Christoph Ebel

A self-taught producer who is working entirely ITB, located in Germany, We are proud to announce Christoph Ebel as this month SoundGym Hero!

So how long have you been on SoundGym? 

The first time I heard about Soundgym was back in May 2016 I guess. At least I joined Soundgym the next month... so maybe April/May 2016.

Nearly two years on in the Gym, but I have to admit, I started working on a daily basis just a year ago. Since 2018 I´m a lifetime member, that changed a lot for me. 

What was your first connection to music?

My first connection to music was way back in 1995 or so, starting out playing the flute, later switched to piano and I am happy until today.

I made my first experiences with production in 2010, with free software on Linux.. that was horrible and wonderful at the same time. 

DId you get an official Sound/Production education?

No, I haven´t got an official Sound/Production, I´m one of these self-taught producers, which isn´t bad, at least if you know some good sources and are able to spend some cash on courses, professionals like Chris-Lord-Alge, Andrew Scheps etc. offer.

Tell us about your projects and what you do?  

Most of the time I work with small Bands or Singer/Songwriters when it comes to recording and mixing. Last year I recorded and mixed the first Album of a Band called "Uffmucken!" from Germany, that was fun. 

I do compose stuff for myself, just to work with Instruments I have and stay creative when I´m not recording/mixing. Something new I try out is, to remix a given Song... I rarely did before and that´s something I´ve been working on lately. :)

Who have been the biggest musical influences for you?

Uhh... good question... I guess it´s been Evanescence since 2007 or something like that... later Paul Kalbrenner... I guess I always liked Rock and Metal, as well as electronic-based music....

maybe that´s why I joined HardcoreMixing by Jordan Valeriote. Metal and Heavy Music plays a big role when it comes to recording and mixing in general, but also Artists like: MAKEOUT, Nickel Creek and William Fitzsimmons, influenced my work. Especially Nickel Creek when I was working with "Uffmucken!".

Have you made music today?

Honestly, I haven´t... I did yesterday, but that´s only an excuse for being lazy today... (laugh)

What have you been working on lately?

As I mentioned earlier I´m still working on a Remix, which should be out pretty soon...

Tell us a bit about your workflow at the studio?

I´m used to working entirely ITB, ´cause outboard gear is quite expensive and requires a lot of space. 

Any habits you have before starting a session?

Actually, on recording day I prepare everything. If necessary I'll prepare everything a day ahead if the Artist wants to work pretty early.

Every mic needs to be connected etc. basically my setup needs to run in perfect conditions.  I need to have at least a cup of Tea to start working... usually there is a pot full of tea standing on my desk.

The first question I ask everyone I work with... "Do you want sth. to drink?" "Do you wanna eat sth.?" Usually, I provide some Tea or Water etc. cause I want them to feel like home.

Before recording, I try to capture the vision of the artist and lay down some quick ideas inside my head. Basically, I´ll let him/her play through the song whole song once and then we´ll work out some ideas how the song could be improved if needed.Sometimes it´s just talking about the Song for a while, so everybody involved feels comfortable when we actually start... and sometimes we talk a lot about their life.. what happened during the last week/month...

What is one of your favorite production technique?

When I record, I was used to record dry. This has changed during the last year, so I would try to get the sound I want at recording day. Saves a ton of time later... Get it right at the source! ... I heard Joe Gilder (HomeStudioCorner) telling this and man, this is powerful.

One Free plugin that you recommend?

mhmm... free plugins.. well I don´t really know sth. that´s free which I really need. This may lead me to the next question which plugins I can´t live without

that´s simple... stock EQ, stock Compression, stock Delay. 

Which 3 plug-ins you can't live without?

I know there are a ton of really really nice plugins out there, but you can create awesome music with just the stock stuff that comes with any DAW.

I have to admit, I owned the EQ made by OvertoneDSP and some other stuff made by U-he, but I can create great music without them. the main reason I bought the EQ by OvertoneDSP is it has just knobs, so you need to trust your ears.

U-he is one of the few companies I know, which creates awesome stuff with Linux support and easy usage and a nice GUI. Due to the fact that my main OS is a Linux Distri, I love their support, same with Pianoteq by Modartt.

What does the future hold for Christoph Ebel the music industry?

Well... good question... I want to produce some tracks and maybe another album with another band.. I guess we´ll see...

Last question, What is your favorite SoundGym Feature and why?

My most loved feature on Soundgym right now is Soundgym School. 

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