Niall Sinclair @ 456 Audio on SoundBetter

I’m Niall, a freelance recording and mixing engineer and owner/operator of 456 Audio Recordings in Edinburgh, Scotland. Previously working out of Chamber Studio.

My hybrid analogue/digital mix room is centred around an API 'The Box' console, with a range of outboard compression and EQ (plus tape!). Powered by the latest Pro Tools Ultimate HDX system and a whole lot of the best plugins from UAD, FabFilter, Soundtoys and more.

I have around 15 years training and experience as a recording & mix engineer, both formally and practically. I graduated with a Masters degree in 2013, and have spent the majority of my life playing in bands, touring and recording (always the de facto producer, of course). I’ve been making records at Chamber Studio since 2014, until becoming more formally involved as a house engineer in 2018. I like it there.

I work in any genre, but I’m most passionate about the weirder side of things.

When I’m not engineering, you can find me playing synths, guitars and making a horrific noise in bands like Damn Teeth, Urvanovic and Praise Team.

Please see 456audio.com for more information

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Interview with Niall Sinclair @ 456 Audio

Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Analog, but really I'd say hybrid. I work in Pro Tools, but incorporate a lot of "organic" processing into that - whether that's using outboard compressors or summing, or re-amping through guitar pedals
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Big Thief are probably my favourite living band. Just iconic, always interesting and magical.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: There's no right answer or approach - do what you like!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: All sorts! I'm best at alternative & experimental styles (maybe just because it excites me) or rather, blending those approaches into indie/pop songs.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My studio is centred around a small-format API console - The Box II. I'm running the latest Pro Tools HDX system for a hybrid 32 I/O setup, incorporating API summing and a range of outboard. I can also print to tape at request! My tracking room is a sizeable ~28m oak-floored room with a lively yet focused sound. In addition to the 8 preamp channels of the API, I have a 24-channel setup including Neve, AEA and H2 (Helios) preamps.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: It's cliched at this point, but Steve Albini is a big influence in taste and ethos (even though my workflow is quite deferent). More contemporary influences for me would be the production and engineering of John Congleton, and the recording work of Vance Powell & Joe Chiccarelli. Though I would argue I'm more inspired by musicians such as the modern indie productions of Big Thief & Perfume Genius, the punishing noise of Sunn O))) and the classic sounds of 90s American hardcore/post-hardcore music like Fugazi, Drive Like Jehu and Oxbow.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I'm equal parts recording and mix engineer. I'm a house engineer at Chamber Studio in Edinburgh, Scotland, where I do most of my work. Through the studio, I do a lot of tracking in their main room, usually mixing in their B room.