If you're reading this, please leave a comment and let me know that you're here! I read all of your comments :) I'm beyond blessed to have had the opportunity to sit down with the legendary Al Schmitt! With over 1100 credits on Allmusic (Henry Mancini, Steely Dan, Jefferson Airplane, Bob Dylan, George Benson, Toto, Natalie Cole, Quincy Jones, Diana Krall, etc.), much of his success and career sustainability stems from his firm analogue groundings and his talent to adapt new technologies to improve on the old. His sound is famous for being open and clean, allowing the best natural qualities of instruments to shine. Al Schmitt is nothing short of a living legend and one of the most important figures in recording history.

@valium-fm7236

5 жыл бұрын

@produce like a pro - I’m here ! ( I think). Great interview Warren 😁👍🏻

@iwantappledumplings6187

5 жыл бұрын

Such an amazing interview,! I love the information and was fully engrossed!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much Apple!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much Valium FM!!

@zoolfilms

5 жыл бұрын

Wow. This is great. Al Schmitt is the nicest guy! Will definitely get this book :)

Warren is so respectful , industry needs more people like him

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Awe shucks! Thanks agon! You rock my friend!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much Agon! When you're sitting with a truly successful person who you admire so much it's hard not to be humbled!

@Producelikeapro

3 жыл бұрын

@HECTOR JUNIOR thanks ever so much. Al was the greatest of all time

Wow, he was almost 89 in that interview... I would have bet 15-20 years younger: What a charming gentleman.

@Producelikeapro

3 жыл бұрын

Hugely charming, smart, youthful and talented,

I came to check out this interview after learning of Mr Schmitt's passing. R.I.P. 😔

@Producelikeapro

3 жыл бұрын

Terrible news, he was such a huge influence on all of us.

You enhanced the sonic landscape for all of us to enjoy. Rest in peace Sir.

@Producelikeapro

3 жыл бұрын

He was a Prince among men!

@CarlyonProduction

2 жыл бұрын

Did al pass away? Oh god I had no idea. That’s a huge loss. Makes this interview even more special.

For 88 years young, AL seems very "bright eyed and bushy tailed" ! I loved his comments on "no EQ's or Compressors", and "but Sir.... you don't understand.... I'm not qualified" I could imagine the Duke smiling and thinking, "maybe not now, but after this session, YOU WILL BE". Very nice interview Warren and team, I enjoyed it ;0)

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Agreed, what an incredible story!!! Yes, he is extremely lucid! A true inspiration!

Rest in Peace Mr.Schmitt ...

@Producelikeapro

3 жыл бұрын

He was a Prince! Incredible guy, wonderfully talented

I am so honored to have him come to my college class at Citrus College and he invited us to his own studio at Capitol Records and I even played Nat King Cole's piano...that was in his studio..He was a classic man...very humble and so full of love ...

Amazing he’s 88. Seems like such a sweet guy. It’s great he’s still so energetic and doing great work.

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

I agree! Amazing!! Thanks for your great comment!

One of the many things I admire from your channel is how you make everyone feel relaxed and not threatened to have a great engineer like you around, you have a gift to befriend musicians, engineers, everyone. Keep it up!!!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much Maura, that REALLY means A LOT! Al is a true gentleman and an amazing talent! We are blessed to be able to talk to him!! Thanks for your marvellous comment!

I'm watching this video for the first time, unbelievable stories from such a legend! Very sad to think that he's no longer on Earth. God bless his soul. RIP Mr Schmitt.

@Producelikeapro

3 жыл бұрын

He was the greatest of the greats!

I've just watched this again, but it may even be third time I've watched it. All the more poignant given Al's recent passing, but it popped up after I watched Mix With the Masters' tribute to Al, and PureMix tribute on Monday, both of which featured such an impressive array of pro's to talk about their love and appreciation for the great man. To say Al was the Engineers' Engineer would be true, if an understatement, and obvious, but nearly everyone that spoke about Al, spoke about him, his loves, the way he treated musicians, the way he treated everyone, the hidden 'magic' in how he worked, his passions, his endless enthusiasm, and since he was working up to the end with his boy-like enthusiasm and his humanity. And he absolutely did not look his 91 years. It's been so, so inspiring. I get a tremendous amount of my technical information from people like yourself and others, so it took a while to realise why so many of the modern engineers who are famous for their use of compression et al, were all so in awe of The Engineer who is noted for using hardly any. I was wondering what is it that they admire. His 'magic' was obviously on show, but it was more than that, so what was it? It finally dawned, it was everything about him, it was the unending involvement, the pursuit of excellence, the humour, the character, the life, love and soul. It tumbled from his being. It is something to aspire to that doesn't really encompass what he did in the studio. I truly feel, there will never be another engineer on his level again. If people like Bob Clearmountain, Andrew Scheps,, Chris Lord Alge, Jack Joseph Puig, Greg Wells and so many more would hold this man in such awe, where do people like me stand? But then, it became obvious, whatever I do in engineering, firstly, take it seriously because it's a wonderful opportunity to do a wonderful thing, and have fun doing it, and make every event a wonderful and worthwhile experience, treat people with genuine interest and respect - inspiring. Thank you Al

This is Dave, I'm here. Ran my own studio for years. Loved reading about Al in mix magazine. Great interview!!! I feel like I know him!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Dave!! Yes, he's amazing!! Happy New Year!

Wow, no compressors, no EQ, no auto-tune, everything in mono. Everyone should have to work that way at first. Warren, thanks for making sure the stories from these legends can be heard. Much appreciated!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome my friend!

I love how informal yet educational this interview is! It's like watching two friends talk

@darlenesheffield9835

5 жыл бұрын

yes! I agree

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much Sonny! I learned so much from Al!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Darlene!

In Al Schmitt we have lost somebody truly unique. A real master of the art of sound recording. His recordings will live on as some of the best ever made. Having been lucky enough to meet him, he was as special as a person as he was an engineer. Sadly, we will not see his like again.

@Producelikeapro

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Mark, Al was a one of kind, incredible talent! A true Gentleman who we all could learn so much from!

Wow! What a loss. Universally respected by the music world. THE producers’ producer and so humble. Condolences for everyone family and friend alike.

he's got the best attitude of anyone and he's sharp as anyone al schmitt is a role model for me

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

I agree 100% my friend!

I admire this legend, from the start I began mixing, he is just the benchmark of engineers. Especially only mixing on the ballistics of the VU meters, so no sound necessary for Al. For me, the best engineer ever, and just there under are all the other amazing mixers, like Bob Clearmountain, Nicolas Bolas and other amazing people. And also humble, I had another idea of those people doing that work. It's great the internet is there, to know these legends a little better. Great interview Warren.

Love the story of how you started! "and the Elevator doors opened" haha

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Haha yes! Al has amazing stories! This interview could have been 10 hours! haha

Duuuuuuuuude, that shit he said about mastering engineers was hilarious! Great interview as always.

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Haha oops! Yes, it was!!

One of the best interviews on the channel. Living legend!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Many thanks Alexey! Living Legend indeed!!

Thank you very much for posting this. Your channel is nothing short of wonderful and this video is a great example of why.

I love listening to Al talk about his time in the business. Pleasant surprise that he talked a bit about his sobriety too. 31 years. Wow! What an inspiration!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Such an inspiration Toby!! Thanks for watching!

There is a reason why highly succesfull people are so nice: they combine their heart and soul in allll facets of life...Not one aspect...;) We should be happy for our gifts and use them with respect...Respect for AL and ofcourse WARREN guys!!!!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Jeroen! That is very kind of you to say! Agreed, Al is a true Gentleman!

@drummerjeroensimons

5 жыл бұрын

@@Producelikeapro Only a gentleman recognise another one...;)

What a treat to hear Al Scmitt telling stories that are our recording heritage, well done.!

highly honored n respectful to his great talent and skills!

Wonderful interview. I've seen a lot of interviews with Al Schmitt, but this has been one of the best ones. Thanks, Warren.

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much T W Tobin! You Rock my friend!

Warren you are all dressed up for this one :-)

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Haha! Yes Meta!

@Simonewhitesim-1music

5 жыл бұрын

@@Producelikeapro Ooh He's dropping all the Gem's. Franks Benson. Those records shaped My Life. Reading liner notes and Listening to Tones..Still Thanks so Much inspired.

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Fantastic! I do the same, I get Wiki going, read the liner notes! Haha

What sort of troll gave this a thumbs down? What a lovely example of his memory lane! Thanks Warren, people will treasure this for decades or more!

@darlenesheffield9835

5 жыл бұрын

Yes very sad! Rival channels do it!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

That's quite alright Darlene!

Excellent video. Always learn so much from your channel. Many of my compression techniques I got from you and Graham. GREAT TEACHERS!!!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Wow! Thanks Second 2 None! Glad to hear that! Graham is a great teacher!

another top interview Warren .. I can picture Al working with Robbie Williams, both of them at the top of their game completely unfazed by each other's legendary status, bringing out the best in each other.

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever also much for your great comment!!

Amazing interview! One of the best I've ever seen!

My absolute favorite engineer. My recordings completely changed when I started studying how he worked. Thanks Warren.

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your marvellous comment!

Always refreshing with honesty but woow this was just on another level. From the amazing rant on mastering engineers to the whole sobriety episode. Could listen forever to this man!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much my friend! He's such an amazing guy! Huge talent and so honest!

You are so lucky to go and meet these people and talk to them like this for an hour. I hope I get to your levels of success someday Warren...

Excellent interview of one of the best ever. Amazing that he is still doing it at 88 years old. Thanks for bringing it.

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Charles! Agreed, I hope I am still working at Al's age! Truly incredible!

I came back to watch this again; prompted by firstly watching a Mix with The Masters Q&A with Al, and then a Pensado's Place interview, with Al, and now this. Now, I love the technology and I admire tremendously what people can do with it, but it can't be argued, when it comes down to the fact that, this man can record - granted with some great tube mics and pre-amps - simply by great mic placement (often with omni patterns), no EQ and fader riding instead of compression, then I realise that there is a big hole in my abilities that will probably never be filled, at least, not fully. I come to absorb, I know not what, I just know it's worth it with such great engineers

I stumbled on your site while researching monitors. I discovered so much more. Fantastic stories plus learning opportunities. Great gift for the Holidays. And birthday this Saturday. Thanks!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much Al! I really appreciate it!!

You can literally watching him telling all the stories all day long and you never get bored...Amazing man! Glad you could pick him up and ask to make such a great interview! Thank you! :)

Thank you, both of you, for an amazing interview...a wonderful time. (I am finally getting back into production)

Amazing. This is a great idea, so keep the stories and interviews going.

Absolutely, I always mix as I go, and premixing all the time

Wow! This is truly amazing interview! Thanks so much for doing this one Warren! 😀👍

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alexey! You rock my friend! Glad you're enjoying this one!

I always enjoy your interviews Warren, but this is undoubtedly my favourite to date. Listening to Al Schmitt talk about recording, particularly his process, is not unlike talking, and listening, to Geoff Emerick, may he RIP. Of course the stories are very cool, but Al’s candor in answering your savvy queries made this the best. Thanks loads.

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much Ron! That really means a lot! Yes, RIP Geoff Emerick!

I'm here because I'm a studio nerd and for the pleasure of hearing Al Schmitt. Video should be longer, and it would be nice to play some of the stuff he worked on, and isten to his comments. Very nice video.

Yippee!!!!! I love these interviews. I've learned so much from these, from stories of the greats!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

It was marvellous talking with Al!

I thoroughly enjoyed that. Thank you. Al is a lovely guy. You guys get on great. The best advice, 'Show up!' 👌👌👌👌👌

That microphone phasing knowledge and having no eq HW in the signal chain is a HUGE reason for the utterly amazing harmonic and phasing quality there in Al's recordings.

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

I agree 100% my friend!!

What a nice guy. What a history. Good job, Warren. Sorry for his passing.

@Producelikeapro

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, absolutely terrible news. He was the best

I had postponed watching this for so long to give it the full attention it deserves, and it's been totally enjoyable.

Cheers to another marvelous interview! Warren is the Larry King of record producer & engineer interviews. Congrats to Mr. Al Schmitt for 30+ years of sobriety. Rest in peace, no sans eq sans compression wizard.

What a wonderful interview! I love his Duke Ellington story! I was smiling ear to ear!

Hi Warren & & all the guys at PLAP - absolutely loved watching this video guys, by far the best interview I've watched in a long time & what Al says about Auto-Tune at 14:23 and you talking about Clarkes shoes at 1:03:47 just brilliant. It always amazes me when I'm watching two guys of you and Al's stature just how much knowledge of the music business is in those two minds … its awsome man - please keep up the fantastic work your doing. All the best from the Essex UK

One of the best interviews ever made!

Superb chat Warren. thank you. God rest Al...

Wonderful, priceless conversation ... thank you Warren.

What a legend! I've no doubt he'll continue his work up there.

This was a real treat to watch, thank you Warren! I watched every second! 🤯

We should all have an uncle Les. Great guy, great interview. These people had to put so much more effort in their work. It's good to be remembered now and then.

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Haha I agree Peter! That would be amazing!

Al is a true legend! He has been through every change there has ever been. Thanks Warren for letting us in.

Warren, Thank you so much for giving us access to fantastic people like Al! Im going after the book as soon as I stop typing. What a great guest and interview! Cant get enough of these kind of interviews! Thank you Al for sharing your stories and wisdom!!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks e ver so much Mark! I really appreciate it! I agree, the book is truly wonderful!!

Wonderful Wonderful interview, must get the book. Thank you.

He just comes across as such a giving man. Passionate about his craft and time in the industry.

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

I agree 100% Graeme!!

What an amazing interview . Well done to Warren and Co for organizing this .

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks SJ! Enjoy the interview!

I really love your interviews. Incredibly interesting people and also you're a great interviewer. Great questions and I also love that you keep so quiet and let your guest talk. Sooo many professional interviewers do not listen.

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Tony! That really means a lot! I'm so glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren

Thank you both... Really love the way Mr. Schmitt records the pure method would be great to learn such a craft... Thank you Warren much appreciated with all you do for us all...

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dustin! Wow! I appreciate your support!!

Thanks to both of you for this brilliant video! (Your hair was very nice in it too.) ;-)

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Nick!! Thanks for your great comment! Glad you enjoyed the hair!

Great interview! Glad you could meet him.

@Producelikeapro

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Matt! Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, he was amazing!!

Wow ! Incredible wealth from a giant ! A master at his craft ! Great fireside chat Warren. Loved it, just like all the other interviews. Cheers G.

Dude! Thank you for the interview! This is amazing! Well done, Al is a true hero!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much Pedro!

Hey, Warren. Great interview. It's always a pleasure to listen to Al. His stories are amazing. And being the legend he is, he still is so humble. That's what I love about him. Thanks.

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Lukås!! Thanks ever so much! Yes, Al's stories are incredible!

Such an amazing interview,! I love the information and was fully engrossed!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much Apple!

kinda takes yer breath away......thankyou Al and Warren!

Thanks Warren, another great interview. All the best for the holidays.

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Rob Roscoe Thanks ever so much!!

Nice to see these guys getting the credit they deserve for their production and engineering! And a front seat to witness great albums being made and the excellent players that were on the many sessions!

What a great interview! So well done. One of the best I ever watched. As a retired engineer myself I can so relate, and have nothing but love for Al and his irascible personality. So sad he's gone now, but WHAT a legend.

@Producelikeapro

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much George, I really appreciate it

Thanks for capturing this - its true history - amazing

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much my friend!!

More than 40 years later, Breezin' is still one of my favorite cruising singles. Thank you Al.

This has to be my favorite interview. I learned so much about the industry

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much my friend!!

Great walk down some of the finest moments in recording history Thanks! Have I mentioned how much of a positive, motivating person you are? Thank you for making the time to continually share your amazing skills and experience in such an honest, humble way. Have a marvelous day!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much Andrew! You are very kind my friend!! I am so glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren

What a great interview. Thanks for this Warren.

I loved this interview so much! I was blown away by his stories about the early days. Recording and mixing without the fancy tools that we have today. Totally working with e.g. mic placement and having artists and big bands performing in ways that we almost never see today! Real musicians and vocalists! What a wonderful guy he is Al Schmitt. And Warren, you are just a great interviewer! Thank you so much for this! I am inspired! =)

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much Petter! Yes, Al is amazing ands I loved being able to talk to him! Truly wonderful!!

Unreal, thank you so much Warren and thank you Mr. Schmitt for sharing your stories with us. This may be my favorite interview of all time.

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Wow! Thanks ever so much my friend!!

Warren, THANK YOU for sharing this interview with us. It was really great! I've been following your channel for at least one year and I find your videos both educational and entertaining. Keep up the great work and I hope to see you at #ProduceLikeAPro soon!

@TheSmokedKarma

5 жыл бұрын

one of the best channels on you tube

What a fantastic chat. Wow! Al is a legend.

@Producelikeapro

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much

Wow. These stories are amazing! Thank you so much for this Warren!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Indeed they are Matthew! - Thank you for watching!

What a fantastic interview! The insight to the history of audio engineering through his stories are priceless. The more I dabble with production/engineering, the more appreciation I have for those who paved the way. It fascinates me that they were able to capture such wonderful sound with equipment that is, in many ways, inferior to the humble pile of kit in my basement. People like this had to learn how to get the most out of every small piece of the puzzle. In this current era of recording, we’re consumed by which piece of gear or which plug in to deliver sonic glory. Forgetting more and more, everyday, that the energy of the performance makes the magic. People like Al spent a lifetime time honing the skills to capture that energy straight away. In my opinion, we tend to rely too heavily on post production - and something about that, to my ears, kills some of that magic. I’m glad many of these folks are still around and willing to share their experiences. And thank you Warren for taking the time to put so much together to help the likes of people like me!

Thank you Warren, this is my favourite so far, what a life story from Al in every aspect, respect*** :-)

Wow! What an interview! I could listen to him for hours. Thank you Warren and Al!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever son much Matt! You Rock!

Wazza! Absolutely Marvelous! An era of recording, possibly never to be repeated again. Best wishes to everyone for the festive season. Peace!

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much!! You Rock my friend!

Hey Warren, this is without a doubt the greatest interview that I have seen. Not only your interviews but any interview about the music business. Thank you so very much for putting this together and sharing this amazing man with the rest of us. Just an unbelievable video and an unforgettable guest! Seriously, Thank you for sharing this.

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

WOW!! Thank you ever so much my friend!! I really appreciate your very kind words my friend!!

Just amazing. Would bet you were genuinely starstruck. Amazing interview. Loved the simplicity in both of you.

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Yes I was Bruno! Thanks for your great comment!

What an incredible story. Thank you Warren for a great interview and thanks to Mr. Schmitt for his great insight and stories. What a life.

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much my friend! Yes, Al is amazing!

I could watch your videos all day (and have). I appreciate all you do. It's a shame things are going the way they are in the music business, this is a perfect example of the good days gone. You are great at what you do Warren and I wish you all the success in the world. Keep these coming

RIP Al. :( I had to come back to this great interview. I'm currently watching his Mix with the Masters video which has been made free this week and I'm in awe at his artistry. No crazy tricks, only the subtlest amount of EQ and compression, just Al using his ears and making the most complex thing in the world look so simple and effortless. As he refines the mix near the end you just see his hands in close up on the board making the tiniest little fader moves, the kind that make all the difference and separate the great artists from the rest. What an amazing guy and what a miss.

Rest in peace, Al. Thank you for everything.

Hey Warren! This was such a charming interview...Al is such a gentleman and your ability to direct the conversation and your stellar knowledge of the music industry, not to mention remembering the names and dates is just jawdropping. Loved every minute of it!

@Producelikeapro

Жыл бұрын

Wow! Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks ever so much for sharing!

I enjoyed this interview so much. Thank you for sharing, Warren.

@Producelikeapro

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Marc! Glad you enjoyed the interview!

The grandmaster of recording and a great man. RIP AL