RSR502 - Craig Alvin - Recording in Muscle Shoals
Release Date: 04/18/2025
Recording Studio Rockstars
"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. Get access to FREE...
info_outlineRecording Studio Rockstars
"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: 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...
info_outlineRecording Studio Rockstars
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...
info_outlineRecording Studio Rockstars
"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...
info_outlineRecording Studio Rockstars
"I mix in exclamation points!" Join host Lij Shaw as he dives into a vibrant conversation with Grammy and Emmy award-winning engineer Jamie Tate in this episode of Recording Studio Rockstars! With insights from his journey as the owner of The Rukkus Room in Nashville, Jamie offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the evolving landscape of country music and the artistry of mixing. They navigate the playful intersection of analog nostalgia and digital dynamism, sharing personal anecdotes and invaluable tips for home recording enthusiasts. With Jamie’s passion and expertise, you'll...
info_outlineRecording Studio Rockstars
"Get the main menu music worked out!" In this captivating episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, host Lij Shaw sits down with the talented music director and game audio specialist, Steve Pardo. They dive into Steve's journey from jazz musician to game composer, sharing his insights on the creative process and collaboration in the industry. Steve passionately discusses how to get the main menu music just right, the magic of mixing in Dolby Atmos for gaming, and why the saxophone shines with guitar pedals. From Unreal Engine to Apple Logic Pro X, he offers tips on creating huge sounds in a...
info_outlineRecording Studio Rockstars
Wanna get a big fat snare drum sound? In this dynamic episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, host Lij Shaw interviews music producer and engineer Charlie Waymire, the visionary behind Ultimate Studios Inc. From his roots as a drummer to mastering studio workflow in Los Angeles, Charlie shares his journey and the challenges he’s faced. They delve into achieving that big fat snare drum sound, the intricacies of selecting Roswell Pro Audio mics, and the importance of collaborating with clients in the studio. Charlie emphasizes the value of experimentation and understanding gear, all while...
info_outlineRecording Studio Rockstars
"It's all about the spirit, man." In this electrifying episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, host Lij Shaw reunites with the ingenious Brian Murphree, the mastermind behind Sound Porter Mastering. Together, they traverse Brian's remarkable journey from passionate musician to a celebrated mastering engineer, illuminating the vital role of sonic excellence in music production. Their conversation uncovers the fascinating evolution of video and photography, while diving deep into recording techniques, studio design, and acoustics. With a keen focus on the artistry of sound engineering, they...
info_outlineRecording Studio Rockstars
Incremental progress leads to significant achievements! Join Lij Shaw as he interviews audio veteran Alex Ohana, who shares stories from a 35-year career. Alex reveals the power of embracing risk and reinvention, along with the importance of community in the audio world. He discusses his journey, from recording techniques to the evolution of technology, and offers insights into finding success in the music industry. This inspiring conversation delves into innovation, personal growth, and staying true to your creative vision. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: My guest...
info_outlineRecording Studio Rockstars
"You can do whatever you want." In this engaging interview, Lij Shaw sits down with Jason Livermore, co-owner of the Blasting Room studio, to explore Jason's transformative journey from aspiring musician to Grammy-winning producer. They discuss the studio's evolution, the significance of high-quality equipment, and the invaluable experience gained from working with interns. Jason delves into the intricacies of modern mixing techniques, the transition to digital, and the essentials of drum recording and mixing, highlighting the impact of acoustics, MIDI, and automation. Their conversation...
info_outlineGet access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com
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!
http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com
https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!
https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!
https://stealthchair.com/ Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!
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/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