Is this guy the best in the business?

Al Schmitt

More of Al Schmitt

Discography of Al Schmitt (a very small sample)

Some techniques used by Al Schmitt

Part III of how Al Schmitt does vocals.

If he's the guy who was responsible for cutting the marimba off the opening of Steely Dan's "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" on the first pressing of Citizen Steely Dan, then the answer is definitely not.

Audio engineer? Most of the artists I listen to handle their audio from its inception up until its release. Sometimes they let other people handle mastering/engineering just for the novelty of it, but generally, they're the ones who dictate what bits go on the CD at the end of the day.

Unlike most cases where superstars are manufactured, nowadays, artiste have the last say on how their music should sound. But more often than not, artistes are not technically inclined to know enough about electronics and the fine art of recorded sound. They still need a specialist for that. That is why some highly skilled audio engineers are very much sought after. Even by the artistes.

unfortunately highly skilled audio engineers went extinct around 1986

Eno's still alive.

David Botrill does a fantastic job with everythign I've heard him do. Kevin Sherly's not bad although he needs to seriosuly lay off the limmetters. Paul Northfield is a vetteran, having worked wit hRush for decades. That's the extent of my knowledge on teh subject; I'd really like to know more.