Can Recording Boot Camp turn me into an engineer/producer?

[ElectrikBill]

Hi,

Here's my situation: I've been playing around with my PTLE-based home studio for about 10 years recording a few of my own songs each year. I've also recorded a couple EP's for my sons' hardcore bands. I've read a ton of books, browsed the various forums and watched the experts on DVD. My recordings sound 'okay', good enough for songwriter demos, but nowhere near the the quality of the CD's or downloads I buy. I always end up feeling dissatisfied with them There always seem to be flaws that I just can't fix despite putting a lot of time into them. My progress from song to song is incremental, if any. Can attending Recording Boot Camp, or some similar intensive short term program, get me to the next level and producing stuff I'm proud of? Is it really possible to produce slammin' tracks at home?

Thanks in advance for any input you may have.

EB

[Seeker of Song]

Bill , here has been my experience '
When I first got my PTLE system in 03, I was in a fortunate situation in that I had a month off of work and was able to attend a PT certification course . Which was great for learning about running the software, shortcuts features etc. But addressed only basic mixing and again only in relation to the PT features in editing and such. While useful, it left me in much the same situation you have expressed.

However this last Feb. I was fortunate enough to attend The Home Recording Boot Camp in LA. The wealth of knowledge and practical recording and mixing experience (form some one who is also quite good at imparting that knowledge , in a simple and concise fashion), was for me both very enjoyable and invaluable . So much so. that If Ronan offers a Level 2 course I will also attend that.

Disclaimer here :: I am not employed by nor professionally affiliated HBRC or Ronan in any shape or form other than having been a full paying student.

Can the HRBC "turn you into a better engineer/producer " ? No not by itself.... But is it a Fast Track to a learning experience giving you access to the knowledge of tools and techniques that can help You turn Yourself into a better engineer/producer ?? then Yes and It was fun in the bargain.

[ElectrikBill]

Seeker, thanks for your input. It does sound like the right thing for me to do at this point to jump to the next level.

[dirtyragamuffin]

I have also attended the HRBCs as a paying student.

They will not "turn you into an engineer/producer" in the same way that learning to change your own oil will not turn you into an auto mechanic; what it will do is help you get the foundation you need to give you that potential. It covers engineering basics more than producing, with the prerequisite being a good performance to capture. My experience was that you learn about mic selection and placement for various sources, mic technique, signal processing theory and technique, and also touches on the basics of mixing, with great industry guests offering some interesting and valuable lecture.

If you've been tinkering on your own, HRBC can help you garner a better comprehensive foundation and maybe help you get to the "next level". Beyond that, as it's only one (intense) week, you go off to put what you learn into practice and go on to gain as much practical experience as you can.

I enjoyed my HRBC experiences and felt it was worthwhile and a good value especially when you consider that for the cost of one piece of high quality gear, you gain the knowledge to help you get the most out of any piece of equipment you put your hands on in any studio. (Like Seeker, I have no professional/monetary interest in the HRBC and am speaking as a paying student).

[thomas]

I also attended HRBC last fall, been recording for many years as a songwriter but decided I wanted to go pro as a producer engineer and felt I had gotten as far as I could without a bit more formal education.

HRBC did excactly what I was hoping it would, small class room with students at similar levels and therefore the week was spend very well organized.
It won't make you a great producer/engineer over night...only experience will BUT it will give you the tools you need to make great sounding records. There are so many suddle little things I'd never knew nor conciously noticed that I now can't even think of doing without.
My mixes have gotten immediately better since I left and Ronan is a fantastic instructor and one of the very few experienced engineers out there who will actually answer your questions.

I can only recomend this class

[ElectrikBill]

Thomas, it sounds like you and I have similar backgrounds and ambitions. I would also like to go pro as a producer. To immediately get help on improving my mixes alone would make it worthwhile.

Thanks for everyone's comments and insights.

[schemaman]

I agree with the above comments +1 for HRBC. It won't make you the ultimate producer/engineer, but it will load you up with a lot of solid material that you can use right away to help improve your recordings. I thought the whole experience was great and recommend HRBC to anybody who is considering it.

[Peter Montessi]

Hi EB,

I have been one of the lucky ones to attend a good number of the classes Ronan puts on.

First of all Ronan is a great teacher and everyone that I have had the pleasure to meet at his class, as always walked away with something from the class to improve their skills in recording.

This, of course all depends on the drive YOU have to improve your present skills.

Enough said about that part.......

I have seen guys that have been recording for years come into the class and still walk away with some new knowledge to help them in their work.

You couldn't ask for a better person to learn from no matter what level you are at.

I don't know if this helped in any way but I think you're on the right path (just thinking about it).

I wish you the very best and maybe I'll see you there at some point!!!

Best to you,

Peter

[theunkown]

The main thing is ake sure you dont spend to much on a school, you gotta really ask yourself is this truly worth 20000 +, cuz some of the schools are that much. My advice would be to find a local studio owner, and see if you can intern with him or if he or she could teach you anything.

[Jon Sorensen]

Hi EB,

I feel like I had a similar path as far as production goes. I'm a songwriter and I spent years fiddling, reading, and just twiddling knobs and improving by just sort of figuring out what sounds better. I was probably the least skilled and experienced when I went to the Home Recording Boot Camp so for sure I benefited a lot. When I listen to what I did before and what I'm doing now, the difference is huge. Before I just wasn't good enough to be marketable. Now, I have no doubt that I'm getting production quality. Also, when things go wrong, I know why and can problem solve instead of just fiddling around until it sounds better. That's probably the biggest thing for me and was probably the most valuable skill I got from the training.