Richard Chycki: Mastering the Mix with Sonnox Plug-ins
From legendary bands like Rush and Aerosmith to artists such as Seal and P. Diddy, producer and engineer Richard Chycki has played a pivotal role in crafting a myriad of gold and platinum albums. Known for his ability to work seamlessly across both stereo and 5.1 surround formats, Chycki relies heavily on Pro Tools and a select arsenal of top-tier software, including Sonnox Oxford plug-ins. We caught up with him in Canada to discuss his career, approach to music production, and the essential tools that help shape his sound.
Blending Music and Technology
Chycki's journey began as a songwriter and guitarist, where his desire to record his own music led him into the world of engineering. "Like many other aspiring musicians, I was recording my own music and finding the process of recording to tape time-consuming and somewhat limiting," he explains. As labels approached him to record other acts, his reputation grew, and he found himself working increasingly "on the other side of the glass." Chycki's transition was bolstered by his early adoption of Pro Tools, a platform he has used since the Sound Tools days.
A Hybrid Approach to Mixing
Chycki’s approach to mixing is a blend of digital and analog techniques. "For stereo mixes, all automation and a majority of processing is done in Pro Tools," he says. "I stem out my instruments analog, and I have a hybrid stereo buss path." He also uses select outboard reverbs for added depth. When it comes to surround work, however, Chycki is experimenting more with in-the-box configurations. Notably, he mixed the Rush tracks for Guitar Hero entirely in the box, with results that "hold up pretty well to the originals."
Bridging the Creative and Technical Gap
When asked what he brings to every artist and band he works with, Chycki highlights the importance of facilitating the artist's creative process. "As an engineer, I try to bridge the creativity and technical gap, so the artist can focus on the song. I try to have fun doing it as well." Chycki emphasizes the evolving nature of the industry, where being musical and working efficiently are more important than ever. "Selecting the right tools for the job that you know will absolutely work correctly the first time is so important," he adds.
Discovering Sonnox Plug-ins
Chycki's introduction to Sonnox plug-ins came through industry legend George Massenburg, who praised the EQ of his Sony Oxford OXF-R3 console during a session. "I recall the mixes sounding exceptional, and George was saying how wonderful the EQ was," Chycki recalls. This endorsement piqued his interest, leading him to try the Sonnox EQ plug-in. "From there I was hooked! Musical and detailed!"
The Go-To Sonnox Plug-ins
Chycki's Sonnox toolkit includes the Oxford EQ, Dynamics, Inflator, and Reverb plug-ins. "The Sonnox EQ started it all for me, and it still shows up all over my mix sessions," he says. Whether it's kick, snare, toms, or overheads, the EQ's smooth, musical quality, combined with its powerful filtering capabilities, make it an indispensable tool. "The EQ can be so gentle or set to really brick wall frequencies without any weird, peaky, phasey garbage."
The Sonnox EQ started it all for me, and it still shows up all over my mix sessions
The Dynamics plug-in is another favorite, particularly for its side-chain versatility and Warmth effect, which help Chycki articulate drum kits and manage vocal dynamics. "I can really sculpt out bleeds if I have to," he notes. For added punch on drum busses, he often straps the Inflator across the mix, using it on both drums and heavier guitar busses to add size without sacrificing clarity.
Using Sonnox Reverb and Inflator
Chycki praises the Oxford Reverb for creating natural-sounding small spaces, often applying it to guitars for a touch of room ambiance. "The Reverb is great for creating small spaces without sounding metallic," he says. As for the Inflator, it's a staple across his mix, adding size and presence. "Inflator was one of my ‘secret weapons’ to wrap up the remix of Rush’s 'One Little Victory' on Retrospective 3."
Sonnox in Surround Mixing
For surround sound projects, Chycki relies on the Sonnox Dynamics plug-in as his 5.1 bus compressor. He appreciates its hardware-like response and the ability to fine-tune how the sub interacts with the overall compression. "I often don’t have the sub triggering the mix compression so I keep my sub trim low-to-off, but I do have the mix compressor keep tabs on the sub level," he explains. This level of control is especially valuable in maintaining balance in a surround mix.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, Chycki is set to continue working with Rush, completing the recording and mixing of their "Clockwork Angels" CD, as well as recording and mixing a new live DVD of Rush's current tour. Additionally, he has plans to record with Dream Theater, continuing to apply his hybrid mixing approach and trusted Sonnox tools to these high-profile projects.