It’s a familiar scenario: you’re recording an artist, writing a new song, or mixing a track, and you think, “If I could just get my hands on an AKG C 12 (or Logic Studio or an LA-2a or anything else), then I’d be set. My tracks/song/mix would sound so much better, and I’d be a much better recording engineer/songwriter/mixing engineer!”
I know some variation on this thought has passed through my head hundreds of times, even though reasoning behind it is pretty weak. The logic is basically the following: Great gear = great sounds = great records. And someone who makes great records must be a great engineer, right?
But of course we know that this argument is completely illogical. A vintage Pultec EQ has absolutely no effect on a person’s level of skill or knowledge. It’s simply a tool, and like all tools only produces good results when wielded by someone with the appropriate knowledge of how to use it. So while a new gear acquisition might change how your records or songs sound, it doesn’t actually make you a better engineer or songwriter.
This recording is a perfect example [Credit is due to Studio Reviews Magazine for posting about it, and for the inspiration for this post] of an engineer’s talent and experience playing a far greater role than his/her equipment in the final quality of the recording/song. Using only SM-57s and unremarkable preamps, he made a really great sounding record. Sure, it probably won’t win a Best-Engineered Grammy, but the song sounds damn good! I’ve heard many recordings made with gear that would be considered much more “professional” than a 57, but yet still sound much less “professional” than “Head Over Heals.”
I feel like most people who make music in some capacity already know that it’s the mind, not the matter, that makes a difference in the creative process. But when we’re stuck on a tough mix or hit a roadblock while songwriting, the idea that one magic piece of gear will solve all problems always seems to sneak back into our heads. It might be tough to ignore, but the next time that happens, just keep on moving. Try something you haven’t done before, and instead of breaking the bank, you’ll learn something about your craft that you previously didn’t know. Though learning new techniques won’t affect the decor of your studio, you’ll definitely become better at making music if you skip the gear and just hit record.
57 song as well
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Great point Tim! Who doesn’t always want sweet new gear? This is an important perspective to remember.
Word. I’ve been waiting for Ken to get me his NYU discount on Logic Studio for a few months now. But I refused to go back to Garageband. Also, check this out: David Byrne’s home Studio