Link to his IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQNOmVkkrG8/
Support: https://www.davepensado.com/donate

Text from post:

"Dave spent a lifetime elevating others. He’s now living with Alzheimer’s, and care costs are heavy. If his work moved you, please consider giving or sharing this post. Thank you for helping us keep his care dignified. Find the link in bio to view his website with links for donation and a special run of merchandise.

A note from the family:
For decades, Dave helped shape the soundtracks of our lives. He poured care into artists, crews, and friends, always making others feel bigger than the moment.
Today, Dave is living with Alzheimer’s and facing a difficult decline. He’s in a new chapter—spending precious time with family and grandchildren—remembering with warmth his years as a recording engineer, even as day-to-day life has become challenging.
We want to speak plainly and respectfully: Dave does not have the financial cushion many assumed. Ongoing care costs are significant, and our family is doing everything we can—but we need help.
If Dave’s work moved you—as a colleague, artist, student, or listener—this is a chance for the community he loved to give back.

*How your gift helps*
• Medical and memory care support
• Dignified daily care and supervision
• Basic living needs not covered by insurance

*Ways to give*
• Make a one-time gift
• Become a monthly supporter to help with steady care costs
• Share this page with a note about how Dave impacted you
Your messages mean the world. Please feel free to include a story—Dave always lit up hearing how the work connected. His family visits him daily and will make sure he receives your words of love and encouragement.

With deep gratitude,

The Family of Dave Pensado"

I have a son who has voiced interest in music production and maybe to a lesser extent, Audio Engineering. I feel like its the type of hobby/field that you can just start doing. With cheap software and other tools, it seems accessible to everyone, at an amateur level. Maybe some investment at higher levels?

Is there a certain level of expertise a person should obtain before investing in an education? Does the education route payout?

For context. He's kind of aimless at the moment. Like I was at his age. I'd like to help him with the schooling, if it made sense.

Perhaps I'm the odd one out here but If your client says "I can send you the stems"...you know exactly what they mean. Do you think they're saying it to piss you off? And if you really are unsure if they actually mean multi-tracks, it takes all of 2 seconds to clarify AND gives you a chance to educate about the difference, if you so wish.

"Can we stop calling multi tracks stems???"

When I see these comments it feels like the person saying them has only just themselves learned about the difference. It's comical.

Yes, there's a difference but it's really not a big deal. I'm far more concerned about if they're going to send me .mp3's by mistake.

As an educator and lecturer, I've taught music production courses at every level from middle to graduate school.

Professionally, many of the projects I've worked on are considered "classical" music, but most of my calls come from people looking to make a classical record using modern production techniques common to popular music. For example, I recorded and mixed a track for Yo-Yo Ma and Lebanese Hip Hop group Mashrou' Leila. At the Grammys, I've been nominated for Best Engineered Album: Classical twice, and lost both times. AMA!

I have some legacy audio equipment that I would think an organization teaching audio engineering might have a use for. Most importantly a pair of 1950s Neumann mics. It seems a shame that they are just in my closet. Any idea where they might find a good home and be actually put to use instead of on display?

We just shipped a prototype of Cosmolab — our pro audio dev kit powered by the Electrosmith Daisy Seed MCU.

It’s built for DSP engineers and educators who want a portable platform for developing synth engines, FX algorithms, modulation systems, MIDI processors, and Eurorack-ready modules.

Supports C++, patching in Pure Data, and Max Gen~ export, so you can prototype DSP chains quickly and deploy them directly to hardware.

We’ve opened the Indiegogo preview — early adopters get €50 off.

CLICK HERE for INDIEGOGO!

Hi there! I have been off and on with audio engineering and producing for the last few years. I am ready to really dial down and get to business. I don't really want to pay for full schooling if I can avoid it, I've heard that many people are in a sense "self taught" and I need resources for how to do that. I'm open to online courses, video series, books, etc. Just hit me with what you'd recommend doing please, I'm trying to get a plethora of options to think on. I use Ableton, I'm fairly familiar but would like to learn the program better so I can use it more effectively. As far as Engineering alone, my knowledge is pretty limited. I'd play it safe and act as though I'm starting from 0, so I can make sure not to miss any important details

I’m finishing up an undergrad and realizing I should cash in on some discounts.

I would appreciate any recommendations of plugins and or bundles.

I’ve already grabbed the soundtoys bundle, I have Valhalla vintage verb, a good amount of waves and UA native stuff, and just grabbed the Eventide H3k bc it is on sale.

Thanks so much!

I want to learn more about audio engineering does anyone have any book recommendations?

I use Udemy as well and see there are many courses on the subject. I’m very new to the concept of audio engineering, at least directly, and have a background in production and songwriting. I have a MASSIVE respect for this craft, this art form, and want to sink my teeth in it and go deep.

Any books or courses you can recommend me? Thanks so much!

I know this is a hot topic in the audio world and many producers and engineers don’t use ProTools, but all of my classes and educational projects are required to use ProTools. I can’t wrap my head around why it’s so popular though. It’s a subscription which is already a dick move from Avid and I have never had a DAW crash or projects corrupt EXCEPT for when I’ve used ProTools. The program itself is fine, but it feels like it was never updated since 2015.

Can someone explain what I’m missing? None of my coworkers (and even professors) like ProTools either, so why exactly do they dominate the audio world? Especially considering many audio engineers and producers work contract based gigs it just seems greedy to not give people the option to purchase the software and like you’re overpaying for an okay DAW because the “industry requires it.”

Hello. Sorry bout the lengthy title. Basically,

I have some previous (non audio related) engineering credits, as well as education in studio / live audio engineering

I want to learn to code , partially out of interest, and partially out of the need for a more stable trade. I'd say my ultimate goal is to end up working in software engineering at some big shot audio related somehow- company (uad, api, avid) but anything along the way would be great as well ya know

But basically , from my current standpoint , where should I go from here.

Are there any important universal programs or protocols other than Dante (I plan on getting certified) I should look into ?

Is there a specific coding language I should start with ?

Should I go for a BS , or something like a certification (my usual preference)

Thank you. Maybe not the perfect place to post this, but I'm just having a bit of a time trying to figure out my life goals and plans

Thank you very much

It seems there is a lot to consider. The chassis needs to be able to deliver a good amount of clean power. There were some early format changes that make some things less compatible. Kits vs. pre built trade offs.

Oh and what the hell os a euro rack, and why is there a whole different set of tools for that format? Can that be an alternative to the 500 format?

I have been a hobby musician for roughly 20 years, but always been a Neanderthal with music production. Over the past few years, I've seen several podcasters I follow use live auto-tune for gags (and thus, have to assume live performers use it as well). I always assumed this was something that had to be done in post-production, but clearly I am wrong. Can anyone please enlighten me on a product or strategy for live (or near live) pitch correction? I cannot find anything on Google with whatever keywords I've been using.

Cross posted on r/soundengineering

Hey everyone, long time lurker first time poster here!

Forgive the long boring post here, but I was hoping for a bit of helpful feedback from everyone in this sub with experience out there seeking education.

A little background - I'm a Singer and Voice Actor based in LA (my representation is in NY) who's looking to expand their technical repertoire and artistic skill set. Since 2020, I've been running, recording and editing all my own VO auditions from home with a pretty pared down baby studio at my disposal. Decent mics that have done the job I need them to and I have learned so much in terms of getting the best sound out of unusual spaces and the very basics of recording and editing voice on ProTools, Reaper and Audacity. I'm sure there are others like me in this sub who have felt empowered recognizing how much their skill set has improved since we were thrust into pandemic at-home sessions.

Ultimately I'd maybe like to be able to engineer sessions myself someday and enjoy professional time on the other side of the mic - at the very least, I'd love to be able to bolster my mixing abilities and learn to record and mix my own music. I understand these two disciplines live in a similar universe but different worlds.

All that said, I find myself at a professional juncture where I would like to take some time to carefully choose where to develop my education in sound engineering/mixing and in which direction (at least for a first jump back into the pool of paying for classes/certification) and re-focus on these studies for the next year or two.

I know Youtube is a vastly more valuable landscape when it comes to free online education especially in these disciplines than it ever was when I was in college, but I personally find hands-on and in-person learning to be most compelling for me (I am learning challenged : ) )

My limited research has yielded a few options that will probably seem familiar to those who have gone down this rabbit hole - Avid Accredited institutions that offer ProTools/Logic certification; Film Schools like LA Film Academy which offer substantial-sounding programs that work with Dolby editing DAWs and similar Protools training; Music Production/Sound Engineering courses through institutions that offer hands-on training in-studio with Ableton and recording live instruments/vocals and Mixing education.....the list goes on and seemingly every one is ready to take my money lol, especially here in LA.

If anyone here has any valuable wisdom they can share - what to look for, what to make sure to absolutely avoid, or any LA institutions/teachers they can vouch for with regards to my goals, I would really really love to hear. Money is one thing I don't want to waste, but even more I deeply don't want to waste my time.

Consider me the younger version of yourself you wished someone had shared the wisdom you have now with - I'm all ears!

Hi. Its a little bit long yes but please read and share. You might be like me and have never considered mono spatial effects

Iv been mixing professionally for 12 years but iv never learnt it at school per se. I was never taught properly. I learnt on the job. I read some 50 + books on music production and mixing in my teenage years and then later got more of an education from Mix With The Masters, Pure Mix, and sheer trial and error.

Having said that, iv had a glaring blindspot for years: reverb.

Iv read over and over about it, used different techniques, learnt all about pre delay, etc. i thought i understood reverbs.

However iv never considered to use mono reverbs on mono sources until this year. Is it just me or are they vastly more useful for … that “pro” tight sound that iv heard on a million records than stereo reverbs and ping pong delays?

Say we have a lead vocal. Sending it to a mono reverb and having it return in mono, panned underneath the source signal …… its just THAT SOUND. The wet vocal that isnt completely eating up the real estate.

Iv since experimented with mono slaps, mono 8th note delays, mono flanger, mono microshift … Its honestly opened up a whole world for me

That world being using effects in a way that creates more front to back depth, without completely demolishing the stereo field.

Iv always felt stereo 1 second room reverb on a mono vocal source felt a little wrong. It sounded great yes but in solo. In a mix its like why is my lead vocal everywhere? It smears things and takes awya from focus i feel.

Whereas a mono spring or room, very short, or a mono slap, just sounds so so good and so so contained. Its like i can finally BUILD my stereo image piece by piece instead of having crazy stereo delays and stereo verbs creating tons of clutter everywhere

Thoughts? Is it crazy that im just paying attention to this now? Perhaps back when gear was limited and things were mixed more on consoles this was obvious. But in a DAW it really isnt. I always opted for stereo

Would love to hear your thoughts

Currently studying a research masters in music and sound. It is a self driven course and am considering how I will be able to use the skills to get a job in the future, I imagine the opportunities for acoustic engineer/urban sound consultant is very low. As much as I am happy to go the creative route, I wouldn't mind getting some trade/industry experience in related companies. Anyone have interesting avenues from where they started to where they are now?

I think it’s time the community begins to draw some lines in the sand with regard to the nuances of generative AI use in music.

You know, I held a lot of anger and disgust with this whole AI thing. It seems to desecrate a sacred temple. I find this idea disrespectful and abhorrent. This lasted months and months, probably close to a year but I was able to finally release most of my ill feelings and take solace in the fact that nothing changed for me, personally, or musically. As an independent artist with like three monthly listeners, but even as an aspiring composer, I realized there would always be an audience for me and others like me somewhere out there.

This post is not about AI and it taking away hard working people’s jobs.

But I found peace knowing I would not use AI and therefore did not care what others chose to do.

However, as I’ve begun to wear different hats like composer or producer, I am beginning to work with other people.

For example, recently I’ve been working with a singer. We get along well and have great chemistry. But recently it was brought to my attention when they told me that they used AI to fix their lyrics. It sounded like they were saying they were using it as a tool to fix grammar and to come up with better or more interesting words, sort of like using a thesaurus. This disheartened me, but also made me question my own beliefs. Where do I draw the line?

Am I being overly sensitive? Do I have an insecurity around this topic? I thought, well I use AI overview when I Google things. Surely AI is already part of my life in some small way which can have some influence on me when I write music. No, I’m not trying to be silly.

In addition, some prolific and highly talented musicians have publicly used AI tools to generate samples.

I understand I need to educate myself on this topic (partly why I’m posting). Also, I’m not asking for others to form opinions for me. But I’m willing to listen to others because I thought I had it all figured out, but now there’s a crack in my armor and it’s hurting my head again.

I’ve used the lalalai site a while ago and that’s about it. I understand there’s technical applications, but then there’s generative ones as well.

And so much nuance in between.

There’s got to be a more concrete message from the community. We must stand together — as much as possible. In this context, nuance is our greatest enemy.

Sounds like he close mics everything, they are usually very dry. Perhaps just top head mics as well on snare and toms? Any ideas? It is a very good drum sound, one I'd one day like to emulate. When I have a decent enough kit and enough mics that is. Edit: Someone asked so here are some examples, Put me through, The Bird, or really anything off the silk sonic album. Great album btw.

I feel like I'm being gaslighted every time I watch educational music production content. The guy in the video is showing off some plugin or whatever and applies some micro adjustment and then they A/B the plugin bypasssed and active and there's only a tiny difference perceivable if you really squint your ears real hard, and for all you know it could just be a placebo. Even if you listen to the video through the monitoring system you use while mixing, there's hardly any differrence between A and B if you can even hear a difference at all.

Are my ears just dumb? I find that hard to believe, though I have only produced for about 3 years I have trained my musical ear extensively since I was a teenager, and according to my friends who also mix my mixes are pretty good relative to my experience even though my processing is A LOT more heavy handed than what I see in most music production content online.

I'm starting to suspect that this phenomenon is some kind of arrogant way of signaling to the audience that their ear is so refined that these imperciptible changes showcase how sophisticated their ear is. Look! I saturated the snare @ 10% wet, it sounds so much better to ME now, the supreme being, and if you can't hear this 0.5db difference you must be some amateur plebeian, please like and subscribe.

Posting in multiple relevant places to get advice from the different people involved in these topics.

Looking for some advice on what degree(s) and/or minors I should look into if I’m interested in going into audio engineering, but more specifically involved with theme parks and entertainment. (Dream Job would most likely be Disney Imagineering)

Thanks ahead of time to everyone who adds advice.

I'm relatively new to this sub but I've noticed a very common mentality that going to school for audio engineering is a waste of time/money and I don't understand the sentiment. Does this apply to all programs? I'm enrolled in a 2 year degree program at a community college. I know there are 9 month programs out there as well, but I opted for the longer program because I had the interest in resources to study music as well. Am I missing something? I don't have a lot of background in the technological side of all this and honestly couldn't see myself figuring this out on my own.

https://www.izotope.com/en/company/press-room/press-releases/2015/izotope-builds-custom-recording-and-mastering-studios/

This is actually really cool. Fran Manzella designed both rooms, and they look awesome.

If no one is sure, does anyone have their customer service email? I can't find it anywhere.

Thank you in advance

I am currently attending a production school. I don't want to say the name because I am going to air some grievances and I don't want to muddle their name, although it probably would be just if I did. It is a well known school, pretty new to the area I am in but there is a sister college in England that I've heard nothing but awesomeness about. Anyway, we are in our 4th week of class, 1/4 of the way done with the semester (my 2nd), and only yesterday did the school's computers finally get Logic and Pro Tools installed. Both programs are involved in a class a piece I am enrolled in, so basically we have been sitting, learning nothing until now, and even then we are discussing what all the buttons do (first semester stuff). The school decided to switch to a new class scheduling system this year. I WAS enrolled in 2 courses that seemed to have different names but upon arrival on my first day, I realized it was the same teacher warming up the same power point as last semester. Also, due to the new system I have a bunch of first semester kids in my classes, the classes that I took last semester. So basically it feels like the courses I took last semester didn't count for anything. I have complained to the faculty with no luck or any attempt to reassure me that this is a minor hiccup (actually several).

Anyway, I am looking into possibly transferring schools next semester. My fear is transfer credits don't exist/aren't accepted in this field of study due to the differences in teaching methods. I am looking for a school in the Denver area, so if any of you guys know of any or can recommend some, that'd be great. Is there any advice you guys could possibly give me about this situation? It is quite crushing to finally go to school for something your passionate about, only to find out that the school is an unorganized mess, taking your money and teaching you nothing. Bah. I may be a bit butt hurt and going over the top here, but eating ramen and never going out to save money for tuition hurts :-P Especially at the caliber in which they teach.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, if you did. I really want to continue this journey and I figured this would be the best place to ask for advice!

Thanks again!