Recording Studio Rockstars

• RSR509 - Justin Gray - Composing and Mixing for Immersive Atmos, and Sony 360

  Get ready to rock the world of immersive audio with award-winning producer and mixing engineer Justin Gray! In this episode, we explore his journey from bassist to pioneer in Dolby Atmos and Sony 360, uncovering spatial sound's creative and technical magic. Justin shares his innovative recording techniques, the importance of capturing music in 3D space, and the evolving role of musicians in the process. We also discuss the challenges of funding music in Canada, how to get started with Atmos in a home studio, and the power of remote collaboration. Plus, Justin drops some golden advice for aspiring producers on embracing their creative identity. Don't miss this one, Rockstars! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Justin Gray, an award-winning producer, mixing, and mastering engineer based in Toronto, Canada. Justin is a leader in immersive audio music production, working with artists, producers, and labels worldwide to bring their music to life in Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio. He has worked across a wide range of musical styles with artists like Snoop Dogg, Olivia Rodrigo, Brandy, Carlos Santana, Arkells, The Sheepdogs, Valley, Mother Mother, Jann Arden, Blackbear, Christina Perri, Orville Peck, and many more. Justin runs his own studio, Justin Gray Sound & Immersive Mastering, one of the first Dolby Atmos and Sony 360RA-certified music studios in Canada. He’s also a faculty member at Humber College, where he teaches audio production, composition, and music performance. Thank you to Matt Boudreau for the introduction! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.adam-audio.com/ https://www.phantomfocus.com/category-s/149.htm https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Apple Podcasts: https://music.apple.com/ca/playlist/justin-gray-dolby-atmos-mixes/pl.u-kv9lRk5TW6eJev If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/509

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• RSR508 - Ben Sabin - Rick Rubin's Shangri-La Studio & Trace Audio

  In this episode, Lij Shaw chats with Ben Sabin, founder of Trace Audio, about his journey from Shangri-La Studio with Rick Rubin to wiring up some of the best studios in the biz. They dive deep into the mystical world of cables, the magic of patch bays, and why good studio wiring is like rock ‘n’ roll feng shui — get it right, and everything just flows! Ben shares cool stories from his intern days, working with legends like Neil Young, and the hard-earned lessons of studio troubleshooting. They break down balanced vs. unbalanced audio, why your patch bay might be sabotaging your creativity, and how to future-proof your studio setup. Plus, if you’ve ever wondered how to avoid a spaghetti mess of cables, this episode is for you! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Ben Sabin. He got his start at Shangri-La with Rick Rubin, where he saw top artists and engineers work at the highest level. He then split time between Shangri-La and Groove Masters, helping rewire tie lines, patchbays, and converters—sparking his passion for cabling and studio workflow. He also worked alongside legendary studio tech Pat Schneider on servicing and repairs. In 2018, he helped LA producer Colin Cunningham set up patchbays and streamline his growing outboard gear collection. He then worked in live sound, gaining hands-on troubleshooting experience. In 2019, he founded Trace Audio, focusing on CAPI gear and custom cabling, relocating to Nashville, where it’s now a full-time business serving top industry clients. Ben also rewired my studio, The Toy Box Studio, and I quickly saw how much we could learn from him—so I had to invite him on the podcast to talk about creatin the best setup for your studio. In fact, you’re hearing our voices right now through Trace Audio cables! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.adam-audio.com/ https://www.phantomfocus.com/category-s/149.htm https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Please check out the list of Trace Audio clients! https://traceaudio.com/pages/clients If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/508

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• RSR507 - Adam Krinsky - Balancing Studio and FOH at Bellows Studio in St Paul MN

  Rockstars, get ready to crank it up! This episode, I’m hanging with Adam Krinsky of Bellows Studio, diving into touring, studio life, and keeping that work-life balance tight. We talk studio humidity (yep, it matters!), live recording chaos, and dream studio setups! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Adam Krinsky, starting his music career in Minneapolis, at the Institute of Production and Recording. While still a student, he recorded and mixed an album for The Alarmists, gaining local recognition. After graduating, he worked as an assistant engineer at Master Mix Studios under Grammy-winning Tom Tucker and later started teaching at the Minneapolis Media Institute and touring as a FOH mixer for artists like Mason Jennings, Iris Dement, and Dave Simonett. Today, he runs Bellows Studio in St. Paul and mixes live for Trampled by Turtles. Whether in the studio or on the road, he’s always mixing. Adam Krinsky has been a guest of the podcast on RSR307 where you can hear his backstory. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.adam-audio.com/ https://www.phantomfocus.com/category-s/149.htm https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/71uDzwTG14iEN7SrrGGEdo?si=838b90172e3241fd If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/507

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• RSR506 - Tim Lauer - Synth Pop, Rock Strings, and AI (Cheap Trick, Smashing Pumpkins, Nashville)

  "AI will never touch live musicians." Tim Lauer shares his journey working on a variety of albums and TV shows, highlighting how feedback from music supervisors shapes the final sound. He talks about his innovative use of reverb, effects, guitar pedals, and real-time processing to enhance recordings, emphasizing the collaborative nature of music creation. Tim also dives into how sampling and synthesizers are essential tools in modern music production, and discusses the intricate art of arrangement and orchestration, especially the roles musicians play in the studio. He explores the evolving landscape of music with AI and the future of live performances, all while stressing the importance of personal fulfillment and joy in making music. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Tim Lauer, a versatile musician, producer, and arranger. He has played on albums by Taylor Swift, The Civil Wars, Cheap Trick, Joan Baez, and more, and arranged strings for Dolly Parton, Smashing Pumpkins, and Shawn Mendes. Tim has produced cast recordings for shows like Nashville, Greenleaf, Big Sky, and Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. Recently, he worked on Amazon’s The Bondsman, Sony’s Patsy and Loretta, and Netflix’s Country Comfort. He’s also part of the dream pop band Bien, with millions of streams and 1.5 million monthly listeners, and serves as musical director for NPR’s No Small Endeavor. Tim first joined us on RSR172. Thank you to Glenn Rosenstein and Loren Francis for the introduction! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.adam-audio.com/ https://www.phantomfocus.com/category-s/149.htm https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7vbOMZzOi478USUr54FPtL?si=db2b0060b6fe4d5c If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/506

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• RSR505 - Chuck Zwicky - AI and Philosophy of Recording Music

  "AI can't produce anything we haven't already heard." Chuck Zwicky and Lij Shaw discuss how AI is changing music production and songwriting, highlighting the importance of human elements and collaboration in the creative process while exploring the balance between technology and artistic expression. Chuck offers insights on mixing, emphasizing the value of interaction and the significance of live feedback in crafting music. The conversation also includes personal anecdotes and advice for aspiring producers. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Chuck Zwicky, a Manhattan-based engineer, writer, and producer with a diverse discography. Chuck has worked with iconic artists like The Rembrandts, Reggie Watts, Soul Asylum, Prince, and Information Society, as well as emerging talents. His sun-soaked mixing HQ reflects his unique approach to mixing, from the gear he uses to the plugins he designs himself. Chuck likes to bring together the audio artist and scientist through his techniques. This is Chuck’s second time on the show — he first joined us in episode RSR260. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.adam-audio.com/ https://www.phantomfocus.com/category-s/149.htm https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6m08mI58QrvO8e97BrilPi?si=f0ab12ca4019468d If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/505

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