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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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"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!

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Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic

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"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.

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Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic

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"Metaphors are essential in plugin design!" Bill talked about Native Instruments, managing new products at iZotope, the importance of good speakers in the studio, how AI will help your sonic perspective, and using Ozone, RX, and the Catalyst plugins.

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My guest today is Bill Podolak, a Senior Product Manager at iZotope by Native Instruments. Bill has had the privilege of managing the past two versions of Ozone 10 and 11 along with RX 11 and their new Catalyst Series - Plasma, Aurora, and Cascadia. He is also a musician and music producer and makes tracks in his spare time. His wife is also a singer-songwriter, and they make music together. Thank you to Dave Godowsky for the introduction!

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Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic

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"Artists should be in control of their destiny." Renowned mastering engineer Alan Douches discussed his extensive experience at West Westside Music, offering insights into the significance of immersive audio formats like Atmos and their creative potential for artists. He addressed challenges in archiving both analog and digital formats, the transformative potential of blockchain technology, and how Web3 can help indie musicians monetize their work. Additionally, he explored the role of NFTs, AI, and the importance of community in supporting artists' journeys.

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My guest today is Alan Douches, a mastering engineer, CEO, and founder of West West Side Music with over 15,000 mastering credits. Alan has worked with a stunning roster of artists, including Sufjan Stevens, Converge, Mastodon, Chelsea Wolfe, Lucy Dacus, My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, The Dillinger Escape Plan, LCD Soundsystem, and many more.

He’s been instrumental in defining the sound of independent music, always championing DIY artists, and is now leading the way in bringing ATMOS production and mastering to indie music. Alan is also exploring the cutting edge of blockchain technology with his Web3 startup.

This is Alan’s second appearance on the podcast—he was previously on episode RSR092. Thanks to Jesse Cannon for our original introduction!

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Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic

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"I've never once used MIDI." Craig talked about the evolution of audio engineering, the transition to video podcasting, and the rich musical history of Muscle Shoals. Craig shares insights about his Grammy-winning work and the unique characteristics of his studio, Noble Steed, the unique UA console he acquired, and his current projects, including mixing for country artist Anna Voss. He  touches on the evolving sound of country music, highlighting a shift towards more pop and psychedelic influences, and the technical challenges faced in audio engineering.

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My guest today is Craig Alvin, an award-winning audio engineer based in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Over 30 years, Craig has worked with many artists, including Hanson, Little Big Town, Amy Grant, Vanessa Carlton, Will Hoge, Andrew Belle, Brittany Howard, and many others. He won two Grammys for his engineering on Kacey Musgraves‘ Golden Hour album in 2019 and has contributed to Musgraves’ follow-up albums Star-Crossed and nominated for a Grammy this year for best engineered non-classical for Deeper Well.

Craig's work has earned him a stellar reputation for his ability to capture compelling sounds live in the studio and his sonic aptitude as a mix engineer. He has also been a guest on the show on episodes RSR029 and RSR232. 

We also created a free video to show you his ultimate snare-mixing trick, which you can find in the show notes at UltimateMixingMasterclass.com. This helped my mixes tremendously, and we hope it can help yours, too! So please check it out.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

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Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic

Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6BoLzjNA3x4A9rRFeWNA4Q?si=321d29271d724cdd

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/502

"Atmos mixes are crushing my stereo mixes!" Colt talked about upgrading his mixing studio to Atmos, DIY construction, studio ergonomics, mixing on headphones, huge snare sounds, growing a Youtube channel, and why the new Mac Mini is right for you.

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com

My guest today is Colt Capperrune, a producer, mix engineer, and mastering engineer with 21 years of experience in the music industry. Colt is also a talented session guitarist, and passionate advocate for artist development. In recent years, he’s gained recognition as a social media influencer, sharing invaluable insights and tutorials through his popular YouTube channel.

Colt produced his first record at 19 and has since achieved Top 40 on Billboard, multiple #1s on iTunes and Amazon charts, and has worked with countless artists to turn raw ideas into polished, professional productions. His expertise extends to Dolby Atmos mixing, and he’s recently built a state-of-the-art Atmos-equipped studio to deliver immersive audio experiences, taking his productions to the next level.

Beyond the studio, Colt is committed to empowering artists, often showcasing his process of transforming simple worktapes into chart-worthy productions on his website and YouTube.

You can hear Colt’s previous interview and backstory at RSR209.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

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Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic

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If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

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Join host Lij Shaw as he dives into the sonic journey of audio engineering with Dave Glasser, founder of Airshow Mastering, revealing the secrets behind mastering timeless records like those of the Grateful Dead. In this episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, Dave shares his rich 35-year experience—from tape transfers using the Plangent Process to his days at NPR—while exploring the delicate balance of preserving the essence of live music and adapting to modern audio standards. Tune in for insights on the intricacies of mastering jazz records, the evolution of sound quality, and the magic of Phil Lesh's iconic bass. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or just starting out, Dave's passion and curiosity will inspire you to elevate your own audio projects.

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com

My guest today is David Glasser, founder and chief engineer at Airshow Mastering.

David has over 35 years of experience in audio engineering and has mastered thousands of records, including more than 80 GRAMMY nominees. He’s a three-time nominee himself, earning two Grammys for mastering and restoration work on the Anthology of American Folk Music and Screamin’ and Hollerin’ the Blues: The Worlds of Charley Patton.

David’s career began with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, followed by eight years of recording and production for NPR. He founded Airshow in 1983 and transitioned to full-time mastering in 1990. In 1997, he expanded to Boulder, Colorado, and later built a new state-of-the-art facility in 2016, where he continues to lead a busy mastering practice.

Special thanks to Matt Boudreau for the introduction! And this episode is dedicated to the memory of Phil Lesh.

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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/0YqgLkpCEH5Toiybhl73S4?si=6ab393990ad44695

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/500

"Keep it as simple as possible!" Join Lij Shaw and Shawn Lemon as they dive into the intricacies of mastering technology in the recording studio, sharing expert insights on streamlining workflows and maximizing productivity. From organizing files and navigating cloud storage solutions like Google Drive to leveraging email management techniques, this conversation is packed with essential tips for creative professionals. Discover the best practices for collaboration, the significance of effective systems, and how to adapt tech tools to fit your unique style. Tune in for a dynamic discussion that not only simplifies the tech chaos but also empowers you to elevate your music production game!

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com

My guest today is Shawn Lemon, founder of The Digital Organizer, which helps individuals and businesses master their technology. A teacher at heart, Shawn has seen that the biggest reason people struggle with tech is a lack of understanding—something that’s easy to fall into with constantly evolving tools. Shawn and I go way back! We met ten years ago when I joined my first mastermind group. Every Monday morning, four of us gathered for breakfast to brainstorm and tackle each other’s new online business challenges. Since then, I’ve spent a decade hosting this podcast, while Shawn has grown his Digital Organizer business, allowing him to travel with his family and help clients organize their businesses.

So, what does this have to do with making records, you might ask? Well, just as we focus on creating great records in the studio, Shawn can help us focus on how to organize our document records, streamline studio workflows, and discover new ways to stay organized in our music-making process.

A special thank you to John Meese for making our original introduction.

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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/00BZxrDM3W3nAbtieZbq8c?si=4296265216f94693

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/499