**Grammy Award Winning Engineer** & *OFFICIALLY CREDITED ON 32 TOTAL GRAMMY NOMINATIONS* I’ve worked alongside: Kanye West, Yo-Yo Ma, PJ Morton, Jamila Woods, Kirk Franklin, Kurt Elling, Adam Levine, Cowboy Troy, Tom Higgenson (Plain White Tees), Donald Lawrence, Lupe Fiasco, Hezekiah Walker, Rihanna, Anthony Hamilton, Mavis Staples, etc.
I will deliver world-class treatments for your most precious work!
RECORDING / MIXING / MASTERING ENGINEER
+ Dolby Atmos!!
“Studio James” is known for his diversity, having the distinction of successfully working in practically every genre of music over his 20+ year career. This has included credits on Grammy nominated Hip Hop / R&B / Gospel / Jazz, while also having worked with world renowned classical musicians, rockstars, popstars (and even a Billboard-charting Country artist).
After working out of countless big studios as a freelancer, since 2016, James has owned his Chicago-based studio, branded Coda Room Audio. In 2019, James received Arts Council England’s formal endorsement for a UK Tier 1 “Exceptional Talent” visa, paving the way for a whole new adventure (and expansion) across the pond. While still retaining a presence in the Chicago/USA scene, James now also resides in London.
I generally mix and master remotely, but am available to travel as well.
Whatever YOU need!--let's chat!
PS: A lot of people like to claim that they're Grammy-winning or Grammy-nominated...but, unfortunately, many of these people are not. Check for yourself, and don't take their word for it. Simply goto grammy.com and search their name. If it doesn't show up there, it did not happen.
Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.
Credits
Discogs verified credits for James Auwarter- Shawnna
- Shawnna
- Lupe Fiasco Featuring Jill Scott
- Lupe Fiasco
- Yung Berg
- Lupe Fiasco
- Wiley (2)
- Great Divide
- Laurence Hobgood Trio
- Jamila Woods
- Joann Rosario
- Charles & Taylor
- Kanye West
- Ludacris And DTP*
- Pastor Hezekiah Walker & LFC*
- Charles & Taylor
- Steve Cole
- Marvin Sapp
- Kevin Vasser
- Donald Lawrence Presents The Tri-City Singers
- Vickie Winans
- Rihanna
- Nick Colionne
- Donald Lawrence Presents The Tri-City Singers
- Shawnna
- Coko
- Rihanna
- Steve Cole
- Lupe Fiasco
- Rob Parton's Jazztech Big Band
- Kurt Elling
- kanYeWest*
- Cornel West & BMWMB
- The Clark Sisters
- Lupe Fiasco
- Tim Bowman
- Coko
- Mark Colby
- Various
- DJ Khaled
- Heather Headley
- Various
- Shari Addison
- Vanessa Bell Armstrong
- Donald Lawrence & Co.*
- Kevon Carter
- Various
- Kanye West & Malik Yusef
- Living Word Christian Center
- Dewayne Woods & When Singers Meet
- Plain White T's
- Jay-Z
- Hezekiah Walker
- Wooden Rings
- Brian Pettis
- Great Divide
- Michael Manson
- Dewayne Woods
- Jon Guerra
- Showoff
- Bassel and the Supernaturals
- Cowboy Troy
- Herman Little III
- Herman Little III
- PJ Morton
- Exxport
- Saya Noé
476 Reviews - 108 Repeat Clients
Endorse James Auwarter- check_circleVerified
Such a clean master! brought out the best in my track! great communication, fast work and friendly!
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I had a straightforward request for an Apple Digital Master, and James delivered flawlessly. He was friendly, quick to respond, and very attentive. He made everything feel effortless while maintaining a professional approach, and answering all my questions. The turnaround time was impressive.
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James did an amazing job mastering my 5 song Christmas EP! He was so kind and quick to respond. I definitely recommend and would easily work with him again!
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A total pro with a really good attitude. I enjoyed working with James!
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James is the real deal! Very professional and took the track to another level. Above and beyond. You will not be disappointed!
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Another phenomenal mastering job from James! Quick responses and turn-around time!!!
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James is my go to when it comes to mastering. He elevates your track to the next level. Would highly recommend.
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James did a fantastic job on our song and was super nice, available and responsive. We will not hesitate for a second to work with him for our next songs.
Thanks again! - check_circleVerified
Amazing as always! Will be coming back for many more.
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It is always a real pleasure and a great amazement to hear how James manages to take the songs to a whole new level with his mastering. He gives them an incredibly harmonious, full sound that simply inspires! The collaboration is always an absolute highlight and I'm already looking forward to the next project. Thank you very much for the great work - I look forward to working with you again very soon!
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Very quick and as always great quality work, bringing up the key elements of the track and adding a final shine
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stellar as per usual- best mastering engineer.
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Top notch, responsive, and friendly -- credentials speak for themselves. Took an amateur production and made it sparkle. Highly recommend
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Once again, amazing mastering by James for my instrumental version. Thank you so much!!!!!!
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Very swift. Excellent work! Will definitely do another project with James!
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James did a phenomenal job mastering my song! I will totally be hiring him again in the future! Thank you!!!
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I really like his attitude while working. He ensures the client gets the result they need/want. He’s professional and efficient. I definitely would work with James again.
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Very impressed by the clarity and energy that came back on my track; will definitely be back soon! Thanks, James.
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Will be coming back for many, many more.
Always a pleasure working with James! - check_circleVerified
excellent as per usual
Interview with James Auwarter
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Most commonly I'm asked regarding ADM / MFiT : - "Are you an Apple Digital Masters / Mastered for iTunes certified engineer?" - “Will this master also be acceptable and sound good on the other streaming platforms beyond just Apple?” Answers : - Yes, I am a certified Apple Digital Masters / Mastered for iTunes engineer. - Yes, of course my masters are 100% fine for Spotify/Tidal/Apple/YouTube etc all platforms, but specifically with Apple, it means that if you choose to let your distributor know when you upload, they will include a badge stating that it is a certified master (meaning a certified mastering engineer who's been approved by them did the master). Additionally, beyond the full quality 24 bit .wav, the .m4a reference file that I send is the exact format, codec, and settings that Apple will encode themselves, so it's a way of knowing EXACTLY what it'll sound like on that platform. (The other streaming platforms do not have similar programs, however there are no drastic differences in specs from one platform to the other, but all platforms do look for different LUFS volume standards, unfortunately). Long story short...it's nothing to be concerned about-- But if you have more questions on it, I'm happy to answer :)
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: The experience that comes with being credited on 32 Grammy nominations. Knowing when to add a bit of extra flavor and when to be much more subtle.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Check their track-record, and also pay attention to how quickly they respond to your messages.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: A different genre, with a different client, everyday.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I personally think that with GOOD (and well-upkept) analog gear, I can often achieve the desired sound quicker. However, to then document the gear settings and to then inevitably have to recall the gear settings for mix tweaks at a later time, the overall process is actually slower than staying in the box (digital). Also, analog gear in general is much more susceptible to unexpectedly causing issues. I love analog gear. I’ll record through every bit of analog gear that’s at my disposal at the time, absolutely, but for me it just does not make sense to mix that way any more. Sonically, when a mix is done by a pro, the end listener will never know (or care) whether it was done analog or digital. It’s just a preference, not “right” or “wrong’ – but analog mixing is not part of my workflow anymore.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: In about 20 years: amateur, university, intern, assistant, staff engineer, freelance engineer, studio owner.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: I sometimes run in to clients who confuse the difference between the mixing and mastering process. So, mastering is the last phase of the process, done with the 1 stereo bounce from the mixing phase...whereas mixing is the process of blending every single individual element (by volume adjustments, panning, eq, compression, reverb, effects, etc) into 1 stereo file.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What is YOUR goal? How can I help your music reach its full potential?
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I will deliver world-class treatments for your most precious work!
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The blending of the tech with the creative. I get to play my part in the creative process by utilizing the tech tools in both traditional and non-traditional ways.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Hmmm. If just 5, I guess I'd have to go with a good laptop, my beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones, Pro Tools, Melodyne, FabFilter bundle. I could still get some serious mixing and mastering done with this stripped down setup :)
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: The Japanese House has such amazing production, and authentic emotion in her songwriting.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: 99% of the time, DO NOT PUT A LIMITER ON THE STEREO BUS WHILE MIXING! That is part of the mastering process. Mix while you’re in the mixing phase, and master while you’re in the mastering phase. Just cause it’s louder at the moment, does not mean it actually sounds better. Hear me now, believe me eventually.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: EVERY genre.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Bringing an artist's vision to life, on time, and within budget.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Nigel Godrich has always been my favorite producer/engineer. Musicians/bands/artists are too numerous to name!
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Mixing and mastering is what keeps me most busy at the moment, but I do recording and producing quite often as well.
I was the MIXING and MASTERING Engineer in this production
- i should have listened to my friends
- Last Time
- Autumn Leaves
- Whatever Happens
- Mastering EngineerAverage price - $100 per song
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $800 per song
- Dolby Atmos & Immersive AudioAverage price - $600 per song
- Recording StudioContact for pricing
- ProducerContact for pricing
- EditingContact for pricing
- Vocal TuningContact for pricing
Communication is key. If you have any questions, please just ask.
Total of 3 Recalls/Revisions included.
Typically 2-5 day turnaround for mix/master (if a rush is needed, just message to inquire).
- "In The Box" for mixing and mastering
- while as analog as possible during tracking. These toys include C12
- U47
- LA2A
- Avalon 737
- Hardy M2
- several Black Lion Audio
- etc...Pro Tools Ultimate 2024
- Slate Raven
- UAD Ultimate
- AT/Melodyne/Revoice
- etc.