Episode 106

Christopher Scott Cooper: Mixing Live Sound

Christopher Scott Cooper has been playing guitar since the age of five, composing and songwriting since the age of fifteen, and has over 30 years of experience as an audio engineer and producer. He became a Front of House (FOH) mixer and live sound engineer by chance, spending the late 1980s touring and providing services for numerous bands. In 1990, he shifted his focus to studio work, spending the next 15 years at Music Annex Studios, where he progressed from intern to Chief Engineer.

Fifteen years ago, Cooper chose to pursue an independent career, building a high-end studio called Blue Seven Audio. He also returned to FOH mixing, working with the Fox Theatre in Redwood City and various events and bands throughout the Bay Area. His expertise includes live recording, live sound, sound effects capture, sound design, studio recording, system wiring and installation, computer/data management, and electronics repair. His diverse skill set was developed out of necessity.

In addition to his engineering work, Cooper has taught courses at Cogswell College and guest lectured at various audio institutions. He continues to write and compose music for his band New Sun, as well as for TV, film, and various experimental ambient labels.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Learning by trial and error
  • The important foundations you need in the studio
  • Why live sound is the best way to learn how to mix
  • The difference between being a passive vs. active mixer
  • Why HPFs are your best friend in the studio and in live sound
  • What levels you should be recording at
  • Why 32-bit floating point is a great bit-rate to record at
  • Calibrating your ears to new spaces
  • The importance of diversifying your skills
  • Being good at troubleshooting
  • Why niching down isn’t always a good idea

To learn more about Christopher Scott Cooper, visit:

www.bluesevenaudio.com

https://www.youtube.com/user/blue7audio

www.new-sun.com

https://new-sun.bandcamp.com/


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About the Podcast

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About your host

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Mike Indovina

Mike Indovina is a recording, mixing, and mastering engineer who has worked with hundreds of artists in multiple genres ranging from acoustic, pop/rock, hip hop, and more. In his time, he's been fortunate to work alongside artists such as KISS, Collective Soul, Ed Robertson (Barenaked Ladies), David Usher, and many more.

He's also the author of two Amazon #1 Bestsellers on music production, "The Mixing Mindset" and "The Recording Mindset.