Cian Hamilton is a seasoned producer, mixer at Middle Ridge Studio in California, where he combines intimate, atmospheric recordings with a cinematic style. With experience working with artists like Winter Aid, Alannah Thornburgh, Seánie Bermingham, Anna Mieke, Alfi and more. He offers a unique, distraction-free space for creativity.
Cian Hamilton is a producer, mixer, and recording engineer based in the stunning Central Coast of California. In 2021, he and his wife Lauren founded Middle Ridge Studio, a log cabin recording space nestled in the Diablo Mountain Range on the V6 Ranch. Surrounded by breathtaking views, the studio features a mix of vintage and modern gear, creating an inspiring environment for high-quality recordings.
Though Middle Ridge Studio officially opened in 2022, Cian’s journey in audio began years earlier in Sligo, Ireland, at the Model Arts Center. He honed his skills through internships and mobile recording, capturing music in unique locations like abandoned convents and 1800s churches. These experiences shaped his signature sound—intimate, organic recordings blended with atmospheric textures and subtle electronic elements.
Cian has worked with a wide range of artists, including Winter Aid, Alannah Thornburgh, and Anna Mike. Offering remote mixing services, he provides clients with a personalized, high-quality experience, no matter where they’re located. Whether crafting intimate mixes or expansive, cinematic soundscapes, Cian’s passion and expertise ensure every project stands out with clarity and depth.
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Credits
Discogs verified credits for Cían HamiltonInterview with Cian Hamilton
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: SM57, Apollo Twin, Fender Twin, Melotron, Adam Monitors
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I'm most proud of the work I'm doing right now, because it's my best work.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Mixing an album by a virtuoso Irish Harp player
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Middle Ridge Studio
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both. They both have their advantages.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: To work together to produce something new.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I love that everyday is different, I love to problem solve, I love being at a show one day and being in the studio the next.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Everyone asks different questions.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: I think the biggest misconception I find is that mixing isn't linked to production. For example if a client came to a mixing engineer with a production that had all instruments giving it socks for the whole song. A great mix engineer would try to give it eb and flow and might have a conversation with the artist about dropping out instruments in the verses etc. One of the greatest and most simple production techniques there is is having a quiet verse with a loud chorus.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What music other than your own are you excited about right now?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Get in touch. I'd love to hear what you're working on.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I've been studying sound since 2011
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I would describe my style as your style.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I'd like to work with the unheard, independent artist that's true to themselves and has a unique character.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Listen, then do.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Folk, Ambient, Rock, Indie, Psychedelic, Pop, Country
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My strongest skill is my ability to see other peoples visions and drive that even further.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring a fresh perspective
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: My work process varies a lot, and is dependent on the artist. I try to stay true to the artists vision.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My studio is a log cabin on the Diablo Mountain range. A stones throw away from the San Andreas Fault. Its located on the V6 Ranch and is a ways from civilisation. I have a multitude of analog and digital equipment, both modern and vintage.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Nick Drake, George Martin, Lefty Frizzell, Anton Newcombe, The Byrds, Dry Cleaning
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: My normal day to day can consist of working with an artist in the studio be it recording, producing or mixing. Sometimes I do sit in mixing for clients and sometimes I do remote mixing. I'm also a live sound engineer and mix at various music events.
I was the Mixing Engineer in this production
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $200 per song
- Mastering EngineerAverage price - $50 per song
Mixing
- 3 revisions included
Mastering
- Two revisions included
- Nick Drake
- Angel Olsen
- Deerhunter
- Apollo 16
- Fender Bassman 100
- Altec 670a
- Toft ATB 08m
10% off mixing for first time Soudbetter customers