I have also taken to building gear.  I recently finished an SSL 4000E stereo buss compressor which sounds quite amazing.  I have also begun on a couple of 1176 revision D’s.

I started by moving the mouse to the left of the keyboard and finding a place to rest my right hand.  After a few days of working with Pro Tools I was able to navigate my way around with one hand fairly well…I could even type halfway quickly.  Manually automating, working with multiple selected tracks, and intense editing were near impossible though.   I have had many clients in the past comment on my speed in regards to editing and generally  working with Pro Tools; and although it feels as if things are moving in slow motion now, I think I have surprised a few people with what can be done using one hand.  About the hardest thing to do was place microphones.  Ever try working with a mic stand with one hand?  NO FUN.  Some placements took a while (like the dobro OD session with a mid/side placement that is pictured, which sounded amazing.  I highly recommend it!).   Fortunately I had some good assistants for the large sessions and was able to get through it fairly easily.  Now that I am about to get my cast off, I feel as if  I’ll almost be ambidextrous from my experiences this past month.

I have been given a complete new understanding of people who are physically disabled and still continue to do… well; what they do.  I was contacted by a man who is amputated at the arm and still writes, records, and mixes his own music…even managing to play guitar.  I am fortunate that my disability was temporary, but my understanding and respect goes out to all who continue to do what they love despite what trauma they have faced.

Oh…and watch out for squirrels that have a beef with bikers.

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Check Check.  Is this thing on?