Bob Katz - Comprehensive Interview on PMFC
HIGHLIGHTS
Comprehensive Interview and discussion between Rich Steve Beck of PMFC and Bob Katz, Mastering Engineer at Digital Domain
3:00 Where did Bob get started?
Getting the feel of natural performance dynamics.
7:00 How did Bob come up with the K-System? What are the principles of the K-System?
11:10 Bob’s role in the AES Streaming Loudness Subcommittee, making progress
14:30 Album Normalization, an important feature of the Streaming Loudness Recommendation - is much more than meets the eye. Bob explains how album normalization allows mixed genres to perform together with natural loudness dynamics, in a sort of artificial intelligences. Bob explains that Track Normalization is compression!
BOB SHOWS HIS MASTERING STUDIO, BEGINNING WITH AN EXPLORATION OF ANALOG GEAR:
21:17 Pendulum ES-8, variable Mu mastering compressor: Warm, fat, full, and versatile.
22:23 Bob’s custom wet/dry mixer, with dry and wet each in 1 dB steps, optional transformer. Used in conjunction with the Pendulum ES-8
23:58 Maselec MEA-2 Equalizer: Warm, transparent, sweet curves
25:53 Bettermaker Mastering Equalizer: Digitally-Controlled Analog, also with some sweet curves
26:50 Elysia X-Filter, Mastering Edition: Transparent, “invisible” analog equalization
28:09 API 2500 Compressor
28:40 Anamod ATS-1 Analog Tape Simulator
30:14 Dutch Audio M.1 Mastering Transfer Console
31:35 Why are your racks so low to the floor?
32:57 TC Electronic Icon remote control for the System 6000
34:14 TC Native Plugins: TC moved some of their most popular algorithms from the System 6000 to Native Plugins: including the MD4 and the VSS4. The move from hardware-based processing to software-based processing continues.
36:31 TC Electronic Clarity M Loudness Meter
37:27 Cranesong Avocet Monitor Controller: 8 channels of Monitor control with calibrated 1 dB/Step monitor level. Calibrated to the K-System.
39:27 Whitestone P331 Tube Loading Amplifier: All tube parameters and transfer characteristics are digitally-controlled for repeatability and ease of recall
40:54 Carnegie Hall Chart of Frequencies and ranges of musical instruments
41:57 Bob’s Mastering Loudspeakers: Dynaudio Evidence M5P mains and JL Audio Fathom F-112 Subwoofers, with custom linear phase digital crossover and linear phase correction using Acourate
43:00 Dynaudio Dynamic Directivity Control (DDC)
44:28 JL Fathom F-112 Subwoofer (one of two). Why is your sub not in the center of the room?
46:59 Why and when does Bob use analog processing versus digital processing?
49:38 Bob’s advice to new mastering engineers, use of headphones versus loudspeakers, etc. Pros and cons of using headphones for mixing or mastering.
53:25 Headphone model recommendations
54:00 Specific issues with relying on headphones for mixing or mastering
57:16 Cathedral Ceiling
58:57 PSI Audio AVAA C-20 Electronic Bass Traps
1:00:38 GIK Audio Diffusors
1:02:34 Bob’s Photography
1:04:27 Languages
Q&A
1:06:34 Digital Correction System: Acourate and Acourate Convolver
1:07:21 What to do while in a testing period with an untreated room?
1:08:05 Maselec MLA-4: 3 band downward compressor and upward expander
1:09:39 ADL Stereo Compressor: LA-2A Clone
1:10:45 24-Bit files for distribution: Any progress?
1:14:01 Anamod ATS-1 Analog Tape Simulator: More perspective
1:15:17 Analog equipment maintenance: What tools are needed?
1:16:24 In The Box Mastering: Recommendations. Can you get a master that’s as loud as analog mastering by working totally in the box?
1:19:52 Color in Mastering. Some tips and tricks for obtaining instant and controllable color or character without harsh artifacts - working totally in the box.
1:22:53 MS Mastering, a practical example
1:25:28 Is it possible to achieve excellent sonic results working in the box?
1:26:10 K-Stereo Processor enhances depth and dimension - working in the digital domain, does not use distortion techniques so is free of aliasing artifacts
1:27:03 Tone Projects Unisum Compressor Plugin
1:28:00 Tricks to alter color in the box using Leapwing Dyn One or TC MD4
1:30:32 Single band high frequency compression to allow getting presence with EQ without harshness on peaks
1:31:33 Black Box Plugin or hardware
1:32:35 What is Bob listening to for pleasure?
1:34:05 Recent Mastering Achievements and Artists
1:35:52 Bob at the Mixing console: Knoxville Jazz Orchestra
1:40:09 How do you look after your ears?