Studio Interviews: Simon Pattee

Meet Simon Pattee from Washington DC with one of the coolest, neatest and most versatile studios around…

Interviewee Simon Pattee
Contact simonpattee@gmail.com | http://djsimon.us | 202-413-6930

• Double monitor action
• And double monitor action!
• Urei 1620 mixer
• Digidesign Digi 003
• Field recording gear
• Guitars and amps

Tell us more Simon!

I’m a self-employed engineer/DJ/video editor. I began my DJ career in 1997 and became a full time engineer in 2006.

What gear do you have?

• Hardware: Macbook Pro and Mac Pro 3.46 GHz 6-Core Intel Xeon + 64GB RAM; NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070; Focal Solo6 BE and KRK Rokit 5 monitors; Argosy 420i Spire stands; Digidesign Digi 003 interface; Sony PCM-R500 DAT recorder; Urei 1620 mixer; MotU Express XT MIDI interface; M-Audio Axiom 49 keyboard; Rode NTG3 mic; Sony UTX-B2 transmitter/receivers; EV RE50B + Sony Transmitters; Tascam DR-70D recorder;
• Synths: Access Virus TI2, Korg MicroKorg, Ace Tone Rhythm Ace FR-1, Yamaha TX81Z, Roland MC-307
• Guitar gear: Fender Acoustic, Fender Telecaster, Schecter Tempest, Blackstar and Fender amps;
• Soft synths: AAS, Arturia, Camel, Sugar Bytes, U-He, Waldorf
• Other software plugs: Blue Cat Audio, Cytomic, Dada Life, DMG Audio, FabFilter, Flux, FXpansion, IK Multimedia, iZotope, Lexicon, Plugin Alliance, Softube, Sonalksis, Sonnox, SoundToys, Waves & more DJ:  3 x Technics 1200MK2, Allen & Heath X:ONE 64.

Which DAW and why?

I use Pro Tools and Ableton Live for two very different reasons. Creativity is much easier to manage with Ableton. Warping, looping, managing multiple MIDI devices is all very simple and intuitive. I find mixing in Ableton challenging. You have to select each track individually to find out what plug-ins are being used on it. Because of this, I often end up exporting the stems from Live sessions and do the final mix downs in Pro Tools. It has always been my workhorse.

Favourite gear?

My Access Virus TI2 keyboard. I feel like it can do anything. I love that it is a hard synth that can interface with its own plug-in and operate like any other plug-in with your DAW. I’ve also been quickly falling in love with my new Focal Solo6 BE monitors.

How is the studio used?

I frequently do field recordings for picture, produce podcasts/radio shows and mix and master music. Those roles keep me busy and pay my rent.

Next on your shopping list?

Detailed acoustic installation. Acoustic treatment is frequently overlooked but one of the most important components.

Top advice?

Keep studying and practicing. It’s a never-ending process.

What’s your dream gear?

A Studer A800 or similar. I would love to be able to record everything in analogue.

Any production advice?

Don’t expect to get the best sound on the first recording. You need to make mistakes to be able to learn from them. Listen to music and pay attention to the details.

And studio build advice?

Record with whatever you have. Don’t waste time waiting for the ideal gear.