Deciding between two studios for mixing - how important is the console?

[paidoperative]

hi!

i'm super new to mixing/production and i'm deciding between two studio around where i live...(bay area) for a mixing project:

Studio 1 - got 64-Channel Neve 8068 console
Studio 2 - Yamaha O2R96

the neve seems to be obviously "better" than the yamaha, but i don't know how much this really matters at the end of the day? Studio132's got BZ Lewis who seems like a musician and mixer, which is what i think i need (rather than just a mixer). i'm thinking it would be nice to have a mixer that can wear a producer and musician hat to have an ear to what else the song might need aside from effects.

any and all thoughts truly welcome

thanks so much:)

example of song i'd like to mix here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PWqfti ... drive_link

Edited at poster's request to remove studio names - JP

[Arpangel]

I've always chosen studios based on who runs them, are they sympathetic to my type of music, can they engineer accordingly and offer ideas if needed, equipment, is way down my preference list, as long as its in a particular ball park, I’m fine.
For instance, I wouldn’t go to a studio that has 99% country artists, and is owned by that type of guy, nothing wrong with country, but it's likely they aren’t going to be interested in my music particularly, and it is all about a "vibe"
As for "jobbing studios" jack’s of all trades, they can be fine, but it’s pot luck, and best to talk carefully before you commit yourself.

[James Perrett]

I wouldn't go looking for a studio, I'd look for someone to do the mixing and then let them choose where and how they want to do it.

If you want to do the mixing yourself then there is little point going to another studio until you have plenty of experience under your belt. You can just as easily refine your mixing skills at home - maybe with the help of a mentor to give you some pointers about which way to go.

[adrian_k]

Agree with all of the above.

Also, one place I went only used the desk for tracking and final mixdown to tape, mixing was in the box. Just because they have the gear doesn’t mean they use it

[alexis]

...
If you want to do the mixing yourself then there is little point going to another studio until you have plenty of experience under your belt. You can just as easily refine your mixing skills at home - maybe with the help of a mentor to give you some pointers about which way to go.

And a great way to refine one's mixing skills at home could be this highly recommended reference:

https://www.cambridge-mt.com/ms/main/

[SafeandSound Mastering]

The choice of engineer will be critical, not least subsequent comfort/familiarity factor of said engineer on preferred console. A good mix could come from either of those desks. I used to have trouble spotting the difference between and SSL 4K and a Mackie 32-8-2 in live jazz recording outside broadcast vehicles by the same engineer recording and then mixing. One a truck and one a long wheel base Transit.

In saying that there is a bigger potential difference between a NEVE and the Yahama.

I would probably even favour ITB DAW over the Yamaha at least for a vast quantity of exceptional quality software that could be put into use.

[paidoperative]

I wouldn't go looking for a studio, I'd look for someone to do the mixing and then let them choose where and how they want to do it.

If you want to do the mixing yourself then there is little point going to another studio until you have plenty of experience under your belt. You can just as easily refine your mixing skills at home - maybe with the help of a mentor to give you some pointers about which way to go.

Thanks - how might you recommend finding an engineer that fits?

I assume it may be as simple as finding a collection of songs I like that match the genre, and then reaching out to the engineers/producers that worked on it?

Is there a preference on whether they are remote/in person?

[James Perrett]

Thanks - how might you recommend finding an engineer that fits?

I assume it may be as simple as finding a collection of songs I like that match the genre, and then reaching out to the engineers/producers that worked on it?

Is there a preference on whether they are remote/in person?

Yes, just make contact with engineers whose mixes sound good to you. With higher profile engineers you may have to go through a management company while others can be contacted direct.

These days most mix engineers will want to do at least some of the mix on their own - usually editing parts and going deep into the detail that most other people will find boring. Sometimes it is good to have the client come and sit in on the final parts of the process while at other times the client can be more of a hindrance - it totally depends on the personalities involved.

Most of the mixes that I do nowadays are remote although I have an in person session starting in a few minutes with a regular client who likes to hear what I'm doing.

[Hugh Robjohns]

The Neve and the Yamaha will obviously cast a different character over the mix, but the quality of the mix is entirely down to the person doing it, not the gear.... and the chances are most of the mix will be done in the box anyway...

Meet the engineers. Ask for examples of their work. Pick the one you think you gel most with.