What do I get next?

[fraserhutch]

The original post asked if gear or classes would be the better investment. The response at least to the point of my post was overwhelmingly gear. In fact 100%

oops, you are absolutely right - my eyes skimmed right over the

- Tracking/Mixing classes

Must be getting old

However the average project studio engineer that's struggling with his mixes can not find the fix in a purchase.

I will agree with this *TO A CERTAIN* point. However, there are times when lousy gear gets in the way of being able to create even a decent mix, and for those cases, I would most certainly argue strongly for an gear upgrade.

 

[Joseph Hanna]

Absolutely.

Beyond a shadow of a doubt gear is essential in our business. It remains as it always has an important cog in the wheel. I have been off and on over the years a gear hound myself.

Here's why I'm frustrated...I love the fact that we support interns and by nature (and to a fault) I'm more willing to help than not. I do however see a clear trend of wanna be engineers with NO fundamental understanding of audio but a clear comprehension of the Sweetwater catalog.

JH

 

[Ethan Winer]

Joseph,

You made a lot of great points, all of which I agree with. Especially this one:

The response at least to the point of my post was overwhelmingly gear. In fact 100%

Even some pros who should know better can get caught up in the endless cycle of thinking what they need most is some piece of great gear that will help them get "that" sound. (I see the same thing with audiophiles too.) All gear, all the time. Gear, gear, gear. Not happy with your sound? It must be the lack of an external word clock. Or maybe it's the crappy preamps in your Mackie mixer. Or it's because you're using plug-ins instead of a real vintage tube compressor.

Every day I see posts here and elsewhere asking, "What should I buy next?" followed by a long list of gear they have now, then an even longer list of gear they're considering buying. I applaud David for at least considering education!

These days even budget gear is very good, so it's no longer about the gear. It's about knowing how audio really works. It's about understanding completely the gear you do have, including the function of every knob and switch, whether real or virtual. It's especially about having good monitoring so you can hear what you're doing.

--Ethan

 

[dwillis45]

Joseph,
It's especially about having good monitoring so you can hear what you're doing.

--Ethan

I keep looking at his list of equipment and I still can't find a set of monitors. So, while we send him off to intern with Walter Sear or enroll in Chicagoland Community College, can we at least suggest one piece of gear (monitors) and be done with it?

 

[Joseph Hanna]

Sure!!!

Yep having said my say......I think now would be a marvoulus time to discuss monitors!

I'm even tempted to throw my 2 cents in.