Studio Science: Bernie Grundman
The legendary engineer details the mastering and vinyl cutting process
From an early age, Bernie Grundman knew he wanted to make sound his life. He followed this early interest throughout his time in school and the Air Force and on to Hollywood, where he became head of mastering at A&M Records in 1968. Grundman’s work at A&M helped result in hundreds of platinum and gold recordings, including Carole King’s Tapestry, Steely Dan’s Aja and Michael Jackson’s Thriller. In 1984, Grundman established his own studio in Hollywood, where he has continued to turn most of what he touches to gold, including Prince’s Purple Rain and Dr. Dre’s The Chronic.
In this Studio Science episode, recorded at Grundman’s studio as part of the Red Bull Music Academy Festival Los Angeles 2017, the noted engineer discusses his sonic philosophy and puts it all in context by mastering and cutting to vinyl a track from local artist Sweatson Klank.
