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BIG BEAR PRODUCTIONS - Comfortable Setting for Quality Sound By Robert E. Martin
Much of this is derived from Rick's own musical background. "I grew up playing drums from the age of four," relates Rick, "and later picked up bass guitar in my teenage years. As I got better and joined local bands, eventually I got picked up by a group in Chicago called White Cross that became a fulltime job for two-and-a-half years." After touring the United States, Canada, and Europe with the group, Rick was able to record in some of the best studios in the world. "From being in that band, I was able to record in some really nice studios that captivated me. As the band slowed down, I decided to go drive a truck for eight years, which I ended up doing professionally for eight years, traveling coast-to-coast." Eventually, that became too taxing, notes Rick. "I knew that I wanted to start a studio, so began building one in the front of my house and started studying all the technical issues behind recording." It didn't take long for Rick to expand his business across town into the operation of Image Works Video Production, where he worked for awhile. "I bought a lot of books on starting your own business, studied all that I could on engineering & audio from the Audio Institute of America, and eventually decided to go out on my own. I found this location and went to work and have been here for a little over two years now." Since opening the studio, Rick has recorded around 100 artists ranging from bands to solo artists and commercial projects. "The first project I recorded was some music that I wrote for the United Way 2000 Campaign," notes Rick. Rick Armstrong of Big Bear Productions Good news travels fast, so most of Rick's clientele started developing by word of mouth. After his first year of business, the phone started ringing regularly, and he developed a steady stream of clients. Rick's most recent work is with The Dave Kellan Band on their newly released CD. Given the reality of so much competition in the recording business, does Rick have a particular 'philosophy' that he follows? "The thing I got frustrated with as a musician before I had the studio was hearing things that had come out of other studios and thinking how much better it could sound," he explains. "I have a certain standard in my head when it comes to good sound. I like the music to sound big, crisp, and fat. Regardless of whether it'' a full band or just a single artist, I try to strive for recording a fuller sound." "It's amazing to me," he continues, "because I've heard some mixes that were probably done on a $500,000 SSL board in a big studio that sounded like a boom box recording. Honestly, I couldn't believe that equipment could sound that bad. I may not have the biggest and best equipment around, but I've learned a long time ago that it's what you do with the equipment that is important. An 'ear' for good sound is the most important equipment you can own." Currently Rick uses two Roland 1880s linked together for 36-channels and Shure SM 32s and Audio Technical 4050s for his basic recording needs. In terms of his all-embracing 'space', Rick says that he looked at several places throughout Saginaw & Bay City before settling on his current Midland location. "I liked the shape and contour of the building and the recording room," he notes. "I've been in big studios and have set up guitar cabinets in the bathroom with a microphone and the door shut for certain sounds, but as far as drum sounds go, I firmly believe they sound best in a big space, especially if you put boom mics to them." With rates that are based roughly at $45.00 per hour, the cost is eminently affordable given the expertise, quality, and comfort of the environment. According to Rick, from start to finish, it can take anywhere from 60 to 120 hours to fully complete a 10-song project. "I try to record as much of the song as I can at one time," explains Rick. "Usually I'll get all the instruments and sometimes overdub guitar solos, and almost always overdub vocals and harmonies." Although Rick cites his recent work with Dave Kellan as some of his
favorite ("They knew their material, laid the tracks down, and hardly had
any mistakes to fix"), he also speaks highly of the partnership he formed
with bands such as Gone Daddy Gone and Three Penny Swing on their recording
projects. "I've also worked with many church choirs and even opera,"
exclaims Dave.
Rick also advises that he always tries to tread lightly when recording tracks. "If something isn't sounding quite right, I try to be gentle in suggesting things, as opposed to acting like Phil Spector and pulling out a gun," jokes Rick. "I spend my initial time seeing how a group receives suggestions and make sure that after recording a few tracks they listen to their work, just to make sure everybody is happy with the sound they're hearing." As for the name of the studio, it serves a dual purpose. "I like the outdoors," says Rick. "So I designed the woodwork in the studio with that in mind because I love log cabins. Plus, 'Big Bear' is the name of the coolest cat that I ever owned. He's immortal now." And so is the sound you will get out of Big Bear Productions, should you decide to get creative and release your music to the world. "Mainly, I strive to do everything possible to help an artist feel relaxed, comfortable, and perform their best. Most importantly, I want to give the artist a sound to be proud of." Big Bear Productions can be contacted by phoning 989-837-2972. Their website is located at www.bigbearprod.com |
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