studio engineer/producer

:::AUDIO ENGINEERING AND MUSIC PRODUCTION:::

It was through the recording, mixing and mastering process of my debut album that I was inspired to pursue studio engineering. With 18 months dedicated to studio beavering and explorations leading to a Audio Engineering Diploma at the School of Sound Recording in Manchester, I am now passionately on my way as a studio engineer and music producer. I have already recorded a wide variety of audio and music projects from spoken word to Opera via Post Rock.

For some audio examples please have a peep at CPC engineering myspace profile.

I have a bit of a weakness for vintage equipment and mostly swing towards analogue than digital and generally disapprove of the numbing and dumbing down phenomena that is the MP3. But apart from that I am lots of fun to work and play with and enjoy acting as mid-wife to the realisation of others’ ideas, passions and expressions. I maximise on my sensibilties to get the most out of the process for all involved. I can get quite carried away with the aesthetics of audio sculpting, specific qualities of equipment and mic placement strive to produce fluid and dynamic mixes that speaks its message not too loud and clear enough.

Any thoughts/passions/queries there on?

So, the official stuff…

Technical skills:

Software: Pro Tools LE and HD 8.0, Cubase SX3, Ableton Live 6; Sonic Foundry Soundforge 7, CD Architect, Reason, Vocalign, Melodyne, Rewire, MIDI switches and Soundbeam.

Hardware: Amec Einstein console; Digidesign D Command controller, Digidesign Control 24 controller, Command 8; Soundcraft Ghost consoles; Behringer UB2222FX console; various drum machines, analogue & soft synthesizers and MIDI modules; outboard and plug-in dynamic controllers, EQ, reverb and FX units; a wide range of condenser, dynamic and ribbon microphones with varying polar responses.

Qualifications:

Audio Engineering Techniques and Technology Diploma – School of Sound Recording

Certified Digidesign Pro Tools operator 101,110 & 201

Diploma in Music, Open University

Counselling Level 2 – Pass, NCFE

Some feedback:

“Caro Churchill is more than a sound engineer. She is a warmly human interface between those machines with buttons, blinking lights and the recording artist. She encourages without flattery, makes sensitive observations and intelligent suggestions, facilitating a top performance while making a quality recording.” –Lisa B, spoken word performer and poet.

“Caro is an engineer where you feel comfortable enough to show your best and worst bits in the studio! She is open to experimentation both musically and technically which makes recording a good learning and musical experience. Her good nature means she is a pleasure to spend long periods of time with” ––Emma Welsby , percussionist, drummer and drum n bass producer.

“There was no ‘techie’ intimidation, like some studios. Caro was relaxed and professional and I felt able to give it my best. I actually forgot she was there..Because she’s a singer herself, she knows what it’s like, and was very supportive and professional”––Angela Cooper , sound therapist and singer.

“My recording experience with Caro was great. She was fun and relaxed to work with while at the same time capturing brilliant sounds and performances. It was probably the most positive studio experience I’ve had.” “––Janet Wolstenholme , musician, engineer and producer

Some projects I have undertaken:

Jonstun and Urban Geisha – electronic, drums, guitar and vocals – debut EP production – due for release May 2009

caro snatch – electronic production EP with vocal, drumkit, double bass and theremin

Lisa B – Spoken word album – producer role with musical/sound accompaniment

Post production – editing and mixing a 22 minute documentary for TV to industry standard

1,2,3,4’s – symphonic pop –advanced drumkit mic-ing, vocal, bass, electric guitar

The Detour – post rock – drumkit, bass and electric guitar

Jenny Kosmowsky – Soprano and (electric) piano

Angela Cooper – sound therapy – toning CD, voice and instruments

Ross Thomas – acoustic guitar and vocal – Myspace tracks

Dylemma – drum n bass – recording live drums

Janet Wolstenholme – indie/experimental pop – drumkit, vocals, bass and electric guitar, including producer role.

Eccles community project – recorded 2 groups of young people (10-15 performers) singing Muslim nasheed with percussion at Blueprint Studios

Manchester Carers – recorded a song created by group of young carers