This October I will be starting as Manager of Recording Services at the University of North Texas. ....I'll have some updates to make to this page shortly!
In real life I am a recent graduate of Michigan State University, and continue to work in audio production as both a pleasure and a career.
In the last several years I have worked for studios, mostly classical music in nature, recording ensembles in mostly live concerts settings as well as a plentiful amount of studio work. Recently I have acquired my own equipment and work locally in the Colorado Springs area. I personally like maintaining low, affordable rates in order to continue making quality recordings, and allow musicians to thrive in an otherwise not so great time in the history of the recording industry.
I browse through my considerable library of film scores, classical music, jazz, rock and podcasts daily. I wear custom-molded earplugs to concerts and the bars, and always yell at DJ's for playing music too loud. I live on a 2005 Powerbook, and a Mini running Server, though still keep a tweaked XP box (and play on my wife's Macbook Pro), and carry Apple certifications.
In December of 2006 after graduation I married a lovely woman, loaded the soccer-mom van and moved to Colorado Springs. We have a young Shih Tzu who was featured in The Daily Puppy in September of 2007.
I am available [for hire] in audio and web-related things while I currently work for Apple Inc.
See images on Flickr
How did I get into recording?
Early in High School I felt the need to listen to recordings of concerts I played/sang in. Getting involved in the tech program at my high school was key. In college I took a very influential audio course. I got around many college's audio majors, and found working in the field was the best experience.
What is My Favorite Recording?
My Own of course! Telarc's Vespers, Dale Warland's albums, and Tool. I have a lot really....
What makes me better than any other guy with gear?
Better isn’t the correct word. I started early, and had time with mentors to experiment and gain experience with both low and very high-end equipment. I am trained in audio production and have work experience to back it up. On another level I don't consider myself a gear-head, but rather stay educated on technology to better match to music. Having a background in a diverse set of gear helps make better choices to make recordings sound better.
Where Are All The Photos Coming From?
I take a LOT of photos, and every one on the site I took either from a small 2megapixle or newer Nikon D40.
Why did I make this Site?
The majority of hits are coming from people interested in microphone choices for classical ensembles. I did some research, and found very little information out on the Internet about classical recording. The little information I found was hidden in poorly designed and difficult to navigate websites. I decided to expand my portfolio beyond just lists and pictures of work, but to provide useful information for musicans and non-classical engineers… or anyone interested in the profession......And then I got carried away and ride on version 5 of the portfolio design. However the focus will always remain a portfolio for future employers.
The attention I have received from my portfolio site gave me reason enough to build a second site open to the public to post audio work at http://www.recordingvitale.com.
Contact me at contact[at]blairliikala[dot]com. I would love any commnets on the site, or questions about what I do / the business I am in!
