With over two decades in the studio, Matthew Parisi has worked across chart-topping pop, boundary-pushing indie, and cinematic vocal production, always with an ear for honesty and detail. Starting out in studios at just 14, his career has seen him engineer albums at Mike Stock’s private studio (Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley, Donna Summer), produce bands signed to Robert Plant’s label, and work alongside renowned producer Ben Hillier (Depeche Mode, Blur, Elbow).
Under his Studio Chimp banner, Matthew continues to collaborate with a wide range of artists, from household names to emerging talent, bringing an obsession with sound and a passion for making artists feel comfortable in the room.
“I’ve recorded hundreds of singers, and I’ve found that when they hear themselves through a Sontronics mic, especially the ORPHEUS or ARIA; they just relax. That confidence translates straight into the performance.”
While his mic locker has grown over time, Sontronics remains his go-to:
- ORPHEUS – Favourite for vocals, especially female singers
- ARIA – Valve clarity and sparkle for standout top-end detail
- DRUMPACK PLUS – Versatile across drums, bass cabs, and even vocals
- DM-1B – “Almighty” low-end response
“Before Sontronics, I’d spend ages in the mix trying to pull detail out of the vocal. Once I started recording with these mics, that detail was already there. It made everything easier and just sounded right.”
Matthew also notes that the confidence Sontronics gives vocalists extends beyond the studio. One of his long-time collaborators, Nobody’s Wolf Child, was constantly re-recording vocals due to poor home recordings. After switching to the ORPHEUS, those takes became final mixes.
“It’s always telling when the artist goes out and buys the same mic you use. That’s when you know it’s working.”
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