It all started with the Rupert Neve miniature I unwrapped on Christmas 2023. That little console (and a few others) pushed me to build my first diorama and kick off what would become Diamond City Mini.
But I wanted it to feel closer to the real Diamond City vibe. By 2024, when I parted ways with my full-size console, the miniature had to evolve too—updated with my Avid S1 and every piece of gear placed exactly where it belongs.
That still wasn’t enough. I obsessed over the details—the air vents, window sills, the piece of wood that hides the retractable shade—because accuracy matters. Every tiny change brought it closer to the way Diamond City actually feels. And now? It’s pretty darn close to home.
#recordingstudio #musicproducer #mixingengineer #audiophile #proaudio #homestudio #studiosetup #musicproductionlife #gearhead #miniatures #diorama #modelmaking #scaleart #craftingcommunity #makercommunity #creativeprocess
It’s been over a year since I moved on from my SSL 8000G+, and I wanted to honor it with this miniature build — over 200 pieces, designed completely from scratch in Tinkercad. Building it was a way of keeping that console close, even after parting with the real thing.
For decades, SSL consoles defined the sound of modern records — if you listened to almost any hit from the late 70s through the 2000s, chances are it was mixed on one of these desks. Punchy, musical, and endlessly flexible, they became the centerpiece of studios worldwide. SSL itself has been owned by Peter Gabriel for years, further cementing its place in recording history.
The G+ became the backbone of countless classic albums, and having a piece of that history in miniature feels like a way to keep it alive on my desk.
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#sslconsole
#ssl8000g
#solidstatelogic
#miniatures
#ministudio
#recordinggear
#mixingconsole
#recordingengineer
#proaudio
#studiolife
Phoneboy - Heartbreak Designer
It’s been a month since Heartbreak Designer was released, and I couldn’t be prouder of the band. I remember listening through the second round of demos—hearing “Wayside” and “Red Wine”—and thinking, “Wow, we’ve got a seriously great album here.” The songwriting leveled up, and the live show followed.
Watching them absolutely annihilate a sold-out Irving Plaza was surreal—the perfect way to close out the first leg. Even with earplugs in, the crowd was deafening, singing every word, crowd-surfing, viking rowing (?!), and just fully living in it. A beautiful reminder that there’s still so much joy in the world.
Produced by @_ayad_
Engineered by @_ayad_@carl_bespolka
Assistant Engineer @craigalms
Mixed by @davewmix
Mastered by @danmillice
Recorded at @diamondcitystudio
Mgmt @diamondcitymgmt@_ayad_ / @kierensmith / @mfeldman251
Booking @wassermanmusic@Jakezimerman
Label & Distribution @awal@geenakaye
Radio @in2unemusic@davelom@mikefmacnamara
Vinyl Distribution @manyhatsendevors
PR: @sfacci1
Album Art Layout & Merch @lizaaladhamy
“Everything You Do” is such a fun song — and the perfect introduction to a new chapter for The Happy Fits. Raina and Nicole have brought so much to the group, and it’s been incredible to see the band evolve.
I’ve been lucky enough to work with Calvin and Luke for three records now, and it’s easy for artists to burn out somewhere along the way, losing passion and inspiration. But this one feels nothing like that — it’s got the spark and excitement of a debut, not the 39th song of the bands career! The energy is the best it’s ever been, and honestly, this band is a reminder to keep doing what you love most!
It was also very cool to have Calvin join on the production side— and watching him grow as a music producer genuinely brings a tear to my eye.🥹🥹
Look out for what’s next!
Produced by @_ayad_ / @calvinlangman
Engineered by @cjb1110 / @calvinlangman / @_ayad_ / @carl_bespolka
Assistant Engineer @craigalms
Mixed by @daniellewarman / Jon Altschilller @chillersound
Mastered by @jlaportamasters
Recorded at @appleheadrecord@diamondcitystudio
From 2009 to 2025, bro been KNOWN how to rip 💯
Song and music video (“It’s Me” by The Spins)
out on all platforms now
And we have a NEW SINGLE, “Rain or Shine”, out at MIDNIGHT TONIGHT
Pre save at link in bio
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#passionpit #sleepyhead #guitar #guitarsolo
#synth #synthplayer #spinmagazine #guitarists
#shredding #newmusic #music #throwback
#early2000s #wherearetheynow #producer
#musicians #bands #indie #indierock #altrock
#alternative #rockbands #synthesizers #singing #epicguitar #synthpop
Phoneboy – Better Than You
The second song from their upcoming record, Heartbreak Designer, “Better Than You” was one of the first demos the band put together. After the initial writing sessions, we took a break, and when the gang came back, they had this wild, out-there bridge—fun, weird, and totally unique. We sat with it for a while and then—💡—that was the end of the song! Trying to bring it back to the chorus felt forced, but letting it shift into that unexpected ending brought the whole track to life. Plus, it was a blast chopping up a breakbeat from the live kit (featuring a piccolo snare that shall never be heard!).
As for the album? It’s incredible. The first single already shows how the band wears its influences on their sleeves while still sounding distinctively Phoneboy. Can’t wait for this one to be out in the world.
Double Standard - Sweat
Produced this one last year, and it was such a fun one! I recall hearing the demo for this and everyone was a little uncertain of how it would fit into the record - it was a very different vibe (piano and vocals?) and slower - but it had huge potential!
After hitting a wall we pulled out the drum machine (which is what you hear in the intro) programmed the beat and 2 hours later we had turned it into the real rocker that it is!!
Stoked it is out today, and to be helping them QB their release through Diamond City’s distro deal with Many Hats
This band rules. Go listen, follow, subscribe, ingest and SWEAT!
A lot of friends sent me the Lego studio thinking it was what I was working on! Still got work to do on it, but think it’s time to get moving and get some bands in the mini Stu!
