Simon Phillips: Interview & Studio Tour - Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro

➡️➡️Learn more about Simon Phillips here: producelikeapr...
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Warren visits Simon Phillips (www.allmusic.co...) at his studio. They discuss his journey, love of music, and get a look at his gear and recording space.
Check out Simon's studio here
www.phantomreco...
Produce Like A Pro is a website which features great tips to help the beginning recordist make incredible sounding home recordings on a budget.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hey friend, I'm really excited to share my latest video with you! I got to visit Simon Phillips at his studio Phantom Recordings and I had a blast! Simon is a fantastic drummer that has been playing on records nearly his whole life! Seriously, check out his credits www.allmusic.com/artist/simon-phillips-mn0000754875/credits Simon has a really great studio with some choice pieces of gear - just wait until you see his drum recording setup! In the video, we discuss his journey, love of music, and get a look at his studio and gear collection. I really hope you enjoy the video and please leave lots of comments and share! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@MiximusMaximus]

+Produce Like A Pro Awesome interview, so very informative. I get the feeling this could have easily gone another very interesting two hours.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +MiximusMaximus Agreed! Simon is amazing! I could have gone at least two more hours!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@dcp10200]

+Produce Like A Pro Great Interview as always, the first time I saw Simon was on The Art and Science of Sound Recording from Alan Parsons and loved the way his drums sounded.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Doug Payne Wow that would have been an amazing show!! Have a marvelous time recording and mixing! Many thanks Warren

[@dcp10200]

+Produce Like A Pro A friend of mine brought over the DVDs of that program over, there's some real solid info on all things recording on that.

[@dzohusafetw]

Two hours of quality video material. I have enjoyed this more than any movie i watched last 15 yrs. Beer and popcorn and two hrs of audio engineer heaven :)

[@marioboni8503]

dzohusafetw me tooo!!!

[@marioboni8503]

dzohusafetw me tooo!!!

[@sectionq1]

Damn right!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!!

[@beetlejews]

It was amazing, Simon is such an amazing guy

[@jonathanrichard6881]

Simon was on a Jet with me from Dallas to LAX; I didn't want to be the 50,000th person to bother him about the Drums. I should of been that 50,000th person. Love you brother from another Drummer.

[@Producelikeapro]

He's amazing drummer and a wonderful guy!

[@dvbartley]

Wow, I mean there are some fantastic studio tours you've done Warren and they're all brilliant- but this one really is a cut above. What a treat and Simon Phillips, what a complete gentleman - very gracious, modest, amazing talent and attention to detail. Wonderful insightful stuff, thanks so much

[@erikarko]

"No, I was seventeen." "Seventeen?!". Priceless. Such a great drummer and (from what I can tell) a humble guy! Thanks for making this video, Warren!! :)

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Erik Arkö Haha Yes I messed that one up and he caught me!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@erikarko]

+Produce Like A Pro I wasn't necessarily the fact that he "caught you", but rather the sheer look of surprise on your (and mine as well, I swear! :)) face as he said that. Seventeen years old. Amazing.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Erik Arkö Haha I know!! Amazing!! Only 17!! Incredible! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@a.i.override8914]

I think Warren might be one of the nicest, most real people on the planet. I watch his content just to put myself in a better mood and to remind myself that there are still good people in the world. I was surprised at how humble Simon was too. That dude is a master of many things. Great video as always!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi summer carson wow what an marvellous comment!! Thank you ever so much for your extremely kind words!

[@MoreBud-Angel]

A+

[@jarupert]

Warren, this was by far your best interview. You let him talk, tell the stories...I think you have finally found YOUR groove doing these interviews. Well done :)

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Jeff Rupert Wonderful! Thanks very much! Simon was a great guy to interview, so that really helps tremendously! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@nathanielnicholson559]

Drummers are a secret weapon of music recording. Simon Phillips is my Neil Peart and now seeing his personality in action outside the kit makes me just want to hang out with the dude. Man, his sound. Get the sound right first and the work's almost done. Could listen to that brain go on for days.

[@BillE2112]

I've admired Simon for years. His engineering is just like his drumming - brilliant! This is one of the best videos on the general topic of engineering I've come across. It's a must see.

[@nemanjapetrovic6110]

Oh dear, just put my baby to sleep and i am only 15 mins into the video and i can tell right away this one is gonna be a goodie for an all star selection...tx Mr. Huart

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Nemanja Petrovic Thanks for the great comment! I'm sorry to hear that! It'll be worth it though, I promise! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@erikkroll2154]

This is the best thing I think I ever seen. Simon is one of my favorite drummers. Me, as a drummer and a recorder, mixer and masterer for my band, this is absolute gold!

[@DailyDrumLesson]

Wow, a must watch for every drummer.

[@BobGuido]

One of the best videos you've done Warren. Simon is a very talented and versatile music maker, engineer, producer and a monster on drums.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, Simon is a lovely fellow! Thanks ever so much!

[@vanhunsberger4192]

I know I'm 7 years late to this interview but what a brilliant watch. As a drummer with a home studio this was fabulous. Simon is such a treasure. Thank you for this.

[@beetlejews]

Simon is such an intelligent and talented musician/artist/producer.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! He certainly is

[@earlwgreen]

This has been my favorite interview so far Warren! I'm American but I love the history of recording in the UK. There is such a wealth of knowledge in Simon and I'm so glad you had this opportunity to allow him to share it with us. I love the emphasis on the old school of recording. I wanted to give a shout now, even before I finish the video! Thanks again ever so much!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +earlwgreen Thanks very much! As an Englishman I love American music!! Simon is a true Gentleman and a wonderful talent!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@recordman555]

I knew, about 10 minutes into this video, I'd be watching it again - at least 3 times! Drum kits - especially the processes in which they are captured in recordings, have always fascinated me. In school, I set out to experiment with every technique I could find - drum tuning, mic choice, mic placement, dampening, EQ, gating, compression - you name it, I was committed to that percussion alchemy. Simon is an engineer's dream drummer. Thanks, Warren for once again bringing your fellows another gem of knowledge and studio wisdom. You're the best!

[@dave1812]

Simon Phillips is the Best Drummer Ever. Period. I wish this Video was longer :D Could watch Simon for Days.

[@alanfurlong-drummer4419]

Wow guys this was so informative for me I learned so much and as a 65yr old drummer just built my drum studio I have just got a great buzz from your enthusiasm, passion and knowledge thank you.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Alan!

[@ericwilhelm2941]

I was always a fan of Simon's work , but this interview and insight of what he can do when he is not behind a kit , Simply put , I would want him to record me playing in his Studio. his work with ToTo alone speaks for him , but all the experience from his beginnings . what a Gem he is . Bravo Simon , Bravo !!

[@JulesFox]

I still come back to this video for nuggets of gold. Thank you Warren and Simon. You share your knowledge with such generosity.

[@AnesBkdm]

I really love all these interviews/tours you make with the big names. Very interesting and inspiring. Thank you so much, Warren. :)

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Tsuko G. Thanks very much! Yes Simon is amazing! Incredible drummer, Producer and Studio owner!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@je36]

+Produce Like A Pro Same here! please do more Drum related stuff, so much history, I´ve learned a lot. Thanks!

[@BenjaminSchippritt]

This is amazing - one of the most informative interviews about recording & mixing I've seen! I've always been a fan of Simon's drumming and tasteful drumsounds. Now I know where this all comes from. Didn't know that Simon is also such a passionate and inspiring audio guy. Thank you so much Warren for sharing this!

[@ricflairjrs4]

Since discovering PLAP I've been going through the past interviews & studio tours. Great learning experience. This one with Simon has been my favorite. I started on drums so he was one of those cats you'd see in Modern Drummer laying down golden pearls of information. He's going masterclass here though... that rundown of the bass drum (yes, it was a "bass drum" when I was a kid) was unreal. That's the beauty of Warren's site & channel; it's a pure information exchange with pros who are unselfish with their knowledge of the craft. The whole "tricks" & trade secrets thing only goes so far because every situation in the studio, every song, every track, etc. is different...some of course are similar but no two sessions are the same. These cats like Simon are giving real world, applicable information and wisdom, not "tricks". Thanks Warren. These videos are just gold.

[@widowssontony.9268]

One of my very influential drummers of all time The Simon Phillips. Thank you so much warren for sharing. \_/

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Tony Samaha Agreed! Simon is an amazing drummer and a true gentleman! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@ronthompson95]

I once saw Neil Peart talking about how he wanted the listener to see how much care was put into what he did. Not just excellence and talent. The thought, effort, and care taken into it. As I watched Simon show his studio and describe his techniques you see just how much he cares. In every aspect.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Ron!

[@drumgod666]

This was great! Simon is a MONSTER drummer, and this shows how involved he really is in music, I love it.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! Agreed!

[@ChromaticHarp]

I got to see Simon play with Greg Howe at Iridium in NYC, with a KILLER band of mostly LA cats, it was burnin’

[@Candellan]

Thankyou so much for making this video. Simon is one of my favorite drummers (another is Jeff Porcaro, both TOTO drummers of course). Every few months I go back and watch either the 25th or 35th anniversary Toto DVDs to see some of the world's best perform and every time I'm both humbled and inspired by them. Having one of the best resumes in drumming AND being a top notch engineer is hard to beat. Thanks Warren and Simon. I'll be rewatching is over and over again.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Candellan Agreed! Both amazing drummers!! Have a marvelous time recording and mixing! Many thanks Warren

[@DavidAndrewsPEC]

Yet another fantastic interview from PLAP ... and I really loved how he was not just talking to you, but also to the crew and - gasp - to us, too! This was just amazing. You get some fantastic people on these things.

[@ThreadBomb]

Wow, the studio tour section was like a masterclass. So many great tips and tricks, but also his whole approach to recording music is exemplary.

[@footnotedrummer]

Conclusions of this interview: #1... what a cool guy. #2... Amazing open handed drummer. Simply a joy to watch Simon play. #3... WOW... what an incredibly smart engineer. Really knows his stuff. Great interview, Warren! Thanks for this.

[@M2Mil7er]

I had the pleasure of chatting with Simon Phillips on his tour bus in the early '00s when an old band of mine was supporting Toto on the German leg of their tour. A total gent, and what a drummer! Coming from a bass player who loved Simon's playing on Jack Bruce's solo stuff it was a surreal yet treasured moment. Thanks for the interview!

[@Producelikeapro]

HI +mysterywhiteboy72 Great stuff! I'm very glad you enjoyed the video!! I love Jack Bruce's solo stuff!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@RonnieVaiArovo]

Amazing guy, would love to meet him. Humble & also competent 👍

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! Simon is truly wonderful

[@mrSpatcat]

I love listening to people talk passionately about music, instruments, recording, anecdotes, and history of music. I could listen to these guys all day long.

[@robrobertson2661]

Simon has been my favorite drummer ever since he played with Jeff Beck. I never realized he was such an experienced engineer. Such a humble guy too.

[@mellotronin54]

Got so many records with Simon playing. Genius drummer and his attention to detail is something to behold. Thank you Warren.

[@GermanGallardoMusic]

One of my favorite interviews from PLAP, Warren. I'm a huge Simon Phillips fan. Hopefully one day, our paths will cross because of work. Thank you, and god bless.

[@Producelikeapro]

HI +German Gallardo Thanks very much! Yes, SHave a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warrenimon is a great guy!!

[@hikimusic_]

I was doing drums and Simon Phillips is one of my favourite drummer ever! And now, knowing him as an engineer and producer, make me respect him even more! Thanks for a lot of cool information and thanks Warren for doing this interview 🙏

[@L.A.W.Studios]

Best Episode ever! I can't tell you the amount of times I was nodding my head 'yes' when certain subjects came up, just wonderful. His Father's jazz background, and Simon's own unique character come through on everything I've ever heard from him, regardless of the type of music he is playing. One of a kind. Been following for years... It's awesome to see someone who is so detail oriented and particular with sound, and at the same time be hands-on, soldering his own cables together, talk about dedication and passion... All without an ego, which would just blur the clear vision he has. I'm so glad the cameras rolled for as long as they did too, that really allowed some of the finer points (and at the same time) diversions and tangents to shine through. Almost 2 hours! A ton of technical things in here as well, but I've babbled on quite long enough..haha.. Just another big thanks from me for this one. Bravo!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Steve A YAY!! Thanks!! I had an amazing time with Simon! Truly wonderful! I learned so much myself!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@roblouden3861]

What a fantastic interview! Both these gentlemen are fountains of recording knowledge. Thank you Warren and Simon!

[@probusexcogitatoris736]

Absolutely amazing! Love how much Simon is sharing here. You can see how passionate he really is. Like a kid in a candy shop.

[@jordanjohnmusicofficial]

This was an absolute treat!!! Fantastic conversation and stories! Bravo Warren & Simon! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! Really glad you enjoyed it!

[@Thesongstaysthesame]

Warren, This needs to be shown in every music academy, school and music store. This is absolute gold. It must be mind blowing for you to sit down and chat with the elites of modern music.

[@Pentoute45]

Amazing. Being a fan of Simons for years, it is awesome to see that great drummers can also be kickass sound engineers. Thanks doing and sharing this Warren.

[@TheGARCK]

Brilliant interview with a legend and full of great info. Thanks Warren for letting us be his assistant for 2 hours. Pure gold.

[@jimmynorris]

Thank you for sharing this video, and thank Simon for sharing such inspiring information. Simon is such a great drummer. His wealth of knowledge as an engineer is staggering. I really enjoyed this.

[@TimeMarchesOn]

My god this was just the best interview with Simon Phillips I've ever seen thank you thank Warren.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +TimeMarchesOnBand Thanks very much! Simon is amazing! I had a wonderful time talking to him! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@dyrphotography]

What a Gentleman, Mr. Phillips is! His name is on SOooo many tracks! Excellent Interview, Mr. Huart!

[@MannyRamirezM]

What a fantastic drummer. One of my favorites.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! Truly amazing talent

[@davidallenhammond2777]

What a wonderful and articulate man. It was soooo enlightening to hear a great musician who has such depth of understanding of the craft and art of recording. Thanks Warren, then Simon for sharing your love of music. p.s. will be shopping for paint cans and sand.

[@dbendeth]

Such a great interview with an amazing player with a pedigree a mile long and seamless chops forever. I was lucky to meet Simon with Lenny White a few years back at a show, and was just in awe of his tremendous ability. His work with Beck and Townsend was sensational. Warren you did it again, such an education with one of the true greats of our time.. Thank you for this wonderful piece.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +David Bendeth Aw shucks David You ROCK!! Thanks very much! I really appreciate your support it means a lot!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@kariiamba7324]

Wow, an amazing interview with the master of drums - Simon Philips.

[@magickriver]

Totally impressive & likeable human being, Simon Phillips... and the greatest drummer I've encountered ever!

[@greendayforever789]

DENMARK STREET YES! I visited London once and immediately fell in love with that street. Could've stayed there forever.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Niklas Schehr I have such amazing memories of that part of London!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@powlobo.m.b.]

man the guy can talk.. but I could listen to him for another 3 hours ahah he's amazing! great interview!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@willsanford2378]

I’m a drummer who has just gotten into recording so I can work remotely and your videos have been invaluable. After watching this, it’s no wonder Simon is one of the best ever, his attention to detail is second to none!

[@gdnrecords]

I Hope I could I could express with my limited english How amazed, surprised, and emotive this interview touched me it leave me in heart attack status shocking for me, Starting by being so lucky to find this valuable video on KZbin, hearing from the voice of one of my Biggest Drummer IDOLs "Simon Phillips" this GOLD information, WOW !! Absolutely true that the greatest are the most humble, and see how he is in the disposal to share his knowledge, Now I know and understand why this Symbiosis album made so many years ago, sounds like it sounds, I never Knew he was also -besides from being one of the most amazing drummers in the world- A MAJOR Recording Engineer of this level. Only him by his own merits could be a genuine new drummer after Jeff Porcaro dies of Toto, which it was not easy for me to accept, but when I first saw Simon on Paris I say Oh my GOD WOOOOOW !! Only him could take that drum throne. Thanks Warren for this SOLID GOLD Info you share with us, Thanks for letting this info be available for all of us in the world, "FREE" also for being such a good interviewer letting him Talk, Hands Down the most informative and inspirational channel in all of the youtube channels FOR AUDIO, is this one. I think Knowledge is like water if you let it flow it gets MORE back to you Thanks GOD for letting me see this Interview and wash my brain with this crystal clear and fresh water for my brains so inspirational and turbo charged my will of growth. Understanding that passion and super-hyper-mini-details are the engines for my dreams. Thanks !! a LOT.

[@ghostexits]

Wonderful conversation; love the stuff about vintage sessions, gear and engineering practice. Just to look at him, can hardly believe Simon Phillips is old enough to have lived and worked through all of these recording eras. He has a vibrancy, enthusiasm and a youthful vibe about him.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate it

[@ghostexits]

@@Producelikeapro I wonder if you've ever considered doing an interview series (or maybe you've already done some) on classic studio console engineers like Geoff Frost/Sound Techniques, or Cyril Jones/ Olympic/Raindirk? I just started watching Geoff Frost's 10yo YT channel, it's fantastic. I just wish there was more content from him (and others like him).

[@neonom1024]

one of the things i love about this video is the way it's shot. everything's appropriately shown and very nicely framed; no distracting camera tricks. well done!

[@danialdevostmusic]

Very interesting to hear Simon say that he engineers from audience perspective. A drummer myself, I always mixed the kit from drummer perspective, until one day I tried flipping it around and actually found that I was able to hear the recorded kit in much more detail and make more precise mixing decisions about it. I think it was that when it was drummer's perspective, my mind already knew what the drums sounded like and was perhaps influencing the way I was hearing the recording. Fantastic information in this video

[@jackpaice]

Not the first Simon Phillips interview I watch but it's great that you did it, since you usually spend such a long time with people. What a fascinating guy and what a repertoire! Brilliant drummer. Interesting to learn how much he knows about sound engineering!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +jackpaice Yes agreed! Great drummer and world class engineer! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@fedup3449]

The Tama Brass Bell has always been my go to snare. It's VERY LOUD too.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes it is! Happy New Year!

[@bwm5150]

Excellent stuff, thanks! Could listen to you and Simon all day!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +bwm5150 Thanks! Simon is amazing!! What a wonderful player!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@televiewmedia6395]

I have to say that this was the most enjoyable 2 hours I have ever spent on the subject Simon is so intuitive both old school and new school and a true lover of the music I just can't get over how much I enjoyed this journey thanks dude

[@Producelikeapro]

I agree 100%!! Simon is amazing!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@ChemaMrua]

For some reason I thought Philips was a silent man, but jeez I was wrong. Beautiful and very educational interview. Thanks again, Warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@bentyreman5769]

what a nice guy! this is great, learnt a few things here, great video.

[@Producelikeapro]

HI +Ben Tyreman Yes Simon is a great guy!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@jesseowenastin]

i had the pleasure of working for a brief period on some records at this studio several years ago. i learned more from those sessions, just listening to simon talk about recording - than any other session or studio i've been in.

[@josefvr3315]

This man has a pure soul, you can feel it. As always good job Warren.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Fernando Saxo Agreed! Simon is an amazing musician and wonderful Producer! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@PlatinumBlack90038]

Simon and Warren ― the best in the business! The sound of the drums and the percussion are everything! 🎙🎤🥁🎚🎚🎚🎚🎛🎛🎧🔊👂🏼

[@danepaulstewart8464]

Daaaaaaaamn…. Dude I’ve been listening to for 40 years. 😳

[@user-eu3mn6ss5l]

Might be the best video on the channel. What a wonderful resource. I've been a fan of Simon Phillips since 1979's Michael Rutherford album "Smallcreep's Day." I was like "who the hell IS that on drums? He's a monster!" Such a great video.

[@Justin_the_Analog_IC_architect]

Ah, Simon Phillips - what a great guy! He played drums with my guitar teacher John Mizarolli donkey's years ago and I've kept tabs on since then. One of the best rock drummer ever in my humble opinion and a great sense of humour too. In the dark days of Toto when they were playing to empty halls, maybe 15 years ago, he had a blog post from upper New York state saying he'd like to thank the audient for coming out last night :)

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Justin, great comment! Yes, Simon is amazing! Wonderful drummer and an amazing guy! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@The_Absurdistt]

Years later and I still reference this gem.

[@TheWilliamBogart]

I rewatched this interview just last month, little did I know at the time that this great studio and its contents were lost in the Thomas wildfire last December. Devastating!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Ian, yes, terrible news!!

[@danielsvanstrom]

Probably one of the best interviews of all time!! All that knowledgde and attention to detail is just brilliant!

[@ElMoShApPiNeSs]

I can already tell this is gonna be an awesome video.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +BigFatCock Agreed! Simon is an incredible drummer! I had an amazing time talking to him! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@zenonsouzajr1735]

SIMON PHILLIPS IS THE BEST !!! NO WORDS

[@Steviedrengen]

Amazing stuff! I used to be a recording artist back in the 80's, and this sure brought back some fun memories. We actually did an album with Eddie Kramer back then, and now I'm desperately trying to remember the paint can... But Simon just sounds like that kind of person that everybody loves to work with in a studio. That kind of personality can save a session! Great one, Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Allan Nielsen Great stuff! Yes Simon is a wonderful guy!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@La_sagne]

what a magnificient video.. cant believe stuff like this is for free

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!!

[@Scream4vengeance]

What a trove of great knowledge and anecdotes! That was a truly fantastic interview (and very skillfully conducted) and studio tour. Simon's such a nice and knowledgeable guy. Thank you for these great moments! Suddenly remembering that just like the Spitfire, the Phantom (F-4) was also a hell of a fighter plane! Rock on!

[@jefflittle4427]

I agree with Simon on the Rode Classic. I was lucky to be a one owner of the Classic l and love it. Watched this video from start to finish and love the fact Simon is detail oriented. I like the fact that he changes and tries new things he sees and hears.

[@dexsmith1864]

30 years ago in Germany I was working as a sound engineer for a sound equipment company and I was sent to a drum workshop (in Pforzheim) with a truck full of equipment and not a lot more infomation. So I got there and set up everything and then Simon Phillips came in (I wasn't told this in advance). I think he was alone and set all his equipment up alone (like I did). And I was thinking, is this THE Mr. Phillips. So we did the sound check, I had a 32 track desk and it was filled up with Simons drums (including his Octobans, his voice mic and stereo stems). So when the sound check was finished I started looking around when his sound engineer was going to turn up, and asked Simon when his FOH man was arriving. He said he didn't really need a FOH man because all of the channels (EQ) could be flat. At this point I had to agree with him, as during the sound check I didn't really do any EQ'ing, everything was almost flat. His double bass drums were double headed with mics built inside and positioned exactly how he wanted them. Same with all the mics all exactly with mic stands built onto the kit rig. So all I had to do was move(minimally) the faders throughout the complete drum workshop. I have to say of all of the "superstars" I have worked with , he is the most down to earth I have ever had the pleasure to have (not) mixed.

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! Thanks ever so much for sharing your wonderful experiences! You also sound very humble and I really appreciate this amazing comment!

[@nickjones252]

This is brilliant.Always loved Simon's playing and saw him live a couple of times in London but, hearing his story and seeing him talking about his studio was fascinating.I can see myself wanting to watch this again and again. Great stuff Warren - why did it take me 3 years to find this video???

[@simonesantaca5325]

Woww!Is beautyful room and battery!Is Very fantastic! Thank you very much Simon!:D :D

[@Zemial]

What a treat for drummers and engineers alike. So much information, so much depth and detail. Brilliant! Thank you.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much my friend

[@Groovemaster2000]

This was a real treat. I really enjoyed this interview since Simon is one of my all time favorite drummer (I´m a guitarist and producer) and I´ve been following him since MSG´s first album in 1980. He really knows his stuff in the studio as an engineer and producer. It would be a blast to record and be produced by him, but that will probably never happen :D Thanks for a great and interesting interview. As you said, this could go on for days so I'm looking forward to part 2,3,4 etc.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Ove Lundqvist Exactly! Simon is not only one of the greatest drummers ever but he's also a world class Engineer and Producer! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@sebastiangadd4250]

Wow, thank you both for all tips and perspective on drum-recording. Seems as you had loads of fun and enjoyed each other’s input. Big like!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Sebastian!

[@okolekahuna3862]

Love this guy in every situation he played in...

[@Cangsque]

Thanks Warren! Beside he's one of my favorite Drummer, I loved this interview. Simon phillips is a great Drummer and also a great recording/mixing Engineer.

[@Producelikeapro]

HI +Canga Groovemaster Yes such an amazing Drummer! Agreed also a great Engineer, Producer and Mixer!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@L.Scott_Music]

Left a long comment on PLAP so I'll keep it short here and restate from the other post, this looks like a place where upon entering you can just breath better. Simon is so forthcoming and genuine. Thanks!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +L. Scott Music thanks for your amazing comments Loren!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@janminor1172]

Simon just has the greatest speaking voice and also excellent diction, it is a joy to listen to him talk. Fascinating guy all around.

[@richardbelisle7626]

Great stuff...I am really looking forward to trying the new Roland 706 kit and brain...for exactly that issue of phasing....seems Roland has really gotten the v drum to a whole new level...

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing

[@dragongoff]

This has to be a special interview in that the producer is a respected musician. You get a different perspective when the producer/engineer is actually a published musician with vast discography and it is a treat to have that perspective explained in detail. I met Simon when on tour with Toto back in 2008, Sklar on bass, Greg Phillinganes on keys, of course Luke, Tony Spinner on guitar, with Bobby back in the band on vox. Did not know then that Simon was a studio owner/producer/engineer. His ideas and attention to detail are remarkable. Really good hour and fifty-five minutes Warren!

[@mcmike100]

It warms my heart to still see a ProControl in use. I was the first product manager at Digidesign for it. I left Digidesign shortly before it was released.

[@AnthonyCarrier]

Listening to these engineers/producers dawned on my like a light...A good engineer probably loves his art of mixing as much as I love my art of playing guitar/keyboard, drums or singing and I realize no matter what the greatest bandmate a solo-artist has is his engineer...in and out of the studio...!

[@gsonn18]

Great Studio, Engineer & Interview! My 2nd time watching..Thanks Warren & Simon!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@villekeinonen8065]

What a fantastic and informational visit to the lair of one of the world's premier drummers. Hats off to Warren and Simon!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Ville Keinonen Thanks very much!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@The_Absurdistt]

I think Ive watched this vid over 10 times... simon and warren = win.

[@schnowtza]

Amazing interview. Simon Phillips has been an inspiration to me as a drummer my entire life. He is very well rounded (jazz, rock, blues...you name it). I had no idea he was an engineer/producer/mixer, that's great! I had the privilege of attending his drum clinic at the PASIC Convention in Kansas City, Missouri in 1983. I had never heard of him, but it only took mere seconds to realize what a major player he is...a true technician! Thank you for the great interview! BTW...I am finally sold...Audience perspective from now on!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi schnowtza, Thank you ever so much for your kind words!! So glad to be make this video with Simon!! Simon rules!! He's an amazing drummer, wonderful engineer and Producer! That would have been a great Drum Clinic back in '83!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@craigbachman5765]

Simon mentions recording the drums with one mic. While at school from 74-76 we would record our composition homework, 5 or 6 musicians surround a little cassette machine with a built in mic. We got a good balance in the rehearsal rooms. Those were fun days.