Cole Nystrom

Audio Consultant

Los Angeles, CA

As a lifelong musician and audio engineer with over a decade of experience, Cole Nystrom knows the ins and outs of the pro audio industry. From recording and mixing to mastering and production, Cole has worked with a wide range of artists including Macy Gray, Busta Rhymes and Rihanna. Cole is particularly proud of his work on Michael Jackson's posthumous song "Love Never Felt So Good" and Jessie Reyez's debut EP "Kiddos."

Originally from Sacramento, California, Cole first became interested in music as a drummer in punk, rock and metal bands, and later fell in love with the engineering side of music after attending music school for drums and audio engineering.

Cole's approach to making music or working on audio is hybrid, combining a range of DAWs and plug-ins with a selection of outboard gear to cater to each project and artist. When he's not working, Cole enjoys listening to a variety of music styles including heavy metal, reggae, and hip hop, and he's also a fan of playing drums and spending time with his family.

As a Vintage King Audio Consultant, Cole looks forward to bringing his extensive audio engineer experience and knowledge of different workflows to the team, helping customers find the perfect gear for their set-ups and workflows.

Q & A

How did you first become involved in recording?
After recording my band's project at a local studio when I was 16, I ended up getting my own recording set up to work on recording our projects at home. This way we would have demos to send to promoters to book shows and tours. After playing shows and touring for a few years, I went to music school for drums and did the audio engineering program as well. This is where I really fell in love with audio engineering.

What is your favorite piece of gear?
I love both vintage and modern gear. For vintage gear, I love old consoles like API Legacy consoles as well as Neve 8068/8078 consoles. Some of my favorite modern gear is by MAAG. I love Lauten Audio microphones (such as the Eden, Atlantis and the Clarion) and Overstayer compressors, like the FET and VCA compressors.

What record do you point to as an example of perfect music production? Why?
Some of my favorite older music production is on Michael Jackson's “Thriller” and “Bad”. The way the different elements are built around each other is incredible. Some of my favorite more recent productions are Tame Impala's “Currents” and Alabama Shakes' “Sound and Color”. I love the space in the production and the way the stage is set.

Testimonials

I am currently building a recording studio in Bali, and Cole has been helping me plan for and purchase most of the gear going into that studio. I am writing to you two to let you know what an outstanding job Cole has done so far. Over the past decade, I have been involved with a considerable number of construction projects, and I can say without a doubt that Cole is one of the most helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly people I have ever worked with. He always listens patiently to my needs and then gives me well-thought-out recommendations on what would work best. You two have an absolute All-Star working with you, and I just wanted you to know that (although I am sure you already do). I look forward to my continued collaboration with Cole and with Vintage King. I will be sure to let you all know how this project ends up turning out.

Chris Murphy, Malibu, California

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