Your Private Audio Oasis
Firecat Audio’s Soho Recording is located in the heart of bustling Lower Manhattan, amidst fine restaurants and upscale clothing boutiques. The streets are crowded and the energy vibrant, but all of that noise melts away when you walk inside. No subway rumble, no taxis honking, no bantering tourists…Just great sound, accommodating professionals, and a comfortable, welcoming vibe.
We’re a small owner-operated full service studio and we handle all sorts of projects from Music to Post, from Pre-Production and Recording to Mixing and Mastering. We price our services fairly and flexibly and treat every project like it’s our only one. We’re relaxed but we take our work very seriously. We have a wealth of top-of-the-line instruments and equipment to inspire you. We want you to feel like you’re working in your own private studio.
This is Soho Recording. Come on in!
MUSIC
POST
THE SPACE
EQUIPMENT
- Focusrite Red 16-Line Audio Interface
- Apogee Symphony I/O Mk II Thunderbolt with (2) 8×8 cards
- (2) Universal Audio 6176 Preamp/Compressors
- (4) Universal Audio Twinfinity 710 Preamp/Compressors
- Great River MP-2NV Stereo Preamp
- (2) BAE 312A Preamps
- (2) Grace m501 Preamps
- (2) Universal Audio 4-710D Preamp with Conversion
- Presonus Bluetube Stereo Tube Preamp
- Avalon U5 Direct Box
- Summit Audio TD-100 Tube DI
- Dangerous D-Box Monitoring and Analog Summing
- MOTU 8Pre-es Thunderbolt/USB/AVB Audio Interface
- MOTU 828mk3 FW/USB Audio Interface
- MOTU 896HD Firewire Audio Interface
- MOTU Traveler Firewire Audio Interface
- Apogee Duet 3 Dual Channel USB Audio Interface
- DBX 160A Compressor/Limiter
- Symetrix Peak-RMS Compressor Limiter
- Apogee Ensemble Firewire Audio Interface
- Ashly CLX52 Dual Channel Compressor/Limiter
- Presonus Central Station with Remote Control
- Samson S-Phone Headphone Preamp
- BLUE Blueberry Microphone
- Peluso P12 Multipattern Tube Microphone (on request)
- (2) AKG C414B-XLS Microphone
- (2) BLUE Dragonfly Microphone
- (2) Neumann KM 184 Microphones (matched pair)
- Earthworks SR-30 Microphone
- Shure SM 81LC Microphone
- (2) Shure SM-7B Microphones
- (3) Sennheiser 421 Microphones
- AKG C-3000 Microphone
- AKG C-1000S Microphone
- (2) Rode NT3 Microphone
- (2) Audix D6 Microphones
- Audix i5 Microphone
- Audix OM7 Microphone
- Audix APS 911 Microphone
- Sennheiser e906 Microphone
- (2) Cascade Fat Head SP Ribbon Microphones
- (2) BLUE Encore Microphones
- (2) BLUE Bluebird Microphones
- 6 Sennheiser E604 Microphones
- (2) Shure SM-57 Microphones
- (3) Shure SM-58 Microphones
- Shure PE 45 L Microphone
- Sony Electret ECM-44B Lapel/Contact Microphone
- AudioTechnica PZM Unidirectional Condenser Microphone
- Behringer ECM 8000 Linear Measurement Condenser Microphone
- M Audio Nova Condenser Microphone
- ElectroVoice 635A Omnidirectional Dynamic Microphone
- (2) Quested VH3208 Passive Midfield Monitors
- (2) Bryston 6B 500W mono amplifiers
- Audeze LCD-X Headphones
- Burson Fun PC-100 Headphone Amplifier
- Hearback PRO 16 Channel Monitoring System with ADAT input
- Hearback Personal Monitoring System
- Shure SRH840 Headphones
- Shure SRH440 Headphones
- Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO Headphones
- Sennheiser HD280 Pro Headphones
- Sony MDR 7506 Headphones
- Audio Tecnica ATH-M40fs Headphones
- Various Additional Headphones (20+ pairs) from Sennheiser, Samson, Audio Technica, AKG, Sony etc.
- MOTU Digital Performer Software
- Apple Logic Pro Software
- Avid ProTools 11 (available by request)
- Waves Assorted Plug-ins/Bundles
- 1 Universal Audio UAD-2 Quad Card
- 1 Universal Audio UAD-2 Quad Satellite Firewire
- Antares Auto-tune Software
- Audio Ease Speakerphone 2
- WaveMachine Labs Drumagog
- Eastwest Pianos Software
- Eastwest Symphonic Orchestra
- Lexicon PCM Native Reverb Bundle
- Lexicon PCM Native Effects Bundle
- iZotope Trash, Iris, RX elements, Ozone 3
- ’93 PRS Custom 24 Electric Guitar
- ’01 James Goodall Concert Jumbo Acoustic Guitar
- Martin DC-15E Acoustic/Electric Guitar
- Ramirez R2 Classical Guitar
- Portuguese Guitarra
- (2) Godin xtSA Electric Guitars
- Godin LGX-SA Electric Guitar
- Tobias 4-string Bass Guitar
- (2) Birdsong Custom 4 string basses
- Gibson SG
- Godin Freeway 5 String Active Bass
- Roland VK8M Organ Module
- Roland GR-55 Guitar Synthesizer
- Roland 5 Piece V-drums
- Kawai MP6 Stage Piano
- DW 4-piece Maple Drumset
- Sonor Phil Rudd Signature Snare
- Yamaha Custom Snare Drum
- Sabian AAX Stage Hats
- Misc Vintage Zildjian Cymbals
- Tabla, Djembe, various aux percussion
- Rivera Knucklehead Reverb 100 Watt
- Splawn 2×12 closed back guitar Cabinet
- Rivera 2×12 open back guitar cabinet
- Fishman Aura Acoustic Guitar Pedal
- Fishman AFX Reverb Pedal
- Vox Wah Pedal
- Ernie Ball Jr. Volume Pedals
- Omnirax Presto Studio Desk
- SE Electronics Reflexion Filter PRO
- Mackie MCU Pro Control Surface
- SKB 10U ATA Effects Rack
- Road Runner 8U Rack
- SKB 3U Rack
- Groove Pack 3U Rack
- SKB Attache Case
- Radial Passive DIs
- Radial Reamp JCR
- Livewire 16×4 50′ Snake
- Proco 8×4 25′ Snake
- Assorted Proco Ameriquad Cabling
- Assorted Mogami Cabling
- Assorted other Cables (BLUE, Monster, etc)
- Assorted Pop Filters
- Assorted Mic Stands (standard, round bottom, boom, short, telescoping etc.)
- (4) Sterling Audio s204HA 4-Channel Headphone Amps
- Keyboard Stands
- Keyboard Cases
- Assorted Drum Hardware (Thrones, Cymbal Stands, Pedals etc.)
THE PEOPLE
ROBBY SCHWARTZ
(Producer, Engineer, Composer/Arranger, Manager)
Robby Schwartz holds a Masters in Music from Purchase College and a Bachelor of Science degree (in Music and Biology) from Fairfield University. He has a passion for education and spent a year as a volunteer in Quito, Ecuador teaching music, english, adult education, and special education at the Centro del Muchacho Trabajador. During his time at Fairfield University, he led ensembles like the all male a cappella group, The Bensonians, the Jazz Ensemble, and his local blues/rock band, The Lionfish. Robby has been an active composer, arranger, pianist, and singer for many years, performing as a bandleader, Musical Director, and solo performer. This strong passion for music and performing led him to pursue his MM in studio composition at the conservatory at Purchase College (2019). While at Purchase, he produced and released his first solo album, “American Still,” a multi-genre musical exploration of American society. Robby has taught for many programs, including Education Through Music and Fairfield Performing Arts Studio. Having previously collaborated with James on albums with the Bensonians and the Lionfish, Robby joined the Firecat team in 2019 after completing a degree in Studio Composition. Robby has recorded and produced A Cappella, Voiceovers, and music from Rock bands to jazz, classical, and Asian-Latin fusion. In addition to performing and composing, he currently runs Firecat Audio/Soho Recording and teaches at University of New Haven. Robby lives with his wife, Samantha (an ER physician) and handsome tuxedo cat, Loki, in Brooklyn, NY.
ZACK O’BRIEN
(Producer, Engineer, Composer/Arranger)
Zack is a songwriter, producer, teacher and audio engineer living in Croton on Hudson, NY. Before completing his Masters in Studio Composition from SUNY Purchase, he spent years as a guitarist and songwriter in bands Yucky Duster and Slonk Donkerson, during which he toured extensively and recorded albums that have received praise in The Guardian, Stereogum, VICE and more. He writes and records music as Starstruck, and released his solo debut on System Dialing Records in 2020.
JAMES BYRON SCHOEN
(Founder, Engineer/Producer, Composer)
James has decades of experience on both sides of the glass and has been recognized widely for both his audio production skills and his musicianship and composition, drawing both critical praise and the admiration of his musical mentors, such as Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. He formed FireCat (formerly JBS Recording) in 2007, where he has developed a long and varied portfolio, recording voice with Kris Kristofferson, working on shows with the BBC, American Public Media and TLC, corporate projects with Pepsi, fictional podcasts and a slew of musical projects with pioneering NYC musicians in genres ranging from classical, to progressive rock, to acoustic folk to heavy metal, to Latin Jazz and hip hop. He’s also recorded nearly one hundred a cappella albums with collegiate groups throughout the northeast. When he’s not recording, mixing, mastering and producing work for others, he’s working on his own albums and touring domestically/internationally with his band Edensong.
James graduated with degrees in music and computer science from Wesleyan University, where his thesis was awarded honors by musical luminaries Anthony Braxton and Neely Bruce among others. This thesis went on to become “The Fruit Fallen,” the debut album from Edensong and paved the way for a performance career with the band. Also while at Wesleyan, he was a member of co-ed a cappella group Quasimodal, which sparked his interest in the style and career of recording it! “James Schoen cares about great sound.”- Bob Katz, mastering engineer.
Jared Paul
Jared is an audio engineer, sound designer and musician/composer serving NYC locally, or anywhere in the world remotely. His work can be heard on numerous films, commercials, albums, podcasts (WNYC studios and Vox Media) and more. His services include Recording, Mixing, Audio Post Production for Film & Video, Surround Mixing, Sound Design, Music Production, Foley, Location Recording, Live Sound, Composition, Arrangement, Beatmaking, Guitar and Audio Consulting
TESTIMONIALS
“James Schoen cares about great sound!”
–Bob Katz, Mastering Engineer
Bob Katz, Mastering Engineer, Digital Domain“Intelligent, clever, exciting and technically excellent new music…World class.”
–Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull
Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull“I played bass at a session at Soho Recording, that Robby engineered and produced. It is an incredibly comfortable space, with top-of-the-line equipment. Robby brought the best out of us, and I’m proud of the quality of that session. The staff is friendly, efficient, and really wants to get the best out of their artist. It’s a great space in a really hip neighborhood. I’m really looking forward to the next session!”
–Joey D’Alessio, Bassist (Goodnight Darlings, Chasing Carmen, ZO2, Sputnik)
Joey D'Alessio, The Goodnight Darlings“In a nutshell… talent, creativity, extreme flexibility…a consummate professional. I have never felt more supported or safe in a recording session. First in class.“
–Ben Wigler, Arizona, New Beard, Sincere Gifts
Ben Wigler (Arizona, New Beard), Sincere Gifts“Robby, thank you again, for everything. We’re really excited to see this album come to life! We can’t wait to record again in the spring.”
–Alison, Colgate University Dischords
The Colgate College Dischords“A special thank you…Words can’t express how grateful I am for the journey that led to you…Because of you, I have more than an album project: This album is a musical experience.”
–Rachel Walker
Rachel Walker“There’s no better space, no better sound, no better knowledge. I’ve been making music and living my dreams for over 10 years and it is truly unforgettable.”
–Par-Zero Bermudez
Par-Zero Bermudez“…accomodating, remained flexible through some logistical setbacks and produced a beautiful recording in an unlikely location. His expertise led to a wonderfully smooth session that resulted in a record done in a single day! We cannot recommend him highly enough.”
–Barry Seroff, Composer/Performer (Lapis, Democracy, Accidental Villain)
“…a professional and a true musician, putting the utmost care into achieving the ideal sound in his recording. He is an absolute pleasure to work with, and the end result of his meticulous craftsmanship is a major studio-quality product, within a realistic budget. We are thrilled with the depth and clarity of the drum tracks on our album, and cannot recommend Firecat Audio highly enough.”
–Joe Morse, Astronaut Down
Astronaut Down“Dear Robby, Thank you for getting me the mixes faster than I’d expected. I’m happy with the direction you went, and many of your arranging choices bring structure and clarity to the songs. Thanks also for a touch of grace and serendipity…”–David Soler, The Shaolin Cowboys
The Shaolin Cowboys“Robby helped me record and produce two very special songs I wrote for my wedding. The process was fun, thorough, and efficient, and the results were great. My wife loves them and I can’t wait to work on our next project together.”
–Chris Finelli
Chris Finelli“Immediately upon working with Robby, I recognized the value of his talent, work ethic, and professionalism. He quickly became a vital contribution to the success of the students’ performances…Students and parents have offered countless complements on Robby’s teaching and leadership.”
-Jennifer Kenny, Owner/Director at FPAS
Jennifer Kenny, Fairfield Performing Arts Studio