SP: You have become one of the leading 5.1 mix engineers. How long have you been mixing in 5.1 and how many mixes do you have under your belt?
Nathaniel Kunkel: My first surround mix was Lyle Lovetts Dr. T and The Women soundtrack for Robert Altman. I guess I have mixed about 10 or 15 titles since then.
Youve mixed surround in some very interesting places — tell us about a few of the different places youve set up Studio Without Walls to mix 5.1 and in particular where did you mix Legion of Boom?
I have mixed in hotels, guest rooms, living rooms, one-room apartments, soundstages, empty trucks, various garages, and, once, on a porch. I do most of my mixing in my garage though. Thats where I mixed TCM. But you see, if the client wants to be around, then my garage is a bit small for anything but approvals. I also cant record at home. So I move around a lot. If the artist is more comfortable at their home, then I want to work there. I can overcome the obstacles of being on location way easier than I can overcome an artist that isnt comfortable in a studio. I also have a secure download site for my clients, so from stereo to 7.1, they can approve their mixes anywhere they have a system and an Internet connection. SWW [Studio Without Walls] is really quite cool. When I am deciding where I want to make a record, whether there is a studio [at that location] is no longer a factor. I just need a room that I like to be in.
Describe your surround setup for Legion of Boom.
It was no different than normal. I mix from Digidesigns Pro Tools, on a Sony DMX-R100 digital console. All my processing is either TC Electronic, GML, or Empirical Labs, and I monitor with the new JBL LSR series speakers.
What was your approach for The Crystal Methods 5.1 mixes, as this was your first surround electronica project?
The type of music I mix doesnt really change my approach to surround mixing much. I listen to the stereo mix, then I put up the multitrack, and try to make the mix achieve the emotional goal of the song — excitement, passion, anger, sadness, sex — whatever I predominantly feel when I listen to the stereo mix, I try to realize and enhance in the surround. That sounds pretty touchy feely, eh?
This was the first surround experience for Ken and Scott [the members of The Crystal Method — see sidebar], did they have any concerns, and were they present during the mixes?
Not really. Ken was the first to come over and listen, and he was great. He had a couple of comments, which made the mixes better.
At the recent Grammy Surround Alliance Tour, George Massenburg selected your Crystal Method surround mix is the best representation of how surround should sound. What is your opinion/formula/idea of what surround should be?
I am so glad you asked this question. In my opinion, there should be no preconceived ideas about what a surround mix ought to be. For Gods sake, please do something I have never heard. I need to steal some new ideas….
Find out more by visiting www.studiowithoutwalls.com
