Problem Solving

[Mixwell]

Yes.

This Topic is "Problem Solving" and you should discuss how many times you go about solving problems in sessions, and everywhere else you are. What kind of problems arise while your in charge?

How do you fix the issues at hand? How long did it take you? How do you deal with the pressure? Do you fold and crumble or rise to the occasion and come up smelling like roses, looking like a hero?

I think being able to solve problems, with some tactful insight, acting quickly, and efficiently, providing solutions to these problems, whatever they are, is exactly what making records and being an audio engineer is all about.

Sure, maybe its not ALL about problem solving, but a great bit of it is, in my experience. I guess it depends which way you look at it, and how hard you are trying towards the outcome and final result. I'll tell you one thing; problem solving has everything in common with moving the microphones.

[Sandyrb]

How do you fix the issues at hand?

I find that the problems one encounters in recording sessions fall into just two categories; technical and human. This sounds like an over-simplification but the resolutions are FAR from simple in either case. However, my two main approaches may be expressed thus:

Technical problems. Bloody hell how I hate it when something doesn't work! But it's bound to happen sometime so I have learned to always have an alternative approach in the back of my mind. This sometimes means a compromise of some sort but I work hard to make things the best that they can be regardless. Therefore, two things really help with technical problems: 1) really good choices of gear and 2) a comprehensive patchbay so you can just patch round things (and, boy, have I ever had to patch round things sometimes). One further adjunct; KISS = Keep It Simple Sir. The more complex things get the more they are likely to go udders-up. Technical problems really bug me but I try to maintain some semblance of professional composure (yeah right). NB: always have that toolkit handy!

Human problems. I have found that knee-jerk reactions to things are incredibly counterproductive - usually because they're wrong. Sitting, waiting and figuring out who's doing what and why is a much better bet. So I've learned to maintain a cool head and a somewhat detached approach even when the band are about to lynch each other over some little thing like an unusual choice of bass note or whatever. And when they look to me to 'take sides' in any situation I've learned to *be totally honest* and explain why I have a given position. Usually someone just needs to understand with their head what their gut is telling them. They simply want information. Also, the line "well, this is my opinion but it's your music so you have the final call" really helps. That and learning how to manipulate the buggers!! ;)

I do whatever I can to help. I guess we can't be all things to all people all of the time but at least they can see that we're making the effort. That's important.

To Adam's more specific points; I'm absolutely certain I'm not alone in wishing for trouble-free sessions but there's at least one thing to solve every time a client comes through the door. Mostly little inconsequential things, occasionally a hum-dinger. A fair few of the problems are little gear niggles that I just add to my "to do" list for when business is cold and the soldering iron is hot. How a given problem was fixed naturally depends on what it was but fixes range from pulling dodgy channels to kicking EDAC connectors and from re-booting the computer to just replacing a cable... plus everywhere in between. I think I could get into specifics if anyone was to ask (memory's not what it used to be). The time it takes to solve an issue is an issue in itself. If it's simple and doesn't take more than a couple of minutes, the client isn't going to bat an eyelid. But if it's eating half an hour of session time I'd better be nice and not charge for it - or at least offer them the choice.

As to how to cope with the pressure. URGH! No freakin' thank you. I'd rather go home, lie down in bed and cover my head up with the sheets where no-one can get me and I feel nice and safe! :D However this is my job so, guess what? Nose back to the grindstone, head down, suck it up and get the darn work done to (hopefully) everyone's satisfaction. I hate pressure. I don't deal with it well; I deal with it somehow.

Hopefully more of us will get into this thread.

Cheers,

[Joao Brandao]

Great post!

[Zachg]

Many of my problems are due to a lack of experience. Being fairly new in a professional enviroment, many problems that happen to me are simple things, that I'm still trying to get my head wrapped around. I agree it's so handy to have the patchbay set up so well (thanks Sandy ans Dave!), because gear always seems to have a bad habit not working all the time.:D

BTW, I hate software problems, and unfortunately for me most of my problems require complete reinstalls to fix...:( On my first pro session earlier this month, we had to take nearly 20 minutes to get Pro Tools to start up and load properly... (yawn). That sucked alot.

Often my problem solving solution, if I'm stumped is :"Sandy!, this sh!t's not working..."

Cheers,
Zach

[Mixwell]

Human problems. I have found that knee-jerk reactions to things are incredibly counterproductive - usually because they're wrong. Sitting, waiting and figuring out who's doing what and why is a much better bet. So I've learned to maintain a cool head and a somewhat detached approach even when the band are about to lynch each other over some little thing like an unusual choice of bass note or whatever. And when they look to me to 'take sides' in any situation I've learned to *be totally honest* and explain why I have a given position. Usually someone just needs to understand with their head what their gut is telling them. They simply want information. Also, the line "well, this is my opinion but it's your music so you have the final call" really helps.

That and learning how to manipulate the buggers!!

I do whatever I can to help. I guess we can't be all things to all people all of the time but at least they can see that we're making the effort. That's important.

Sandy, this is exactly what I am talking about. Great post, but this above resonates with me especially. We should discuss this more in depth, because I think it might "dive" into other GREAT topics, which would be COMMUNICATION, and ATTENTION TO DETAIL, which are probably threads I will start sometime soon, asking you guys the question.

[burnthair donethat]

One thing's for sure do NOT ask them out to the parking lot for continued settling of differences.

On one session, a curing of some sections of a live recording, one of the musicians made a totally rude(it was beyond that even) comment about having to shuffle in and out of the studio. It was focused at me and done in front of everyone. I swear, then and there I felt like Hannibal lectering the fucker. I hopped into my car and dissapeared for 5 hours then came back to finish the mix. I was lucky that the assistant was around to finished the recording. Otherwise, I think I would've been royally screwed.

[burnthair donethat]

forgot to mention that this happened at the back end of a 4-day crunch where i haven't had a bath for two days, haven't slept more than 3 hours and was running on coffee and cigarettes.

[Seb Riou]

Is it only at my place that something ALWAYS goes wrong on a session, and it's NEVER the same thing ?
I think I spent twice the time fixing an electronic or software bug than editing drums since I opened the place.
Oh wait, I never edit drums !!!!!

For a more constructive post :

- buzz on outputs with transformerless designs : One end screen connecting rule for symetrical connections

- bass player can't hear what he plays in headphones : give the Sony 7506 he wears on to the drummer and put him with the Beyer D770. smiiile

- guitar signal lose his tone after going through Two DI's and 40ft of cable : time to buy a little labs STD

[Dylansdad]

Okay right now I'm putting my owns new mix space together. The problems I encounter in the small budget or project studio are always the same things.
1. Labeling take the time label cables and things in english or what ever is the spoken in your studio! IN 1 tells me nothing!
2. "yeah the pot is noisy but its a NEVE" really I have 4 ch of Dan Alexander Neve Pres None have bad pots fix it.
3 the computer crashes because the someones brother new how to build a PC for less, but never read what the requirements of the card or software were. (ahh so many bad PT systems so little time always figured there was something in the Digi support docs that some how made people think the recommendations were what you were not to do)!
Other wise yeah Murphy is always the rule stuff happens, don't panic dealing with the crap is why people come to us so they don't have to!
As a live guy I was loved because there was always a back up amp, mic and cabinet on the truck! Understand your set up and figure out work arounds !
but don't panic

[Mixwell]

One thing's for sure do NOT ask them out to the parking lot for continued settling of differences.

Agree there. That's a Mistake.

I am sure you know why.

Because the client is always right of course.

bthead

On one session, a curing of some sections of a live recording, one of the musicians made a totally rude(it was beyond that even) comment about having to shuffle in and out of the studio. It was focused at me and done in front of everyone. I swear, then and there I felt like Hannibal lectering the fucker. I hopped into my car and dissapeared for 5 hours then came back to finish the mix. I was lucky that the assistant was around to finished the recording. Otherwise, I think I would've been royally screwed.

You can't win everyone in the band, but you can certainly practice extreme patience. Breaks are good. Breaks help your ears. Breaks help people relax and helps cut tension. 5 Hour breaks are a little too much, your assistant might become the engineer REAL quick in a pinch like that dude. Everyone is waiting to STEP INTO YOUR SHOES, so don't let them and be at the top of your game all the time no matter what.

forgot to mention that this happened at the back end of a 4-day crunch where i haven't had a bath for two days, haven't slept more than 3 hours and was running on coffee and cigarettes.

The 4 Food Groups are your friend during times like these.

Though, Soap and Water are the key ingredients.

[Mixwell]

As a live guy I was loved

There is definitely little to no love for us live guys.

Hey, I'm trying to come to grips here ok? They say denial is the worst enemy.

Anyway, the Live guys are the ones who are masterful problem solving maniacs. We shit solutions.

[Tomasz]

the Live guys are the ones who are masterful problem solving maniacs. We shit solutions.

And piss excellence!;)
seriously...
Live sound has always made me refer to my golden question: Is there gas in the mower? ie; start with the simple shit, like the cable, connection etc..
when i decided to really get into audio production, one of my mentors said it's at least 80% problem solving. Then he muttered under his breath, " more like 95%" I find this to be an absolute.

[Halfway Competent]

I find that the problems one encounters in recording sessions fall into just two categories; technical and human. This sounds like an over-simplification but the resolutions are FAR from simple in either case. However, my two main approaches may be expressed thus:

Technical problems. Bloody hell how I hate it when something doesn't work!

I have shit break on me, too... But it doesn't often embarass me, because usually before a piece of gear breaks there's some indication that it's going. For example, "Gosh, this plug feels a bit looser than last time. Better fix that..." The plug hasn't failed yet, but it will. So just fix it now. I use a Behringer DSP-8000 EQ for live shows (yeah, I know it's a pile). One of the XLRs on the back was getting pretty loose, so I replaced all of them with Neutriks/Switchcrafts (subject to availability ;) ).

Also... I've quit buying cheap cables. I used to love Hosa for the price. I no longer love being embarassed when the damn thing doesn't work. So I buy only cables with Neutrik or Switchcraft connectors, and heavy-gauge wire (less likely to break, since I also do live stuff).

So, my two lessons to avoid problems:
1. Don't buy cheap crap, even if it's something as inconsequential as a TRS patch cable. Goes for any piece of gear; cheap connectors, excessive use of plastics or thin metal... Leave it on the shelf. :)

2. Even good stuff will eventually go wrong with lots of use. So keep track of problems as they develop, and fix them before the gear actually fails on you at a critical time.

[Mixwell]

And piss excellence!;)
seriously...
Live sound has always made me refer to my golden question: Is there gas in the mower? ie; start with the simple shit, like the cable, connection etc..
when i decided to really get into audio production, one of my mentors said it's at least 80% problem solving. Then he muttered under his breath, " more like 95%" I find this to be an absolute.

Nail - on - head

[Sandyrb]

Don't buy cheap crap, even if it's something as inconsequential as a TRS patch cable.

Seldom were truer words spoken, my friend. It's the old weakest-link-in-the-chain theory. Low-value gear always lets you down in the end.

I also agree about aiming to spot problems before they become serious. Goodness knows the times I've ignored that to my cost. Nowadays, we quite frequently go through the cables and any suspicious ones get re-soldered stat. It's impossible to predict how much hassle this actually saves, but it's a good discipline to get into, I think.

Cheers,

[Mixwell]

A Standard Troubleshooting Compliance: Eliminate all variables - before crying wolf.

There are more.....

Discuss....

[Ryan Kelly]

Mics: First the patch, then the pre (if it's a 1081 or whateva), mic, mic cable,
Outboard: Channel it's returning to for dirty switches or connections,

Musicians: Talent
Engineer: Consciousness

[Mixwell]

Engineer: Consciousness

Sometimes I feel I don't have any Consciousness during sessions, and I wake up and there's a recording happening.

[Sultan of Swing]

Great thread, I highly agree with everything said so far. I would add two things. A fellow musician/engineer told me long ago "if you own enough stuff, something is always broken" and truer words were never spoken. I didn't mean to rhyme there, but I guess it works. On this point, I try to identify problems and get repairs done. My second point is, when technical problems do cause an interruption in the session, I am quick to tell the client, "hey, that last hour (our whatever is appropriate) is on me." That seems to relieve any concern they may have that the clock was ticking while I troubleshoot.

A few months ago I had a session with a relatively new client. I had just gotten my new Redco patchbay set up, and the client was there to record some James Taylor style guitar/vocal songs. Well, the session was a disaster. Unbeknownst to me, a chassis screw was shorting out parts of the patchbay. I kept switching cables, mics, pre's, and finally patched around the patchbay. Meanwhile the client became flustered and couldn't seem to get any acceptable takes even after I had the tech stuff happening. I think it was a combination of him needing more preparation and getting stressed while I wrestled with the gear. After three hours it was determined that nothing was going to get done that night. I hemmed and hawed about the bill and finally charged him half of my regular rate. He paid without complaint, and said he would reschedule when he better prepared. Still, I wondered if I would ever see him again. I must have done some things right, because there is a happy ending. He did reschedule, and we have had several productive sessions since.

In case you are wondering about the patchbay, I contacted Chris Stubbs at Redco and he agreed to swap it out. Not only agreed, but was nice about it and did it quickly. I guess that's my third point: cultivate good relationships with suppliers (thumbs up to Mercenary!), manufacturers, and repair techs. Those relationships have bailed me out many times.

[Tomasz]

Sometimes I feel I don't have any Consciousness during sessions, and I wake up and there's a recording happening.

sounds like you've been in on some of my stoner-rock sessions!!:D
Feelin' the flow... not letting too many technical aspects get in the way of the music.