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Chris Lord-Alge on Mixing Green Day

May 05, 2009

After wrapping up the mixes for the latest Green Day release, Chris took some time out to speak with Waves and share some exclusive free presets for the SSL E-Channel.

How do you prepare for a new mix?

The most important thing I do is approach it as a first-time listener, and find out what in the song makes it exciting or emotional.

What do you focus on the first time you hear a song?

I really look for the pulse, the groove, what glues it together, what makes me tap my foot, or be pulled into the story.

Do you envision a final mix on first hearings?

I can see the finish line as soon as I put the car in drive.

What makes a great song for you?

A great vocal performance with a band that complements it. And a great recording to bring it home.

What makes a great album?

Not a simple question, but a great album is hard work, great songwriting, and quality engineering combined with stellar production, creating a vision that flows like a musical river.

What records changed your life?

Genesis The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway & A Trick of the Tail
Led Zeppelin 4
Frampton Comes Alive
The Who Quadrophenia
Def Leppard Hysteria
Deep Purple Machine Head
Pink Floyd Wish You Were Here
Chic Good Times

Analog and digital—in what ways do you like to combine them?

Every track goes through an analog device.

  • The tracks come as Pro Tools Sessions (D)
  • We compile the audio tracks and add whatever effects we want (Eq, Compression, it's wide open!!)
  • then we transfer to 3348 (D)
  • I mix through an SSL 72 G+ (A)
  • I use a lot of outboard gear tube and solid state (A)
  • Mixdown is both (A) & (D), even ¼” @ 7½ ips

You’ve mixed everything from the hardest rock to R&B and pop. Do you have a different approach for different genres?

The song really dictates the approach to the mix. And I love having the variety; one listen tells me what’s on the menu:

Hard Rock for Breakfast
Pop for Lunch
Disco for Dinner
Ballads for Dessert

You may have to dig deeper in the spice rack!

How long does it take to mix a track?

It takes what it takes. It all depends on making the pieces fit. And when it moves me, it’s done.

Do you know a song is a hit while you’re mixing it?

A simple “Yes” would sound egotistical, but at this point, I think some of them pick me and I help them on their way.

Hits tend to be like flypaper; they really know how to stick to you.

Do you have the freedom to get adventurous with tracks while you’re mixing? How far will you take it from the original rough mixes?

I feel that people want me to do whatever it takes to make the song great, and it may take some real crafting to get it there. I always use the rough mix as a road map, knowing that everyone has been used to hearing that version. Then I do my best to kick its ass for the song’s sake!

When you are mid-mix, is the band or the producer with you? How much do you collaborate along the way?

I usually only play the mix for the band and producer when I have it where I want it. Then we get everyone’s input and make their changes before printing.

Your records sound great on every kind of system. What’s your secret?

Thank you, I try! I think the secret is to listen really quietly on small speakers and to focus on the music and not be distracted. Many of my mixes are done through my old Sony boombox.

If you were to compare mixing to other art forms, which would they be?

I would say that what I do is really more artistic than technical…more like a chef, because I bring my personal taste in sound.

Download Presets by Chris Lord-Alge

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