Business Details
13 Years
experience
Professional Mastering & Mixing Services in Summit, IL
Studio VMR has dedicated itself to the art of audio excellence since its founding. With over 48 years of combined industry experience, our team approaches every project with the precision of seasoned professionals who understand both the technical and creative demands of music production. Our facility houses state-of-the-art equipment meticulously modified to achieve optimal sound quality, including the proprietary Don Griffin Master Switcher for critical hardware comparisons during mastering sessions. We serve artists across all genres, from emerging talent to established acts, offering tailored solutions for mixing, remixing, mastering, and recording. Our engineers maintain active memberships in professional organizations like Local 10-208 and NARAS Grammy, ensuring our practices align with industry standards.The studio's founder, Don Griffin, brings decades of performance experience as a former Columbia Recording Artist and Grammy-voting member, providing unique insights that benefit every client project. We specialize in transforming raw recordings into polished, market-ready productions through meticulous attention to sonic detail. Our facility accommodates both local and remote sessions, allowing artists to work with our team regardless of location. The studio's reputation for quality has attracted diverse clientele including Studebaker John, DA Brat, and the Gospel Chi-Lites. We remain committed to advancing our technical capabilities while maintaining the personal touch that defines our service approach.
Services
Mixing
Mastering
Remixing
Recording
Audio for Video
Track Programming
Remastering
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We offer 48 years of combined industry experience in audio production
- Our facility houses custom-modified, high-end audio equipment
- Founder Don Griffin is a Grammy-voting member and former Columbia Recording Artist
- We serve artists across all music genres from our Chicago-area studio
- Our engineers maintain active memberships in professional music organizations
Services
Mixing
Our mixing service combines technical precision with artistic sensibility to balance individual track elements. Engineers use both modern digital tools and vintage analog equipment to create cohesive soundscapes. Clients receive professionally balanced mixes optimized for various playback systems and formats.
Mastering
We provide final-stage audio optimization using specialized equipment and the proprietary Don Griffin Master Switcher. This service ensures commercial-grade loudness, frequency balance, and format compatibility. Mastering sessions include reference disc creation and format-specific adjustments for physical and digital releases.
Recording
Our Chicago-area facility offers professional recording sessions with vintage and modern gear. The live room accommodates full bands or individual artists using custom AMEK BIG 44 consoles and classic amplifiers. Engineers capture performances with high-fidelity microphones and preamps for optimal sound quality.
Remixing
We rework existing recordings to modernize arrangements or improve sonic quality. Our engineers apply fresh creative perspectives while preserving original artistic intent. Remixing includes re-balancing elements, adding new instrumentation, and applying contemporary production techniques to enhance overall impact.
Track Programming
Our experienced programmers create custom tracks across multiple genres. Services include beat creation, MIDI arrangement, and virtual instrument integration. We develop production elements that complement artists' styles while maintaining technical consistency with industry standards for commercial releases.
People
Don Griffin
Owner/Engineer
Professional musician with 33 years of performance experience, former Columbia Recording Artist, Grammy voting member, and founder of Studio VMR. Holds music degree with classical and jazz training. Played professionally since age 14 and maintains active union membership in Local 10-208.
Questions
What audio formats do you support for mastering?
We work with all standard digital formats including WAV, AIFF, FLAC, and ALAC. Our engineers can also handle analog tape transfers for legacy recordings requiring digitization.
Can I bring my own equipment for recording sessions?
Yes, we welcome artists to bring personal instruments or gear. Our facility also provides vintage amplifiers and the custom AMEK BIG 44 console for those preferring our house equipment.
Do you offer remote collaboration options?
We support remote sessions through secure file transfer systems. Clients can review mixes and masters online, with real-time feedback options available for critical adjustments.
What genres do you specialize in?
Our engineers have experience across all music styles including rock, hip hop, gospel, classical, and spoken word. Our diverse background allows us to adapt to any artistic vision while maintaining technical excellence.
How long does the mastering process take?
Standard mastering completes within 3-5 business days. We offer expedited service for urgent projects while maintaining the same quality standards through our priority scheduling system.
Can you work with recordings made elsewhere?
Yes, we frequently mix and master projects originating from other studios or home recording setups. Our engineers optimize session files regardless of original recording environment to achieve professional results.