Matt McDavid operating audio mixing equipment in a music studio with guitars in the background.

RECORDING ENGINEER +

MUSIC PRODUCER

Matt is a musician-turned-producer who brings rare intuition to the studio—equal parts technical precision and artistic compassion. He creates spaces where artists feel heard, challenged, and sonically transformed. A lifelong student of both sound and self, he believes great production starts with listening—to the music, the moment, and what wants to emerge. Matt is currently the Chief Engineer at 2200 Studios in Sausalito.

THE WORK

From absorbing wisdom behind the console with legends like Steve Albini to now mentoring emerging engineers, Matt’s journey has always orbited one truth: great music demands perpetual learning.

His studio is a living classroom—where decades of passed-down knowledge meet his own innovations, all in service of helping artists (and the next generation of producers) discover their most authentic sound.

Matt synthesizes decades of wisdom into what each project demands. But his greatest lesson? Great engineers listen more than they speak.

This shows in how he works: no presets, no dogma—just a relentless curiosity about your sound. (Though he’ll still geek out over Albini’s mic techniques if you ask.)

Matt treats every session as a chance to grow. This humility serves you: whether he’s dissecting the low-end on a track or helping a folk singer find their vocal tone, the music is at the center of his mission.

Sanctuary Sound Recording Studios in Occidental with various drums, stacked drum sets, amplifiers, keyboard, and indoor plant near a window; rug and white furry carpet on wooden floor.

THE SANCTUARY

SOUND YEARS

In the redwoods of Occidental, California Sanctuary Sound wasn’t just a studio—it was a creative cocoon. Artists describe sessions there as ‘making music in a treehouse,’ where Matt’s approach blurred the line between producer and midwife. Without the distractions of city life or industry posturing, albums emerged that felt truer to their creators’ visions.

That boutique ethos—where vulnerability becomes strength—is what Matt now brings to 2200 Studios’ legendary rooms. The gear is bigger, the history deeper, but the focus remains: protect the artist, serve the song.

A Five Star Recording Engineer and Music Producer, the artists he worked with have said about him —

— Top of the line quality & production... achieves that radio-ready polished sound I’ve always dreamed of.

— A gentle disposition that’s calm with practical matters and inspired with creative ones.

— Pulls the best out of performances—whether leading or following, he adapts to what the song needs.

— Leaves you so inspired, you’ll write another song right after the session.

— Crème de la crème of engineers—a gem in the industry.

— Makes the technical feel magical.

LISTEN

FAQs

Yes, I have local musicians that will come to the studio and play whatever instrument your record calls for. The average price of session musicians is $50 an hour. Alternatively, I have session musicians around the world who can play remotely, and charge $100 per song/per instrument.
The more prepared you are to record the better. Practicing as much as you can so when you are here you can make the most of the session. As well, making sure all of your parts are written and arranged. I will give plenty of feedback and we may adjust some things, but for the most part, you should have a blueprint of where you think the song should go. If you are a singer it is helpful to warm up prior to the session. Guitar players should set up the intonation on their instruments and break in strings. Drummers should tune their drums and replace heads if need be.
Matt’s rates start at $75/hour, and he’s spent over a decade helping artists—from bedroom demos to full-band productions —find creative solutions for every budget and timeline.
The best place to start? A quick chat. Matt loves connecting with artists, and he’ll happily discuss your project’s needs—no strings attached.
.wav files format - we can recommend someone to master your final mix or you can choose your own masterer. They can provide you with the final listening formats you need like .wav, .mp3, and .flac
Yes, I have an apprentice program which is an in-person learning session where I will show you how to record music. We will cover everything including music production. I do recommend that if you want to learn how to mix, to use my online mix coaching platform.