Jack Rank Session - Posted on 2014-02-21 by Amanda Payne

I really like having a session on Wednesdays since I don’t have much time to get too much accomplished between then and my previous class on Mondays. This session was a bit more casual since the tracks and communication were all sent through email and text while Jack Rank was in Georgia. For more information on Jack, check him out on youtube.

The main needs for this session as requested by Mr. Rank included some effects added, some clean up of vocals, and just make it the best it can be. The chorus and the beat were all together in the same track which was surprisingly clean. Other than that, not too much was done.

Phil really wanted to try out his new FG-X Virtual Mastering Plugin by Slate. For more info on the FG-X visit, http://www.slatedigital.com/products/fgx/. He used this plugin to boost the song and give it more juice. The first time we bounced it out and tested the sound on the monitor and ipad speakers, there was a little bit of distortion. Phil went back and checked the meters and remembered the RMS/Peak  rule where the RMS should be between -8 and -10 with the Peak being at 0. The FG-X works as a “brick wall” in which the meter will not go past 0; it will go up to it but not past it. It is very important to put the meter on LAST and after the plugins to ensure you are getting the overall, complete meter reading. The compressors, de-essers, and EQ should be put on first and the reverb and delay should be placed on an aux track.

Overall, this song, “Drop it Low” was extremely catchy and very well put together. The lyrical melody along with the bass line in the chorus completely hooked on to each other. I can absolutely see this song becoming a hit within the upcoming warm months. Keep your ears open for Jack Rank’s “Drop it Low” and know that one of your fellow “classmates” assisted on the session. ENJOY!!