Jeff Ellis: Engineering Frank Ocean

Рет қаралды 398,001

Күн бұрын

After 5 years working with enigmatic R&B trailblazer, Frank Ocean, engineer Jeff Ellis talks art, monitoring and a microphone technique called 'The Chicago Jingle' for getting the sound of a large ensemble from few players.
Jeff speaks about his break in the L.A. music industry, his evolving approach to audio engineering, and how a typical session starts in the recording studio. Jeff explains his vocal mixing techniques for Frank Ocean, recorded using the Telefunken U47. He then details his favourite techniques, plugins, effects and audio hardware that he uses for music production.
Thanks to Jeff Ellis.
www.jeffellisworldwide.com
www.twitch.tv/jeffellisworldwide
00:00 - Start
00:40 - Working With Frank Ocean
02:31 - Learning The Craft And How To Think Like An Artist
04:18 - Preparing For A Recording Session
06:30 - Recording Chain For Vocals
08:31 - What Effects Were Used?
12:03 - Jeff's Approach To Mixing
20:19 - String Sounds & 'The Chicago Jingle'
23:29 - Choosing Artists To Work With
25:20 - Twitch Streaming Show
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#frankocean #recording #musicproduction #mixing #studio

Пікірлер: 372

@timoed 5 жыл бұрын

Dude spent over 20 minutes sharing something that would take some 3-5 years to acquire. Y'all are turds to have disliked this video or this man. You are so underappreciated Jeff, you're a legend.

@sindromerecords6667 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely gave insight and secrets that most wouldnt. Honest and real af .he is a legend

@rockyAQ04 4 жыл бұрын

“I don’t like cutting a lot of low end out of voices” THANK YOU!!! So many great singers have the power and emotion EQed right out of their vocals.

@cookiedenis 9 ай бұрын

But then it clashes with the bass

@cookiedenis 7 ай бұрын

@ethandemille2585 my vocals have too much low end not to roll off but I’d love to keep it in a nice way

@hugofredriksson1528 Ай бұрын

@@cookiedenis use fabfilter pro q or another dynamic eq and sidechain the low end of your voice against the bass elements of your track. That way it will only ”cut” or preferably lower the low frequencies of your voice when needed!

@blondeb1031 4 жыл бұрын

So this guys is behind Seirra Leone Pyramids White Ferrari Slide on me Higgs Rushes to Self control Godspeed And so many unique Frank songs?

@benja303 3 жыл бұрын

Engineer not producer

@ivanorozco8669 3 жыл бұрын

benja303 he didn’t say produce

@migullityo2448 3 жыл бұрын

yeah he records frank and moves things around

@movimentodoscacos 3 жыл бұрын

The mixing on Sierra Leone specially is pure art

@mickey8217 7 жыл бұрын

Channel orange is a classic, you sir are a legend. Thank you for the great music.

@justinperalta3570 6 жыл бұрын

Mickey and blonde is even better

@aristomusic9440 6 жыл бұрын

Ayyyyy aryay what’d good fam

@outernational 4 жыл бұрын

“Never let the engineering get in the way of the art”. What he said!

@HabitMusic 3 жыл бұрын

This guy was ahead of his time, saying "extra" in 2016, streaming on twitch, mixing gems back in 2011. Great philosiphy on music and mixing. What a legend!

@kevinburke3941 Жыл бұрын

What? Everyone said extra in 2016. That was its peak popularity

@almaroxxmusic 4 жыл бұрын

I can't really explain it. But this interview really lifts my spirits.

@Stjayflows 4 жыл бұрын

Alma Roxx it’s very humble and sincere. This guy just seams like everyone else and he cares about what he does. he makes me feel like i can be successful like him too

@robomonkeysonfire 4 жыл бұрын

he comes across as someone that is so genuine and earnestly loves what he's doing. if seeing someone in love with his own life and thankful isn't uplifting i don't know what is!

@11219tt 4 жыл бұрын

I engineered professionally for 10 years. I can vouch that everything this guy said is true. From being ready for everything and constantly scrambling, to mixing on shitty speakers at low levels. Good interview. Oh and I love that he said he doesn’t have sub on until way later in the mix. Smart guy.

@user-ux1vj9vx7s 2 жыл бұрын

I mean, This dude has mixed shit for people you’ve actually heard of, so I’d say what he says is pretty right on anyway, without the need for you to vouch for anything

@11219tt 2 жыл бұрын

@@user-ux1vj9vx7s just because you've heard of something doesn't mean it's good for example, I was just listening to an Ariana grande song where literally the first line of the song has a bad edit and cuts her voice off early. And no need to throw me down because you haven't heard anything I've done. My pedigree speaks for itself. No need to have a KZfaq comment devalue what I've done, the musicians I've worked with (famous or not) or the projects I've done big or small. I could name some names if I wanted to but who cares.

@smokoguap 2 жыл бұрын

do you still engineer?

@benjamindiaz1645 10 ай бұрын

@@11219ttwhat Ariana song haha

@11219tt 10 ай бұрын

@@smokoguap I stopped a few years ago, last big name project I worked on was a Kid Cudi release for Amazon prime. Acoustic version of pursuit of happiness.

@jstonemnl8138 6 жыл бұрын

People need to stfu about his voice. hes an engineer and we enjoy his work.

@mattsb17 4 жыл бұрын

This dude deserves hella credit for his work . I know Frank’s voice sounds great already but I when I heard Channel Orange come out , it felt like he was another level production wise from Odd Future . Jeff keep doing your thing man

@drummerboy231434 7 жыл бұрын

Honestly haven't heard many engineers who have been able to explain what it means to get good translation in mixes as well and as clear as this guy

@matthewpayauys9889 7 жыл бұрын

A good interview and encouraging story. I love his philosophy on doing work.

@cjparch4516 2 жыл бұрын

PART 2‼️

@lewisbaxter8738 7 жыл бұрын

shout out to this guy just getting on with it and teaching everyone straight up

@CIRCLEOFTONE 7 жыл бұрын

I like his speaker mix. Unapologetically using beats as part of his bass monitoring is ballsy.

@amalhandley3914 6 жыл бұрын

This man is dropping gems and y'all re wondering about his sex life.... get out of music while you can and don't come back.

@ClideGeardenaweseomeness 4 жыл бұрын

Chill out bigman

@maxhitikos 4 жыл бұрын

Clide Gearden nah, he’s right to snap

@Engenifffo 4 жыл бұрын

Wondering? it’s crystal clear.

@amalhandley3914 4 жыл бұрын

John K lmao nigga this comment 2 years old let’s all move on 😂 I don’t even remember posting this

@ephascus8974 3 жыл бұрын

Well said lad

@joelanderson839 6 жыл бұрын

This guy just dropped SO much knowledge. Thank god for this video

@JGThePresent 6 жыл бұрын

Joel Anderson agree. "Simplify Simplify Simplify" -Thoreau

@revishon 5 жыл бұрын

Joel Anderson may the force be with u

@riskzerobeatz 7 жыл бұрын

Jeff is a fantastic guy. I like his attitude and value his skills :D

@KungFuTayo 4 жыл бұрын

This man's ahead of the game. It took me a while to get used to blondes choice alteration, but it ended up being my favorite album of all time. The replay value is amazing

@Checo43 4 жыл бұрын

He didn't mix blonde only recorded

@JeffEllisWorldwide 7 жыл бұрын

NAILED IT.

@Thatpastaiscold 6 жыл бұрын

Jeff Ellis Worldwide, You're a legend

@nebstaism 5 жыл бұрын

Channel orange is a wicked sounding album... this guy really knows his craft... his passion for mixing is inspiring

@stevenmaragos8657 7 жыл бұрын

He did an amazing job with Channel Orange. Much respect for this guy

@CriticsConfession 6 жыл бұрын

That little knit octopus up on that speaker behind melts my heart it's so cute ahhh

@MontellFishMusic 6 жыл бұрын

Sick man, thank you guys.

@banzaj06 3 жыл бұрын

This guy seems like a humble, hard-working fellow. Inspiring

@EqDior 2 жыл бұрын

What a great interview this was. So many gems!

@monadamus42 5 жыл бұрын

Man, I so wish there was one place, one program that had tons of interviews with the wonderful people that work, with legends and witness the magic of creation with them. Great interview but I need more.

@MrArtVein 4 жыл бұрын

Adan Walsh *MIXWITHTHEMASTERS*

@AJL200 7 жыл бұрын

really really interesting re his approach to mixing for the different speakers / user end devices. Thanks

@MrNotesofmusic 6 жыл бұрын

Andy Liggins that’s a very common thing to do. In fact it’s a mixers job.

@vincek.3941 7 жыл бұрын

Wow what a great video. He breaks down his work flow so well.

@NickColemanLive 7 жыл бұрын

Really great video. Thanks Jeff Ellis & SOS

@thecatevans 4 жыл бұрын

This young man is smart as hell. Glad I saw this. Can’t wait to go home and engineer!!

@bwoodfilms 6 жыл бұрын

Really great interview. Props to Jeff for adjusting his style to work with the artist.

@octaviomora9810 4 жыл бұрын

So thankful for this interview

@TigersbloodFTW 5 жыл бұрын

Lol at Pro Tools being crashed during the entire interview

@robomonkeysonfire 4 жыл бұрын

fucken LOL

@5592justin 4 жыл бұрын

my life lol

@swimgood. 4 жыл бұрын

@Brandon Mericle this reminded me of the scene in Atlanta lmao

@cosmblus 3 жыл бұрын

Henry Bird same

@justleo2956 3 жыл бұрын

The trauma

@TheTonyAndreas 7 жыл бұрын

Amazing dude! Cant wait to work with Jeff! He definitely knows whats he's talking about and Channel Orange is dope! Kudos!

@degnerate 3 жыл бұрын

The technique that he did with the strings is really ingenious

@Rosonicole 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the knowledge! Love when engineers stay simplistic about the arrangements and the input. This guy is awesome! I'm currently interning and this was super helpful

@JimMcGuirk1 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jeff. Enjoyed the video and learned a bit.

@lassorb4752 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Jeff! Great stuff! 🙏🏼😍

@precisionsoundworksstudio 4 жыл бұрын

Such a great interview and that recording tip is soooooooo good. Thank you for posting!

@TheJoelAbides 7 жыл бұрын

That's that dude! So hard working yet humble. SALUTE! 🙌🏽✌🏽

@garyatilano8281 7 жыл бұрын

this interview is legit thanks for it

@marcus47069 6 жыл бұрын

Love the way he talks about his craft

@Iamjohnnythethird 7 жыл бұрын

Very informative and you can see how passionate this guy is. Loved it. I learned a lot form this video!! Thank you!

@ikeasante6165 7 жыл бұрын

IS THAT A SAVE MONEY STICKER ON THAT KEYBOARD?? WAVY

@Joeandpeace 7 жыл бұрын

woah the string idea sounds sweet! amazing video

@marcusjayallen 4 жыл бұрын

didnt expect to learn that damn much holy shit. such a great interview

@facksvillain2296 4 жыл бұрын

This was a dope interview!!!

@markozivanovic117 6 жыл бұрын

Amazing interview.

@donkeyfacekilla1 7 жыл бұрын

More great stuff from SOS ! Thanks guys!

@mattfritz1071 6 жыл бұрын

I like how he talks about the microphone like it's just a normal microphone 😂

@lostimemusic1255 7 жыл бұрын

Great stuff. I'm a young aspiring music producer and have been self taught since day 1. I liked how he mentioned his own struggles with that as well. His work is inspiring.

@Kevinciano577 6 жыл бұрын

he’s so passionate, im in love

@d3a1990 6 жыл бұрын

This is what I've been looking for!

@adambrown7893 4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic interview!

@sirjamesy 4 жыл бұрын

Seems like a nice guy. Super humble, and obviously very talented. A great interview, very insightful with tons of tips in there.

@beatz04 6 жыл бұрын

I would want to work with the guy based on his humbleness alone. Plus he shares a ton of great information in this video. Well done !

@MrMattave 7 жыл бұрын

So humble man. Amazing.

@kylecredo 4 жыл бұрын

Gold. Love this. Thank you.

@althurdjerah 4 жыл бұрын

It took me 30 seconds to fall in love with this guys voice timbre, pure love. I appreciate so much the good ideas and insights. But he is charming af.

@hearmenow909 4 жыл бұрын

'Never let the engineering get in the way of the art'. Valuable advice.

@7550375503 7 жыл бұрын

Love his passion.

@umraansyed 7 жыл бұрын

What a cool guy. Informative video as well. Would love to work with him one day.

@caleblatreille8224 7 жыл бұрын

watched this a few months back but after the astonishing mix of Tyrant by Kali Uchis had to watch again. so inspiring Jeff, thank you!!

@aydinandre3039 5 жыл бұрын

“The only secret to frank is his voice is amazing” idk why that’s funny to me

@damirbalo1588 7 жыл бұрын

Dope. Made me appreciate my mix way more

@SMProductions45 4 жыл бұрын

I love how this feels like I’m listening to one of my friends talk about what they love

@eddiecollins2510 Жыл бұрын

This is insane advice and im so glad I found you thank u

@BenReddell 7 жыл бұрын

WHAT A VIDEO. CAN'T STOP WON'T STOP YEAH!

@sonicboom1970 7 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed this video. Thank You Mr. Ellis and Thanks to SOS !! I can relate to mixing different different genres on different speakers, ( budget allowing of course) Its nice to hear a "tech" guy, saying that it`s ok to be creative and artistic. Because most home "engineers" like myself are limited to space, equipment, and funds, I think we all question ourselves, and wonder if it`s really possible to make a decent mix! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. I wish you well with the new online project and hope to learn a lot more there,.. Cheers!!

@jasonlucas3593 4 жыл бұрын

Jeff the man this was awesome

@saaannteaaa 4 жыл бұрын

This man knows so much I hope to be like this one day so much inspiration

@solootto 6 жыл бұрын

ive learnt so much from this .. thank you bro

@keyron4 4 жыл бұрын

wow this is heavy, beautiful and inspiring words

@Rgdonaire_07 4 жыл бұрын

This interview was pure gold. I like his approach and his humbleness. Most engineers mixing famous artists have a super diva status which I don’t get.

@drtylaundry Жыл бұрын

this is so fire, you go Jeff Ellis

@tammyrevia6202 2 жыл бұрын

I can’t imagine anyone spending time with Frank & not becoming a different person. Can you imagine what you would learn? How could that not change you?

@roll2ones Жыл бұрын

He’s just a guy , he’s not a god.

@MrElliotB 7 жыл бұрын

lmao mfw i look up the u47 after he mentions the $90 sm58

@johnarundell7951 6 жыл бұрын

What? Something about $90 and looking up?

@14AspenDrive 6 жыл бұрын

what part didnt you get, john

@fisheatsyourhead 6 жыл бұрын

John the u47 is an extremely expensive high end whereas the sm58 is super affordable.

@duderadley2383 4 жыл бұрын

thanks sound on sound, such great content

@jacobcervantes2552 4 жыл бұрын

This video is a hidden gem

@ivantunek3837 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Jeff Ellis !

@alexpick2028 4 жыл бұрын

Above everything else ... he seems like a really lovely guy! Who said nice guys finish last , ) Inspirational Jeff, keep up the great work man!

@marniebrimhall986 3 жыл бұрын

Great job 👍😁 great interview

@HellaHipHop 7 жыл бұрын

really informative video. I've heard a guy named joey sturgis does a similar thing when referencing other speakers. he's an incredible mixing engineer what fills up the progressive pop metal scene with his sound. and crazy breakdowns.

@S2kTi 7 жыл бұрын

Don't forget the awesome plugins he puts out too hah

@cjparch4516 2 жыл бұрын

Do a PART 2 with Jeff ‼️ new age new info

@cameronmurphy5850 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip regarding the Pyle speakers! Absoultey great auratone alternative! Just bought the pair!

@alias-_unknown9999 4 жыл бұрын

This guy dropped 💎 💎 thank you

@33and1third Жыл бұрын

"never let the engineering get in the way of the art" great advice Jeff, thanks!

@MarceloMoss 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome!

@AnkhManRaw 7 жыл бұрын

I just found he was talking about a recording w/ a $15k microphone (u47). Like any engineer could get one.

@soundonsound 7 жыл бұрын

They're actually not that expensive to hire. And if you do a sessions in bigger commercial studios, it's not uncommon to have them in the mic lockers. Owning one isn't necessarily a reality for most, though!

@preston77021 6 жыл бұрын

AnkhManRaw lol dawg thought I cashed out when I bought a $250 mic 15k????????????

@charliezumkehr 4 жыл бұрын

its not even necessary either just spend 300 on a sm7b and you're good to go

@buddhathegod 7 жыл бұрын

"It was a few days in that Frank kind of... it was like... Frank knew me... we just... you know... we had a good vibe" we get it jeff you guys fucked jeez

@dcptracks564 7 жыл бұрын

savage

@Tonyklover 7 жыл бұрын

LMFAO i was thinking the same thing like WE KNOW

@LanaDelGuey 7 жыл бұрын

Buddha B i was thinking the exact same thing lmfao

@edwink8ne97 7 жыл бұрын

especially the way he bit his lips

@buddhathegod 7 жыл бұрын

Drama class is next door