Recording Studio Rockstars RSR539 - Phil Wagner - Advancing Sound Quality From Soundworks to Solid State Logic
Jan 2, 2026
Phil Wagner, a veteran in the pro-audio industry and former president of Apogee Electronics and Solid State Logic, shares his journey from a recording engineer at Soundworks NYC to leading major audio companies. He dives into the technical evolution of SSL consoles, highlighting the 'superanalog' redesign and its sonic impact. Phil emphasizes the importance of room quality and cable selection for great mixes. Moreover, he discusses the future of audio with immersive formats like Atmos and the benefits of high-res streaming, advocating for advancements that retain a tactile approach in music production.
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From Catskills To Soundworks
- Phil Wagner started in live production in the Catskills and then moved to Soundworks in NYC, working with Steely Dan and Roger Nichols. He credits those early studio experiences for shaping his lifelong focus on sonic quality.
Work In The Best Studio You Can
- If you work in a commercial studio, choose the best studio you can and be enthusiastic and hardworking while there. Phil recommends learning from top studios because they accelerate skill and audio quality understanding.
What 'SuperAnalog' Brings
- SSL's 9000 'SuperAnalog' redesign removed coupling capacitors and rebuilt the entire signal path to create a noticeably wider, deeper sound. Phil says the 9000 imprint is instantly recognizable in mixes as more dimensional than earlier consoles.