Introduction to the Leapwing Al Schmitt Signature Plugin
The Al Schmitt Signature Plugin by Leapwing Audio aims to capture the sound and mixing sensibilities of legendary recording engineer and producer Al Schmitt. With over 20 Grammy awards and credits on albums by Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan, Paul McCartney, and many more, Schmitt has secured his place as one of the most acclaimed mixing engineers of all time. The Al Schmitt Signature Plugin allows engineers and producers to tap into Schmitt’s distinctive mixing style right within their DAW.
The plugin is modeled after Schmitt’s analog mixing workflow and signal chains. It features a virtual console channel strip with emulations of classic analog gear that Schmitt frequently used, like the Ampex ATR-102 mastering tape machine and Neumann U67 and U87 microphones. The console channel includes the expected compressor, EQ, de-esser, and expander modules. What makes this channel strip unique is that the parameters are calibrated to Schmitt’s own settings so users can get an authentic Al Schmitt sound.
Additional features that aim to capture Schmitt’s aesthetic include an “Air” band that recreates the sounds of different legendary studio spaces, like Capitol Studios and RCA Studios. The Waveshaper module can be pushed to get the gentle saturation that analog gear imparts. An “Alchemy” knob blends between different internal analog modeling processes to balance detailing and smoothness. Finally, an ADT module mimics Schmitt’s use of analog tape delay to widen elements in the stereo field.
The Al Schmitt Signature Plugin promises to bring some old-school analog magic with a modern workflow. For those aiming to get closer to the sounds of Schmitt’s immense catalog of classic recordings, this plugin provides an impressive emulation of his mixing style. Engineers can quickly dial in some of Schmitt’s tricks while preserving the flexibility of mixing in-the-box.
How the Leapwing Al Schmitt Plugin Works
This plugin is designed to emulate the iconic EQ, Compression, and reverb techniques of Al Schmitt. Its user interface is straightforward, making it accessible for producers of all skill levels. The plugin offers presets for vocals, bass, brass, piano, strings, and the full mix/stereo bus, which I found to be very straightforward and useful.
Leapwing Al Schmitt Plugin Uses
My experience with the plugin revealed its strengths and limitations:
- Vocals: It adds a nice depth and clarity, but I found I would need other plugins to complete a mix
- Bass: The warmth it adds is appreciable, though it might not suit all bass tones, especially in heavier genres.
- Mix Bus: The compression is subtle and maintains the track’s character, but it may not be aggressive enough for those looking for a more pronounced effect.
Who is Leapwing Al Schmitt Plugin for?
This plugin will appeal to:
- Beginners and Intermediates: Its ease of use is a big plus.
- Professionals Seeking Specific Sounds: It’s great for those who admire Al Schmitt’s style.
- Enthusiasts of Classic Sounds: Ideal for users looking to recreate vintage vibes.
Leapwing Al Schmitt Plugin Pros and Cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Quality presets for quick enhancements
- Good CPU efficiency
Cons:
- Sound signature may not fit all musical styles
- Limited in aggressive sound shaping
- Presets, while useful, can limit creative flexibility
Leapwing Al Schmitt Signature Plugin Pricing
The plugin is reasonably priced, considering its niche appeal. It’s a good investment for those specifically looking for the Al Schmitt sound. For the latest pricing, visit the Leapwing Audio website.
FAQ’s
- Is the plugin suitable for all genres? It excels in genres that align with Al Schmitt’s style but can work with others as well.
- Can it replace my existing reverb and compression tools? It depends on your current setup and the sound you’re aiming for, but I found I would still need other plugins to complete the sound I was looking for on various sources.
- Is there a steep learning curve? No, it’s quite user-friendly and straightforward.
- How does it perform on non-vocal tracks? It performs well, though its impact varies depending on the instrument.
- Is customer support readily available? Leapwing is known for good customer support.
Do I Recommend the Leapwing Al Schmitt Plugin?
I recommend the Leapwing Audio Al Schmitt Plugin. It’s a great tool for achieving a specific sound palette, especially for those who are fans of Al Schmitt’s work. However, its specialized nature might not cater to all producers or all musical styles.
Conclusion
The Leapwing Al Schmitt Signature Plugin is a nod to the past, bringing the essence of Al Schmitt’s legendary sound into the modern studio. Check out the video below to hear it in action. If you need your songs mixed and mastered, please contact me!
