In article , "Ban"
wrote:

Jenn wrote:
So, assuming the above is taken as read - the more important
question is... if you 'program' your brain in this fashion, could
it be that it has a detrimental and/or *subversive* effect on your
overall listening skills and/or patterns of listening behaviour?

Working with musicians in a recording studio, I almost immediately
recognized how different we can perceive the same piece. Musicians
tend to listen mainly to their own instrument, they do not really
hear what the others are doing and when mixing down they tend to
increase the volume of their own tracks and produce an unbalanced
mix. They also use EQs and other effects in a strange way, to work
out details without considering the whole. Short, musicians and also
directors are absolutly useless and rather disturbing during mixing,
that is why the producer usually sends them home. I also found that
these people rarely own what can be called even a modest quality
playback system, but that might have to do with their financial
situation. They are probably also not so much interested to listen
to others music because it is a "Job" and who wants to continue with
it in their free time?

About what style (type of music) of musicians are you speaking?

I experienced this behaviour with musicians from different styles, chamber
music, Jazz, Folk and Pop. We were mainly recording good Jazz groups for the
ECM label, but also classical ensembles, but not big symphony orchestras,
because of the restrained place in the studio. We did record string/brass
groups(20-30 pcs) for background lines of pop music though, that's where I
made the experience with the conductors.

Two statements raised my attention:
1. "Musicians tend to listen mainly to their own instrument, they do
not really hear what the others are doing and when mixing down they tend
to increase the volume of their own tracks and produce an unbalanced
mix."

In my classical experience, musicians MUST pay careful attention to what
everyone is doing. That's basic to the skill. My only professional
recording experience on the "pop" level is with a really well-known (for
over 40 years) folk group, and I can assure you that their assistance is
much appreciated in the mix down! Perhaps my experience is limited.

2. About sending the conductor home: Certainly has NEVER been the case
in my experience as either a player or conductor.