Robert Navarro is a film, television and video game composer with a fast-growing list of impressive credits, such as scoring for ESPN’s “Monday Night Football Theme” from 2007 to present, “Fast & Furious” from Universal Pictures, and the video games Naruto: The Broken Bond and Monday Night Combat. Using his Apogee Symphony System, Robert also produced the ‘BURN’ Production Music Catalog and has an extensive understanding of the ins and outs of music libraries. As a professional composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Robert is available to answer your questions on Transport and discuss recording guitar, getting great guitar tones, and his preferred outboard gear & plugins associated with recording guitar.
How to ask Robert your questions:
1) Log in to Transport (Or subscribe if you haven’t yet done so)
2) Use the comments field below to ask your questions
3) Robert will address those questions below
To learn more about Robert, please visit his website at: http://www.raaudio.com/
Composing for tv, movies, and video games is something I’ve always wanted to do. How did you get your start?
Hi Robert, what guitar amps do you use most often when recording? Any pedals you can’t live without? Thanks
Hi everyone, thank you so much for the great questions. Be sure to tell me about your current setup (Mac vs PC, desktop vs laptop, etc.), should your questions involve gear purchases. That way I can better advise you.
QUESTION: “Composing for tv, movies, and video games is something I’ve always wanted to do. How did you get your start?”
ANSWER: I actually started out as a Music Director for APM Music, one of the largest production music libraries on the scene today. My role quickly shifted to producing and composing tracks for the library, custom music for their high-end clients, and session work. While I can definitely attribute my success to the great start I was given at APM, the key to everything was and still is networking. Simply put, be everywhere . . . all the time.
QUESTION: “Hi Robert, what guitar amps do you use most often when recording? Any pedals you can’t live without? Thanks”
ANSWER: It really depends upon the project. For metal (and everywhere I need heavy guitars) I use the Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifiers. For straight-ahead rock, alternative, and indie, I use a variety of amps including my modified 1983 Marshall JCM 800, Marshall TSL JCM 2000, Vox AC 30, and Bad Cat Lil’ 15. Occasionally, I use amp emulator plug-ins such as Guitar Rig, POD Farm, Logic Pro’s Amp Designer, and Amplitube; but whenever possible . . . it’s all about the live amps.
Pedal-wise, I use the Tone Box “Skull Crusher” distortion, Malekko “Chicklet” spring reverb, and of course the Crybaby Wah.
hi rob,
what’s a good apogee product for recording electric and acoustic guitar- either direct or via mic’d cabinets for those on a budget?
thanks,
~ d
Hello Robert, I got few questions:
1. What is your main software when you record and why?
2.what are your favorite plugins?
3.Do you always use same kind of template in your DAW or do you design new one for every project? tell me little about how your workflow is.
Thanks,
Bubbi
QUESTION: “what’s a good apogee product for recording electric and acoustic guitar- either direct or via mic’d cabinets for those on a budget?”
ANSWER: It depends on how mobile you want to be, but I would definitely check out the “Duet” or the “One”. The Duet actually saved me on a really important gig when my main system was down. The really cool thing about Apogee gear is that no matter what you end up buying, at the end of the day you’re gonna be happy you did.
QUESTION: “What is your main software when you record and why? ”
ANSWER: I use Logic Pro, and have been since version 6. I can’t think of anything I need to do that I can’t do with Logic. It’s easy to use (once you’ve got the hang of it), and right out of the box you have everything you need.
QUESTION: “What are your favorite plugins? ”
ANSWER: The plugins that come with Logic are really useful if you know how to dial them in. In addition, I like the Waves Studio Classics Bundle, Stylus RMX, Omnisphere, Battery, and the guitar emulators I listed in one of the other question posts.
QUESTION: “Do you always use same kind of template in your DAW or do you design new one for every project? tell me little about how your workflow is.”
ANSWER: As far as my workflow is concerned, it depends upon what I am doing. I have two computers networked together (accessed with Teleport), and two templates setup to choose from depending upon the project at hand: an orchestral (incorporating a slave system, Plogue Bidule, Kontact and the East./West Quantum Leap library, as well as other samples), and an all-purpose template for everything else. The orchestral template is setup for full orchestra, with the ability to add on additional tracks of whatever at will. The all-purpose template has five audio tracks and five sampler instrument tracks ready to go. Since I never know what I’ll be doing, I didn’t want to spend too much time creating templates I may need to change.
How can I get a good bass tone when I record without having to mic an amp?
Hey Robert,
I want to set up a home recording studio on a modest budget. I’ve been a PC guy since the beginning but hear Mac is the way to go for recording music. First of all is this true? Secondly could you advise me on hardware and software for both scenarios? Just so you know I play mostly classic rock and 80s/90s metal. Lastly, any tips on getting the best quality when recording via mics. Keep in mind I’m just in a home office.
Thanks!
guitarSlingerIV
QUESTION: “How can I get a good bass tone when I record without having to mic an amp?”
ANSWER: You have a few choices, the first of which is to go through a Direct box such as the Radial Engineering JDV MK3 , a SansAmp, POD, or other amp modeler. Another way to go is to use software plugins such as Studio Devil, Ampeg SVX, Guitar Rig, POD Farm, or AmpliTube. I have actually found that Logic’s Bass Amp can produce great tones when dialed in properly. That said, whether you go direct or mic an amp . . . you’ll need a good Mic Pre if you want your tone to kill. There are many to choose from, but I use the UA-6176. Anything I put through it sounds amazing.
QUESTION: “Hey Robert I want to set up a home recording studio on a modest budget. I’ve been a PC guy since the beginning but hear Mac is the way to go for recording music. First of all is this true? Secondly could you advise me on hardware and software for both scenarios? Just so you know I play mostly classic rock and 80s/90s metal. Lastly, any tips on getting the best quality when recording via mics. Keep in mind I’m just in a home office.
ANSWER: I used to be a PC guy (using Cubase), but made the switch to Mac in 2003 . . . and I’ll never go back.
I know plenty of working professionals who use PCs, so if that is your preference you have several options. Personally, I like the integration, ease of operation, and features of the Mac based system over the PC. Also, most music professionals use Macs, so if you want to share files or move sessions between studios . . . it’s not a bad idea to be on the same system. As far as your studio setup is concerned, if you go Mac I would suggest going with an iMac or a Macbook with plenty of RAM and Hard drive space, Logic Pro, and an Apogee “Duet”. If you go with a PC, I would suggest a desktop or laptop capable of smoothly running Protools 9, Cubase or Cakewalk Sonar. Those are the three my PC friends seem to like best. For your audio interface, I hear good things about the M-Audio Firewire 410, but if you go with Protools 9 . . . you have lots of options including the Apogee Duet. For the mic question, are we talking about recording vocals, acoustic instruments, or trying to mic a cabinet? I could suggest various tips, but without knowing the application I’m not sure where to begin.
Question: Hi Robert,
About that desk you are sitting in front of:
(a) can you tell us if you built it (as the slide out keyboard looks absolutely ideal)…unlike others which leave the keyboard in one fixed position…was that what you really needed or just happened to offer it when you got it?
(b) do you find you can both record AND mix there…or do you mix in a more comfortable position somewhere else?
(c) do you also master your tracks there as well …or you wouldn’t consider it due to lack of time…or other reasons?
(d) do you think you will convert to PT9 now it’s unhooked from their HD gear?
(e) are you more of a guitar specialist or a keyboard specialist?
About Apogees ADDA converters compared to others such as RME, Protools… and how it impacts your final products and sound quality while you record and mix?
Can you discuss a little about composing for Video Games… and your early days at APM and whether it was people skills or music skills which were most important: your music skills as being the key, or your ability at networking across the film, music and video games industry the key? Getting an audience with these companies could appear next to impossible, as they probably would have their own music solutions… do you have someone who argues your case….or are you happy with the website to do it for you…?
Thanks, it looks like you have a great setup.
Question: About that desk you are sitting in front of – Can you tell us if you built it (as the slide out keyboard looks absolutely ideal)…unlike others which leave the keyboard in one fixed position…was that what you really needed or just happened to offer it when you got it?
Answer: The desk is by KK AUDIO. It’s basically a “Modular Desk Workstation”, but I had it customized to suit my needs. If you can dream it . . . they can build it!
Question: Do you find you can both record AND mix there…or do you mix in a more comfortable position somewhere else?
Answer: Ideally I’d like to have separate areas to track, edit and mix, but space is an issue so I do everything right there. My board takes up nearly all of the real estate on top of my desk, so there isn’t much room to work ergonomically. My next studio will probably have a side station for editing at the very least.
Question: Do you also master your tracks there as well …or you wouldn’t consider it due to lack of time…or other reasons?
Answer: I do practically everything in my studio, aside from specialty mixing, occasional session work, and mastering which I farm out to trusted resources as needed.
Question: Do you think you will convert to PT9 now it’s unhooked from their HD gear?
Answer: The day I can’t do what I need to in Logic is the day I will move to ProTools. From time to time I have considered adding a PT rig, but for now Logic works for me.
Question: Are you more of a guitar specialist or a keyboard specialist?
Answer: Guitar and Bass are my main instruments, but I compose at the keyboard and use it in nearly everything I do.
Question: About Apogees ADDA converters compared to others such as RME, Protools… and how it impacts your final products and sound quality while you record and mix?
Answer: I don’t use RME or Digidesign gear, but I can definitely tell you that the overall quality of my music improved dramatically when I upgraded to Apogee gear. There’s just no comparison!
Question: Can you discuss a little about composing for Video Games… and your early days at APM and whether it was people skills or music skills which were most important: your music skills as being the key, or your ability at networking across the film, music and video games industry the key? Getting an audience with these companies could appear next to impossible, as they probably would have their own music solutions… do you have someone who argues your case….or are you happy with the website to do it for you…?
Answer: That’s quite a question! At the risk of sounding cliche, it’s really a combination of all of your skills, experience and a little luck that separates you from the pack. Great chops with no people skills can quickly close doors. Charm and the ability to shmooze in a social setting may get you a meeting, but if you can’t deliver . . . you’re done. And let’s not forget the value of experience, and how potential clients perceive you depending upon your credits. I thank the maker every day for the good fortune I have had in my life, knowing full well that without it . . . my talent, experience and people skills would amount to very little. All I can tell you for sure is that if you want it bad enough, don’t ever stop until you get where you want to be, and continue to hone your skills without fail.
Robert.. I’m a fan of your work and I just got on question for you bro. Apart from the easy work flow that analog mixers (or perhaps consoles) could very well provide, whats the other advantage(s) of mixing on consoles over mixing inside the box? As a btw I’m also a Logic Pro faithful disciple and I’m looking into getting the Apogee S I/O sometimes soon.
Thanks in advance bro
Hey Robert
So my question is:
“How do you connect your guitar to Apogee One? I think I’m doing it right but I’m not getting any sound out of Logic. I have my guitar plugged into the breakout cable which is connected to the One which is connected to my computer but Im still not getting anything.”
Question: Apart from the easy work flow that analog mixers (or perhaps consoles) could very well provide, whats the other advantage(s) of mixing on consoles over mixing inside the box?
Answer: There is somewhat of a debate going on. Technology has become so good that the gap between analog and “in the box” mixing is closing fast. What could only be achieved on an analog board years ago can now be achieved with software. And for those who still prefer actually touching faders, there are various options such as the Euphonix MC Mix or the Mackie Control. Plus, unless you have a lot of money socked away to spend on a decent board . . . you’ll be much better off “in the box”. That said, some diehard analog people still prefer twisting knobs and the immediate sonic result thereof. You also don’t have to go hunting through multi-level menus to manipulate your mix.
Question: “How do you connect your guitar to Apogee One? I think I’m doing it right but I’m not getting any sound out of Logic. I have my guitar plugged into the breakout cable which is connected to the One which is connected to my computer but Im still not getting anything.”
Answer: Are you getting any sound out of Logic at all (aside from the guitar you are trying to record)? The problem may be with how you have the Apogee Maestro software set. Make sure that the output is set to “Main Out”. You should then be able to set your guitar monitor level on the Maestro mixer if memory serves. Without actually seeing your setup, that’s about the limit of my troubleshooting ability. Hope this helps.
Hey Robert,
what keyboard/midi controller do you use to compose ?
Question: Hey Robert, what keyboard/midi controller do you use to compose ?
Answer: I use the Fatar SL-880 Controller. It’s a beast to move around, but it does the job.
Hi Robert,
I need some advice on monitors – I notice you’re using dynaudios (Bm6a Mk2s?). Whilst I know its a subjective thing would you recommend these for home use projects. Im aware these have been around for many years but again and again I see pro’s still using these. Im a hobbyist producing mainly guitar and keys based light rock material.
You also mention use of a pre amp for dialing in a good bass tone – I cant run to a UA-6176 but Im aware of the Golden Age pre 73 and UA solo. Any views? With thanks.
Dear Robert,
My name is Kevin Halter, a producer who uses large orchestral sample libraries via Native Instruments Kontakt 4. I recently purchased an Apogee System and the issue at hand pertains to a low spread of multi-core usage in Logic 9 via 3rd party audio units such as Kontakt 4. For example, when using Kontakt 4, only one core displays usage in my CPU meter window. I understand that creating AUX busses can help spread the core usage, however I am curious as to whether or not V-Bus would be of assistance to me with Kontakt 4. If so, can you provide me with the proper steps to route plugins to Logic 9 via V-Bus, as well as, a list of the available 3rd party plugins that are supported by V-Bus.
Thank you for your time.
Kevin Halter
GEAR
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Hardware
- Mac Pro 12 Core (2 x 2.66 GHz 6-Core Intel Xeon Processors, 16 GB Memory)
- Apogee Symphony I/O (8 Analog I/O – 8 Optical I/O, Version 1.2.17)
- Apogee Symphony 64 (Driver Version 1.2.9)
Software
- Mac OSX Version 10.6.7
- Apogee Maestro 2.1.26
- Logic Pro 9.1.3, 64-Bit
- Native Instruments Kontakt 4.1.3
- Audiobro LASS, Project Sam Symphobia, Cinesamples…etc
- Toontrack Superior Drummer 2.2.3
- Addictive Drums 1.5.2
- Spectrasonics Omnisphere 1.5
- Waves Plugins