John Maskew

I'm looking forward to seeing this. I have it programmed to record just in case I miss it. I bet they would've come to Atlanta if the original SSL console and that amazing mic locker were still at Southern Tracks.

As a Playback Operator I use Pro Tools when providing my own rig. It allows me to receive PT sessions directly from the pre-record sessions if needed. Also I can send my PT sessions directly to post if they need to see what kind of edits were made on set. I'm very skilled in PT and can make changes or edits or anything that can be imagined very quickly without holding up production. I've also used Logic Pro, Audacity, Garageband, and even iTunes for playback with no problems. I have been asked if I HAVE Pro Tools but never been told "you have to use PT for playback."

I use this w/ my iPad Mini for playback here in Atlanta. Just like mentioned before, it allows me to walk on set w/ AD and basically be anywhere on set. Free version is awesome, paid version is definitely worth every penny!

I have found Apple's "Impulse Response Utility" application the easiest way to do this. It has everything you need to record quality IRs and you can even preview them without having to load up your DAW. It's made for use with Logic's "Space Designer" but I use it with TL Space & Altiverb. I'd do at least 3 positions with your mic(s): close, middle, & far. I prefer the 10 seconds sine sweep method. John

I have found that sidechaining the click track in Pro Tools to trigger a gate on the signal generator plugin is the best method (mentioned a couple times above). It allows me to tune the thumper 'on the fly' in case a certain frequency can't be reproduced on the speaker or if there is some sympathetic resonances on set. It also allows me to shape the volume envelope using the attack & release on the gate to give a very staccato thump or a very boomy "808 style" depending on the venue and/or scene. This is an old trick in music production to add sub bass to wimpy kick drums. Hope it helps. John

It was a pleasure to work with you guys! Let's do it again sometime.