STEP 1: Start with a great audio room
You should always try to record and mix in the ideal sonic environment. Large rooms with perfect acoustics are necessary tools to deliver a pristine recording. Using Neumann U87 or Sennheiser 416 mics in isolated voice booths along with top-of-the-line mic preamps guarantees quality.
STEP 2: Mix on the best equipment
We mix HD sessions on our Fairlight Dream Constellation Consoles. This lets us provide our clients with the best possible mix ahead of their deadlines. The console allows you to streamline the audio session and mix the project faster because of its inherent simultaneous multi-format mixing capabilities. Additionally, the console is able to handle up to 144-track/live feeds and 96 live feeds for mixing. A Pyxis nonlinear video system (another benefit of the Fairlight) stores the HD video while the Fairlight digital mixing console houses the audio tracks.
STEP 3: Get 5.1 surround sound capable speakers
Ever been to a movie theatre when the audio breaks down? Even if it’s just for a minute, it ruins the feature. Let’s face it, the soul of any project is in the audio. It helps tell the story and sell the product. You need 5.1 surround sound capable speakers to deliver premium audio and to keep the clients happy. If it doesn’t sound great in the studio, what are they going to think it’s going to sound like on a consumer’s home stereo? M&K MPS-2510 speakers with dual MPS-5310 subs deliver the exact sound and pitch of the session. Top quality speakers can handle anything including a 5.1 surround sound movie theatre style audio. Your speakers should equal the quality of HD.
STEP 4: Get widescreen HD monitors
View the session on an actual HD monitor. We use 61-inch Samsung HD DLP monitors in our HD mix rooms which gives you an exact representation of how the final mix will sound and look in HD. If you have 30 seconds to sell a product or concept, make sure every element from HD picture to premium audio works together to accomplish your mission.
STEP 5: Make a strong presentation
Spots are like term papers; they should have a beginning, middle and a great ending. Don’t sell yourself short. If a piece of music can charge the energy of the spot, add it. If a certain sound effect can subtly enhance the final mix, do it. Your audience expects a compelling spot and you should reach high for perfection.
YOUR GUIDE
Jimmy Hite
Margarita Mix
Hite is a 20-year veteran of the audio post industry. His experience in live radio, television, commercial mixing and motion picture promotions has made him one of the most respected and sought-after mixers and sound designers in the country. He is also the creator of The L.A. Studios proprietary sound library, The Sound Effects Network. Hite is constantly working on high-profile projects in advertising and entertainment, including spots that ran during the 2006 Super Bowl and 2006 Winter Olympic Games for clients like Cadillac, Coca-Cola and Suzuki.
Jimmy Says Keep In Mind…
Knowing your equipment and being prepared are big keys. You should know the product, media and basics of the session before the client arrives. When you’re in session with A-list talent and Uber Creatives, there’s no time to guess. Treat every client like a star and make sure they never wait for you. Work in tandem with the client so they are aware that you hear their suggestions and can deliver a finished product that they will remember.
Margarita Mix
www.margaritamix.com
1661 Lincoln Blvd., Suite 101
Santa Monica, CA 90404
ph. 310.396.3333
jimmy@laststudios.com