Kurt Ballou is an American musician, producer, and recording engineer best known as the guitarist and founding member of the influential hardcore band Converge. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, he is also the owner and chief engineer of GodCity Studio, a world-renowned recording facility that has become a cornerstone of modern heavy music production. With a background in both engineering and performance, Ballou bridges the gap between raw creative energy and meticulous technical precision, helping define the sound of countless bands across the hardcore, punk, and metal scenes. His production work is celebrated for its intensity, clarity, and attention to sonic texture — hallmarks that have shaped genre-defining records for artists such as Have Heart, High on Fire, Trap Them, and Nails.Beyond his engineering prowess, Ballou is recognized for his deep understanding of instrument tone and studio design. At GodCity, he merges analog warmth with modern fidelity, crafting recordings that feel both visceral and articulate. His dedication to DIY ethics and craft has made him a respected figure not only among musicians but also within the broader audio engineering community. Through his work, Ballou continues to inspire a generation of producers and home-studio creators to pursue authenticity, precision, and emotional truth in every mix.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Learning through revisiting old recordingsWhy you can’t trust all you read on forumsCheap vs. expensive gear: What really matters?Mic vs. placement vs. preamps: Which is most important?Mike and Kurt’s feelings on AtmosThe secret to Kurt’s great guitar tonesA simple trick for checking phase with multi-mic setups on guitar ampsSimplifying your approach to productionHow to treat a 2-guitar band vs a 1-guitar bandGetting guitars and bass to feel balancedSidechaining guitars to vocalsMixing his own records with ConvergeCharging per song or by hourRecording entire albums in one sessionTo learn more about Kurt Ballou, visit: https://kurtballou.com/https://godcitystudio.com/Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions?For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts:
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