CA&E: What is your attitude about car audio? Are you more into SPL or SQ? What do you look for in a system since you're usually in the studio mixing down with some of the best equipment in the business like Genelec small mix monitors and big JBL cabinet monsters, right?
Swizz: Oh yeah, I mix on the best studio equipment in world so I'm more into Sound Quality. I know some cats are into Sound Performance but I don't care for the splatting bass and distortion just for level sake. I like good separation, clean mids and bass, nice even highs and clean vocal playback.
CA&E: I noticed that vocals on your mixes are so wet, warm and real sounding, it's like I can feel the slight breathing of the vocalists. It really sounds good in my car, especially someone like DMX whose voice is so unique with character. Some vocals on hit records really don't sound that good on a high-end system. Why is that? Do you track vocals to two-inch or are you doing that digital?
Swizz: Usually what I do is track vocals to two-inch. That's probably why the vocals sound so real and warm. When we track live music too; for samples we'll fly that in, then we'll mix down the rhythm tracks and synth stuff to digital and cut on Pro Tools if we need to do some fast edits, cut-and-paste stuff. Yeah not everyone mixes the same way so some music sounds much better than others, quality-wise, despite it being a radio hit or not. I know different producers mix vocals differently though. I think vocals that are recorded thin or processed funny don't sound good on some systems but it could be in the mastering, too. I always make sure my mixes are mastered a certain way, so that the finished mix sounds big and real.
CA&E: So what are some of your favorite brands of car audio equipment?
Swizz: JBL Pro for subs like in the studios I record at; Arc Audio for juice 'cos those guys were the Zapco guys; and head units I go for Alpine, although I heard you talk about being hooked up with XM, so I need that for the road trips.
CA&E: Oh, I was just in Detroit with Chance Patterson of XM checking out their deal with GM/On Star. Actually we are doing reviews of the programming in this book, maybe I'll call GM and get a XM-ready vehicle to test that. Would you be willing to be our guest reviewer and do a Q&A on that drive down to D.C.?
Swizz: Yeah, no doubt!
CA&E: I know we are shooting this gorgeous ride without an extensive install; we couldn't pass the opportunity to interview you as a music industry professional. You are into stealth systems now, right? Tell me a little bit about your wish list for your next install, since I think we are talking about doing a build-up and placing that as the next article possibly.
Swizz: Well, I really got into some of the systems that I have been seeing such as sub boxes in the middle of spares; motorized, hidden amp racks; stealth power supply, etc. I really want a system that you don't necessarily see but has the unmistakable power and clarity of a custom install. Maybe I'll do a little aesthetics but I want to keep the tone down as far as showing off the visual.
CA&E: That's hot, that's what the real money and the hot cats do anyway, it's real. Do you think that the mobile/car audio industry is really paying attention to the music that we play out of their systems?
Swizz: I think they do pay attention, but not all the ideas out there are great. I guess since the technology has developed so much that can make one unit much more - but in the past it took getting a lot of different elements just right. I have done this before so I know the work it takes to get the install perfect and the aesthetic to match. It's not easy.