That ECM sound

[Vyv]

Hi all,

I listen to lots of ECM label recordings and despite being in all sorts of styles and recorded all over the world they share a certain distinctive sound, it sort of oozes quality. Obviously a lot of this is down to Manfred Eicher's ears but does anyone know if there any particular production practices he uses? The sound is always unified but I suspect not much compressed.

Any thoughts?

[Guest]

It's not rocket science. Great musicians, good, controlled studio acoustics with which the engineers are very familiar, lots of close mics, lots of mixing, decent artificial reverb(s), good engineering and high production values. And, arguably, having one person in charge who can dictate every detail of the production, working with a small team who all know each other well and what are the aims, so obtaining a highly unified approach to balance that's carried through from project conception to recording and mastering and a distinctive house sound. It doesn't appeal to everyone but their results are always very polished and you've got to admire a label that can be so consistent for so long.

This article from a few years ago gives some insight.

And this article from the NY TImes, about ECM on their 40th birthday is interesting.

[SafeandSound Mastering]

I think as well as using high end recording equipment for the releases
a copious amount of reverberation is used.

Which is not to everyone's taste.

Do you want to hear the musicians or the reverb processor?

[Vyv]

Thanks 0VU, interesting articles. Close miking and high quality reverb added afterwards - not what I expected at all!

[Ted Kendall]

As with so much in sound engineering, the art that conceals art...

[jhschilling1]

who cares if you're listening to a reverb unit. Getting the verb right is a matter of having 'good ears.' IF the music is well recorded and dry and somewhat sparse AND you have the right parameters on your verb, you can sound like an 'ECM' recording. I found it and use it for my own music creations. Wonderful sounding!

[Arpangel]

Close mic'ing, artificial reverb of the highest quality, but not always the studio, he’s not averse to using to the odd cathedral.

[shufflebeat]

Wow, I seem to have slept longer than I thought.

[Arpangel]

Wow, I seem to have slept longer than I thought.

Obviously my role as forum alarm clock just isn’t working.

[Wonks]

Wow, I seem to have slept longer than I thought.

Obviously my role as forum alarm clock just isn’t working.

You obviously aren't on TikTok.

[Arpangel]

Wow, I seem to have slept longer than I thought.

Obviously my role as forum alarm clock just isn’t working.

You obviously aren't on TikTok.

No "time" for that.