Studios 301 Presents the Mark Opitz Production Masterclass
"Some things that I really appreciated over the weekend was the insight into your microphone techniques, the mix preparation phase (phasing, E.Q, Frequency, multi-band compression) …. Just to hear you and Colin talk passionately and intelligently was amazing - And we all appreciated the way that you made sure we knew what you were talking about at all times. All the staff at 301 were also wonderful."
Chris (Rose Of York), July 2011 participant
"Mark was incredibly open & generous in sharing his record making techniques & tricks in great detail. Mark encouraged us to ask questions & participate hands on. The opportunity to spend time mastering the result with Steve Smart was a treat. Additionally, the Producer Masterclass notes covered everything & will be a treasured reference..."
Adam, July 2011 participant
We are very excited to announce our next joint music production masterclass with Mark Opitz! Over a weekend, you will record, mix and master a band in Australia's best studios with the guidance of one of Australia's most prolific producers.
More classic Australian records have been made by Mark and Studios 301 than most other studios and producers in Australia combined!
Essential Info
- Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November, 2011
- From 10:00am – 7:00pm (approximately, may run later)
- Up to two groups of 11 participants, led by Mark Opitz and four instructors.
- At Studios 301, Sydney. 18 Mitchell Road, Alexandria NSW
- Includes course notes, lunch, one free track mastered with Steve Smart
and Mark's new iPhone app
CONTACT: adam@studios301.com | (02) 9698 5888
Schedule
Saturday Morning
- Introduction, meet and greet- Discussion about the recording process
- Microphone selection and positioning
- Band setup for recording
Saturday Afternoon
- Recording the elements of the band: drums, guitars, keyboards and vocals- Using EQ, compression and other outboard gear to capture the recording sonically pristine
- Techniques for effective recording and getting the best out of the performers
- Overdubbing and improving on the performance
Sunday Morning
- Setting up the recording session for mixing- The philosophy and use of the critical tools of equalisation and compression
- Creating space for each of the elements of the mix to breathe, punch and shine
Sunday Afternoon
- Special guest appearance by Steve Smart, Australia’s most reputable rock and indie mastering engineer- Going beyond "What is Mastering?" to develop a thorough understanding of the process and the do’s and don’ts when mixing
- General Q & A and re-cap of the weekend’s events
ABOUT MARK OPITZ
Mark is one of Australia’s most prolific producers with a career spanning over four decades with major credits including AC/DC, Bob Dylan and INXS. Mark discovered his signature, thick guitar sound that ruled airwaves for two decades whilst working with The Angels.
As well as producing some of Australia’s and the world’s most successful artists, Mark was also the Head of A&R at Warner Music. It was there that he signed The Divinyls and produced not only their works but also works by INXS, which resulted in him winning two ARIA and five ABC TV Countdown Awards.
Throughout the 90’s, Mark continued to produce several more INXS albums both at home and abroad and he was included in USA’s Billboard Producer Encyclopaedia publication. Mark remains a full voting member of both the ARIA and Grammy Awards.
Mark’s credits also include Cold Chisel, Australian Crawl, The Models, Jimmy Barnes, Noiseworks, Mental as Anything, Hoodoo Gurus, Hunters & Collectors, KISS, Lenny Kravitz, Paul Kelly, Ray Charles, The Beach Boys and more.
ABOUT STUDIOS 301
Over the last 85 years, 301 have hosted the best of international talent, helped launch the careers of hundreds of Australian artists, producers and engineers and played a key role in the advancement in both the art and technology of music recording.
The Sydney facility features two large format recording studios (both of which are used in the master class) with a Neve 88R and SSL 9000k recording consoles, as well as the best outboard equipment and microphone collection available in one place.
Over the years, 301’s credits include U2, David Bowie, Coldplay, Prince, Lady Gaga, Oprah, Elton John, Muse, Bob Dylan, The Easybeats, Kayne West, The Black Eyed Peas, John Farnham, Powderfinger, Silverchair, Icehouse, The Divinyls, Sneaky Sound System, Washington, Midnight Oil, Slim Dusty, The Angels, Bag Raiders, INXS, Angus & Julia Stone and many more.
ABOUT STEVE SMART
With over three decades experience as a mastering engineer, Steve has worked with hundreds of artists including Empire of The Sun, Washington,
Tex Perkins, Midnight Oil, Parkway Drive, Crowded House, Brian McFadden, The Mess Hall, Jet, Grinspoon, Lee Kernaghan, The Cruel Sea and countless others.