October 16th, 2013
When using samples in your music productions, whether they be drum, music or vocal, always make sure you use samples that have the same bit rate as your session. This way, no audio conversions are taking place to convert files from 16 bit to 24 bit, or vise versa. The rule to go by is the less conversions, the better the sound. Each DAW’s software uses different math algorithms to convert your files, and the math is never finite. Usually the converters of these DAW’s will round the math of an audio file to a certain amount of decimal places, like 10 to 100 decimal places. The high end DAW’s will round the math to a higher decimal value, say 500 decimal places. Top end mastering studios converters can round to millions of decimal places. By using samples that are the same bit rate as your session, your sounds will sound a little bigger, warmer, and less digital because they are not going through any kind of conversion process until the end of the mix and mastering process. This will lead to a better sounding end product as a result that will translate more honestly across any speaker it plays out of.
`Kris
Every week Studio 11 gets a visit from C.J. Hamilton. C.J. has been recording at Studio 11 since 2008 and always brings some great tracks to work on. Not only is he a great client, but over the years I’ve had the honor of kicking it with C.J. outside the studio as well. I’ve also produced tracks for him and sang on his records. In a city currently flooded with drill and bop records, C.J. offers us a more introspective sound. His records are usually full of social commentary and self examination, but delivered in a relatable way. He has a unique ability to draw from his own life experiences while never abandoning his listeners. A listen through C.J.’s catalog will take you on a journey of highs and lows, recall nostalgic moments in your life, and possibly make you re-think whats really important to you.
I’ve had the pleasure of helping C.J. complete 3 stellar mixtapes:
The Backup Plan (2009)
The Waiting Room (2011)
Which Way Is Up (2012)
The track heard above will be on C.J.’s newest project, entitiled “Some Kind of Hero” and will be released sometime in 2014. We’re all looking forward to it. If you are a fan of real hip hop that doesn’t sugarcoat complex issues while still being fun to listen to, C.J. is an artist you need in your record collection.
Twitter – @cjhamilton19
Instagram – theonlycjhamilton
Check out more from C.J. here:
http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/cjhamilton/profile/
And some more videos below..
Steve Anderson – Engineer
Above you can see The Dutchboyz recording the outro for their new project “The Dutchboyz Presents: Become Legendary”
The Dutchboyz have been recording at Studio 11 since 2007. The B Room has been a part of many singles and mixtapes such as “Ill Street Blues”, “Drinks On Me”, and “I Am Weasel Sims Jr“. The Dutchboyz are a collective of many west-side Chicago artists, mostly hailing from the “woods.” Each with their own distinctive style, this group effort never fails to create interesting projects with something for everyone. A quick listen to the track above shows the versatility of this group. From melodic hooks to autotuned ad-libs to straight rap, these guys do it all.
One thing I love about The Dutchboyz is their ability to think outside the box and experiment. Every session at Studio 11 involves some kind of experimentation with new vocal techniques, flow patterns, mixing effects, and beats. As an engineer, its a joy and a challenge working with these unpredictable artists.
The Dutchboyz new mixtape will be out sometime in December and will be released on Fake Shore Drive, Live Mixtapes, and Dat Piff. Be on the lookout!
Below are a few more videos you can check out..
Also, follow the team on twitter for more updates…
@weaselsims
@taebutch
@murfdilly
@chiefbl
@haziebars
Steve Anderson – Engineer
Very few artists have recorded more songs at Studio 11 than YP. I can’t even count how many mixtapes, singles, and features this loyal client has created in Studio B’s booth. YP is a prime example of how hard work and dedication to the music industry can pay off.
YP became a Studio 11 client in 2006 after a visit here to listen to some joints Bump J had recorded. He soon fell in love with the vocal sound he was able to capture in Studio B, and made Studio 11 his recording home for the next several years. YP was signed by Universal Republic in 2012. The major label backed and distributed his single “Who I Be” and also helped him land a video on MTV with fellow Chicago rapper King Louis for the song “Rub-A-Dub.”
2013 rolled around and as 2014 is around the corner, YP has not taken a moment to sleep. You can find him in the studio every week accumulating songs and creating timeless records. In the above video you are listening to his new song “Know The Deal” which features YP’s classic flow over a smooth sample driven track. The hook features Chicago singer/rapper Trey Bandz.
Check out YP’s pages
YP’S WEBSITE
YP’S FACEBOOK
Instagram: yp27
Twitter: @yp27
Also see the “Rub-A Dub” video below…
Well, we couldn’t help but get revved up hearing this catchy hook spilling out of Studio B. Pinky Swear catches up with DOT for a quick interview and preview of the cut “TWICE” which will be featured on his 2014 mix tape.
