In article ,
Iain M Churches wrote:
Absolutely. Being a musician - ie being capable of playing a musical
instrument to a high standard - just ain't necessary to balance music.
And it's not something that anyone can learn. So a bit like being a
musician in that respect - you need a particular talent.

And yet, it is surprising how many balance engineers, can play an
instrument to a high standard. At the companies where I have worked,
one has always been expected to be able to mark up a full score, pre
session, and edit from one, post session. I have yet to come across a
classical engineer who cannot do this.

I'm afraid my knowledge of such people is more limited being TV and
therefore somewhat lighter music based. [Thinks] Of the half dozen or so
mixers I know or knew who specialised in the classical side I'd say it was
about 50/50 as regards playing an instrument well. Although one of the
best plays piano, organ and sings to a pro standard. And is equally at
home with lighter music.

As regards pop music. I have known many tape ops/assistant engineers
who could play guitar, bs gtr, and drums as well as or better than many
of the artists we were recording.

Yes - again the recording studio side tends to attract more people who
might have wanted a career in front of the microphone if things had gone
according to plan.
Although my next assistant on a drama shoot is a Bay City Roller...

Of course to balance music you have to be able to identify the various
parts of the mix. Reading music - at least to lead sheet level - is
also useful.

Probably essential. Would you drive in a rally without a map? :-)

One mixer famous for the excellent results he got on early Top of the Pops
- where it really *was* live, complete with orchestra and arrangements
such to copy the actual record, played the records a few times before the
studio day, and more or less memorised them.

--
*I believe five out of four people have trouble with fractions. *

Dave Plowman London SW
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