Tag: Portuguese Music

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At Deer Hipster Studios, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional sound quality, whether in the studio or live on stage. One of our standout projects was mixing and mastering a live concert for Mazarin, a talented nu jazz quintet from Portugal. This project was not only a technical challenge but also a rewarding experience that showcased our expertise in sound engineering.

The Band and the Venue

Mazarin, known for their innovative nu jazz sound, performed at the iconic Lux Frágil, a venue where I had the privilege of working as the head of sound. The goal was to capture the live energy of their performance while achieving studio-quality sound. This meant that if the band chose to release the album, listeners wouldn’t necessarily know it was recorded live.

The Challenge

The primary challenge was to disguise audience and room noise while maintaining the authenticity of a live performance. This required meticulous attention to detail and a strategic approach to mixing and micking.

My Role

As the Front of House, Monitor, and Recording engineer, I had comprehensive control over the mic positioning and gain stage. This setup allowed for a smoother transition to post-production work in the studio.

Technical Approach

We used a Midas M32 mixer, with SM58 mics for vocals, SM57s and a Beta52 for the drum kit, SM81s for overheads, and Klark Teknik DIs for synths and bass. The real magic happened during audio cleaning, where RX played a crucial role. The aim was to create a stage perspective, balancing the clean signal with just enough spill from stage monitors and amps, along with the crowd’s presence.

The Outcome

The result was a beautifully mixed and mastered concert that received national radio exposure, a testament to the quality and impact of our work. This project not only highlighted our technical skills but also reinforced our commitment to delivering exceptional sound experiences.

Reflections

Working on the Mazarin concert was a valuable learning experience. It demonstrated the importance of balancing technical precision with creative expression, a lesson that continues to influence our work today.

Mazarin – Caçadores (live at Lux Frágil)

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At Deer Hipster Studios, we had the privilege of working with Soluna, a talented vocalist known for her work as a background singer for the renowned Dino d’Santiago. Soluna’s artistry extends beyond her collaborations, as she captivates audiences with her unique sound and presence. Her live concert at Lux Frágil was a testament to her talent and the vibrant energy she brings to the stage.

Project Overview:

For Soluna’s live concert at Lux Frágil, I took on the roles of Front of House and Monitor Engineer, ensuring the live sound was perfectly balanced for both the audience and the performers on stage. Beyond the live performance, I recorded the entire concert, bringing it back to the studio for mixing and mastering. This comprehensive approach allowed us to capture the essence of Soluna’s live energy while refining the sound to studio quality.

Goals and Challenges:

The primary goal of this project was to capture studio-quality recordings of Soluna’s epic concert at Lux Frágil. This task was particularly challenging due to the crowded stage, which resulted in significant spill. Navigating these challenges required careful planning and execution to ensure the final recordings maintained the clarity and quality expected from a studio production.

Technical Details:

To mix and record Soluna’s live show, I utilized a Midas M32 mixer. Once the recordings were back in the studio, significant audio cleaning was necessary to minimize spill from the crowded stage. Proper gain staging proved challenging, adding another layer of complexity to the project.

One of the highlights was a beautiful guitar solo by the incredibly talented Eugénia Contente on “Undengue Uamie.” Given the live nature of the performance, I embraced the natural placement of the guitar within the mix, allowing it to sit slightly back. This decision informed the overall mixing perspective, capturing the concert from the crowd’s point of view. It created an authentic live experience, where listeners can even pinpoint Eugénia’s amp location on stage, which truly worked wonders for the mix!

Outcome:

The process of mixing and mastering Soluna’s live concert was a rewarding experience in itself. The meticulous attention to detail and creative decisions made throughout the project resulted in a final product that truly captured the essence of the live performance.

Personal Insights:

Reflecting on the project, I was particularly pleased with how the effects were used to emphasize the emotions throughout the show, without overshadowing the live performance of four fantastic musicians. It was a delicate balance that allowed Soluna’s artistry and the band’s talent to shine through, replicating the authentic and immersive experience for the audience.

Soluna – Undengue Uamie (live at Lux Frágil)