Rising Stars: Joe Dickinson

We’ve found another worthy subject for the Audio Pro InternationalRising Stars section, our regular focus on the best young industry talent from around the world.

Currently based at Birmingham’s DBM Studios, freelance sound engineer Joe Dickinson tells us about his recent work and plans for next year.

Where did you study?

I studied a degree in Sound Technology at Glamorgan University in Wales and graduated in 2010.

What project are you currently working on?

I have recently been working with producer Benet Walsh (Plaid, Mara Carlyle), tracking the drums for his work with Warner/Chappell and his own records, which has given me plenty of time recording a wide range of kit sounds. Alongside my own sessions I have also been assisting Trev Gibson at Circle Studios in Birmingham with some really talented musicians like Nikki Murray. I learn something new on every session with him, which is absolutely invaluable in this industry as the learning never stops.

Early next year I’m heading into the studio with an exciting group of composers, who specialise in both game music and audio games; and also with Falls – a band from Deeside, North Wales – to work on their next release. Falls have an incredible stage show and have had huge support from Jen Long of BBC Introducing. I’m really looking forward to getting to grips with them.

Where are you based now?

I am now based at DBM Studios in Birmingham – a brand new and purpose built studio complex with three live rooms that all sound incredible. We are currently in the closing stages of the build and we know it’s going to be an amazing creative place to work – certainly one to watch.

Which console are you using at the moment?

?As a freelancer the studio I’m in changes, but I am really fond of the API 1608 that Trev has installed at Circle; its flexibility and sheer quality is second to none and given the choice I’d take one everywhere with me. I’ve also had a few sessions on the Audient ASP8024 recently, which I find to be a very well thought out console in terms of layout and its clean pres give plenty of options at mixdown. At DBM we have decided to use Audient’s rack mounted pres for that very reason.

Do you use any outboard effects/EQ, and if so, what are they used on and why?

It depends on what I’m doing really. I like to record using EQ for character, filters and phase adjustment etc pre-DAW. I find getting each instrument sounding as close to the finished product at tracking saves time in the long run and keeps us on course.

It’s a similar story with compression – if the studio has a rack full of nice dynamic processors, then that is going to be my first port of call before going ITB. But most of my time-based effects like delays and reverbs are all done internally for ease of use and accuracy. 

What is your favourite ever piece of audio equipment?

Any tape delay unit. Something like a Copicat or Multivox – so much fun and instruments in their own right.

If you could tour with any band/artist who would it be?

Tough question, but I think touring with someone like Death From Above 1979 or Explosions in the Sky would keep you on your toes as a front of house guy. That’s a good thing..right?

Website: www.randomplaylist.co.uk and www.facebook.com/DBMStudios

To get involved in our Rising Stars column, whether you are an engineer who is new to the industry and would like to be featured, or an experienced engineer who would like to nominate a particular student/apprentice, please contact Audio Pro International editor Adam Savage on adam.savage@intentmedia.co.uk or +44 (0)1992 535646.

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