Welcome to a new series I’ve been wanting to get rolling now for awhile. “Meet an Engineer” is coming from a desire of mine to meet other people doing what I do. Live, studio, touring, etc; I just want to meet and learn, which is the whole premise of this blog. I haven’t done much work with Eddie but he has been quite busy recently producing and scoring music for the film industry and is now working on a collaboration with a recent contestant from American Idol. I picked out 10 questions for him to answer and below are his answers. He does great work both personally and professionally and I hope you enjoy!
1. Who are you? Where are you from? Where or who do you mix for?
Film Composer/Music Producer/Musician for over 20 years. A career musician and also a member of the Grammys in a voting capacity in 4 categories including engineering. Born In North side of Chicago (Wrigleyville), currently residing in North Aurora, IL. I mix at my production recording studio in North Aurora. Mostly mix projects I produce but have other industry mixing engineers who mix my projects as well.
2. What type of music do you listen to the most?
Though I have as film composer and music producer I have a broad list of different types of music and genres I’ve enjoyed, I’ve always had a special enjoyment of contemporary jazz music such as Spyro Gyra, Yellow Jackets Keiko Matsui to mention a few.
3. Do you specialize in live sound (FOH, monitors, etc) or studio sound (broadcast, recording, etc)? Do you like the other?
Studio is my specialty. Though as a musician and previous music director roles I’ve also had my hands on FOH, I still enjoy studio sound better.
4. How did you get into the audio industry? What/who inspired you? Play any instruments?
My dad gave me a $26 guitar when I was nine and by 11 I was performing with bass being my current lead instrument. As a musician I was inspired by other musicians I learn from at 9-10 years old from church.
5. Would you consider yourself an audiophile? Have any cool gear at home? How do you listen to music (i.e. cds, records, streaming services, etc)?
Yes, I would say I do consider myself an audiophile because in order to get that right tone, the right sound and levels are super important. Especially in my career. I have a full blown recording studio in which I had professionally and acoustically built. Took a few months to build it and do it right. I work with multiple Apple systems such as a Pro Tools HD 3 system for live recording to my composing system also running latest Pro Tools. I also have my mobile rig when on the road. I also run Cubase software though this is a more recent add. My sound library is pretty intense with several terabytes of industry libraries. Outboard gear I have several Mic preamps such as API, Neve, UA, Maag, Avalon and others. I’m a fan of the API lunchbox 500 series gear. One of my goto mics is Manley Gold Reference but also enjoy the AKG 414 all around great industry mic along with many others. Lately I’ve been listening via streaming services such as Apple music and spotify but can also enjoy a good CD.
6. Favorite console of all time and why?
Trident Series 80 analog board. I don’t have it anymore unfortunately but which I kept it. The mic pre’s were amazing but the EQs!! Wow they were sweet. Just a natural sweetness to them whether dial in some lows or bumping up some air on the highs.
7. Most memorable show for you (one you either attended, played for, or mixed)?
I would say a show I played bass on at the Chicago UIC pavillion where ten thousand kids attended. Chicago bears Hall of Fame Mike Singletary was the host and Tom Lister (Deebo) from the movie “Friday” was the co-host.
8. Favorite or most used audio tool? (no rules here, anything goes)
My go to audio I would say is my API lunchbox racked with several mic preamps/compressors. The old saying is always about getting the “best signal to tape”. The fact that I can pull out and add any outboard gear to it so conveniently makes it a favorite. But then I role into my Plugin Alliance plugins such as the Console SSL 4000 E or G or even the Focusrite Console SC. Add these to my sessions and you’ve got game. As a bass player i love the Ampeg plugin also by Plugin Alliance in which they featured me on their site with one of the Ampeg plugins. Love it! The team at Plugin Alliance really know how to engineer amazing plugins for your audio work.
9. What is something that you do differently than others? Any ideas you think more people should know about? (feel free to describe a few)
One trick I learned a long time ago when mixing is shelving the low end up to 125 hrtz @ -6 as a starting point to instruments with low end to them to help clear some mud. You can tweak from there.
10. If possible, where can we listen to your work (online web stream, published music, etc)?
For some of my work, and links as well as demo reel are available on my website www.eddietorresmusic.com
Thanks Eddie for taking the time to answer a few questions. He didn’t mention this but here is his Instagram profile that you can see pictures of people he has worked with and his studio. Be sure to check it out! Every now and then I’ll mix these in so we can all see what others are doing and maybe make a new connection if you find someone who is working near you. As always if you have any questions drop a not below or on Facebook or email us at engineers@studiostagelive.com. Next week we will start a new waves plugin series talking about some of my most used plugins. It’ll be a few weeks of practical waves advice that you can use immediately. If you want to be notified when those go live just follow this link and subscribe to the blog. See you next week!