Audio Engineering: Music's High-Tech Birth

Author(s): Eva M. Wright

Source: US Black Engineer , WINTER 1989, Vol. 13, No. 5 (WINTER 1989), pp. 32-34, 36
Published by: Career Communications Group

Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/43688685

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 Audio Engineering

Paul Arnold (left), and colleagues Jon Benton ( center ), new Warner recording artist, Eban Kelly (far right), producer, and Bill Zalin
(back row), assistant engineer . Arnold has worked with artists such as New Kids on the Block, Al Green, the S.O.S. band, and Sauve .

Music's High-Tech Birth strong aesire, an aimosi innate io ve ior music,

by Eva M. Wright an incredibly good ear for music, and undying

The growth of computers patience. It is imperative that the engineer cap-
Eva M. Wright is a freelance writer in Baltimore,
MD. and other digitized ture every existing sound wave being produced.
Processing begins with the laying of tracks.
equipment has changed Using a console or sound board, this procedure
the way artists make records microphone and instrument signals onto
modern recording, a magnetic tape or directly from digital-to-disk.
many people have
music. It has also changed After basic tracking is completed, the playback
been involved to how the industry produces signals, via recorders, are fed through a mixer
shape it into a fullyrecords, tapes, and and blended. The mixer is a control center that
realized piece of provides these basic functions:
compact discs. Today's
By modern many been realized music. shape the time it involved people Artducers,
ists, into recording, piecemarketers,
music. Artists, pro-
we a hear have fully pro- of to a Mixing live signals and transferring these to
audio engineer needs the the tracks on the recorder for eventual playback
and manufacturers have molded the original and remixing.
into the hit we hear and appreciate. The birth of
mind of a technolgy expert Metering and monitoring to listen selec-
each recording, however, begins in the studio and the heart of an artist tively to what is being placed onto tape. Meas-
with the engineer.
to produce the music we uring and distributing the proper signals from
As with all aspects of engineering, audio the mixer is a crucial factor in producing a clean,
engineering is a highly respected and technical have come to expect from crisp sound.
field that is seldom acknowledged outside of its modern record companies. Foldback or cue signals, which return the
musical circle. signal to the performer during a live perform-
To succeed in the field, audio engineers need ance, studio recording, or when overdubbing.

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32 US Black Engineer / Winter 1 989

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 Melvin Seals of MS. Production
Studios in San Francisco , who has
engineered for DJ. Rodgers ,
and Elvin Bishop9 s "Fooled Around
and Fell in Love ," and many
gospel acts in the Bay Area ,
including the Hawkins Family hit
album , "Make Me Feel
Like Singing ."
Overdubbing is the process of recording instru-
ments or voices separately, one over the other.
Re-mixing or stereo mastering is considered
the final mix, when the console is used to reduce
the signals to a stereo format.
Although the mixing console is the central
unit in the studio, without the vast selection of
equipment the modern recording process would
not be possible. Equipment such as recorders/
reproducers, reverberation systems, limiters/
compressors, processors, noise reduction units,
computers, equalizers, amplifiers, monitors, and
microphones, along with instruments including
electronic synthesizers, samplers, and drum ma-
chines, all add to the productions we hear from
professional studios.
When mixing in the studio, engineers are
given the opportunity to display their own art-
istry by putting onto tape their personal vision of
sound. But that skill and knowledge is not all
that is needed in audio engineering. For the
studio to remain fully operational at all times,
engineers must also be technically proficient in
US Black Engineer
78.180.29.85 on Fri, 24 Nov 2023 10:09:50 +00:00
Steve Smith of Los Angeles. Smith has engineered recordings for Gladys Knight and the
Pips, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles , the Temptations , the Four Tops, and the
legendary Marvin Gaye.
patchwork and trouble-shooting.
In the world of music's glamour and glitz,
nothing is as it seems, including the life of an
engineer. The hours are very long and quite
demanding. Perfecting a composition can take
hours, weeks, and months of hard work in the
studio. Album completions can too often be
defined by recording contract deadlines, rather
than by artistic satisfaction. Audio engineers
must be extremely proficient behind the con-
sole, capturing the artists at their creative best,
allowing little room for error.
Some of the most prominent audio engineers
across the country are Black. Despite scarcity,
their names are synonymous with success, such
as Barney Perkins at Encore Studios in Bur-
bank, California. Many believe Perkins is one of
the true founders and pathmakers in the record-
ing industry for African- Americans. He has
worked with many major recording artists, in-
cluding Anita Baker on her "Rapture" and
"Giving You the Best That I Got" albums.
Other legends include Mike Frankie in Los
Angeles, James Henry in New York, and Ron
Banks, with his Minneapolis credits that include
work with the producing team of James 4 'Jimmy
Jam" Harris, Terry Lewis, and rock prodigy
Prince. Their dedication, innovativeness, and
experience are paving new roads of opportunity
/ Winter
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for African- Americans. As difficult as it may
seem to acquire recognized status, these out-
standing engineers are quick to point out that
times are changing.
After all, 4 'This is the day for Blacks to
achieve almost anything they want to achieve,"
says Melvin Seals, owner and operator of M. S.
Production Studios, a 24-track recording facil-
ity, and founder of independent label, Secret
Records, Inc., in San Francisco, California.
Melvin Seals has been achieving audio engi-
neering success for the last 10 years. Born in
Berkeley, California and raised in San Fran-
cisco, Seals, against all odds, became an audio
engineering entrepreneur 8 years ago.
Proficient in all areas of audio engineering,
Seals says, "I'm more a musical engineer than
technical engineer. While as a musician in the
studio, the engineer could not give me what I
wanted, what I was hearing or trying to relate to
them. It drove me to put my hands on the board,
and eventually, I just said move over, let me see
what I can do. And I would dial right into it. " As
a keyboard and piano musician, Seals knows
that in high fidelity reproduction the authenticity
of an instrument is extremely important.
A self-taught engineer, composer, and pro-
ducer, this Bay Area businessman has engi-
neered 60 to 70 albums, including those of such
1 989 33
 people as R&B recording artist D.J. Rodgers,
and Elvin Bishop's "Fooled Around and Fell in
Love" release. Seals also credits himself for the

Training for
album recordings of nearlyAudi
every gospel act in
the Bay Area, including the Hawkins' Family
hit album, "Make Me Feel Like Singing."
New York City lies the Institute of Audio Unlike Melvin Seals, Paul Arnold is an inde-
Research. The institute's educational pro-
Beginning neering industry pendent freelancer. The 29-year-old, however,
Beginning neering
everbeen. industry
been. Whilea While
manycareer is in nointhe iseasiernoaudioeasier
engineers
thanit's init's
than engi- gram consists of a 600-hour, 9-month
shares the same path to the studio. While he was
the past were able to overcome the barriers course in multi-track recording. The 24-
studying as a drummer at Berklee College of
of entering the studio as an unexperienced track fully automated facility is well-
Music for 5 years, Arnold says, "I was curious
risk, today, with the growth of very expen- equipped to offer the necessary back-
of the recording process, and was always inter-
sive, state-of-the-art equipment, studios ground to function effectively as an entry-
ested in the sound they were catching, espe-
have been less than eager to invest in a level audio technician. Accreditation is
cially the drum sound. That was very impor-
training program for novices. In fact, provided by NATTS, and for graduates of
tant." Arnold, who majored in music engineer-
entering the studio without some experience the program, advanced standing is
ing and production, was fortunate enough to
or training is becoming more and more awarded toward a bachelor's degree in
incorporate writing and composition while
difficult. Many highly trained and well-edu- music technology from New York
studying his instrument. "While in the studio
cated individuals are still accepted into a University.
sessions," he says, "once the drummer put his
studio with entry-level positions that often On the West Coast, the Hollywood,
part down, there wasn't a whole lot more to do.
consist of janitor, secretary, or all-purpose California Trebas Institute of Recording
So I would just hang out and watch what was
"gofer." Arts is a well known 24-track institute for
going on."
Education is vital for entering, lasting, education in the audio engineering field.
Time spent "hanging out" at the studio has
and succeeding in the audio engineering Trebas offers a 2-year program fully
been invaluable. Before he moved to Los Ange-
field. There are many institutes across the accredited by the Council for Noncolle-
les a year ago, Arnold's engineering expertise
country that specialize in audio engineering. giate Continuing Education (CNCE).
helped Boston's fast-rising hot new recording
In Rockville, Maryland, The Omega Studios Other excellent institutes of higher act, New Kids on the Block. In addition to
School of Applied Recording Arts and Sci- education in the audio engineering field
engineering their now gold debut album,
ences, is the largest in its area. Approved include: The Recording Institute in Los
"Hangin' Tough," Arnold has worked with
by the Maryland State Board for Higher Angeles; The Music Business Institute,
numerous recording artists in his 8 years of
Education, Omega offers accreditation at located on the campus of Georgia State
professional recording, such as Al Green's re-
nearby American University, in Washington, University in Atlanta; and Berklee
lease, "Everything Is Gonna Be All Right," and
DC. In 32 weeks, the school offers four College of Music in Boston, Massachu- the S.O.S. band's new release, "Diamonds in
comprehensive courses in basic, intermedi- setts. The program structure of each
the Raw." Arnold is currently in the studio with
ate, and advanced recording engineering, school varies, so getting as much
Capital Records recording artist Sauve.
audio production, and recording or information as possible will assure the When it reaches the shelves, listen for Ar-
advertising. Classes are 4 hours long, and best suited program for your career needs.
nold's distinctive engineering sound on A&M's
meet once a week. These are just a few highly recom-
debut release of music's newest dynamic duo,
Located in the beautiful suburb of Alta- mended facilities offering educational
Johnson and Branson. Newcomer Regis Bran-
monte Springs in Orlando, Florida is Full support in audio engineering. Education son, and the multi-faceted vocals of Howard
Sail Center for the Recording Arts. Full Sail in recording engineering is not exclusive
Johnson, whose smash R&B single "So Fine"
is a 24-Track, 8 studio, 23,000 sq. ft. com- to specialized technical schools. Instruc- rocked the billboard charts in 1981, have de-
plex. This facility offers the most advanced tional support can also be found in many
lighted in the ingenious engineering touch of
audio recording in the world, with tapeless, 4-year colleges. Most colleges offer music Paul Arnold.
multi-track digital recording. Full Sail is engineering or similar areas of training
When asked what advice would he give
accredited by the Accrediting Commission that will adequately provide the necessary
individuals entering the audio engineering field,
of the National Association of Trade and training you will need in the music
Arnold replies, "They have to dedicate their
Technical Schools (NATTS), and has an profession. All of these institutes provide
entire life to it. I just spent 5 months, every
extremely intense comprehensive program, financial aid and placement assistance and
single day, 1 5 hours a day, in the studio working
a curriculum that consists of 1,424 hours of hands-on training on the computer system
on a project," he says. "They have to be able
training in 33 weeks. Designed to provide MIDI (Multi Instrumental Digital
and willing to sacrifice everything, including
the necessary training to successfully Interface), multi-track recording. There their social life, to have an extra dose of that ole
compete in the audio industry, Full Sail is are courses available that range from live stick-to-it-iveness. ' '
one of the largest and most respected audio sound, to post-production, to audio
As for 39-year-old Steve Smith, dedication
education institutes in the country. engineering for television, radio, and
has been the mainstay of his professional engi-
In the heart of Greenwich Village in advertising.
neering career. Says Smith, "there is no better
teacher than experience. ' ' His belief in God and

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34 US Black Engineer / Winter 1989

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faith is this country has taught him that the ing 4 4 Hot Buttered Soul" crooner Isaac Hayes.
since childhood, Dancy has acquired the perfect
foundation of success is, as he says, that 4 'one Smith then moved on to Motown Records and 4 'trained ear' ' to excel in recording engineering.
must believe in one's self." staff engineered for such R&B greats as Gladys As a junior in high school, Dancy began his
Knight and the Pips, Smokey Robinson and the
Working in the sound reproduction area for interest in engineering while hanging around
Miracles, the Temptations, Four Tops, and the
24 years, Steve Smith is an independent whose the school auditorium, learning sound reinforce-
talent has been employed by the A&R depart-legendary 4 4 silky soul singer" Marvin Gaye.ment. It wasn't until joining the air force as an
active band member that his musical education
ment of such major record companies as Warner Success with Motown was a catalyst for his
continued achievements as a freelancer. The
Bros., A&M, and Motown. Listening to Smith's broadened. While recording an album with the
deep melodic voice, it is no surprise that his
accomplished sound of recording artists Rock-
reggae/calypso group Trinidad Panmasters, says
background includes aspirations of beingwell,
a Lionel Richie, Carl Carlton, Stanley Tur-
Dancy, 4 4 The owner got tired of me constantly
rentine, Rolls Royce, and Regina Belle can
singer. 44 1 wrote, recorded, and engineered my be
hanging around, and decided to train me. ' ' Self-
own album way before it become popular," taught with books and extreme desire, Dancy
attributed to the proficiency of Steve Smith.
says Smith. 44 1 discovered, however, that I Currently a resident of Los Angeles, Smith was determined to acquire all the knowledge
has future projects that include R&B melody
couldn't live the life of a singer. I needed more possible to successfully learn the art of engi-
freedom." And freedom has granted Smith the makers, the Whispers, and a new recording neering.
opportunity to become a self-taught engineer- Engineering for 7 years, he is currently chief
group that includes artist, song writer, and pro-
ing wiz. A native of Detroit, 44 1 learned by
ducer Teddy Riley. engineer at Briggs Music Studio in Landover,
Maryland. Operating a 12 channel, 14-track
hanging around a lot of Motown people," he A native of S.E. Washington, DC, 23 -year-
recording facility, Dancy promotes area artists
says. 44I was fortunate to be able to do that."old Boris Dancy is one of the youngest and most
talented engineers in the Washington metro-
At age 1 9, despite his Motown Environment, with demo tapes for future recording contracts.
Says Dancy, 4 4 Working with a small studio
politan area. Dancy 's start into the audio profes-
Smith acquired his first staff engineer position
sion is not an uncommon one. Born into a
with Memphis, Tennessee's STAXX Records offers the flexibility and experience I need for
continued success in audio engineering." □
musical family and an experienced musician
and worked with many recording acts, includ-

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