Robert Venable is one of those multi-hyphen mavens that other music professionals want to be – a Grammy nominated, Emmy and Dove Award-winning producer, recording engineer, sound mixer, and accomplished rock drummer. He currently mixes for The Kelly Clarkson Show on NBC. Between those bookends, he has worked on records for multi-platinum and Grammy-winning artists including Clarkson, MuteMath, Twenty One Pilots, and more. Venable has been a long-time member of the Alclair family, so we thought it might be nice to hear about his experience and how our IEMs have impacted his life as a music guru.
Custom In-ear monitors in the studio with producer and engineer Robert Venable
How do you use in-ear monitors in your creative work?
I use IEMs in many facets of my job… they’re great for blocking out the noise and helping me really focus on what I’m doing and hone in on frequencies that I’m trying to carve or boost. On the plane, I can edit or even mix, without the rumble of the engines, babies crying, or a pesky neighbor interfering with the sound I’m working on. In the studio, it’s just another way to hear the music and see how the mix sits. Also, when working in rooms or studios I’m unfamiliar with, I can use IEMs I’m familiar with to check my mixes. Additionally, I play drums from time to time, so IEMs really let me lock in on the click and hear what I’m doing at a volume level I’m comfortable with.
What projects or tours have you used Alclair IEMs on?
I’ve used Alclair IEMs on so many projects; I even keep a pair in my backpack which goes with me to every session and project I work on, as well as on vacation, in case I need to work a little. I just mixed one of the Bonnaroo stages for the Hulu broadcast, but my mix spot was right behind the stage and the mix trailer served as a giant subwoofer due to its proximity to the subs. So, I popped in my Alclair Electros and was able to mix the way I was comfortable, without wondering what was hitting the Hulu broadcast. I use them on The Kelly Clarkson Show when I need to focus on the music and block out other people who may be in the hall outside my mix room, or if there is excess chatter on the comms system.
Which model do you use and what do you love about it?
I have a couple different pairs of Alclair IEMs, but I LOVE my Alclair Electrostatic IEMs. I feel like the top end on them really works well with what I need to hear when mixing. The frequency response I’d great, not too hyped or boosted, and there’s plenty of headroom so I’m not worried about distortion or any kind of breakup if I push the volume a little.
How have your Alclair monitors helped you?
Since they don’t take up a lot of space in my backpack, they’re so convenient to take with me everywhere. And they sound great, so there isn’t any guessing while I’m mixing with them. So whenever I need isolation from other sound sources, these IEMs save the day!
What would you say to someone trying to decide between Alclair and another brand?
For anyone in the market for IEMs, I’ll tell you this: there are tons of companies making them, and a lot of them sound great (some, not so great), but the REAL difference is the customer service. Alclair goes above and beyond to make sure you have what you need, when you need it. They’ve met me IN PERSON to get me a cable before I left town, because it would be quicker than overnighting it. They’ve suggested products they thought would be useful to me, personally, based off my needs… not just trying to make a sale. The people are great, the product is great, and they’re there when you need them. That’s the difference.
Are there any projects/recordings/tours you have going on would like to tell folks about?
The Kelly Clarkson Show has really occupied a ton of my time the past couple years, but I’ve got some personal projects up my sleeves. I’m rebranding my tambourine sample packs (formerly Can O Tambos) to Rock Pops, and drummer Lester Estelle and I are about to release some shaker samples under that brand. Keep an eye out for that… oh, and a new podcast I’m working on called “That’s Why”, following our award-losing podcast “Turned Up!”
Find out more about Robert Venable at robertvenable.com.
Learn more about our Electro Electrostatic Monitors that Venable uses to mix.