Are You High Passing At The Wrong Frequency?

[@Producelikeapro]

What other questions would you like me to answer? Comment below to be featured in the next FAQ Friday!

[@anthonydallarosa8314]

Where did you learn to play like that? 🔥

[@nickanton7983]

Here's something I'm really struggling with - I have a Sansamp Bass DI Driver, and I can't for the life of me figure out how to get it to sound good going into my Scarlett interface. I can never seem to get the lows and mids to gel together nicely, and I seem to always have to scoop one or the other. I think this combo of gear (Sansamp + focusrite) is fairly common amongst intermediate producers. Would you ever consider doing a video on how to dial in the perfect tone on some common bass DIs?

[@joelonsdale]

How tightly (to the grid) do you fix your drums in a non-band situation when you want to build the song from scratch? I tend to fix them absolutely to the grid so aligning samples, editing etc become easy.

[@djGreenALERT]

Hi Warren, hope you are well.Your video has coincided perfectly with a project I've just started on. My vinyl collection to digital. Turntables/Mixer/Amp are all hardware but I have setup an inverse RIAA filter (Fabfilter Q3). The problem is it sounds terrible. I'm going to see if I can fix it myself for next Friday (If so I will tell you what and how etc) If not, I'd appreciate if you would cover that for me. Many thanks. Jay ...ps. I typed that before watching the video. Having seen it I learned of the loss of a legend. I am so sorry

[@flavanthensome]

Do you add the Pultec "boom and fizz" before or after the master buss compressor?

[@trevornokesmusicltd5357]

RIP Al Schmitt, Legend.

[@Producelikeapro]

He was such an incredible talent!

[@rickmassimo6192]

@@Producelikeapro I never met him, but I did interview Phil Ramone when his book came out. He was a genius and an extremely nice guy.

[@edkrausmixengineer]

Al was so, so important to the recording industry. Such a legend. What a life.

[@Producelikeapro]

I agreed Ed, such an important part of what we do!

[@MarcBecker_Music]

RIP Al Schmitt. He has done so many great things in the music world, he has given so much. A true legend. This is a sad year. First Rupert Neve, now Al Schmitt. The Audio Community has lost a lot in 2021.

[@chrismataran8302]

Thank you Warren. Al Schmitt will be missed so much and although I'm not a professional mixer I feel the loss as if he was my mentor for ages.. May he Rest In Peace.

[@Producelikeapro]

Al was all of our mentors Chris! We all owe so much to him!

[@bobbeals2893]

I'm very sorry for your loss, Warren. Al sounds like he was an amazing mixer, but more importantly and amazing human being that had a great impact on your life. I'm really sorry.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Bob, Al was a huge loss for the whole audio world! He will be sorely missed! We cannot over estimate his importance to all of us in the music industry, an incredible human being and insanely talented man.

[@SirEggbertfartalot]

Rest in peace Mr Schmitt, and thank you for all the magic.

[@paulEmotionalaudio]

Al Schmitt was one of the giants upon whose shoulders many in the industry stood. I am of course deeply envious of anyone who has had the chance to meet someone like Al, let alone work with him. Our thoughts and wishes for his family and friends. As always, wonderful, (and respectful!), FAQ Friday. Love your work Warren... double plus good.

[@Loribulon]

When you're about to go to sleep but then produce like a pro drops a video

[@hrishivas]

Haha. Same here.

[@patkelly8309]

What time is it where you are Devlin? Just curious. This video premiered mid-afternon here in UK ( 3pm' ish.. )

[@Producelikeapro]

Aw schucks! Thanks ever so much Devlin!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi@@patkelly8309 it went live at 11am pst, so that should be around 7pm I believe in the UK?

[@Producelikeapro]

@@hrishivas haha thanks ever so much!

[@TomCawoski]

So sorry that the musical industry has lost one of the greats - Al Schmitt! I loved his way of recording and mixing with minimal EQ or compression if he used any at all. He seamed like such a great person as well. I would have loved to have met him and I would have loved to learn from him. Al will certainly be missed by many. Thank you Al for all you did!!!

[@MrSebify]

Loved what you said about mr Schmitt. Thank you! Wish I could ever meet him. Great story. Thank you again.

[@Producelikeapro]

He was a true Gentleman, he would have impressed you with his humility!

[@scottakam]

Al Schmitt is a legend. Thanks for all the amazing music Al!

[@DarkoObretan]

Al Schmitt was certainly one of the best, if not the best! RIP Al

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed 100%!

[@homeguitarplayer9482]

You are answering questions I don't even know to ask, teaching me so much. I'm an absolute noob and I'm trying to learn to play and record at home. Forgive my ignorance and thank you for your wonderful videos.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@neovxr]

so sorry to hear that. really a big emotional farewell. but it was a blessing that he could stay around for so long. we know too many who had to leave much earlier...

[@Producelikeapro]

Al was giant amongst us and there will never be any other like him.

[@bobbykanemusictube]

I wish I could have thanked in, in person, for all the amazing music that shaped my world. Thank you, Al. And thank you, Warren.

[@Producelikeapro]

I hear you Bobby! He was such a humble man

I did not know Al Schmitt, but it sounds like you feel about him like most of us feel about you, Warren. Thank you for all you do, for your attitude, for your kindness. Very sorry for your loss.

[@MartinLuxen]

Thanks Warren! Great questions. I also marked of my volume control to my speakers and headphones years ago. For speakers so I know for a good mix it will be around 85dB and for headphones, like you said, when it sounds flat. Turns out that 85dB in a normal family house is pretty loud already! Have a nice weekend!

[@Nopleaseandthanks]

Great story and tribute to Al Schmitt.

[@Producelikeapro]

Al was a true Prince and a Gentleman. A huge loss to our industry.

[@urltom]

Al Schmitt had class.

[@BobJohnson-xo7hr]

So sad to hear of Al's passing. He set a standard for all of us to aspire to achieve. So much for all of us to learn from everything he worked on.

[@willandwav]

Hi Warren. I’m a doctor with Ear Nose & Throat experience, and before you said it, I thought - high frequency hearing loss or the dreaded 4K notch hearing loss from noise induced hearing loss. I’m sure you’re right!

[@TheChzoronzon]

I'm 50 and I can clearly detect the loss of highs... above all in the left hear, a close firecracker years ago did quite a bit of damage :(

[@summerfazed]

The advise on listening volumes and the story about Al Schmitt using only automation to mix was so valuable. I'm like yeah, it's called mixing for a reason! :) and it's pretty much costs you no money and sounds better ;)

[@Producelikeapro]

Very well said!

[@scottfaircloff9530]

beautiful words for Al. was in tears at end. blessings and thanks for everything you do and all you shared today!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Scott! Yes, Al was a Prince, a true Gentleman and huge talent!

[@ahmettiryakioglu_music]

Admiring you and your work dude. How can I tell this I don't know but, you nail the answers to the questions a lot of us even don't know to question yet. May Al rest in peace.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! That’s very kind of you to say! I’m glad to be able to help

[@squoblat]

That shred was cathartic. Cheers Warren, and condolences.

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very kind. Al was such a huge loss to us all my friend!

[@frederickthorne2496]

I love Al Schmitt so much. What an incredible loss. RIP

[@soniczebra]

One other thing, I never knew what the purpose of my Dim button was for, now it makes sense and I am stoked I have this option. I always just changed the output for editing. Thanks again for the providing this awareness. 🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@trevornokesmusicltd5357]

Hi Warren, As an Older PLAP'er I've Got a hearing Analysis on the 22nd May so i can see exactly what frequencies i can hear, i'm using this as an analysis to assist with my mixing. The Max i go to is 80db and no more.....I just leave the session and come back a couple of hrs later. This is following feedback from the PLAP Community. All the Very best , Trev.

[@FriendGaugeShotgun]

the headphone mark is actually genius!! I'm going to set a spot tonight!!

[@autoazure]

Great episode, love the Yamaha demo, a Pro Producer who is also a skilled guitarist sells the channel for me! Mastering still remains a mystery to me!

[@HitTheRoadMusicStudio]

My condolences to his Family & Friends, I just watched again the Interview with you and him! Such an inspiring personality✌so inspiring!!! Warren, which Dub Vinyls did you bought? Would love to see some Dub music(ians) on this channel, for example DubFx 😎Incredible artist!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Ady my friend! I wish I still had my record collection from England, it was HUGE!

[@livelikeus4980]

Thank you warren for such a wonderful warm thanks to the legend Al! His resonating masterpieces will inspire us all to come - and to me - his tremendous impact on everyone who has had the opportunity to feel them in the mix! Warren I selfishly want you Keep making these videos for all eternity lol - I especially love the studio inside tours! The length of the videos is also magnificent - and I feel like they are always on point! Dan

[@agesonjohanesburg2915]

Can you PLEASE do a video of live band rehearsal/ jam space, how you MIC/ headphones or wedges/ what plugins you use vs tracking non-live? Cheers!

[@polmorgan3533]

I often cup my hands behind my ears to listen. You hear things much brighter. As i am 57 the top end of my hearing has been lost so this i feel gives me a better idea of how other younger people would hear it.

[@Beatledave7]

Lovely tribute for Al Warren. Also have to say what a phenomenal company Yamaha have been for decades. High quality guitars, pianos, drums, studio gear, hifi gear, they’ve done it all & consistently over many years at the highest standard... as your Revstar demonstrates.

[@chetti8432]

Nice guitar licks there Warren, Al is the king of legends and I would have loved to have met him. May his legacy live forever.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much my friend! I really appreciate it!

Rest In Peace, Al. Also, sometimes I forget how good a guitar player Warren is. But then he just kindly and warmly reminds me and it's so much fun!

[@mrks_motorcyclist]

...and thank you Warren for your emotions.

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous, thanks ever so much

[@CraigHollabaugh]

I've listened to albums for 50+ years and understand the low frequency groove width relationship. The 12" inch single handling lower frequencies is new bit knowledge. Thanks for teaching this old dog a new trick!

[@nicoras8803]

From an audio designers point of view the low-end becoming less loud at higher volume level is that the loudspeaker itself is physically gain compressing. This is due to the loudspeaker moving out of the magnetic field and the cone movement reduces. To reproduce the low frequencies the whole driver surface needs to move pistonically however, the mids and highs are produced by modulating the surface area like ripples on water when throwing a stone in it. Thus, one of two things happen, the cone surround is limiting the true piston movement of the driver producing the low end, but it is not limiting the mid/highs where the driver surface is modulated over the whole cone area. The other is what I suggested above, that the voice coil is moving out of its magnetic field at high level low frequency and the motor structure cannot respond linearly to the input stimulus any longer and is roller off. I would think that this would only be likely when too high level is applied (you have a hearing deficiency at low end) or the headphone you are using surround and magnet flux is reduced that limits the efficiency at high volume low frequency. Get a set of planar or electrostatic headphones, which just may sole your problem.

[@Producelikeapro]

Indeed! At extremely high levels I can definitely see this as an issue between normal levels and very high levels. This question was about listening at very low levels and then turning it up to a normal level, which of course only increase the low end, not decrease. Thanks ever so much

[@darrenross9168]

RIP Al Schmitt, man so very sad, another great FAQ Warren, Thank you, all the best.

[@mrsomeone828]

That's so interesting to know. The Yamaha Revstar. when everyone is crazy about fenders, Gibsons and Ibanez. Sounds beautiful indeed!

[@joejurneke9576]

Best down to earth advice on the planet!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@reziahamed6654]

TRIBUTE TO A MASTER FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS & SOULS.... A HUGE SALUTE TO YOU DEAR SIR... Dear Warren, Its an honor a person of your caliber reminding us what a great human being Al was. Thanks loads Warren & Team. 😓

[@SEOTeamBerlin]

wow what a great video, full of infos - and my dad also died age 91 last autumn, right within sleeping, after a very rich life - may they all rest in peace :)

[@johncollins5552]

I was stage manager for a couple of thousand small gigs before Corona but only trained as a radio studio producer using Adobe audition and get lost with pro tools and cubase.I want to thank you for these videos, I am slowly learning.

[@1tabularasa1]

RIP, AL. Warren, I never saw you moved like that before. I understand your deep appreciation for Al Schmitt and everything he brought into the audio-world. He`ll be missed badly.

[@austinmiller3527]

Thanks for all of these lessons, Warren. I've been learning a lot!

[@Producelikeapro]

You’re very welcome

[@MaartenFranken]

Instruments dont have to be expensive to be useful and even cheap instruments, these days, can be very good playing, nice sounding instruments. I have a €600-and-a-bit Strat and with a little handiwork its turned into a very nice studio guitar. Every month one new item, for a couple of months... Everyone who's played it, loves that guitar

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed 100% Maarten! I love my RevStar and it's the most used guitar I have!

[@jorgepeterbarton]

Squier are good these days probably better than mexican fenders used to be, for even half that!

[@dougwatt6303]

Thank you for your videos! RIP Al... greetings from Alberta Canada.

[@petesawchuk]

The great ones leave a mark that can never be erased; thank you Al Schmitt, and Godspeed.

[@MaxFury_Official]

I feel proud and a bit weirded out to say i didn't highpass anything in my latest mix. But it just worked, also because the mix is not squashed at all. Very relaxed beautiful drums/synthbrass/guitar/bass worked absolutely great. Edit: It also goes to show like i've said millions of times to people (sound first). Which means get the best sound you can, and balance the mix. But there are many ways to rome, so mine might not fit others.

[@Kevinfordsynthesizers]

What an education for a Sunday morning - so much I’ve learned. Much respect and many thanks to you sir.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@TheChzoronzon]

Love how you tenderly glide over misconceptions and weird questions while still giving informative answers :D you are a charming guy

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very kind! Education is about being truly helpful and not condescending! There are MANY things in life I know nothing about, the kindness others have shown me has taught me a lot and I might hasten to add the lack of kindness others have also shown me has taught even more!

[@AfferbeckBeats]

The main thing to be aware of with low end for vinyl is that you can't have bass frequencies be stereo, it needs to be mono to avoid skipping. High frequencies can also sound very sibilant on vinyl.

[@russell_szabados]

That’s why when mastering for vinyl, it’s common practice to hi pass the “sides” and leave the mid channel alone. That practice is still very common.

[@Yupppi]

I remember hearing some blues and rock records from between 60's and 80's that my parents loved, and as a kid I simply couldn't understand how anybody could listen to them when they were so brittle and almost hurt ears. Now it's much better when I can only hear up to ~14 kHz.

[@satorizero5448]

Smart suggestion on the dim idea and the setting a mark on your volume.

[@DouglasComical]

I have the lower end P90 Revstar in green and I love it. I wish they made one with the racing stripe like the humbuckers, but that’s just an aesthetic thing

[@Producelikeapro]

The ones with P90’s are fantastic!! Great choice

[@Joey-rp5vg]

Watched a great video with Al, recording a jazz band. It was all in the recording, he said. Record it right and your halfway there. Instead of reaching for an EQ he went back into the live-room and adjusted the mic or changed it. Mr Al Schmitt did not subscribe to " we knew it, when we blew it, so we'll fix it when we mix it " school of thought. Is great to watch and listen to Al's videos

[@michaeltablet8577]

Thank you Warren! Had it not been for you and your videos I would only have known Al as a name on an album cover Thank you for introducing us to all these wonderful and legendary people. God bless you!

[@Producelikeapro]

That really means a lot. Thanks ever so much for letting us know that

[@KUMStudio1]

Wonderful words about Al!! Bravo Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@wrzkace1]

I have the Rev star 820. it plays great !!

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic thanks

[@hoppersgirl11]

So sorry for your loss Warren

[@Hugoknots]

Great content. I can feel your sincerity Warren and it’s awesome. RIP Al Schmitt.

[@splashesin8]

I wondered what that did with those button topped knobs. I remember playing with those on something a long time ago and just having no idea. Thanks for that suggestion of marking the level to begin to prevent the ear fatigue situation. 🙏🏻💞💜

[@1962strat1]

Warren you always hit the right note is your praise of your hero’s . Now that many have passed you are also passing they’re baton so generously to us. Thank you. I love music but am a hobbiest only. My high hearing is long gone at 62 years old. The Sonarworks Ear Phone Reference is a great help at a reasonable price. Any other tips for dealing with the high end when you can’t hear it! Greatly appreciated.

[@TonyLopezBand1]

Love your Al Schmitt interview 2018 ,Awesome,cheers Tony Lopez Band 🎸😉🙏

[@StaticTeaz]

Great practical advice! Thanks for the heads up on the Antelope Zen elsewhere, too. It's on my radar now and will be a great portable tool to acquire.

[@xXValomatXx]

08:30 This is an effect with a name. The lower the listening level, the more the signal seems to have only lows and highs left. I forgot about the name of that effect but it becomes really prominent with super low listening levels. It's the result from an psychoacoustic effect due to the hearing threshold of the hair cells in your ears. It's true...

[@robinmiller7958]

When engineers play better than most of the people they are recording there is something very warped with the music business. Always amazed when I hear you or Rick Beato play guitar and the stuff you guys do off hand with no effects is so tasty.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Robin, thanks for your kind words! I’ve always been a guitar player first. I’ve played guitar on most of the albums I make. For instance, I was fortunate to play with Slash and Ace on a Thin Lizzy cover (Emerald). When I was young I wanted to be Brian May, still kind of do! Haha

[@brendanmccurry428]

My Condolences Warren, keep your head up.

[@gotyor]

Al Schmitt the king of moving mics to perfection. kudos of being a master in this industry... you talents and presence will be missed... until the next chapter r.i.p.!

[@richsmith3255]

Good episode, I really have enjoyed seeing Al Schmidt online and hearing bits of his bio from him and others. Your heartfelt tribute means a lot; how fortunate to have been able to see and hear him at work -to meet him and to get the sense of who he was as a person. Btw I’d say your channel is probably my #1 “go to” during this pandemic. Informative and truly engaging. You are superb at what you do Warren. Strange thing, you remind me quite a bit of Michael Palin. Has anyone ever mentioned the resemblance to you?

[@mikekaraoke]

Warren really sorry for your loss mate - very sad about- Al Schmitt , may he RIP. 😥 I had the pleasure of meeting him once such a great man! BTW i sent you the add yesterday-Mike Perry. No rush just letting you know. And of course another thumbs up for another enjoyable video. 👌🤘

[@updown5238]

You're the man Warren, appreciate your stuff :)

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@alexeytereshonok]

I will always remember Al as one of the greatest people in music.

[@soniczebra]

I appreciate the historical part leading up to the question. That put the rest of the video in context. Love your channel. Learning so much from your content. Thank you for continuing to provide realistic and comprehensive content. 🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Nicholas, I appreciate the well thought out comprehensive comment! I enjoy the fact that we have such educated viewers! That means a lot

[@andrewjacobs5579]

Same here with my lows & highs & the volume thing. I've always figured its a combo of only having a pair of cheap 8" powered monitors & a million gain & volume knobs I haven't gotten right yet, & being 40 with some low end loss in my left ear & some high end loss in my right.

[@davidallenhammond2777]

As usual, really wonderful and useful advice. Thanks so much Warren. Really sorry Al is gone, but really grateful for the music he mixed.

[@benjaminzagar4626]

Rest in piece Al. You are an inspiration to all of us. The legend of audio engineering.

[@michaelbrodie931]

Very touching on a wonderful channel.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@gregedenfield1080]

very blessed to have met him(A.S.) a few times working at Capitol, when I was there I would tell my assistant to leave the door open in hopes he would wonder in...it worked. what an awesome credit to our industry, greatly missed as is Phil Ramone whom I also had the honor of knowing. RIP guys.

[@Passenger-hn5fb]

Awesome as always! I recently got a pair of DT990s, great stuff!

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic! Thanks ever so much

[@sorenkongshoj]

Great video Warren! In regards to the headphone volume thing: It does seem weird that low end would be more noticeable at low volume. If anyone is unsure about the health of their ears a quick trip to an ENT would be highly advisable! It could be high frequency hearing loss, but also a host of other things. I had a somewhat similar experience with higher frequencies being more apparent at higher volumes. It turned out to be a problem with stuffiness due to allergies, so easily treatable :) Thank cod for that.

[@rimmersbryggeri]

How nice that a nice person like Al got to have such a long life. Doesn't always happen especially not in this business.

[@RedSheap]

First time seeing Warren shred! 😳. Definitely tasty licks 🤟🏻

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@collegestatistics]

Nice explanation. And I'd say, not t only should you, “master for the format” but you should choose your reference tracks for the format too. Just my opinion. I once used a rock standard as my reference track and the mastering engineer said, "Where's the bass!"

[@andrewmack4829]

Regarding the low end frequency question.. I’ve noticed on some of my speakers they will show a freq range of say 43hz at -10db and 48hz at -6db. Perhaps that is what is happening with him? Maybe losing some of the super lows when turned it up too loud? Not sure about the science behind it, but just something I’ve noticed on various speakers I’ve bought and used. Huge fan of your channel and thank you so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us!

[@Bluelagoonstudios]

I'm sorry for the loss of a legend and your friend. Ear fatigue, if you experience this, it's time for a break and do something totally different. That's what works for me. And depending on the genre of music.

[@kelvynification]

So sorry to hear this. RIP to a legend:(

[@OUT5IDE_]

All my most sincere condelences to Al Schmidt family and friends... Sad day for music !!

[@klausdavid1989]

Wow man... Your tribute to Al was so moving. You really loved him and the stories you shared are so cool. Thanks for remembering us that one of the reason we do music is because we like to share those moments. Rest in peace Al Schmitt. I have a question. I'm doing a mix for a metal album at the moment. The style is a bit like Primus and has some stoner elements. I'm struggling to give the guitar some depth and excitement. What kind of reverb or trick would you recommend for metal guitars? I have already panned them left and right at about 70 percent but I feel like it's missing some power and they don't sit nicely in the mix. Thanks for everything you do. Love your videos.

[@aaroncampmusic]

God rest Al Schmitt! We should all aspire to honor music the way he did in his work ethic.

[@seanclaytongray8153]

Man its Sick how insane you runs are on guitar Warren,mainly because you often plink around but never do more than check the tone and feel of one you haven't played,every once in awhile you grab a Rev Star,and I'm all Oh S#!t Hes got Skills!

[@satorizero5448]

The issue with headphones and volume/low end is The louder you go, your ear picks up higher frequencies Another way of saying: Moxing at different volumes for sure effects the bass mixes You have to mix at consistent volumes.

[@amberwoodstudio]

Nice axe. It’s refreshing to hear someone praise a guitar on KZbin that’s not a fender or Gibson or one of their clones ☺️

[@stupendousmusic4190]

One of my greatest moments was watching Al Schmitt and Steve Genowicz speak at NAMM last year. While they were doing their Q & A, I met Leland Sklar, and then, out of nowhere, Louise Goffin walks right up next to me! WOW! We had been exchanging messages from time-to-time, for a few few months prior to NAMM, but it was the first time we met face-to-face! The last NAMM how was also when you and I finally met each other. I also befriended Terry Reid. I had a few moments throughout the weekend with Andrew Scheps as well. Saw some friends of mine from around the world that I hadn't seen in ages. I really miss going to NAMM and AES. I wish I could go more often than I have. Hopefully NAMM will resume next year! Regarding the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pros. They are fabulous headphones! Just slightly shy of neutral. I primarily use the DT 880 Pros, which are as neutral as can be. If I may suggest: listen to the mix in mono, at various levels, and with the methods you suggested. If the bass is still to prominent, then eq-ing some bass out might be worth trying. 🤔

[@brettmarlar4154]

Leland Sklar also did a rather moving tribute to Al a couple of days ago.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, beautiful

[@AndredeBruinSoundengineer]

Ever thought of this? Premium headphone losing low-end when you crank it up. I think of a faulty headphone-amp instead of a hearing problem... impedance and faulty amps first to check.