The Legendary Bob Clearmountain

Bob Clearmountain is a name that commands immense respect in the world of music production and mixing. With a career spanning over four decades, he has left an indelible mark on countless iconic albums, shaping the sound of artists across various genres. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore Clearmountain’s illustrious discography, his mixing philosophy, the gear and plugins that have become an integral part of his signature sound, his famous mixing techniques and approaches, the prestigious awards that acknowledge his exceptional talent, and his insightful quotes about music and musicianship.

The Discography: A Testament to Versatility

Clearmountain’s discography is a testament to his versatility as a mixer. From rock and pop to jazz and R&B, his credits read like a who’s-who of the music industry. Here are just a few highlights from his impressive body of work:

• Bruce Springsteen - “Born in the U.S.A.”
• The Rolling Stones - “Tattoo You”
• Bon Jovi - “Slippery When Wet”
• Chic - “C’est Chic”
• Bryan Adams - “Reckless”
• Paul McCartney - “Chaos and Creation in the Backyard”
• Hall & Oates - “Private Eyes”

The Philosophy: Balancing Art and Science

At the heart of Clearmountain’s approach lies a delicate balance between artistic expression and technical mastery. He believes that mixing is an art form, one that requires a keen ear, an understanding of musical dynamics, and a deep respect for the artist’s vision. At the same time, he recognizes the importance of technological advancements and their role in shaping the modern mixing process.

“Mixing is a combination of art and science,” Clearmountain once said. “You have to understand the technical side, but you also have to have a feel for the music and the emotions it conveys.”

The Gear: A Carefully Curated Collection

Clearmountain’s studio setup is a meticulously curated collection of high-end gear, each piece chosen for its unique sonic characteristics and its ability to complement his mixing style. Here are some of the key components of his rig:

• SSL 9000 J Series Console
• Avid Pro Tools HDX System
• Burl Audio B2 Bomber ADC/DAC
• Genelec 1032A Monitors
• Tube-Tech CL 1B Compressor
• Neve 1073 Preamps
• Empirical Labs Distressors

The Plugins: Digital Workhorses

While Clearmountain is known for his affinity for analog gear, he has also embraced the digital realm, incorporating a range of plugins into his workflow. Here are some of his go-to virtual tools:

• UAD Plugins (Especially the 1176 and LA-2A emulations)
• Waves Renaissance Compressor
• Sonnox Oxford Inflator
• Avid Channel Strip
• Soundtoys Decapitator

The Approach: Attention to Detail

What sets Clearmountain apart is his meticulous attention to detail. He approaches each mix with a fresh perspective, carefully sculpting the sound to bring out the best in the recording. His ability to balance individual elements while maintaining a cohesive, impactful mix is a true testament to his skill and experience.

“Every mix is different,” Clearmountain explains. “You have to really listen to the music and understand what it needs. It’s about finding the right balance and making sure every element has its place in the overall picture.”

Famous Mixing Techniques & Approaches

Over the years, Clearmountain has developed and popularized several innovative mixing techniques that have become industry standards. Here are some of his most famous approaches:

The “Summing Trick”

One of Clearmountain’s signature techniques is the “summing trick,” which involves printing individual tracks to a stereo mix and then reintroducing that stereo mix back into the session as a new element. This technique can add depth, cohesion, and a sense of “glue” to a mix.

Parallel Compression

Clearmountain is also known for his extensive use of parallel compression, a technique that involves blending a heavily compressed version of a track with the original, uncompressed version. This approach can add punch, sustain, and a sense of excitement to a mix.

Drum Sample Reinforcement

For many of his mixes, Clearmountain has employed the technique of reinforcing live drum tracks with carefully selected drum samples. This approach can add weight, clarity, and impact to the drum sound, while still preserving the natural feel of the live performance.

Meticulous EQ and Automation

Clearmountain is a master of surgical EQ and automation, meticulously sculpting the frequency content and dynamics of individual tracks to create a balanced, cohesive mix. His attention to detail in these areas is legendary.

These techniques, combined with his keen ear and artistic sensibilities, have helped Clearmountain craft some of the most iconic and influential mixes in modern music history.

Quotes on Music and Musicianship

Beyond his technical prowess, Clearmountain has a deep appreciation for the art of music and the role of musicians. Here are some of his insightful quotes on these topics:

On the Importance of Musicians

“At the end of the day, it’s all about the musicians and the performances. My job is to capture the essence of what they’ve created and present it in the best possible way.”

On the Emotional Impact of Music

“Music has the power to move people in ways that nothing else can. As a mixer, my goal is to help convey those emotions, to make the listener feel something deep inside.”

On the Collaborative Nature of Recording

“Recording is a collaborative process. It’s not just about the artist or the producer or the engineer – it’s about all of us working together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.”

On the Pursuit of Perfection

“I’m always striving for perfection, but I also know that perfection is an illusion. What’s important is capturing the essence of the music, the raw emotion, and the human element.”

These quotes reflect Clearmountain’s profound respect for the art of music and his unwavering commitment to serving the needs of the artists and the music itself.

The Awards: Recognizing Excellence

Clearmountain’s exceptional talent and contributions to the music industry have not gone unnoticed. He has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including:

• 2 Grammy Awards
• 6 TEC Awards (Technical Excellence & Creativity)
• Induction into the TEC Awards Hall of Fame (2017)
• Les Paul Award from the Les Paul Foundation (2019)

These accolades serve as a testament to Clearmountain’s mastery of his craft and the profound impact he has had on the world of music production and mixing.

The Legacy: Inspiring Generations

Bob Clearmountain’s influence on the art of mixing cannot be overstated. His work has inspired generations of engineers and producers, setting the standard for sonic excellence. As he continues to shape the sound of modern music, his legacy as one of the greatest mixers of our time remains firmly cemented.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring mixer, there is much to learn from Clearmountain’s approach, his gear choices, his unwavering commitment to sonic perfection, and the recognition he has received from his peers. His story serves as a reminder that mixing is not just a technical exercise, but a true art form that requires passion, dedication, and a deep understanding of the music itself.