Northeastern U.S. Mainstay Mix-O-Lydian Studios Celebrates 50 Years of Continuous Recording and MixingAccording to a company statement, Don Sternecker started Mix-O-Lydian Studios in 1975 in Madison, NJ in a space he rented above his father's Italian hat importing business.

"During a time when there were no dedicated audio technology tracks within U.S. universities, industry magazines from which to learn about industry equipment and trends, Sternecker became passionate about equipment and audio innovation on his own terms, reading manuals and experimenting with gear he was able to purchase or borrow," they said. "Before long, Mix-O-Lydian had a loyal clientele including Leslie West, The Feelies, Luna, The Bongos, and many others — including Railroad Earth, for whom he just finished mixing a new album.

"Mix-O-Lydian is now situated on the third floor of The Castle Inn, the last remaining grand resort hotel in Delaware Water Gap — a Poconos retreat where travellers from big cities like New York City and Philadelphia would retreat to escape the summer heat. The Inn has turned into something of an artist collective, serving as a creative hub not only for Mix-O-Lydian, but other musicians and engineers."

"Tim Carbone from Railroad Earth had been renting a few rooms here and told me to check it out. At the time, I had to move from my previous studio, which was situated on an eight acre farm. When I first came here, I didn’t know if I could make it work - but then within a day or two I secured the rooms," Sternecker says. "I had to wire every room, compromise and improvise to make it all work."

The statement continues: "During his 50-plus years of being a studio owner, Sternecker has witnesses many changes in the industry — including the changing of music industry business models and innovation milestones in recording technology. Despite these changes, Sternecker's approach has never changed.

"Of course you always need a good mic, preamp and compressor. But the most important thing is that you have to use your ears, particularly in this age of AI. It is so important to trust your ears and make your own decisions."

Sternecker's Mix-O-Lydian Studios has bore witness to to an entire evolution of tape machines, they say, "starting in 1975 with a 4-track, 1/4" Tascam machine, then moving to a 1/2” 8 track Otari, then to a 16 track 2” Ampex MM 1000, and then to a Studer A80 24 track. Sternecker still owns an Otari 1/2" 2-track, which he says is very difficult to get serviced properly in this day and age. Currently, he runs Pro Tools along with an Avid S1 control surface."

Sternecker remains busy: "I just mixed the new Railroad Earth record which was just released marking the band's 25th anniversary. "It was recorded pretty much live with a few overdubs, and then they decided to add guest artists to about 5 or 6 songs." He's also recently wrapped up recording several tracks and mixing a new album for longtime Patti Smith collaborator and multiple Grammy Award nominated artist Lenny Kaye. "One of the reasons Lenny loves coming here, besides working with me, is because he says it’s eight minutes from his house - he likes the commute!"

"I've been very fortunate over the past 50 years to work with so many diverse and talented musicians and producers at my studio," he told MC. "While maintaining a thriving studio has not always been easy, the hard work has always paid off and given me incredible satisfaction."

For more information, please visit mix-o-lydian.com

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