Analogue Productions has purchased The Mastering Lab (TML) from the estate of legendary mastering engineer Doug Sax.
Sax was a legend in the music industry — a mentor and friend to audio engineers, producers and musicians. With partners Lincoln Mayorga and older brother Sherwood Sax, he opened the doors to TML in Hollywood in December 1967. Relocated north to Ojai in 2006, TML remains a revolutionary, state-of-the-art company, utilizing unique concepts of signal flow and electronics pioneered by Sherwood Sax.
The Lab's custom, all-tube electronics and console are all designed and handcrafted by Sherwood. Additionally, TML was the first independent mastering facility and set itself apart by prioritizing sound quality, instead of the economic efficiencies favored by some of the major music labels.
Utilizing cutting lathes that have become legendary for vinyl LP production, the studio turned out many classic rock albums, including The Wall, Who’s Next, Nilsson Schmilsson, the Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers and the Eagles’ debut album. Sax also established a pioneering set of procedures for testing and evaluating audio components by ear. The Mastering Lab earned more Grammy nominations for engineering than any other mastering facility.