How 23dB Productions Is Revolutionizing Audiobook Recording with Focusrite Scarlett 4th GenPictured L-R: Denis Orynbekov, 23dB Productions co-founder and chief engineer; and Fela Davis, 23dB Productions co-founder.

The audiobook boom shows no signs of slowing down—and 23dB Productions is making sure geography doesn’t either. The company has expanded its remote production services into a streamlined audiobook workflow that allows authors to record professional-grade narration from just about anywhere, no studio commute required.

At the center of this operation is the Focusrite Scarlett 4th Generation audio interface, a piece of gear that’s quietly doing a lot of heavy lifting. By pairing intuitive hardware with a highly managed remote workflow, 23dB Productions has effectively turned bedrooms, offices, and hotel rooms into viable recording spaces for authors across the country.

The idea didn’t come out of nowhere. It evolved naturally from the company’s remote podcast services, which gained traction during the pandemic and quickly revealed a broader opportunity. “Our podcast clients started asking if we could help them create audiobook versions of their books,” said co-founder Fela Davis in a press release. “We had already been helping authors on a limited basis, but when we realized how effectively we could manage the entire process remotely, it opened the door to a completely new service offering.”

What 23dB ships out isn’t just a mic and a wish for the best. Authors receive a curated recording kit—complete with a microphone, laptop, and Scarlett interface—along with real-time support from an engineer who remotely monitors each session. The result is a guided experience that feels closer to a studio session than a DIY recording attempt.

According to co-founder and chief engineer Denis Orynbekov, the Scarlett 4th Gen has been a game changer for simplifying what could otherwise be a technically intimidating process. “The ability to control the interface through software allows us to remotely manage critical functions without asking authors to deal with technical settings,” he explained. “Many of our clients have never recorded professionally before, so the simpler we can make the experience, the better.”

The system recently proved its value during the production of former NBA player and coach Bill Cartwright’s audiobook. With a schedule that made traditional studio bookings nearly impossible, Cartwright was able to record on his own time while 23dB handled everything behind the scenes. “The author simply connects to the internet and starts reading,” said Orynbekov. “Meanwhile, we’re managing the session, monitoring performance and making sure we capture the cleanest audio possible.”

For Davis, the appeal of the Scarlett platform goes beyond convenience—it’s about authenticity. “What I love about Focusrite is how accurately it captures the human voice,” she said. “Audiobook listeners want authenticity. Authors want to sound like themselves. Scarlett delivers that natural, transparent sound without adding anything artificial.”

That balance of quality and reliability has been key as 23dB scales its services. Whether working with musicians, podcasters, or first-time authors, the company relies on consistent performance across every session. “We know what we’re going to get every time,” Davis added. “That consistency gives us confidence when we’re recording someone who may be hundreds or thousands of miles away.”

Focusrite, for its part, sees 23dB as a prime example of how adaptable technology can unlock entirely new creative workflows. “We've had the privilege of watching 23dB Productions grow alongside Focusrite for many years, and it's exciting to see how they've continually adapted our technology to meet new creative opportunities,” said Dan Hughley, Director of Marketing, Focusrite Group. “From music and podcast production to today's rapidly growing audiobook market, they've demonstrated that when dependable technology is paired with creative thinking, entirely new business models become possible. We're proud that Scarlett continues to be a trusted part of that journey.”

As for what’s next, 23dB Productions is betting big on the future of audiobooks. With a large percentage of published titles still unavailable in audio form, the runway is long—and their remote-first model is built to meet the moment.

“The audiobook market is still massively underserved,” said Orynbekov. “Focusrite gives us the ability to bring studio-quality production directly to authors wherever they are…without compromising audio quality.”

In other words, the studio hasn’t disappeared—it’s just been shipped directly to your door.The post How 23dB Productions Is Revolutionizing Audiobook Recording with Focusrite Scarlett 4th Gen first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.