I had a great time last weekend at Next 2010, where I had the sweet chance to mix for the 3000 or so people in the seats.
How did things go?
Session 1 = Na Band. They did a "big" opening number over a video, which I thought sounded great. After a couple run-throughs, I was able to help emphasize the build of the music and help keep the energy through the transition into the first song. Overall, I think I had too much drums and not enough instruments in this mix, which I now see can be a tendency in my mixes when not fully formed.
Lesson: When you have limited soundcheck time, don't spend too much of it on the first few inputs. Make sure you get to hear the full band sound for the majority of the time.
Session 2 = Zelos. They had a different drum kit and a very different bass, which was giving me a fit at the start of soundcheck. We found out late in the rehearsal that the bass needed a new 9-volt battery. It's amazing how $3 can clean up a mix so significantly. They also had one musician who played synth, rhodes, wurlitzer, mandolin, and two cellos. I definitely did not get a good read on how all his instruments were to fit into the mix.
Lesson: When you have limited soundcheck time, make sure the guy with six instruments plays each of theml long enough to get a great sound on each one and to learn how they fit into the arrangements.
Session 3 = Acoustic Band. This was a simple musical setup, and a nice change from the rock-and-roll of the rest of the conference.
Session 4 = Zelos + Orchestra. We added 14 strings (2 Cellos, 3 Violas, and 9 Violins) to Zelos. I love the sound of an orchestra with electric guitars. Epic is the best way to describe it. I was very happy with how this turned out. We miced the 14 strings independently. The violins and violas each got one Shure Beta98 in an Audio Technica horn mount. We attached the mics to the chin rest of the violin or viola and pointed the mics directly into the f-hole. I've found this arrangement to get a full-bodied, non-harsh string sound. The cellos were covered by AKG C414s, which always sound great.
Session 5 = Generation Letter. Generation Letter was the new band to this conference and they were a pure joy to mix. They were clearly well-rehearsed, and their playing was rock solid. With simpler arrangements than the other bands, their mix was clean and full with very little effort on my part.
Lesson: Creativity can't really replace great, simple playing.
Session 6 = Na Band + Choir. Forty singers joined Na Band for this session. We double-miced the choral sections: two mics for altos, two mics for men, and two mics for the sopranos. With a stereo system, I typically use one mic for every six or so people. Then I pan them hard left and right to avoid any phase cancellation. This allows me to get more mics in close and more sound level while still maintaining a choral sound overall. The choir was screaming loud even though they weren't screaming. Revelation Song with the choir was the musical highlight of the conference for me.
Session 7 = Na Band. We wrapped up with one more session with the Na Band. I was still tweaking on the mix for this session, but that's just because I can't leave well enough alone.
Next 2011 will be Orlando. I sure hope I'm not too old to get invited back again.
