Dave Fortman (Slipknot, Godsmack, Simple Plan)

In addition to being the guitarist for Ugly Kid Joe, Dave Fortman is also a producer and mixer with credits with numerous high-profile acts including Slipknot, Godsmack, Simple Plan, Superjoint Ritual, Otep, Watership Down, Mudvayne, and Eyehategod. He has also worked on two of Evanescence's multi-platinum selling albums, Fallen and The Open Door. Fortman co-owns a recording studio in Louisiana called Balance Productions.

Tell us about your current studio set-up and what is typically on your mix buss these days?

I’m mixing on an SSL AWS 900 with the Neumann KH 120 speakers and KH750 DSP sub combo. I love the room tuning ability with this setup.

On the buss, I have the onboard SSL AWS 900 buss compressor, which I think is one of the best buss compressors they’ve made. I love it. I also have two Pultec EQP1S3 on the buss. I choose between an Otari MX 50 quarter inch tape machine and going straight back into Pro Tools based on the project.

Those Otari machines sound fantastic!

I’m using a Mac Mini and Pro Tools HD Native with an Antelope Orion 32 HD interface as my rig.

My plug-ins are mostly UAD. The EMT 140 is absolutely my go-to drum verb and I use a variety of the UREI compressors from UAD. I also use some Slate stuff as well.