Episode 1
Joe Chiccarelli is a first call producer, engineer, and mixer for some of the world's finest artists, such as Elton John, The Killers, Jack White, Frank Zappa, Alanis Morissette, The Strokes, and so many more.
In this puremix.net exclusive, Joe opens up the multitrack from "Istanbul" and breaks down the mix while explaining the tracking of the song, the thought process behind his mic placement, and every mix decision. Including a multitude of parallel processing and how he finds the sweet spot on a console for the right amount of saturation and glue.
Watch as Joe:
- Explains the origins of the song and their intention as they crafted it from the ground up during tracking
- Breaks down his parallel processing on drums, including distressors, a Chandler TG1 limiter, and a UA 176, while explaining which tracks are sent to the parallels
- Busses the vocal through two parallels, including a vocal stressor, and an 1176
- Explains each piece of outboard gear in the stereo mix bus chain
- Explains how he and drummer Matt crafted the drum sounds to fit the intention of the song
- Breaks down his thought process behind every microphone used on the drums during tracking
- Shows his electric guitar parallel compressor and explains how he uses it to add sustain and weight to the guitars
- Adds in two parallel vocal compression chains that serve separate roles in highlighting Morrissey's powerful performance
- Unpacks his tips for EQing the parallel return of a vocal
- Solos each of the many time-based effects running on the lead vocal
- Explains the history of the custom console in Sunset Sound Studio A, and discusses the custom API 550 EQs on each channel
- Demonstrates how he finds the sweet spot of the console by driving it for the right amount of glue and character
This is your chance to sit next to Joe Chiccarelli and learn his approach from tracking to mixing on the hit song "Istanbul" by Morrisey.
Hardware
- Audio Design Recording Vocal Stressor
- AMS DMX 15-80 S
- API 550 EQ
- Chandler Limited Curve Bender
- Chandler Limited TG1 Limiter
- Chandler Limited TG12345
- Daking FET Compressor
- DBX 160
- Empirical Labs Distressor
- EMT 250 Plate Reverb
- George Massenburg GML 8200
- Lexicon Prime Time II
- Neve 33609
- Pultec EQ
- Smart C2M Stereo Compressor
- Sunset Sound Studio 1 Custom Neve Console
- Teletronix LA-2A
- UA 176
- UA 1176LN
Plug-ins
- BF-76
- EQ III 7-Band
- UAD SPL Vitalizer MK2-T
- Waves H-Delay
Steven Patrick Morrissey, known professionally as Morrissey, is an English singer and songwriter. He came to prominence as the frontman and lyricist of rock band the Smiths, who were active from 1982 to 1987. Since then, he has pursued a successful solo career. Morrissey's music is characterised by his baritone voice and distinctive lyrics with recurring themes of emotional isolation, sexual longing, self-deprecating and dark humour, and anti-establishment stances.