Artificial Intelligence in Recording Studios, Ear Training, and the Excitement of Novelty - Insights from Dave Pensado
Vibe with Dave Pensado: The maestro of mixing and audio education
Music, like a fortune teller, has us all in its thrill. It's the adrenaline of being ahead of trends and finding fresh sounds that keeps us hooked.
Navigating the thrilling world of audio production is about being equipped to make the right calls. Those decisions shape the music we create. And who better to guide us than Dave Pensado, the mastermind behind Pensado's Place?
With a knack for mixing that's unmatched, Dave is not just a teacher but also a passionate sharer of insider knowledge. His insights on Into the Lair and Pensado’s Place give us a peek into the future of music.
Curious to know what drives this music maverick? In his own words...
The Future Awaits: Studio Automation
"The AI integration is what I'm looking forward to most." Dave, with Herb, often speaks about the potential of AI in the audio world, acknowledging the importance of implementing smart technology. Imagine telling Siri to sort your tracks, tweak your plugins, or even mimic your favorite artist's sound – the possibilities are endless!
Education vs Sharing
"I'm more about sharing than educating." Shedding the traditional educator mantle, Dave seeks to share rather than teach. This humble approach, he feels, has helped him hone his teaching skills over time.
The Merging of Creative and Practical Spaces
"The hybrid part of The Fab Factory is essential." Dave preaches the importance of the complete creative experience, starting from the moment you walk in the door until you step into his studio. The whole environment, from the parking lot to his room, is designed to foster and encourage creativity.
In terms of studio setup, Dave has a preference for a hybrid approach. Outboard gear occupies a space in his heart, but the ever-improving digital space leaves him using it less and less nowadays.
Embracing New Professionals
"Hybrid elements are vital today more than ever." Dave stresses the significance of acquiring diverse skills for the ever-evolving music industry. With the right skills, one can make their entry point into the field, whether it's editing, tracking, vocal production, or being a Pro Tools technician.
Effortlessly Merging Technology with Creativity
"The creative process is no longer hindered by technology." According to Dave, the seamless interaction between technology and the creative process has significantly improved workflow, encouraging creativity and unleashing the magic needed to sell our taste and creativity at the end of the day.
Originality Matters
"Originality is crucial in mixing." Dave advises against simply imitating top engineers to find success. A fresh approach is what the industry demands, and that's what he strives for in his work.
Ear Training 101
"Ear training is vital." To develop a keen ear, Dave recommends practicing by EQing existing CDs and participating in fun games that test your frequency identification skills. Regular practice is key to mastering the skill, much like learning a new language through your ears.
Faced with Deadlines, Embrace them!
"Short turnaround times can be good." Dave humorously compares Michelangelo's productivity with the presence of the Pope versus his freedom to create at a slower pace. The deadline pressure fosters creativity, keeping the artistic spirit alive.
Do-it-Yourself: The Key to Standing Out
"A DIY ethos can set you apart." Dave encourages young producers to take charge of their work, to be proactive and make things happen. This capability, he argues, builds trust with the people hiring you, leading to a safer, more creative environment.
The Future of Music Production: 3 Words
"Intuitive, Expansive, and Inclusive." As we march forward, Dave envisions music production to be about more than just technical skill – it's about embracing the intuition that guides us and welcoming others to join the creative process.
Embark on a magical journey into the world of music production with Dave Pensado's lessons on Into the Lair, and discover unique insights from the workflows of top artists on Pensado's Place. Keep current with our blog to stay ahead of the game!
In terms of the future of music production, Dave Pensado anticipates the integration of artificial-intelligence technology to be a game-changer, such as having Siri manage tracks, tweak plugins, or even mimic favorite artists' sounds.
Embracing the role of a sharer rather than a traditional educator, Dave Pensado advocates for the importance of using technology to seamlessly merge creativity with practicality, as he shifts from outboard gear to digital tools.
