John Armstrong

Mixing & Mastering

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84 Reviews (80 Verified)
John Armstrong on SoundBetter

Grammy nominated, multi-platinum recording, mixing and mastering engineer, with 15+ years of music industry experience. Currently a Sr. Staff Engineer at Conway Recording Studios in Los Angeles, CA, and previously Head Technician/Sr. Engineer at APG/Atlantic Records.

Unique, experienced top of line song mixing, mastering and recording production available. No matter if you're looking for a competitive Billboard Hot 100 mix, a lo-fi, psychedelic effects masterpiece, genre competitive master or analog sweetened stems for your own mix and production, I can help you realize your audio dreams. I've helped start and finish a multitude of successful records from a wide range of artists and bands, and I always enjoy working on new projects.

I have a wide array of old and new recording technology available for your project, so almost any aural aesthetic can be achieved. I also have the ability to transfer master multitrack recordings for various formats of tape machines, for archival or digital listening. Please feel free to contact me about specific formats or needs.

Tape formats: Ampex 350 Mono 1/4", 440A/B 1" 8trk, 1/2" 4trk, 1/4" 2trk, MM1100 2" 16trk, Teac 1/4" 2trk, ATR 102 1" 2trk

Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.

84 Reviews - 23 Repeat Clients

Endorse John Armstrong
  1. Review by Nathan K.
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    This is our second time working with John. The results are really fantastic. We'll be back.

  2. Review by Jeff F.
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    John did a fantastic job. I was very happy with the results. Every step of the way he delivered what he said, when he said, no exceptions. That went a long way for me.

    I selected his proposal because it was abundantly clear he listened to the songs, he talked about inspirations and albums and bands and that personal touch went miles. That attention was clear in the great engineering job, but also great suggestions that made the mix better than I ever hoped going in.

  3. Review by Nathan K.
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    Super fast response time. Really excellent communication through the whole process.

  4. Review by Stefan K.
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    John was really quick in his delivery, communication before and during mixing was great, as so was his involvement.

  5. Review by Nicholas P.
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    Extremely professional. John delivered exactly what I had hoped for and beyond! The files came back crisp and release-ready. Will be returning in the future. Highly recommended 5/5

  6. Review by Michael Ghould
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    John was super easy to work with, and took my tracks to another level!

  7. Review by Cyrus G.
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    John is the real deal!! I really wanted to hire the BEST engineer I could and John's resume certainly made him stand out. He has an amazing ear and was able to take what I had given him and turned it into the best possible version of what it could be. I had extremely high expectations and he surpassed him. I am floored. I wouldn't even think about hiring anyone else in the future. John was also kind, flexible, and made the remote process very smooth.

  8. Review by Uda G
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    by Uda G
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    John always hits the nail right on the head with every job!

  9. Review by Udhay G.
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    This is my third time working with John and as always, he went above and beyond with his task while helping me bring my vision to life!

  10. Review by Jaden J.
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    John was very patient and understanding. He was also super attentive to my requests and the sound that I wanted. I highly recommend!

  11. Review by Uda G
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    John was fantastic as always, got me the mix and master back to me in under 2 days. The quality didn't disappoint either.

  12. Review by Ryan N.
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    John did an incredible job with our record! We hope to work with him again.

  13. Review by Luc M.
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    by Luc M.
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    John is great to work with!

  14. Review by Ryan N.
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    John was awesome! The results were incredible and super quick turn around. Will definitely work with John again.

  15. Review by Raymond X.
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    John had a blazingly fast 2 day turnaround, was able to get my custom request where I asked for the vocal mixing chain files, and a couple back-and-forths on edits

  16. Review by Christian V.
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    John provided an amazing mix and master for my song. He is prompt and pleasant to work with as well. Would recommend!

  17. Review by B Callihan
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    John took the time to listen to my work and helped me connect with professionals that would help me achieve my goals. Thanks for your time and experience John!

  18. Review by BASprentz
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    Great experience every time! John makes sure you get exactly what you want.

  19. Review by Joshua Patel
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    John did a great job on mastering my record! He understood the task and delivered a quality job!

  20. Review by Uda G
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    I gave John a deadline of 2 days and he delivered a beautiful sounding mix and master to me in one day! It only took one revision but when when it was done, it was perfect. He even gave me tips along the way.

Interview with John Armstrong

  1. Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

  2. A: I've been writing and recording since I was 14 years old, cassette tapes and 7" records then being the ultimate goal. I went to college and graduated with two degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics, while also being a program manager and DJ for the FM college radio station. After college, I worked in live sound for a year and then moved to LA and got a job at Paramount Recording Studios as a runner. From there, I've worked in LA as a session engineer for 12+ years, and have still managed to do live sound and performance for tours here and there.

  3. Q: How would you describe your style?

  4. A: Up to date old school

  5. Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

  6. A: Flaming Lips...love so many of their records and seems like it'd be a fun time!

  7. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  8. A: Sometimes getting the idea or getting the melody down is more important than if it's the right mic or sounds correct, etc...quick decisions and improvised recording techniques can bring out creativeness in clients.

  9. Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

  10. A: I have a nice credit list of things in the Pop/Rap/Dance world, but I usually gravitate to rock and band oriented stuff in my free time. As one of the main engineers at Conway, I get a healthy dose of awesome randomness from projects I wouldn't normally seek out.

  11. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  12. A: My experience as a professional still alive and working in the music business! Haha...I've worked as a runner, 1st and 2nd engineer, label man, head tech, janitor, songwriter, producer, artist, you name it...been in the room when the big decisions were being made and have luckily seen how records, big and small, get finished and released. I like to believe that this gives me a unique insight to help guide sessions and projects to their ultimate goals.

  13. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  14. A: It'll vary depending on the role I'm playing in the project. If I'm a mixer, I'll give the best possible mix I can deliver. If I'm tracking, I'll give you the best sounding, most organized session I can, so that you can meet your production needs and easily sort thru the recorded material. If it's a studio setup, I try to give the max flexibility with the best sound and routing flow possible.

  15. Q: What's your typical work process?

  16. A: It varies widely from project to project. Usually a lot goes into pre planning and organization so things can be as smooth as possible (from tracking to mixing).

  17. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  18. A: Currently running a 24 in/16 out hybrid analog/digital setup comprised of a custom built computer with Avid Pro Tools HD, UAD Apollo Quad, custom Digi 192's, Ampex Tape Machines (multi format), various vintage reverb and fx boxes, as well as an assortment of outboard gear from AML, Shadow Hills, Urei, Orban, API, Apogee, and Sony.

  19. Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

  20. A: I've always gravitated to innovators like Hank Shocklee and the Bomb Squad, Husker Du, The Prodigy, Phil Spector, Butch Vig, RUN DMC, but also find inspiration in people like Al Schmitt who are still doing sessions into their late 80's

  21. Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

  22. A: Typically, it's workflow setup and signal flow routing so that they are in a completely hassle free zone to create and work. Regardless of if I'm in a world class studio or small project space, the clients usually have very specific needs, and I aim to be as efficient, creative and flexible as possible. This will include anything from multi instrument, multi player recording setups, digital/analog production techniques, vocal tracking and/or fully automated console mixing setups.

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Saweetie - "My Type"

I was the Mastering Engineer in this production


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    The Small Hours - "Thought Crime"
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    Red Hot Chili Peppers - "We Turn Red"
Terms Of Service

Multitrack mix - $800/song
Mix to Tape - $1000/song
Mastering - $125/song
Tape Sweetened Stems - Contact for rates

Quick turnarounds, alt mixes & revisions included

GenresSounds Like
  • Childish Gambino
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • Boards of Canada
Gear Highlights
  • Avid Pro Tools HD
  • Apogee Big Ben Clock
  • UAD Apollo Quad
  • Ampex Tape Machines
  • Shadow Hills
  • API
  • AML
  • Klemt Echolette
  • Echoplex EP-2 Tube Tape Delay
  • Korg Stage Echo
  • Binson Echorec
  • TC System 6000
  • SPL
More Photos
More Samples
  • Studio UpdatesNov 08, 2020

    Helped James Blake records some strings for "Are You Even Real" as well as other vocals and miscellaneous things for his "Before" E.P. 

  • CoronavirusApr 03, 2020

    Still able to do any and all remote work! Mixes, Masters, vocal tuning, editing & tape transfers! Special discounts and offers ... message me for details! 

  • Studio UpdatesApr 13, 2019

    Helping mix music for Avatar and other things! 

  • Studio UpdatesMay 20, 2017

    Always working on new projects...