recorded track sound great. His problem is with inexperienced producers sending him tracks that are not good enough to be mixed properly. And at his level, it's a complete waste of his time to fix amateur mistakes in every single track. And if someone can afford to hire Shantanu, then they should send him well performed and recorded tracks in the first place. It's about understanding the fundamentals of recording first, otherwise, even good equipment can sound bad. But not all of us need to have recordings at that level of quality. Trust me, guys. I do home recordings out of necessity. But I know it's impossible to get the absolute best ear training for sound engineering in your bedroom.

[@harryjuttla2340]

SHANTANU JI + "YRF' Studios" KNOW-HOW, TRUE QUALITY WORKMANSHIP PRACTICES, PASSION, CONVICTION = SUCCESS.

[@sansubr19]

Thank you, Thank you so very much for talking to great sound experts. I'm a recording artist and I love to record at home because I cannot afford analog equipment yet. I'm still learning and I hope to do better as quickly as possible. All of my knowledge comes from spending hours and hours on the internet reading about different aesthetics. Thanks a lot Shantanu for saying exactly what I felt like. It's a good relief to find that our recording industry is spearheaded by great minds :)

[@shalomkusuma4270]

Wow ! With 54,283 likes and 668 likes, that too in a small world Recording engineering & Arts in India & Abroad is simply commendable. Your passion for the work you do, reflects in every word you said and even though i don't have what you have access to, i'll always aspire to be there.

[@anishranjansarkar1969]

Thanks Shantanu sir for your kind guidance.

[@bikkalkhadka8564]

I’m totally agree with him huge respect sir.🙏🏻

[@Billo1281]

One more thing, I believe what he is saying applies too so many thinga nowadays.. Movies, music, and everything in between is just mediocre crap! There is no passion. Just in abd out, quick dollar here, quick dollar there. The real artist get blanketed by all this "crap" and get by with penny's too their name. And then they just give up because true art form has taken a back seat, for now! It will return! Everything changes and I hope to see the day when we put TRUE artist back in the spotlight, wherw they belong.

[@Billo1281]

Sorry for the spelling errors and bad writing..

[@sudeepaudio]

Billo1281 no problem. thanks for your views and comments. keep watching the SA channel. best wishes.

[@iammurphy]

Word

[@djmantratt]

Mr. Hudlikar speaks nothing but the truth. Thanks for this knowledge.

[@jjvoicetalent]

I really appreciate Shantanu for what he is saying, I also argue alot so called Engineers here in Pakistan as its really disappointing that no one today gets hands on practices and learning accept homemade DAW studios with bunch of VSTs war and its over.

[@yashkummar]

So so true Shantanu what mentioned that you can't mix if nothing is recorded. There is a lot of badly "mixed" music out there with no feelings put into it. Thank you for sharing.

[@jazzdave2012]

Shantanu is definitely amongst the best sound engineers you will come across guys. Take his advice seriously, it will do you a world of good. Great work Sudeep Audio and thanks for bringing this series for budding sound engineers.

[@Drawingunz001]

this dude is very smart & passionate about what he says & also this only comes from experience.. a true master..i fucking love this video.

[@qazwert007]

what an awesome looking studio, but without somebody who can master all the equipment, it all means nothing. Thanks Shantanu for such words of wisdom. Only people like you can save the music industry!

[@naminnooman]

This man is spot on. Chaltha Hai attitude is all over. He is so correct.

[@GovConMillionaires]

I agree with what Shantanu is saying in this interview - however I have to grossly disagree with the one point where he states that "going into a good studio, with good mics and a decent console - forget preamps, doesn't cost anything." MMMM I live in North America and have gone into studios that cost any where between $100-300 per hour. That my friend is fairly expensive. At that point, because learning in a professional studio isn't possible, we (the general public) have to resort to the 2nd best, which is samples. Unfortunetly this is the pattern of the entire 28 minute video. So now at 16 minutes, I've got to stop listening. Because I have a passion but not the wallet to support the passion.

[@sudeepaudio]

At 11:00, he clearly says record your tracks well at a good studio. not an expensive studio. We'll share your comment with him nevertheless. thanks for commenting.

[@adil115]

Viren Patel completely agree. he seems to contradict himself when he speaks of plugging into boxes ,etc and stereotyping all plugins whilst he himself is using all the expensive equipment to do his bidding as well... its almost as if he has a vendetta against evolving technologies and the new comers to can do what he is in nearly 1/25th the cost of making a studio. all people need after that is practice, because this is the only to progress in mixing... but yeah.

[@shan5445]

in a dying industry he needs to make money...i get what he is saying but also what he is saying is you need to come here and spend for quality. It is possible to make quality in your bedroom if you have time good ears good monitors research and learn the basics

[@sidenmetal]

I have great respect for big studios and experienced sound engineers who have made their mark. It is definitely an art which is very difficult to master. However, this interview seems to be an expression of frustration where a recording can be created at a fraction of the cost and knowhow with today's technology. As long as something sounds good and artistic, no one cares whether is was created using real drums or vstis. The whole world has moved on and so should us. Purely my humble opinion.

[@mandolinjournal]

Very very valuable information! I watched the entire video and see a number of points!!!!👏👏👏

[@AswinAndrews]

Shantanu Sir,Hats Off, Well Inspired,Thanks to Sudeep Audio for this wonderful Session ❤️

[@sudeepaudio]

Most welcome. Do watch the next two episodes with Shantanu released now.

[@stnim1]

Fascinating and beautifully articulated. A great inspiration as I am currently designing a recording studio in London and wanted to get into the world and mind sets of recording studio engineers and artists. Thank you.

[@AnkitG12]

He is a true artist 🎶🙌

[@shalibhadrashah1873]

This is right talk like "Chalta hai" in India... Thank U Sir ji to share your knowledge...

[@tjvarghese88]

I am So Glad , this would probably the only video i have liked on Sudeep Audio, So so glad someone somewhere in India actually going though the same dilemma of this Drowning Industry !! PLease PLEASE PPL LISTEN AND UNDERSTAND AND CHANGE !!

[@themusicfactory5654]

Great information sir ..you are the best teacher also

[@nOOr_lalwani]

Informative. Thank you for sharing.

[@SohanRahman]

Dear Shantanu Sir, You Said that Musicians don't need any budget to record Accoustic instruments in a good studio. Remember the first day when you started playing with the sounds, you used High Techs, Right ??? ..... ok. Youngsters these days can't effort that High techs. So they should leave music !! Right?? Now you are a chief sound engineer of YRF, But you started your Journey like we started. :) I am from Bangladesh. Bangladeshi Sound Engineers can't afford those High Techs like yours. And Indian Sound Engineers using World's Most Expensive Hardwares. But you people are releasing just Good Enough Sounds NOT GREAT, WHYY ?? . You Said that We don't need Any budget to Record in a Good Studio. Sir, Give me the Address of Your Studio, Please. We are coming right there to Record a Song that sounds GOOD \_ :D _/ . Undoubtedly you are a good sound engineer. So Inspire the youngsters instead of making it Complex :) . Thanks

[@amitchatterjee6897]

He is not making it complex rather giving insights on how to properly do a recording. I think he is sharing which is truth.. And thats the most important thing I guess. He is not opposing mixing in terms of musicality. He is opposing in terms of real content on that.. Does everything sounds like how it meant to be while you are recording..? That's what he is trying to convey. Even if you have a basic home studio try to apply this man rather criticizing.. Love from INDIA..

[@kushalsinghniel6251]

You must understand the context behind what he actually meant to convince about proper recording, mixing and mastering. It all depends upon how we take those words as. By the way, a true teacher instructs that way.

[@GUPRPEET-Singh]

A Wonderful reply...you said it enough and everything.

[@SohanRahman]

Gurpreet Singh Thank you so much 💖💖

[@sadmanhossain547]

Vvvvv well said brother

[@tusharkamat]

you absolutely nailed your point.. people expect all these people to be good orators.. but as you said their work speaks on their behalf.. absolutely brilliant people.. thanx sudeep audio for getting all these faces before the world who have been creating magic in the music industry with their sheer talent, hardwork & experience..

[@timothythomas4283]

Finally man with wisdom, and the frustration to go along with it. Bollywood music sounds shitty and without soul. If only more men like Shantanu were around.

[@Sachin-Music]

Well Said sir.We Need Soul Holy Soul

[@uptownphotography]

Interesting video. Definitely on point....Kudos... Philip NYC Area

[@Billo1281]

I've loved muskc my entire life, and know and respect a good recording. I've always been interested in recording music ever since I was a child.. I've just recently gotten my own place and want to start recording my own music again. I did record breifly, but it wasn't anything serious. Now that I have "some" money and time, I can really dedicate my time amd efforts into learning how to record somewhat properly. I know I'll never be as good as this guy, or most. But The passion is there! And beaing able to create music by myself, and then record it, is awesome. Sorry for rambling on. I respect what this guy is saying, and I will try that mic technique! One more thing, most of us that do have a passion for recording and mixing, don't have the money. So we do what we can, and I honestly believe, that's ALL that matters in the end. Ok sorry guys /rant..

[@Sandipdas369]

Wonderful as well as most valuable advice from Shantanu Hudlikar...

[@Steeyuv]

Hello from the UK - it's not just India! 'Good enough' isn't good enough, you are so right.

[@rivuperson]

And recording really is an art. Technology are only extensions to your own limbs. Your senses should always be in control, not the other way round.

[@MrSiddesh18]

He is just amazing the best part was *keep your ears near the instrument !! thank u Sudeep audio

[@gjguitarist]

I am really thankful to see this video This video changed myself It will be my dream to meer this legend

[@wilgobruinhard4307]

what this man is saying, is the truth and nothing but the truth! Het Delivers everytime... again and again! listen to music hé has recorded/ mixed...

[@AshishJadhav]

this was the first video which i saw without fast forwarding it ....

[@KoustavDasguptaMusic]

At 11.05 mins, he is saying, "it doesn't cost money". I mean, "Really!"... Sitting inside a big studio with necessary amenities won't make him realize the immense struggles and harassment the new composer/mixing engineers/producers are undergoing these days. I am not saying its a new thing. All I want to say is that everyone wants to record their stuffs in proper rooms and ways but it involves a big amount of money which is hard to pay, especially in case of the people who are still struggling. With due respect to Shantanu Sir, ofcourse.

[@gurdevdebby]

Ofcourse bro. I agree with u. I also use pro tools for mix waves plugins nomad factory and so many . They use expensive thing to sound rich. These all equipments are of yrf, not shantnu sir.

[@allreviews983]

Little bit of irony here, the sound quality of this interview is balls.

[@sudeepaudio]

that's right!

[@allreviews983]

+SudeepAudio.com Haha, I'm a budding sound tech. and getting education at every opportunity. I still appreciate this info though.

[@sudeepaudio]

thanks. and yes in Season 4 we are trying to improve our sound :-)

[@yashkummar]

What a great passion you have Shantanu. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@devamedia]

You are right old school techniques follow basics achieve quality music. Great tutorial. Most of films lot of digital mixing you can't notice minor mistakes. No time for Film directors and music directors but engineer knows what to follow and you are the right one to teach. Your are a great teacher. Thanks

[@apdco1599]

I completely agree with you and in future I want to learn about recording techniques. Thank you.

[@ullasv]

Talented Genuine guy. SALUTE!!

[@soulfaktor]

Shantanu Hudlikar speaking the truth. Thanks for sharing.

[@user-mu3ur2wc4t]

Yes, you are right, but in India, most of us do not have the budget to buy 25 condenser mics and 100 dynamic mics or do not have the best of studios across the cities. Most passionate home studio junkies have perhaps max 3 - 4 mics at our home that we could afford to buy. You cant expect everyone to afford the Newmann U87. I adore the AT2020, Rode NT1, CAD GXL 2200 and Samson C01 condenser mics in here. As for the dynamic mics i have a few but i do not like them much for what i do except for some live perf.. I have spent all my money for the 15 year long passion of mine and now i m pretty penniless haha. Another thing is that you are willing to share and gradually the indian landscape is changing as more people share their knowledge with each other. You are right, before people were mostly never much willing to share their info with others for their own inner insecurities. Also like you, i too do not like the SM 57. Never liked them. Other than that great talk. Your passion for what you do shows. Wish to meet you someday :) Have a good day!

[@teihaka5132]

He's so professional I can say by the way he give advises.

[@SevenGreenDreams]

What a fantastic masterclass, sharing his knowledge quality of a great artist

[@SoulPapiii]

im listening LOUD and clear...

[@crazyraz6069]

I love music and developing games because i have reason why i love them they are very similar on particular aspect is about problem solving.

[@pareshmota]

Very true that without practical we can't learn.

[@AkashColvin]

I agree 100% Well made Video. Looking forward to more.

[@khalildas741]

Was listening to "10 Stories Up." Sound is great. Thanks to whoever clubbed Tips' songs together...so it's easier for me to start with tracks 2, 3, 4, 5, then jump.to 9 & 10. Tips blew me 5 stories up.

[@khalildas741]

6 stories

[@spsworld...6701]

Very awesome and meaningful video ❤. Thank you very much dear SudeepAudio for this video and got to learn many valuable things from dear, respected and living legend Shantunu da through this video. Take care and keep all of your blessings with us always 🙏❤🎵 🙂

[@shaneboodhoo]

this man is a on the ball,every word was true.shane boodhoo

[@Abeltone]

I just shared this video on a Facebook group of 200 home studio engineers I created,thank for the video very helpful! :)

[@MrBigdc37575]

True passion and integrity! The world needs more of this! Great video, thank you for sharing this type of wisdom!

[@thevoicerapstar]

Dude, you are doing a great work by interviewing these people. Hearing from Indian music industry directly is kinda great. Keep up the good work.

[@kavishjain5591]

Thank you sir. Please give us more of similar stuff , Sudeep Audio.

[@WillMaskellTaylor]

this guy speaks the complete truth.

[@KeshavDhar]

that's exactly my point. there was no need to name names - just about everyone i know who watched this video knew immediately who that remark was aimed at. i have always been nothing but highly respectful of him and his work. that remark was completely uncalled for and it was on your forum and your video. i'm just calling it out. either way i won't litter your forum anymore. have a nice day.

[@amitdemta]

"Basics must be Right"...thanks a lot Shantanu and Aaadi for this...Hearty Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with us \m/ :-)

[@BENX545]

AWESOME!!! INDIA HAS HOPE!!!

[@ramniranjanmaurya4124]

Sir I am Ram Niranjan and feeling very proud on our Yesh RAJ .

[@Bero70]

Absolutely fantastic video!Learned more from this than all "mixing" videos combined on you tube.(Dave Pensado e.t.c...). For me,the only other mixing engineer that I enjoyed this much is mighty All Schmitt.Thank you Mr.Shantanu Hudlikar .Becouse of people like you ther is still hope good music is going to comme around again on radio stations.

[@Callai101]

Great video, This inspired me to be better with my music

[@SamHaldar]

Thankyou Sir... You realized we have to learn more n more.... simply composing n recording in bedroom may b its sounds gud to ur track but It doesnt mean M a producer Or engnr.... Be Grt n for dat we have to learn evry day n practise more..... Wat a Real producer/Artist do.... Thankyou so much..

[@sudeepaudio]

we will be doing this. with not just shantanu but many other senior engineers. please enjoy other videos of musicians, etc as well.

[@Processor609]

Everything he said was true. Some true production talent is still out there, but are covered by todays "trap" "Pop", when everything is basically artificial. But like me, i dont have the money for a drum set, a guitar, or anything really, haha,. i just have a laptop, midi keyboard that i got for $3 in clearance at guitar center, some studio hand me down monitors, & a blue spark i got on black friday for $99 (Used to have an old mic from a flea market), & okay rappers. That still doesnt affect my passion for engineering audio. This is something i love doing =]

[@dapenguin64]

Yea man, great buy on the spark. Its a fantastic mic for the price. I dont have many blue mics, but I do have the baby bottle, which I have learned to love. I find it works with a variety of voices. Some people call it a little dark, but I think its just not overly bright like a lot of cheap Chinese large diaphragm condensers are. I don't know what interface you have, but it is IMPERATIVE that you have an interface with QUALITY analog to digital conversion (A/D), and quality preamps. I think for 100 something bucks, you can get a Focusrite Scarett 2i2, and that has the same Preamps and Conversion as the $500 scarlet 18i20 and saffire pro 40. Those are widely regarded as exceptional interfaces with good conversion and pre's for the value. This setup will not hinder you from making a hit single. As this guy says, don't really stress about preamps....... Until you can afford it ;) REMEMBER GET THE SOUND RIGHT BEFORE THE MIX, YOU CANT SHINE A TURD.

[@Processor609]

Your definately right ma man. Thats actually realy good to know lol. i just use a M-Audio interface that has mic gain, guitar gain, volume, and thats about it lol. Pretty simple and cheap. but would that interface your talking about hook up with pro tools? Cuz the one i have wont for some reason, i tried alot of ways =/

[@TheRealNewBlackMusic]

everything he says is absolutely true. we agree with him on everything! Much respect.

[@bestest1234567]

i would appreciate Mr. shantanu's criticism or sarcasm if we could all afford his studio time or if he could give time to every music producer in india today. its not feasible and hence there is so much sampling ,for the bassisst to cover other bandwidths and so on. ofcourse the recorded sound has to be really good. i agree.i wont record guitars without a cabinet even if i cant afford it. but midi and synth work is doable at home.atleast for demos.if its a hit, it could always be rerecorded.

[@rijocherian2]

you are right sir, with all due respect. But what about the people who cant afford to pay for this huge studio

[@sainikmusic]

thank u sir......its always good to have lessons from person like u

[@69inbed]

Everything this guy said is right ! Common sense to the max !

[@jimmydesai88]

I'm learning sound engineering from bombay.... One of my friend who is a studio owner here in surat,gujarat told me that Shantanu Hudlikar is a sound engineer working at yashraj studio. u can call him and ask your questions about sound engineering. I thought he is joking. how and why the busy person will give me answer. but he told me he is not like others, he will give you answer. Shantanu sir, thank you so much....Such a grate information u gave to us..i am so glad today.. :)

[@abhayphagre]

I agree with what is written by MrBigdc37575. True passion and integrity! The world needs more of this! Great video, thank you for sharing this type of wisdom! Thanks a lot Shantanu.

[@Sixalienasa]

I like your style Shantanu. Well done.

[@charlesdominic8542]

So true!!! Can't agree more

[@AbhayadevS]

great interview... nice tips and tricks and hoping to watch more from him....

[@DarylChambugong]

A really helpful information and advice....Inspiring..THANX alot

[@bipin13]

wow sudeep I never imagined that someone will make a video like this in mum or in india ..you did and doing a brilliant work..not just for the musician but also for those who are unclear about their career as a musician. this should go a long way bro...and yes we need more episodes from shantanu and also guidence and tips from instrument playrs like guitar,piano,voice,vocals, etc. You rock bro !!! cheeers

[@gjguitarist]

Great information

[@johnmoses2008]

Hi Mr.Santhanu it was nice to hear you speak about the indian music Industry and the culture in the recording world in India. Keep up your good work. I am happy for you. God Bless.

[@bikashgogoi7164]

Great news bro..... I really appreciate

[@bharathj63]

SUCH INCREDIBLE INSIGHTS!! LOVE THIS MASTERS INSIGHTS!!!

[@TheIrish765]

I freaken love this guy!! He's saying exactly what I'm talking about!!!! Exactly what I'm trying to get across!

[@itsme5900]

Thanks sudeep audio for bringing the technical approach of "Mumbai" to my Computer screen !!

[@AudioPervert1]

The industry man claims honesty, effort and patience and the "exalted price" of experience .. Yet the quality of " industrial " music in big studios is a passe now .. The 'real' artist still lives and breaths outside any fancy studio. And further increasingly, music being made without super pre-amps, super expensive mixers .. More and more progressive and groundbreaking music is digital and bed room created ! Long live bad rooms and DIY !!

[@studio4onemajority285]

Straight to the point 👏👏