Live Mixing Classes with Robert Scovill
Ansata, the authorized representative of AVID professional audio products in India – joined
hands with the leading audio brand to deliver a series of intense live mixing masterclasses
in Mumbai and Bangalore, which was conducted by Robert Scovill. He is a decorated veteran
sound engineer and a winner of 6 TEC Awards as best live mix engineer. He shared some
invaluable pearls of wisdom in addressing a live production scenario.
The masterclasses, which were conducted in Mumbai at Hotel Sea Princess – Regal, while in
Bangalore on at The Chancery Pavilion hotel, were meticulously designed by team ANSATA
and AVID to help users get the most out of mixing with the AVID Venue systems.
Robert from his vast experience shares the mixing aesthetic values and nuances using his
favorite console VENUE S6L and gave tips & techniques and stressed on making the most out
of the digital console. In the session he made aware of how a master craftsmanship of sound
Engineer should be, integrating and incorporating new technology, to better enhance and
refine the arts of mixing craft.
He brilliantly explained on VCA grouping strategies, effective use of matrix, analog vs.
digital metering and share more intricate tricks such as the Abbey Road Reverb Technique,
New York Compression and more. Robert also discussed aspects such as delay compensation in
the live world scenario and dealing with latency in digital consoles.
The sessions in both cities enjoyed a rousing response, clocking approximately 120 attendees
in total, with visitor profiles across both cities comprising serious participants from
the realm of live sound encompassing aspirants, amateurs and professionals. Some of the
country’s top engineers like Mujeeb Dadarkar, Ashish Saksena, K.J Singh, Lee Braganza,
Hozaifa Sayed, Dwayne Das, Bruce Rodericks, Mark Thomas, and Sean Bout; along with noted
industry professionals like Felix Remedios, Warren Dsouza, Manish Mavani, Anish Purao etc.
who are the head honchos of some of India’s leading sound rental companies were also
present.
Reputed engineer Ashish Saksena (personal engineer to Farhan Akhtar, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy),
aptly shares personal views saying, “Every time Mr. Scovill comes down we learn something
new and amazing. This time was no different; we had an awesome workshop on mixing workflows
and console management for a large number of tracks, and the entire experience was very
enlightening to say the least. An amazing experience indeed”.
Hozaifa Sayed (senior faculty, department of sound at SeamEdu Media School) added to this
saying, “It is always a pleasure to learn something new, and when it comes from a world
renowned and respected engineer like Robert Scovill, the experience is just enhanced to a
whole new level. Getting to know the intricate details of the VENUE S6L system and learning
the finer nuances of the craft of live mixing from Robert was enlightening on so many
different levels. The way he incorporates real-world examples into his dissertation is
absolutely amazing and makes the entire experience of learning so very relatable and
memorable.”
Jaigopal a.k.a Joe (director of Pondicherry based audio rental company Sound Garden) commended
the session for being a holistic learning experience as he shared, “Not only is Robert an
amazing engineer, he’s also a truly gifted teacher. This was not your typical masterclass
which is usually only about the product and nothing else. Instead, Robert’s focus throughout
the session was more on work ethic with an emphasis on understanding technology in a broad
sense. That’s what made this session truly amazing, and a real masterclass in every sense
of the word”.
Appreciation was reciprocated, as Robert praised the attendees, he commented “India is a
very fertile ground filled with energy right now with regard to music and concert
production. If I contrast this visit to my last visit just a few years ago, the
amount of growth in both knowledge and of modern audio concepts and techniques is
striking. There is a real and sincere hunger for insights in how the rest of the world
works and they are putting that knowledge to use here. I am also thrilled by the amount
of VENUE console adoption that has taken place in this region of the world. I’m so
thankful to have a company the caliber of Ansata representing VENUE as well as other
Avid products. Leslie (Lean) has enlisted and groomed a very well rounded staff at Ansata
and they are positioned perfectly to positively impact the landscape of pro audio through
intense dedication to education of users at every level of competency here in India.”