Producer and Engineer Al Schmitt - Pensado's Place

22-time GRAMMY winning Engineer and Producer Al Schmitt joins Dave and Herb on the 117th episode of Pensado's Place!
"Stump The VK Guy" Question:
"When people say "tape compression" or "saturation" what exactly is the process that produces these effects, and why should I care?"
Jacob Schneider's Answer:
"Tape compression and saturation are both effects of using a tape machine. These processes can very depending on the tape machines electronics, the tape that is used, the calibration of the machine as well as as how the source is driven into the machine.
I guess technically there is no tape compression you are driving the tape and electronics so they are saturating and distorting raising the noise floor.
Kind of a crazy question not sure if there is any easy way to explain that. Why should you care? Well it is an effect like it or not."
You can contact Jacob here: vintageking.com...
Subscribe on iTunes:
Video: itun.es/iV97k2
Audio: itun.es/iVX6Zc
Please 'Like' and 'Follow'...
/ pensadosplace
/ pensadosplace
Art Institue of California -- Los Angeles: www.artinstitut...

[@juliengrenier91]

really sad news this morning, one of the greatest episode for me. A lot of techniques will stay with us.

[@richardharmon9596]

The one man I dreamed of being able to meet was Al Schmitt . Unfortunately never got the chance but what an incredible opportunity for those that were fortunate enough to have a sit down with one of the Greatest Engineers that has ever lived . Enjoyed this sooo much

[@mrduetdude6715]

32:40 " The reverb does what it does. If it were a woman, I wouldn't notice the make-up. I would just know that she was beautiful." Holy shit that's some good stuff. So true!

[@caspermaster-com]

Thats what i needed to hear:)

[@AlexNiedt]

Definitely one of my favorite episodes. Thoroughly enjoyable and pure. Hope Al returns to the show ASAP.

[@TheKokros]

Wow..the best interview ever on this show.. Great guy, great engineer..thanks Dave and Herb for inviting him over for this session..can't thank you enough..

[@AlexGuillermoHurtadoVillalaz]

Every episode is unique, but this episode...one of a kind. Bravo Dave, Herb and all Pensado's Place team (applause) :)

[@williamtell1477]

Heavy hitters in this one! What a great show, thanks to the Pensado's place team for everything you guys do.

[@vanrozay8871]

i always enjoy your shows, but al schmitt helped me, an old-timer who first tracked on a tascam 3340, to feel good about my preference for tube mics, often in omni, and my avoidance of eq. now i have big-league affirmation. thanks dave and herb, and al.

[@nebstaism]

ive been watching pensados place since 2009 and still appreciate this channel

[@RANGDAP]

Thank you Pensado's place for making my life a bit more joyful!

[@laurynasgaidys2110]

He's absolutely right! Great music + great musicians + golden ears + great room + great mics = Great recording.

[@rogerben336]

Word????????? There are bits of gold in each video that reveal some pretty sweet techniques on the art of mixing, you just have to pay close attention. Also, these long videos give people a chance to somewhat get inside the heads of some real prominent producers and mixing engineers in the business. Did I forget to mention that Dave usually delivers a pretty useful tip in every episode of ITL. Overall, I think most people comment with such high raise because these videos genuinely inspire them.

[@mademepickaname]

What a dynamite guy Al was. May his memory be a blessing.

[@MrMemyselfandi415]

Al is quick as a whip for being in his mid 80's here. I think he's like 90 now....in 2020. Such a cool guy...and if you haven't heard his mixes you don't know what you're missing. Jeez...so clean and clear and just...epic sounding. A legit legend.

[@fenderfurch]

did you have electricity? I don't know If I should laugh or cry, what a great friendship he must have been Al, you pass away but legacy will never died

[@iamclarity]

For anyone who watched the ITL, please note that he transformed MONO guitar sources into stereo tracks. So, in essence, this is also a great tutorial on how to turn mono sources into mono-compatible stereo sources.

[@javoutube1]

one of the things I'll never forget is when dave said in an ATL episode something like " low end is important, because it reminds us that we're not listening to a jazz or a folk tune..." very remarkable

[@belizaire28]

Thank you so much for the diversity that you bring. Thank you for the exposure of the different genre types. They not only enrich my skill set but enrich ME as a human being. I can more appreciate, at the very least, creativity in it's abundance of flavors especially when it differs from mine. Even the more, I am also saved from the pathetic & petty mindset that says my taste is sovereign & is the only one that matters. Thank you DAVE PENSADO & everyone else that helps make this show possible...

[@JoyfulNotes1]

That was truly a "Master Class", loved every minute of it, lots of golden nuggets. thansk for all your efforts, Dave and Team!

[@jacobmiller8555]

Dave, you are the inspiration I've been looking for without subconsciously knowing what i'm looking for.

[@doonasty]

Another great episode! I appreciate the comments to the "HOME GUY" and the guy "...who opens faders and prays!!" That's me...guilty! You all have given me a wealth of information and inspiration to continue to learn the CRAFT! Pensado's Place has been a blessing for me and many others out here in the bushes! Thank you for being here! Peace OT

[@rickdeaguiar-musicreflecti7692]

Wow. What a fantastic interview. :)

[@dougweaver9148]

Al Schmitt ! Awesome episode . So much heart .... wow .

[@lastdaysguitar]

AWESOME - IMHO this interview could have gone on for hours 'n hours. THANK YOU!!!

[@djlokdwn53]

Herb just does a great job! Love that dude. I wish he can talk a bit about artist management and how he manages Dave as it's a important element in our industry!

[@doonasty]

Thank you for giving back! I will try to put it to good use! Peace OT!

[@fledsup]

One of the best shows to date for sure. Al is amazing.

[@VinnySvobodaMusic]

Al's story at the end....omg do you guys realize how awesome that is? I don't like how a lot of people here seem to only focus on the ITL segment. Yes it's a GREAT segment don't get me wrong, but the meat and potatoes are in the interview. You learn so much! Been a fan from the beginning Dave and Herb. This is a great episode as always. If you guys could work some magic to get Frank Filipetti on here, that would be a great show! -Vinny

[@loudmindpro8864]

Wow Al is SUCH a legend! I really wish I knew him before I went to AES yesterday!!! Thanks for such great content guys :)

[@Wicktones]

THX Al Schmitt!!

[@slipnpitch1894]

This the Al scmitt who had dinner with Sam Cooke the night he was murdered?? Would love to hear his recollection of the evening about Sam. Greatest and most charismatic vocalist of all time IMO.

[@MarcJBeard]

utterly awesome show.

[@jfsbellini]

A legend! And so simple. Great interview!

[@jlx_music4365]

Coincidence that Al Schmitt and Bob Clearmountain had Duke Ellington in their first alone operational "Live-Recording"? :)

[@scottfaircloff9530]

so good! thnx!

[@taxijohari]

I could listen to Al all day. Wow. He may have worked with my uncle back in the day too! Swoon...

[@jimistoenail]

Dear Dave and Herb I wonder if you have thought, asked or are planning on having Jacquire king on the show I just love how he mixed the kings of leon albums. Its that kind of great creamy rock sound but still has a lot of balls you know. Great show and the standard just isn't slipping love you guys.

[@nikosarkomanis]

very inspiring to listen to Dave and Al chatting about the stuff i love.Great episode guys.cheers=)

[@BrianCraigKeith31mm]

Awesome! just speechless . Thanks Dave , Herb, Will.

[@RetardicA]

Just found this channel and I feel like I found a goldmine.

[@javiertrevino5535]

especially the part where he says he doesn't use EQ, it's unbelievable, it makes me reconsider my approach for producing and mixing my own songs.

[@Wicktones]

Thanx Dave!!!! Every time

[@jake_nichol]

that was an amazing show. thank you.

[@Ramt33n]

you guys have the best youtube channel for my taste, thank you soooo much :D

[@tomehCanada]

Bowling. Love it. 🙂

[@TallerdelSebaRehbein]

excelente!! un verdadero maestro, que impresionante como explica las cosas a partir de la experiencia, humildad y pasion por la musica. desde chile, muchas gracias

[@DjSadhu]

"keep the mud in the middle" :-D nice one

[@Patfriza]

Dave, awesome as always, i wish this ITL couple weeks ago when i was fighting with guitars, thanks anyway will use it next mix..!!!!

[@javoutube1]

I loved this episode so much, It was very touching, I didn't know this engineer, I'll look some up his records, I already like Henry Mancini and from what I see in his discography he has an impressive career, he worked with the Ventures.. thank you guys, this was one of your best episodes ever

[@JakeAntelis]

What a legend. Thanks for this.

[@MihaiSorohan]

really really cool episode

[@Mikeys2Much]

Thank You. That has to be the best ending in Pensado's Places. to date... here is my top TEN EPISODES OPPS 11. 15-18-28-52-55-70-102-104-105-115-117.Thank You again Ladies and Gentlemen. and i use the term lightly men.

[@Yobats]

Great show guys

[@iammadeofsound]

We all have our own path.. We will get through this :) Great inspiration. Thank you Al!

[@utubehound69]

Go get the Tom Dowed documentary if you don't have it a MUST!

[@krakenman18]

Great interview, thanks!!

[@Phoeonde]

Great show, thanks alot

[@lenstar87]

Another great episode. Thank you.

[@soundeng1]

Wow! What a class act! Awesome.

[@DJDMass]

amazing show! thank you!

[@primecutstudio]

Incredible episode!

[@javoutube1]

Great Show ! you guys have helped me so much n the way I deal with things like EQ and compression, you have influenced me so much, thank you. (I'm an amateur producer)

[@dareeldealproduction]

FANTASTIC!!!!

[@plum_line]

This is just incredible. I've watched this like 5 times now. Sure you can make all the comments on EQ you want.... arguments for both sides are reasonable, but just listen to this guy talk about REVERB. Thanks!

[@JrumBeats]

Al seems like a really cool guy!! 22 grammys. Makes me feel like a noob lol.

[@MyIAMB]

Great stuff

[@utubehound69]

Wow! Thats an Engineer great stuff!

[@jbsg01]

This is greatness!

[@Benthebass87]

Amazing!

[@Noahtherapper]

Great episode!

[@jasonxoc]

What 2 people could not like this interview? What could Al Schmitt say that could be dis-liked?

[@JrumBeats]

Wow Dave says it perfect around 44:55

[@SuperICEMIKE]

RAZOR BLADE!!! YEAH BUDDY! AL IS THE MAN*

[@greendayforever789]

What a guy...

[@violentvendetta1]

first 25 secs made it. liked before watching once again, now enjoy the show!

[@TheSIMBAJUDAH]

What i would like to hear is Mr.Schmiit take on electronic music and working on a electronic song since he does not use EQ.

[@jasonjasonjasonjasonjason]

Holy shit Herb has lost weight since 2013

[@atomicjoeofficial]

Legend!!

[@AWStegmeyer]

Get to it please! I'm waiting.... Where is Al... Waiting

[@barcellos61]

Gosh!! Are you talking to me Herb? I'm watching the show over here in Rio de Janeiro, but my feet aren't even near the couch, man!

[@discoAL]

why do ppl comment with such high reverence? its not like anything was said, that was the key to unlocking what you will encounter in the studio. i respect and admire what engineers do, but if you have not been mentored by these guys, how have they touched and enriched your lives?? these guys were raised in recording studios. there were no Ah ha!! moments in this episode. is all the praise really necessary?

[@thebr0wnhornet]

Yea, just bring Al back for the whole month of June, like a weekly gig.

[@TheMusicWiz]

Classy show! And at some point we'll likely get Bob C. and Elliot S. :-D

[@PatrickPleau]

Al is really great guy! and did amazing stuff :) very good episode! love you guys :)

[@triitribe6818]

East West has a sick live chamber

[@Ansid106]

Best episode!!!! We want Sylvia Massy

[@SteemaMusic]

Awesome episode! Loved that story about his first session and being scared to death.also enjoyed that shout out to Citrus College. Woo woo!

[@artmadaofficialyoutube]

The TB303 was to replace live bassists or make up for non existent ones. It was never meant to be used the way it was in the 80's/90's, it was made to play itself because you had no one else to play the bass. Plus a 303 is extremely difficult and annoying to program (not adding some distortion, I mean programming an entire original sequence) My last point, the 303 isn't even a keyboard, it has a "keyboard" but by definition is not a keyboard.

[@drewstapleton231]

What did he mean by placing different chambers on the LCR (left, center, right) and then maybe even more in-between?

[@skeletonrowdie1768]

i think that he makes a bus for each chamber, and sends all left tracks to that bus with a specific chamber reverb. Then he makes more reverb busses for other sides.

[@drewstapleton231]

That's really going the extra mile. Do they really have three chambers at Captiol for LCR reverb and even a few more to fit between? Amazing!

[@skeletonrowdie1768]

they said in the video, that they have eight underground rooms and they like room number 4 a lot

[@mahdiyarmonfared]

omg 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@ElfPrincessHarley]

Yes I'm a jazz guitarist and there are virtuosity in hip-hop as with every other genre. If you don't like it that's fine but don't present your opinion as fact.

[@ElfPrincessHarley]

*is virtuosity, that is

[@shevydetroit]

You can watch Al Schmitt and Dave Pensado in action in the documentary film, The Art of Recording a Big Band DVD vintageking.com/the-art-of-recording-a-big-band-dvd

[@jeromelester8]

Al Schmitt's voice reminds me of Howie Weinberg.

[@arande3]

Doesn't EQ? Interesting. Explains why all his stuff sounds so dark

[@tnt767]

What Al said about lying to his wife about going to work is so so true.

[@EtcEtcAndEtc]

Always a bit worried about Herb's latent homophobia :( What's that all about?! Great stuff as ever.

[@cussem]

Watch the show again and listen carefully what he actually says.

[@JimFactor]

I'm sorry, what is chamber number 4?

[@MrDaveFerrier]

Hy man, its an echo chamber at Capitol where Al works.. basically its a seperate basement room with loudspeakers and microphones, they can send sounds from the console to the speaker and use the room as a real acoustic reverb!

[@JimFactor]

Thanks!

[@skeletonrowdie1768]

yeah they've got eight of them, and they talked about the 4th one as that was the one they liked a lot.

[@subtractivemusic]

Q: "Cheapest gear you used on a top ten record" A: "57" please explain this to me

[@plum_line]

sub tractive he's talking about the sm57 - a cheap dynamic that is used by almost everyone, esp on guitars.

[@subtractivemusic]

Anders Link Thank you for your help!