Audio Student Profile – Mike DeMarco – Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts

How did you get interested in audio engineering and music production?

I got into audio engineering because when I would listen to records I would always listen to the drums or guitar and wonder of they got to sound that way.

I would try and tune my drums to sound just like the records. Most of the time I could kind of come close.

So after playing in many bands some of my friends started recording themselves. I found it extremely interesting how they figured ways to record certain instruments to sound so good.

So after watching my friends do it, I immediately started saving up for a MacBook Pro. Once I bought that I started saving up for an interface, monitors  and microphones for my drum kit. Then in my down time I constantly looked up recording techniques.

Where are you studying audio now and what will your diploma/degree be in?

I’m studying audio at Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts my certificate will be for audio engineering.  I’ll actually be done at the end of March!

What’s the hardest thing about music production and engineering?

The hardest thing for me is that the when I’m working on a console or even in Protools and run into a problem, the solution is usually because I clicked one wrong button or didn’t press one. So I guess it really all comes down to signal flow at the end of the day is what I’m coming to realize.

What’s the most fun thing?

The most fun aspect of the job is meeting awesome clients and working with them and getting to know them on a personal level. Also the thing you learn with working with clients is that you have to thinking 5 steps ahead of the artist and be ready for anything, and even though its not in your job description you’re also going to be their psychiatrist.

I also love micing a guitar cab with a 421 and sm57 and blending the 2 mics to give me a great tone. Or micing a snare drum that sounds almost perfect with no compressor or EQ, best feeling ever!

What are your plans after graduation?

My plans are to start interning at my on to doing live sound or working in a studio. I want to do FOH sound on tour someday. That’s the dream at least.

Anything else you would like to add?

If you would like to hear some of my own recordings check me out on YouTube just search, “Mike DeMarco Drums”