Stephen Shirk's guest appearances

Stephen Shirk

Recording Studio Rockstars

Gearbuds

Steve Albini

Nick Broste

Anthony Gravino

Chris Stapleton

Eyal Levi

Sam Phillips

Willie Nelson

Chris Adams

Ingrid Michaelson

Paula Cole

Jason Mraz

Jeff Goldblum

Lou Reed

Jessica Thompson

Ben Folds

OwlTail

Gloria Estefan was right! Stephen talked about Sphere and the history of American consoles, Smoky Joe amps, printing fx plugins, recording drums, acoustic, and electric guitars, deconstructing your tape machine alignment, and stereo ribbon mics. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Stephen Shirk an Engineer, Co-Producer and Musician. Stephen has been a guest on the podcast back on episode RSR272 when he talked about his background and starting Shirk Studios in Chicago restoring a beautiful Sphere console and building a dedicated space for recording full bands to analog tape.  “CONSOLE: 1976 Sphere Eclipse A - Discrete Inline Console.  32 Channels - 24 Mic Pres - 16 + 8 busses (24 outputs during recording) - With Eight 920 EQ’s and twenty four 910 EQ’s - Reichenbach input and Jensen output transformers give the console a punchy tone that defines the pinnacle of the 70’s American console design. Balanced Line Input mod features Cinemag Transformers and Discrete GAR6220 Op Amps (SPA62).”  In 2019 Stephen open up the studio to Recording Studio Rockstars for a weekend mixing clinic with Anthony Gravino which was a blast! We had Rockstars traveling overnight on the bus from Canada and flying in from New York state just to be there and were able to listen to everyones music and offer feedback. Today we will catch up and see whats new at Shirk studio and learn more about how Stephen is recording and mixing such great sounding records. Thanks again to Anthony Gravino for the introduction. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! https://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://www.Spectra1964.com https://MacSales.com/rockstars https://iZotope.com/Rockstars use code ROCK10 to get 10% off any individual plugin https://jzmic.com Use code ROCKSTAR to get 40% off the Vintage series mics plus get a FREE shock mount ($120 value) https://www.adam-audio.com https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy Use code ROCKSTAR to get 10% off https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/735OCbnyFGtAQFhes3hqVf?si=4d42c68ad52a471a If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review  CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/402

Gloria Estefan was right! Stephen talked about Sphere and the history of American consoles, Smoky Joe amps, printing fx plugins, recording drums, acoustic, and electric guitars, deconstructing your tape machine alignment, and stereo ribbon mics. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: <a href="https://mixmasterbundle.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://MixMasterBundle.com</a> My guest today is Stephen Shirk an Engineer, Co-Producer and Musician. Stephen has been a guest on the podcast back on episode RSR272 when he talked about his background and starting Shirk Studios in Chicago restoring a beautiful Sphere console and building a dedicated space for recording full bands to analog tape.  “CONSOLE: 1976 Sphere Eclipse A - Discrete Inline Console.  32 Channels - 24 Mic Pres - 16 + 8 busses (24 outputs during recording) - With Eight 920 EQ’s and twenty four 910 EQ’s - Reichenbach input and Jensen output transformers give the console a punchy tone that defines the pinnacle of the 70’s American console design. Balanced Line Input mod features Cinemag Transformers and Discrete GAR6220 Op Amps (SPA62).”  In 2019 Stephen open up the studio to Recording Studio Rockstars for a weekend mixing clinic with Anthony Gravino which was a blast! We had Rockstars traveling overnight on the bus from Canada and flying in from New York state just to be there and were able to listen to everyones music and offer feedback. Today we will catch up and see whats new at Shirk studio and learn more about how Stephen is recording and mixing such great sounding records. Thanks again to Anthony Gravino for the introduction. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! <a href="https://recordingstudiorockstars.mykajabi.com/ultimate-mixing-masterclass" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com</a> <a href="https://www.spectra1964.com/shop" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.Spectra1964.com</a> <a href="https://www.macsales.com/rockstars" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://MacSales.com/rockstars</a> <a href="https://izotope.com/Rockstars" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://iZotope.com/Rockstars</a> use code ROCK10 to get 10% off any individual plugin <a href="https://jzmic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://jzmic.com</a> Use code ROCKSTAR to get 40% off the Vintage series mics plus get a FREE shock mount ($120 value) <a href="https://www.adam-audio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.adam-audio.com</a> <a href="https://recordingstudiorockstars.com/Academy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy</a> Use code ROCKSTAR to get 10% off <a href="https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/</a> Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/735OCbnyFGtAQFhes3hqVf?si=4d42c68ad52a471a" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/playlist/735OCbnyFGtAQFhes3hqVf?si=4d42c68ad52a471a</a> If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: <a href="https://rsrockstars.com/Review" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://RSRockstars.com/Review</a> <a href="https://rsrockstars.com/402" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/402</a>

RSR402 - Stephen Shirk - Console, Tape, and Ribbons in Chicago

My guest today is Stephen Shirk an engineer, producer, and owner of Shirk Studio in Chicago. Originally from Bloomington, Illinois, he began playing in bands through junior high college at Miami University where he earned a degree in Business and Marketing.  In 1998 he moved to New York City to chase his dream of working in a recording studio where he worked at The Hit Factory, Pink Noise and Three Tree Productions as well as assisting on sessions at many legendary NYC facilities like Avatar (Power Station), Clinton, Right Track, and Sound on Sound. Recording in New York also exposed Stephen to a unique artistic community beyond that of music. His collaboration with Nadine Robinson would ultimately land one of his sound designs in the Museum of Modern Art’s Tempo exhibit in 2002.    In 2004, Stephen relocated to Chicago to continue producing and recording bands, creating sound for art installations, as well as providing audio services for the advertising community. This was the beginning of SHIRK studios. Through a chance meeting at SXSW in 2006, Stephen partnered with the music blog, HearYa.com, and began recording and filming the HearYa live sessions.  The video series featured powerful live in-studio recordings of artists like Alabama Shakes, Delta Spirit, Other Lives, Patterson Hood, White Denim, Strand of Oaks, Rayland Baxter and many more. In 2013 he acquired the building that now houses SHIRK studios in Chicago’s West Town neighbourhood. Firmly planted in Chicago, Stephen records, produces and hosts sessions with some of Chicago’s most celebrated artists as well as those just getting their start. I had the pleasure of spending a day at Shirk studio in 2019 when I hosted a mixing clinic there with Anthony Gravino. We spent the day listening to the beautiful Sphere console and I knew I found a new favourite studio in Chicago. Plus Stephen is the coolest. Thanks to our sponsors! JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com PreSonus Studio One: https://www.presonus.com Spectra1964: https://www.spectra1964.com OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off API Audio: http://www.apiaudio.com Soundporter Mastering: https://www.soundporter.com RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com  Hear more on Youtube If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here CLICK HERE FOR SHOW NOTES AT: http://RSRockstars.com/272

My guest today is Stephen Shirk an engineer, producer, and owner of Shirk Studio in Chicago. Originally from Bloomington, Illinois, he began playing in bands through junior high college at Miami University where he earned a degree in Business and Marketing.  In 1998 he moved to New York City to chase his dream of working in a recording studio where he worked at The Hit Factory, Pink Noise and Three Tree Productions as well as assisting on sessions at many legendary NYC facilities like Avatar (Power Station), Clinton, Right Track, and Sound on Sound. Recording in New York also exposed Stephen to a unique artistic community beyond that of music. His collaboration with Nadine Robinson would ultimately land one of his sound designs in the Museum of Modern Art’s Tempo exhibit in 2002.    In 2004, Stephen relocated to Chicago to continue producing and recording bands, creating sound for art installations, as well as providing audio services for the advertising community. This was the beginning of SHIRK studios. Through a chance meeting at SXSW in 2006, Stephen partnered with the music blog, <a href="http://HearYa.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HearYa.com</a>, and began recording and filming the HearYa live sessions.  The video series featured powerful live in-studio recordings of artists like Alabama Shakes, Delta Spirit, Other Lives, Patterson Hood, White Denim, Strand of Oaks, Rayland Baxter and many more. In 2013 he acquired the building that now houses SHIRK studios in Chicago’s West Town neighbourhood. Firmly planted in Chicago, Stephen records, produces and hosts sessions with some of Chicago’s most celebrated artists as well as those just getting their start. I had the pleasure of spending a day at Shirk studio in 2019 when I hosted a mixing clinic there with Anthony Gravino. We spent the day listening to the beautiful Sphere console and I knew I found a new favourite studio in Chicago. Plus Stephen is the coolest. Thanks to our sponsors! JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at <a href="https://usashop.jzmic.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">JZmic.com</a> PreSonus Studio One: <a href="https://www.presonus.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.presonus.com</a> Spectra1964: <a href="https://www.spectra1964.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.spectra1964.com</a> OWC: Other World Computing: <a href="http://macsales.com/rockstars" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.OWC.com</a> iZotope: <a href="http://izotope.com/Rockstars" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iZotope.com/Rockstars</a> code ROCK10 10% off API Audio: <a href="http://www.apiaudio.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.apiaudio.com</a> Soundporter Mastering: <a href="https://www.soundporter.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.soundporter.com</a> RSR Academy: <a href="http://rsrockstars.com/Academy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://RSRockstars.com/Academy</a> Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: <a href="https://recording-studio-rockstars-academy.thinkific.com/courses/mix-master-bundle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://MixMasterBundle.com</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le-3MIBxQTw&amp;list=PLbJhbD1bWQsxoIh5Vw0Iugi82kfEvE3_4&amp;ab_channel=AlabamaShakes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Hear more on Youtube</a> If you love the podcast, then please <a href="http://getpodcast.reviews/id/1039639115" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leave a review on iTunes here</a> <a href="http://rsrockstars.com/272" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CLICK HERE FOR SHOW NOTES AT: http://RSRockstars.com/272</a>

RSR272 - Stephen Shirk -  How to Record a Great Band Performance in the Studio

We love reconnecting with old friends and collaborators - this week the Buds got to do just that, welcoming to the GB fold Stephen Shirk, owner of SHIRK Studios in Chicago.Steve generously talked us through getting his start in central Illinois, moving to NYC to work at the Hit Factory while building his engineering and production chops,evolving along with the dawn of DAWs, and eventually heading back to Chicago and opening multiple iterations of the world class Shirk Studios.We discuss recording years worth of Hear Ya Sessions, Sphere consoles, the Highland Dynamics BG2 compressor, the unquestionable glory of Balthazar amps, pushing sonic limits with Fur Trader, and Donny Osmand’s (by way of The Bonfires Vintage) old EMT 140. Plus, you know we had to ask for some recording and mixing tips, so we get into using Pultecs on a 2-bus, parallel compression on drums and vox, and taming bass guitar.Also discussed: the free Bvker Metro Boomin sample pack, Hank’s podcasting article on Reverb, Jack White’s gear auction, Pantera, Bill Callahan aka Smog’s Knock Knock, and Jonathan Wilson.If it sounds cool, it IS cool.

We love reconnecting with old friends and collaborators - this week the Buds got to do just that, welcoming to the GB fold Stephen Shirk, owner of SHIRK Studios in Chicago. Steve generously talked us through getting his start in central Illinois, moving to NYC to work at the Hit Factory while building his engineering and production chops,evolving along with the dawn of DAWs, and eventually heading back to Chicago and opening multiple iterations of the world class Shirk Studios. We discuss recording years worth of Hear Ya Sessions, Sphere consoles, the Highland Dynamics BG2 compressor, the unquestionable glory of Balthazar amps, pushing sonic limits with Fur Trader, and Donny Osmand’s (by way of The Bonfires Vintage) old EMT 140. Plus, you know we had to ask for some recording and mixing tips, so we get into using Pultecs on a 2-bus, parallel compression on drums and vox, and taming bass guitar. Also discussed: the free Bvker Metro Boomin sample pack, Hank’s podcasting article on Reverb, Jack White’s gear auction, Pantera, Bill Callahan aka Smog’s Knock Knock, and Jonathan Wilson. If it sounds cool, it IS cool.