"...Do you really need all those knobs?" (YES.)

How it ALL Started

My audio journey started with self-recording guitar tracks in 1997 through the magic of a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter connected to the mic input on our family's "Gateway" computer. I would record directly into the Windows OS "Recorder" application, crudely overdubbing with multiple instances running simultaneously and a generous helping of feedback along the way. It was 16bit at best, and so bugged-out at times your teeth would hurt listening back, but it paved the way for my very own Tascam 4 track and an SM57 in 8th grade.......and I really haven't stopped since then.


APPROACH

My approach to engineering, mixing and production is all the same:

  • I want to bring whats most vibrant out of the music in front of me, develop its humanity to the utmost and have as much fun as possible while doing it.

  • As critical as it is to understand the tools needed to develop a mix, record a live band or fine-tune an arrangement, it's also just as important to leave room for creative play and risk taking. The tools in my studio environment both analog and digital are put to best use when I can use them flexibly and with abandon. Art is a process, not an end goal.

  • If we need to spend an hour "finding a sound" -- that hour is well spent just as long as we're in service to the song at hand.

  • I need to care about your music just as much as you do to bring it to its fullest potential. I will not take on a project if I don't think I am capable of giving it that energy.

CLIENT BASE

This is hardly comprehensive, but I've worked with americana acts, instrumental hip-hop innovators, indie rockers, metal heads, jazz ensembles, house music aficionados and even clients from National Public Radio. Chances are if you call what you do music, I have an interest in putting my hands on it.

Check out this spotify playlist for a smattering of additional tracks that I'll update as I have time and energy.



LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

I maintain a Pro-Tools Ready tracking and mixing facility with co-engineer buds at Akin Studios in Hoosick Falls, NY.

I maintain a Pro-Tools ready tracking and mixing facility in Lyndonville, VT (Cozy mix-position photo at left).

Based on the nature of your project, I can also provide a "mobile rig" for on-location tracking sessions. At the end of the day, I want you as comfortable as you need to be to get the best out of a recording session. It matters.


Oh yeah, and gear.

I run a heavy handed suite of plugins from UAD, FabFilter, Izotope SoundToys, Eventide, Arturia, Native Instruments. Hundreds of them.

I enjoy A/D/A conversion with UAD Apollo products.

Preamp gain with Focusrite, Black Lion Audio, ACMP and True Systems.

Compression with Aphex, BLA and Chameleon Labs.

Outboard FX with an endless barrage of effects pedals and even a ZULU tape emulator.

Mics are too many to mention, but suffice it to say it's a blend of house hold names and funky/flavorful oddities.

Monitors are Genelec, Adams and Kali Audio respectively.

CHECK THE SPOTIFY PLAYLIST BELOW FOR RECENT MIXES BY MATT