Al Schmitt: The Legendary Mix Master and His Unprecedented Legacy

Al Schmitt, a titan in the world of audio engineering and production, left an indelible mark on the music industry before his passing on April 26, 2021. With a career spanning over seven decades, Schmitt’s unparalleled expertise and innovative approach to mixing earned him numerous accolades and the respect of artists and peers alike. In this blog post, we’ll delve deep into the world of Al Schmitt, exploring his mixing equipment, discography, philosophy, favorite tools of the trade, his impressive list of awards, and his famous mixing techniques.

The Man Behind the Console

Albert Harry Schmitt was born on April 17, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York. His journey in the music industry began at the age of 19 when he started working as an apprentice at Apex Recording Studios. This early start laid the foundation for a legendary career that would shape the sound of popular music for generations to come.

Mixing Equipment: The Tools of a Master

Schmitt’s approach to mixing has always been rooted in a deep understanding of sound and a commitment to capturing the purest audio possible. His equipment choices reflect this philosophy:

Console: Schmitt was known for his preference for analog consoles, particularly the Neve 8068. He often praised its warmth and character, which he believed added depth to his mixes.
Monitors: For critical listening, Schmitt relied on ATC SCM150ASL Pro speakers, known for their accuracy and clarity.
Microphones: A staple in Schmitt’s microphone collection was the Neumann U47, which he frequently used for vocals. He also favored the AKG C12 and Telefunken ELA M 251 for their rich, detailed sound.
Outboard Gear: Schmitt was a fan of classic outboard equipment, including:

Teletronix LA-2A Compressor
Pultec EQP-1A3 Equalizer
Fairchild 660 Compressor
EMT 140 Plate Reverb

Discography Highlights

Schmitt’s discography reads like a who’s who of music royalty. Here are just a few of the iconic albums he worked on:

Frank Sinatra - “Duets” (1993)
Steely Dan - “Aja” (1977)
Natalie Cole - “Unforgettable… with Love” (1991)
Ray Charles - “Genius Loves Company” (2004)
Diana Krall - “When I Look in Your Eyes” (1999)
Paul McCartney - “Kisses on the Bottom” (2012)
Michael Bublé - “Call Me Irresponsible” (2007)
Toto - “Toto IV” (1982)

Philosophy of Mixing

Schmitt’s approach to mixing was characterized by several key principles:

Capture it Right at the Source: He believed in getting the best possible sound during recording, minimizing the need for extensive processing during mixing.
Less is More: Schmitt was known for his minimalist approach to EQ and compression, preferring to let the natural sound of the instruments shine through.
Balance and Space: He focused on creating a perfect balance between instruments and vocals, using panning and reverb to create a sense of space in the mix.
Respect the Artist’s Vision: Schmitt always aimed to enhance the artist’s intended sound rather than imposing his own.
Trust Your Ears: He emphasized the importance of critical listening over relying solely on visual meters and displays.

Favorite Plugins

While Schmitt was primarily known for his work with analog equipment, he wasn’t opposed to using digital tools when appropriate. Some of his favorite plugins included:

Universal Audio UAD Plugins, particularly their emulations of classic hardware
Waves CLA Classic Compressors
FabFilter Pro-Q 3 for surgical EQ work
Lexicon PCM Native Reverb Bundle for adding depth and space

Favorite Gear

Beyond his core mixing equipment, Schmitt had a few pieces of gear he particularly loved:

Studer A800 Tape Machine: For its warm, rich sound and ability to add subtle tape compression.
API 550A EQ: Known for its musical sound and ability to shape frequencies without harshness.
Tube-Tech CL 1B Compressor: Valued for its smooth, transparent compression.
Bricasti M7 Reverb: Praised for its natural-sounding reverbs that sit well in a mix.

Awards and Accolades

Al Schmitt’s exceptional talent and contributions to the music industry have been recognized with an unprecedented number of awards. Here’s a comprehensive list of his major accolades:

Grammy Awards: Schmitt won a total of 23 Grammy Awards, more than any other engineer or mixer in Grammy history. Some notable wins include:

Record of the Year (1976) for “This Masquerade” by George Benson
Album of the Year (2005) for Ray Charles’ “Genius Loves Company”
Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical (multiple years)

Latin Grammy Awards: He won two Latin Grammy Awards for his work on Luis Miguel’s albums.
TEC Awards: Schmitt was inducted into the TEC Awards Hall of Fame in 1997 and won numerous TEC Awards throughout his career.
Recording Academy Trustees Award: Received in 2006 for his significant contributions to the field of recording.
Hollywood Walk of Fame: In 2015, Schmitt became the first recording engineer to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
AES Gold Medal: Awarded by the Audio Engineering Society in recognition of his outstanding achievements in audio engineering.
NAMM TEC Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2014 for his lifetime achievements in audio technology and production.
Music Producers Guild Award: Received the Outstanding Contribution to UK Music award in 2014.
Pensado Awards: Lifetime Achievement Award recipient in 2014.
Cinema Audio Society: Awarded the CAS Career Achievement Award in 2020.

Famous Mixing Techniques & Approaches

Al Schmitt’s mixing techniques were as legendary as the man himself. His approach was characterized by a commitment to capturing the best possible sound at the source and making minimal adjustments during mixing. Here are some of his most famous techniques and approaches:

1. Microphone Placement

Schmitt was a master of microphone placement, often spending hours positioning mics to capture the perfect sound. He believed that proper mic placement could solve most issues before they reached the mixing stage.

For vocals, he often used a Neumann U47 about 10-12 inches from the singer’s mouth, slightly above eye level and angled down.
For drum overheads, he favored the “Al Schmitt Special” - two microphones spaced about 3-4 feet apart and 3-4 feet above the kit, angled slightly inward.

2. Minimal Processing

Schmitt was known for his “less is more” approach to processing:

He rarely used more than 3dB of EQ boost or cut.
He preferred subtle compression, often using multiple compressors in series with gentle settings rather than one compressor working hard.

3. Natural Reverb

Instead of relying heavily on artificial reverb, Schmitt often recorded in large rooms to capture natural ambience:

He frequently used room mics to capture the space, blending them with close mics for depth.
When using artificial reverb, he favored plate reverbs and often applied them sparingly.

4. Balancing Act

Schmitt’s mixes were characterized by their perfect balance:

He focused on getting the relative levels of instruments right before reaching for any processing.
He often used volume automation to maintain consistent levels throughout a song, rather than heavy compression.

5. Stereo Imaging

Schmitt was a master of creating a wide, immersive stereo image:

He used panning to create space for each instrument in the mix.
For stereo sources like pianos or drum overheads, he often used the “LCR” (Left-Center-Right) approach, avoiding intermediate pan positions.

6. Vocal Chain

For vocals, Schmitt had a go-to signal chain that he adapted slightly for each artist:

Typically, he used a tube mic (often a Neumann U47) into a Neve preamp, followed by gentle compression from a Teletronix LA-2A.
He would often use a touch of tape saturation for warmth and a slight high-end boost around 12-15kHz for air.

7. Analog Summing

Even in the digital age, Schmitt preferred to sum his mixes through an analog console:

He believed this added warmth and depth to the final mix.
He often used the Neve 8068 console for its rich, musical sound.

8. Monitoring at Consistent Levels

Schmitt advocated for mixing at consistent, moderate volume levels:

He believed this helped maintain perspective and prevented ear fatigue.
He would occasionally check mixes at low volumes to ensure balance.

9. Focus on Performance

Perhaps most importantly, Schmitt always prioritized the performance:

He believed in capturing great performances and letting them shine, rather than trying to “fix” mediocre ones.
He often encouraged multiple takes to get the best possible performance, rather than relying on editing.

10. The “Al Schmitt Drum Sound”

Schmitt was renowned for his drum sounds, characterized by their openness and natural feel:

He often used just 3-4 mics on a drum kit: kick, snare, and a stereo pair of overheads.
He believed in capturing the kit as a whole, rather than as individual pieces to be reassembled in the mix.

Al Schmitt: In His Own Words

Throughout his career, Al Schmitt shared many pearls of wisdom about music, recording, and the art of engineering. His words continue to inspire and guide both seasoned professionals and aspiring engineers. Here are some of his most famous quotes:

On Recording and Mixing

“The most important thing is to have it sound like music, not like a recording.”
“If you get it right at the source, you don’t have to do much after that.”
“I’m a firm believer in ‘less is more.’ The least amount of processing you can do, the better off you are.”
“You can’t just create magic with a bunch of plug-ins. You’ve got to start with great songs, great musicians, and great performances.”
“I don’t believe in fixing it in the mix. Get it right going down to tape or into Pro Tools.”

On Musicianship and Performance

“The magic is in the performance, not in the equipment.”
“I always tell young engineers: learn to play an instrument. It helps you communicate with musicians and understand what they’re trying to achieve.”
“The most important piece of equipment in the studio is the musician.”
“When you’re dealing with really good musicians, less is more. They know how to play their instruments, so let them play.”

On Learning and Growth

“Never stop learning. I’m still learning today, and I’ve been doing this for over 60 years.”
“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. That’s how you learn and grow.”
“Listen to all kinds of music. It broadens your horizons and makes you a better engineer.”

On Technology and Tradition

“I’m not against technology, but I believe in using it to enhance the music, not to create it.”
“Digital or analog, it doesn’t matter. What matters is how you use it.”
“There’s no substitute for good ears and experience. No plugin can replace that.”

On Success in the Industry

“Be nice to everybody. You never know who’s going to be running the label tomorrow.”
“Develop your own style, but always be open to new ideas.”
“The key to longevity in this business is adaptability. The industry is always changing, and you have to change with it.”

On the Joy of Music

“I’ve never worked a day in my life. I get paid for doing what I love.”
“Music is a universal language. It has the power to bring people together like nothing else.”

Legacy and Impact

Al Schmitt’s influence on the art of mixing cannot be overstated. His commitment to sonic excellence and his ability to bring out the best in every recording has inspired countless engineers and producers. His work has not only shaped the sound of popular music but has also set the standard for audio quality in the industry.

Schmitt’s philosophy of prioritizing the music and the performance over technical wizardry serves as a valuable lesson for aspiring engineers. His legacy reminds us that at the heart of every great mix is a great performance, captured with care and mixed with intention.

As we reflect on Al Schmitt’s incredible career, we’re reminded of the power of dedication, expertise, and a genuine love for music. His unparalleled list of awards and accolades serves as a testament to his skill, but it’s his passion for sound and his ability to connect with artists that truly set him apart.

Schmitt’s legacy is not just in the records he helped create or the awards he won, but in the standard of excellence he established and the inspiration he provided to countless audio professionals. His work continues to be studied and admired, ensuring that the art of mixing will forever be influenced by the magic touch of Al Schmitt.

This blog post stands as a comprehensive tribute to Al Schmitt, celebrating his life, career, and the indelible mark he left on the music industry. His contributions will forever be remembered and celebrated in the annals of music history.