TV and film composer Jacob Shea has worked on a variety of musical projects since getting his start in the industry 15 years ago, with his latest work as the lead composer on German Sky TV series “Der Pass” requiring him to create unique, less conventional compositions, which were recorded using a Flock Audio PATCH digitally controlled patchbay routing system.
Shea utilized a wide range of electronic instruments on “Der Pass” including synths to create the show’s unique sound, which he dubs more of a “sound tapestry rather than your typical acoustic instrumentation.” He acquired the PATCH System about six months ago and realized the benefits it offered when it came to repeating certain sounds and musical sections across the series.
“The Flock PATCH System has been crucial getting through this season,” Shea says. “I’ve worked with patchbays before an it’s been really cumbersome and annoying. The joy of using external equipment is generally hampered by integrating it into a computer-based setup.
“Additionally, working on a TV series, I have to be able to recall a piece of work very easily,” he continues. “For example, if I’m looking to use a sound during the 8th episode of the series when a certain character appears on screen, and I also used that sound in the 1st episode, it’s very difficult to refer seven episodes back when using outboard gear because you literally forget in a week how the hell you made something. The PATCH System has changed all that.”
He notes that PATCH has also allowed him to experiment where he didn’t think he normally would have time to, which has helped in opening up his creative process. “Using a traditional patchbay requires a ton of cables and seven episodes later you have to revise 15 minutes music in one day and can’t spend time repatching everything or you’ll get fired,” Shea jokes. “I’ve come up with things on the fly and been able to try out things that I never thought I would have been able to while using the PATCH because it saves me so much time.”
PATCH has also allowed him to be more creative with his outboard” “You can create this crazy array, and you are like, ‘Wow, this sounds incredible. Let me save this.’ And then when that actor shows up on screen again, it’s easy to access. So, it’s allowed me to come up with a sound that’s inspiring and not in a piecemeal way. With the Flock, I have all my tools in the studio at the ready. I’m spending more time thinking about what people are paying me to think about which is creating a compelling musical underscore.”
Finally, it’s helped Shea while auditioning signal paths. “Since you can set it up anywhere, when I’m auditioning various signal paths, and I’m in a listening position near my speakers, I don’t have to get up to change the old patchbay that was in the corner and then go back to ‘listening mode,’” he concludes. “The PATCH System allows me to make a more informed decision about a piece of work instead of getting up and fiddling around with the patchbays.”