Point Blank host Prince Fatty for a lesson in all things Dub
Last October, Point Blank hosted Dub specialist Mike Pelanconi, aka Prince Fatty, for a masterclass at their Orsman Road Studio complex. As well as making use of their 48 Channel SSL Duality Delta mixing console, Mike brought some of his own equipment with him, demonstrating some of the sonic differences between digital delays, tape echoes, spring reverbs and filters.
Starting his career at 16 working with jingles for a small radio studio in Brighton, Pelanconi quickly learnt that the reel to reel tape machines he was using could be used for much more than just recording, and he began to experiment with 2-inch tape – manipulating it to achieve the effects he wanted. He took this a step further later down the line, recalling being shouted at for using expensive condenser mics on hi-hats or 414s around the toms when setting up sound for drums. This element of thinking outside of the box is something Mike champions, and he stresses the importance of finding and developing your own signature sound. Since his days at the Brighton studio, Prince Fatty has worked with the likes of Gregory Isaacs, The Pharcyde and A Tribe Called Quest to name a few, as well as touring around the world.
In the masterclass, hosted for students at Point Blank in London, Pelanconi shares some invaluable tips and techniques to apply to productions, including experimenting with delay, reverb, phase and tape machines as well as working and being creative with analogue equipment. He discusses the importance of creating space and ambience in the mix and gives some sound advice on setting up a studio space to help achieve this. Watch the video above for the full masterclass and don’t forget to subscribe to Point Blank’s YouTube channel for more tutorials, workshops and interviews.
If you’re interested in learning more production and mixing techniques, Point Blank cover all of this and more on their BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering Degree. You’ll have the opportunity to work on the 48 Channel SSL Duality Delta mixing console seen in the above video and will be taught by their expert instructors on one of the most comprehensive music courses available. To book a tour, visit the contact page on their website to get in touch with them. Point Blank also offer an online alternative, in the form of a new online BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering Degree. They are currently offering a huge 20% off online courses until March 31st, so make sure you enroll soon!
