THE MUSIC INDUSTRY AND SHUNYATA RESEARCH
The most critical listeners in the world are those whose careers center around the art, craft and science of music making. Every aspect of their systems is vetted with performance in mind. For 25 years, Shunyata Research products have proven invaluable to many of the world's most heralded recording engineers, producers and musicians.
Rick Rubin's Shangri-La Recording Studio
Nine-time Grammy-Winning Record Producer. Malibu, California. Artists: Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Adele, Metallica.
"Shunyata Research products made a remarkable difference in my reference system. These are not subtle tweaks… as unbelievable as it may seem, they made a greater improvement than changing the whole front end. I could not recommend them highly enough."
-Rick Rubin
Notable Credits: Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys, Run-DMC, Tom Petty, Slayer, Adele, Metallica, System of a Down, The Strokes.
Shunyata Equipment: Everest-X, Omega-X XC, Sigma-X NR, Theta NR, Venom PS10, Altaira Grounding Hub
Tucked into the hills above Zuma beach, Malibu, Shangri-La earned its place in music lore as the recording space of The Band and Bob Dylan. Many of the industry's legendary talents, including Van Morrison, Eric Clapton and Leonard Cohen recorded there. Interview footage for The Last Waltz was also recorded at Shangri-La, which gained the studio further notoriety. In 2011 Rick Rubin purchased the property after seeing it come up for sale. Although Rick maintained the property's original aesthetic and feel, including its original 1950's style kitchen and other retro-touches, he overhauled the recording spaces and brought the recording equipment up to state of the art status. Rick added a separate recording space on the property termed "The Church". Bob Dylan's original tour bus still sits in the back yard on cinder-blocks, as does the Traveling WIlbury's Air-stream trailer; both have been converted into small recording spaces.
Everywhere you look, Shangri-La's storied history combines with modern technology and recording precision. It's a surreal experience to visit a place where music history embraces modern technology. Today, Shangri-La remains an inspirational muse for recording legends as diverse as Adele, Ed Sheeran, Neil Young, Lady Gaga, Santana, U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eminem and dozens of other recording legends who view Shangri-la as a living, breathing vehicle of modern day music history.
Shunyata Research, Rick Rubin and Shangri-La Studio
Rick Rubin introduced himself to Shunyata Research at the 2004 CES, having heard multiple positive reports from colleagues. A few weeks later, Shunyata's Grant Samuelsen was invited to visit to Rick's home in L.A for what would be the first of many listening sessions over the ensuing years. Results from those early visits evolved into a friendship. In 2013 Rick invited Shunyata Research to visit Shangri-La for the first time to install power distribution for the iconic studio as part of an equipment over-haul. Since then, Shunyata Research has visited regularly, as recently as 2026 to update Shangri-La's studio with its finest performing products, including the Everest-X, Omega-X power cords and Altaira grounding products.
Shangri-La's multi-talented recording engineer Eric Lynn is also a friend and advocate for Shunyata Research, having worked with Shunyata products for years at the helm of the studio. Eric noted the dramatic improvements when using Shunyata Research products with their custom analog consoles and ATC monitoring system. Shunyata products continue to represent an integral aspect Shangri-La's state of the art recording studio.
David Gilmour's Astoria Studio
London, UK based studio of Pink Floyd's David Gilmour
"Power is such an integral, but often overlooked part of the whole system, especially in the modern digital environment. The Delta-X's have been the icing on the cake for us. They make an instant difference, effectively adding resolution and depth to our whole signal chain whilst reducing the noise floor."
-Phil Taylor, David Gilmour's Astoria Studio
Notable Credits: Pink Floyd, David Gilmour, Muse, Richard Wright, Kula Shaker.
Shunyata Equipment: Delta-X, Alpha-X XC, Theta NR
Originally constructed in 1911, the Houseboat "Astoria" was renovated into an iconic high-performance studio by Pink Floyd's David Gilmour in 1986. Astoria is widely regarded as one of the most technically advanced recording studios in the world by those in the music industry who have visited or recorded there. Astoria's control room is replete with a surround system of ATC speakers and highly modified electronics including a broad suite of digital components. Outside of the stunning main control and monitor room, Astoria features two purpose-built sound rooms for recording. Not only was Astoria used for Pink Floyd’s final three iconic recordings, it also became popular as a studio for many other celebrated artists. To this day, Astoria studio is by any measure considered to be one of the most historic and finely calibrated studios in the music industry.
Little more needs to be said about the extraordinary talent and finely tuned ear of recording artist, producer and guitarist David Gilmour. By any measure, David’s signature sound and instinct for accuracy, timing and tone are legendary. Shunyata Research is proud to have been a silent partner to Astoria Studio for the past 23 years.
Shunyata Research & Astoria Studio
Studio Manager Phil Taylor contacted Shunyata Research in 2004 about a product audition after reading about the brand in a UK industry article. The resounding success of Astoria’s initial evaluation led to an invitation for Shunyata Research’s Grant Samuelsen and CEO Caelin Gabriel to visit the studio. These initial visits led to a friendship and partnership between Astoria and Shunyata Research that has lasted almost a quarter century.
Soon after Shunyata Research’s early visits to Astoria, the studio generously reached out to other legendary recording engineers and facilities. Lucasfilm’s Skywalker Sound and iconic recording engineer James Guthrie were two of many noteworthy referrals made by Astoria Studio Manager Phil Taylor.
Most recently, Shunyata Research supplied Astoria studio with 7 Delta-X power distributors and power cords for an update to the Astoria's studio's equipment. Shunyata's Grant Samuelsen visited the studio again in Sept. of 2026.
"Astoria is one of the most technologically advanced studios in the world." ~ Jeff Touzeau, TapeOp.com
James Guthrie's Das Boot Studio
Multiple Grammy-winning, Oscar-nominated producer, songwriter, musician, and mix engineer. Lake Tahoe, California. Artists: Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, Kate Bush.
"There are many companies making products that claim to provide increased audio resolution. With their clear understanding and scientific approach, particularly to power, Shunyata Research actually delivers this performance."
-James Guthrie
Notable Credits: Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, David Gilmour
Shunyata Equipment: Everest-X, Omega-X QR power cords, Sigma-X power cords
James Guthrie's historic Das Boot Studio, based in Lake Tahoe, California needs little introduction. For those that follow music and know who the most prolific engineers are, James Guthrie and Das Boot are household names. James is one of the most influential recording engineers working today, with a legendary work history as recording engineer on some of the music industry's most celebrated recordings. Some of James' work was as a collaborator with his close friend and fellow mastering engineer Doug Sax. Together, they formed possibly the most potent duo of engineers in the high-performance recording sector.
James' recording credits include his seminal, historic work on Pink Floyd's The Wall, Roger Water's Amused To Death and Kate Bush's Hounds Of Love, among many others. James has also re-mastered the entire Pink Floyd catalogue, having previously worked on the iconic Dark Side Of The Moon for SACD. James is a perfectionist who's skills run deep in recording, mixing and as an accomplished musician in his own right. Few recording and mastering engineers working today have James' ear for detail and talent for truly spectacular work.
James Guthrie and Shunyata Research
James first contacted Shunyata Research after a referral from David Gilmour's Astoria Studio in the UK in 2003. James was so impressed with the results gained from Shunyata Research power cords during his remaster of Dark Side of the Moon, he demonstrated them for visiting executives from Sony Music, Japan. Months later, Sony Music Studios SACD project purchased more than 20 of Shunyata Research's reference model power cords. More recently, James completed the Dolby Atmos re-masters of Pink Floyd's entire music catalogue using the Shunyata Research Everest and Omega power cords. James continues to advocate the use of Shunyata Research products to his esteemed colleagues and remains a good friend.
"We’ve been enjoying the increased resolution that comes with using Shunyata Research products in my studio for many years now, starting with the 5.1 mix of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon back in 2003. We recently adopted Shunyata's power cables and Everest power distribution system for the new 2023 Dolby Atmos mixes of The Dark Side of the Moon and Animals. In the digital world, clean power is essential to audio quality. There are many companies making products that claim to provide increased audio resolution. With their clear understanding and scientific approach, particularly to power, Shunyata Research actually delivers this performance."
~ James Guthrie, Grammy-winning recording engineer
David Rawlings' Woodland Studio
Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, musician, and mastering engineer. Nashville, Tennessee
"We performed an additional evaluation within our mastering chain using the Shunyata Everest-X. We immediately noted an improvement in the tape machine’s noise floor, along with a reduction just shy of 3 dBu in the higher frequency range. Notably, the high-frequency noise peaks previously detected by the analyzer were no longer present. As a result, I now consider our mastering chain’s noise floor to be exceptional."
-Dave Rawlings and studio engineer Brent Bishop
Notable Credits: Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, Robert Plant, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dawes, Willie Watson
Shunyata Equipment: Everest-X, Sigma-X XC power cord, Alpha-X power cords, Theta NR power cords, Gemini Model-8, Theta speaker cables
Historic Woodland Studio in Nashville Tennessee was founded in 1967 and soon became a magnet for top national artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Joan Baez, Gordon Lightfoot, and Tammy Wynette. In 2002, legendary musicians Gillian Welch and David Rawlings saw promise in Woodland when the studio came up for sale. They purchased Woodland studio with the intent to bring it back to its glory days. As it exists today, Woodland Studio is quite possibly the finest all-analog recording studio in the world and is earning renewed recognition for the extraordinary sound quality of the seminal recordings made and produced within its walls.
Woodland is also home to Acony Records, a private record label dedicated to advancing the state of the art in analog sound quality. There is a slavish devotion to fidelity at Woodland Studio that exists almost nowhere else. From recording to analog master tape and cutting their own lacquers, to overseeing the production of each pressing, David Rawlings, Gillian Welch and engineer Brent Bishop remain involved in every facet of the process.
Woodland Studio and Shunyata Research
David Rawlings invited Shunyata Research to visit Woodland Studio through a referral from an engineer with the Tedeschi Trucks Band. After spending a full day learning about the studio’s recording process and its various sound rooms, Shunyata’s Grant Samuelsen and Scott Wheeler advised on the installation of Shunyata Research products throughout the analog chain and lacquer cutting system, as well as in the control room, where David and engineer Brent Bishop had identified issues with noise and distortion.
The results were immediate, audible and measurable, including a lower noise floor and greater detail. David also conducted a before-and-after test, cutting music from the same tape to two separate lacquers: one with Shunyata Research products in the cutting chain and one without. The improvement with the Shunyata Research system in place was dramatic and obvious to everyone present.
The results were profound enough that David Rawlings and Brent Bishop set about measuring the noise floor before and after the installation of Shunyata Research products to quantify the improvement. The following comments and measurement results speak for themselves. Based on both critical listening and objective measurement, Shunyata Research’s full system of products is now a permanent part of Woodland Studio’s iconic, state-of-the-art sound systems.
"We conducted two noise floor measurements in our Studio A control room to evaluate the impact of the Shunyata Gemini 8. We connected the Gemini 8 to the console power supply, along with two EMT tube plate reverbs. After allowing the Gemini 8 to warm up for a couple of weeks, I measured the noise floor. I then returned the console and EMT plate reverbs to house power and took a second set of measurements for comparison. On average, I observed a -2.5 dBu reduction in noise floor across the frequency spectrum with the Gemini 8 in the power chain, including a -3.5 dBu reduction at 60 Hz. Given that the EMT plates have always been a significant contributor to our overall noise floor, this level of improvement is particularly impressive.
We performed an additional evaluation within our mastering chain using the Shunyata Everest-X. We immediately noted an improvement in the tape machine’s noise floor, along with a reduction just shy of 3 dBu in the higher frequency range. Notably, the high-frequency noise peaks previously detected by the analyzer were no longer present. As a result, I now consider our mastering chain’s noise floor to be exceptional. Our Lathe's Cutting amps and Tape Machine are now living on our Everest X.
Finally, we tested the Shunyata Typhon on our mastering monitor mono blocks using familiar program material. With the Typhon in the power chain, I perceived a greater sense of focus in the lower-mids. There was also a sense of ease and sharpness, as though the speakers were delivering the program more effortlessly."
-Dave Rawlings, Brent Bishop
Tedeschi-Trucks' Swamp Raga Studio
Multiple Grammy-winning songwriters and musicians. Jacksonville, Florida
"Derek is now plugging his custom designed Allessandro amp into the Typhon T30 on tour. We found it to be very helpful in lowering noise and offering an openness in dynamics with the amps."
-Tedeschi Trucks Recording Engineer Bobby Tis
Notable Credits: Grammy for Revelator, Best Contemporary Blues Album, Solo Grammy Awards for Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks.
Shunyata Equipment: Everest-X power distributor, Omega-X QR power cords, Typhon T30 power distributors, Sigma-X power cords, Alpha-X power cords, Theta power cords, Venom 16 power distributors
Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks are each in their own right American music legends. Derek first honed his incendiary guitar talent with the Allman Brothers as their lead guitarist. Susan Tedeschi is one of the most celebrated blues and rock vocalists of her generation, with a soul drenched delivery reminiscent of a young Bonnie Raitt. Derek and Susan met in late 1999 and eventually formed their twelve-piece ensemble in 2010. The Tedeschi-Trucks band quickly evolved into one of the world’s most accomplished and celebrated super-groups, with a cast of ultra-talented musicians that play together like a close knit family.
Even the most accomplished musicians speak of Susan and Derek in reverential terms, as if they are musical royalty. From his years playing lead guitar with the Allman Brothers Band to his work today, Derek is widely regarded as one of the greatest blues and slide guitarists of all time. Susan has established an equally distinctive legacy, with a voice and guitar style that have made her one of the most influential blues and soul artists working today.
Together, along with a cast of ultra talented musicians and the phenomenal sound engineering of Bobby Tis and Brian Speiser, The Tedeschi-Trucks band stands out as one of the most talented groups of this generation.
Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and Shunyata Research
In 2023, Susan and Derek's Sound engineers Brian Speiser and Bobby Tis invited Shunyata Research to visit the studio for an evaluation. The impressive results led to a full-studio application of Shunyata Research’s power distribution system, which significantly lowered noise in their recording studio and sound rooms.
One notable result occurred when Derek Trucks connected his custom-made guitar amplifiers to Shunyata Research's Typhon T30. Derek immediately heard a dramatic improvement in sound quality and an increase in dynamic response. The impact was significant enough that he took the Typhon T30 on the band’s world tour to gain the edge in performance the Typhon provided.
GREG WELLS
Multiple Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, musician, and mix engineer (Wicked, The Greatest Showman, Katy Perry). Santa Monica, California
"The difference Shunyata Research products made was night-and-day. It felt like my studio had been supercharged."
-Greg Wells
Notable Credits: Grammy-winning producer and mixer for The Greatest Showman; Grammy-winning producer for Michael Bublé’s Higher; producer and mixer for the Oscar-nominated and Grammy-winning Wicked; Grammy-nominated production and mixing for Katy Perry. Additional production and mixing credits include Josh Groban, Céline Dion, and many others.
Shunyata Equipment: Eiger-X, Alpha-X power cords, Theta power cords, Gemini Model-8, Venom PS10
Multiple Grammy-winning, Oscar-nominated producer, songwriter, musician, and mix engineer Greg Wells is among the most widely respected figures in the contemporary music and film industries. Greg’s studio is meticulously designed around the pursuit of inspirational fidelity. No corners are cut when it comes to maximizing the performance of his recording and mixing system.
Greg has worked with many of the industry’s most accomplished artists, including Taylor Swift, John Legend, Adele, OneRepublic, Katy Perry, and countless others. A gifted multi-instrumentalist, Greg has performed on many of his own projects and collaborations. He continues to be one of the most admired and respected talents in the music industry. Perhaps more importantly, Greg invests his time and resources in philanthropic efforts that bring the gift of music to communities far beyond his home and studio in Santa Monica, California.
Shunyata Research and Greg Wells
Greg was referred to Shunyata Research by friend and fellow engineer Noah Hurwitz. Shunyata Research’s Grant Samuelsen first visited Greg’s state-of-the-art home studio in 2022 for a system demonstration and evaluation. Greg’s first words, sent via text after returning to listen to the initial product installation, were, “It’s alive!” This marked the beginning of a partnership and close friendship that has spanned the past four years. Shunyata Research continues to visit Greg frequently for system updates, new product testing, and breakfast sandwiches from Santa Monica’s Huckleberry restaurant.
Brian Lucey's Magic Garden Mastering Studio
Mastering Engineer on 12 Grammy Winners, Aria and Juno Award winners. Los Angeles California
"The [Altaira-X] hub and grounding cables do what the power cables do, giving a successful chain a better sound that's more beautiful and more preferred, both to me and my clients in testing. Overall, the performance difference was real and significant, producing a more musical product. Unfortunately for my wallet, I won't be returning this hub or its wires."
-Brian Lucey
Notable Credits: The Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys, Cage the Elephant, Depeche Mode, Michael Bublé, Ghost, Lizzo, Marilyn Manson, Lucinda Williams, The Last Shadow Puppets
Shunyata Equipment: Everest-X, Typhon T30, Altaira-X, Omega-X QR power cord, Gemini Model-8, Theta NR power cords, Sigma-X AES/EBU, Sigma-X XLR
Brian Lucey’s Magic Garden Mastering Studio in Los Angeles is one of the most finely appointed facilities of its kind. Featuring a full Dolby Atmos system alongside an analog mastering platform, Magic Garden reflects Brian’s extensive experience at the highest levels of recorded music. He has mastered more than a dozen Grammy-winning albums for leading recording artists, including his recent work with blues legend Buddy Guy.
Brian’s professional skillset is sought after because he is a technician of the first order, with a particular focus on musicality and tonal realism. Much of his success is informed by his own history as a musician and multi-instrumentalist. Having worked with iconic artists such as Robert Fripp and other legendary musicians over the years, Brian brings a depth of experience and musical training that few mastering engineers can match.
The main floor above Brian’s mastering suite is replete with instruments, including a refurbished 1930s grand piano, electric pianos, and a variety of acoustic, electric and bass guitars. Brian uses each as a constant reference, informing his goal to re-create the reality of tone, texture and emotional impact for the varied artists he works with.
Measurement Results:
"When using an analog chain for Mastering, there is never a complete null. However, the inevitable variation between analog passes through my chain using the Altaira-X hub connected to my electronics was more consistent with less random noise between passes, and also showed a deeper null in overall RMS. Random peaks diminished by as much as 5dB. The average noise was diminished by 2dB to 3dB. Testing multiple times yielded the same results, greater consistency, and less micro spiking in the low level noise."
Subjective Assessment:
"Sonically the addition of the Altaira-X was obvious and bigger than the measurement would suggest. There was an increase in dynamic scale with cleaner, more powerful low end punch. There was more space around every note along with more height and width and depth in the soundstage. The hub and grounding cables do what the power cables do, giving a successful chain a better sound that's more beautiful and more preferred, both to me and my clients in testing. Overall, the performance difference was real and significant, producing a more musical product. Unfortunately for my wallet, I won't be returning this hub or its wires."
~Brian Lucey
FAB DUPONT'S FLUX STUDIOS
Multiple Grammy-Award winning recording and mix engineer. New York City
"There was an immediate and easily audible before/after effect to this whole experience. I'll never again just 'grab a power strip' for important equipment. From now on, power gets scrutinized like every other component in my rig."
-Fab Dupont
Notable Credits: Bad Bunny, André 3000, David Crosby, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Queen Latifah, Mark Ronson, Santigold, Snarky Puppy
Shunyata Equipment: Everest-X power distributor, Delta-X power distributor, Altaira-X grounding hub, Sigma-X power cords, Alpha-X power cords, Theta power cords, Venom PS10
Flux Studio is the creation of Grammy Award winning recording and mix engineer Fab Dupont. Flux has grown from humble beginnings in 2000 to an eight room state of the art studio facility for mixing, recording and mastering at the top of the performance spectrum. Even the rooftop at Flux is employed for live music that underpins Fab Dupont's commitment to the highest musical standard.
Fab and his team Flux Studio work with dozens of successful music artists, including multi-Grammy winning Bad Bunny, Shakira, Jon Baptiste as well as David Crosby's last recordings and countless others. The rooms and equipment used at Flux utilize the finest available recording consoles, mic's and analog equipment, along with a deep bench of digital tools to extract optimum performance from every artist they work with. No detail is left unaddressed despite the breakneck work pace within the East Village's most in-demand studio.
Shunyata Research and Fab Dupont
Shunyata Research's Grant Samuelsen was referred to Fab Dupont from Mark Beaven, Co-CEO of Advanced Alternative Media, who works with a number of top recording professionals. Shunyata Research visited Fab to evaluate its latest products at the studio, including the Delta-X and X-model power cables. The dramatic performance results at Flux lead to a complete studio installation of Shunyata Research's full system of products.
"I always knew power quality mattered, considering that all audio equipment, whether analog or digital, are electrical at their core. What I didn't realize was how much it matters. Testing the Shunyata gear on a monitoring system I already considered exceptional opened my eyes both to what was possible and to the gap between where I was and where I wanted to be. Adding the Everest-X power distributor brought a difference in presence and solidity that was amazing to hear, especially in the low end. The Altaira-X ground system added another layer of solidity by grounding the speakers directly from their chassis. There was an immediate and easily audible before/after effect to this whole experience. I'll never again just 'grab a power strip' for important equipment. From now on, power gets scrutinized like every other component in my rig."
'"With the Everest-X and Altaira-X in my monitoring chain, the corrections and tuning I used to need are no longer necessary."
-Fab Dupont
Glen Tabor's GAT3 Studios
Grammy-Winning Recording Studio and Mastering Suites. Charlotte, N.C.
"GAT3 measured their results in terms of noise reduction, recording a -10dB drop in noise across all frequencies after installing Shunyata Research's power products."
-Glen Tabor
Notable Credits: James Brown, DaBaby, Post Malone, Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah, Lil Durk, Third Eye Blind, Bon Jovi
Shunyata Equipment: Everest power distributor, Sigma power cords, Alpha power cords, Sigma interconnects and speaker cables, Sigma digital cables, in-wall Atmos speaker wiring
Grammy-Winning GAT3 Recording Studio and Mastering Suites in Charlotte, N.C. has been the birth place of many great recordings and well as many recording engineers and musicians over its years of operation. This is because owner Glenn Tabor, his wife Susan and the team at GAT3 are educators as well as a team of perfectionists and music lovers. They see themselves as mentors to aspiring engineers and musicians who come through the studio.
GAT3 boasts a full Atmos system along with some of the finest electronics and studio equipment in the industry. No expense is spared when pursuing absolute fidelity in recording, mixing and mastering. Even the GAT3 video facilities are state of the art, earning a Carolina Music Video Award for Best Music Video of the Year. The video production department is overseen by Glenn's daughter Madelenn Tabor.
GAT 3 Studio and Shunyata Research
Owner and operator of GAT 3 Studios, recording engineer Glenn Tabor has quietly made it his mission to make GAT 3 one of the premier high-performance studios in the United States, outfitting the studio’s many recording spaces with cost-no-object recording and mastering gear. Glenn knew about Shunyata Research's reputation within the recording community and reached out for an audition in 2022. The GAT 3 team of engineer's response to Shunyata products motivated them to use their film production services to record their impressions. GAT 3 also measured their results in terms of noise reduction, recording a -10dB drop in noise across all frequencies after installing Shunyata Research's power products. GlennTabor continues to refer his students and clients to Shunyata Research for their projects and personal studio work.
Galup Mastering
Award-winning sound designer, Mixing and Mastering engineer. Nashville Tennessee
"Shunyata manages to remove impediments to sonic enjoyment, and present a level of detail and accuracy that reproduces sound as we would all want to hear it. My hat is off to Caelin Gabriel and his team. I will be a customer for life."
-Mark Galup
Notable Credits: Steve Earle, Quincy Jones, Mariah Carey, Margo Price, Allen Stone, Better Than Ezra, Deer Tick, The Secret Sisters, Natalie Prass, Sid Sriram, The Explorers Club.
Shunyata Equipment: Everest power distributor, Sigma-X power cords, Alpha-X power cords, Sigma-X AES/EBU digital cables
Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Galup Mastering is the private facility of award-winning sound designer, Mixing and Mastering engineer, Mark Galup. Mark has Produced, Engineered, Sound Designed, Mixed, and Mastered countless works for dozens of music artists, major record labels, publishers, and industry-leading Commercial Clients. Mark is widely respected and admired for his talents as one of the most detail-oriented mastering engineers in Nashville. Recent highlights include Steve Earle, Quincy Jones, Mariah Carey and other well known artists.
Galup Mastering and Shunyata Research
Mark heard about Shunyata Research from colleagues in the recording and mastering community and reached out in late 2024 to inquire about an evaluation. Over the course of the evaluation, he tested and compared a variety of Shunyata Research products, including the Everest, several X Series power cables, Sigma-X interconnects and digital cables. After careful testing, Mark adopted Shunyata Research’s reference-level digital cables.
Mark's experience with Shunyata Research:
"Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of evaluating and incorporating Shunyata Power and Digital technologies into my mastering room. Throughout my career, I have owned and listened to most of the premier pieces of equipment in our industry. I only keep what I find to be the most pristine, full-fidelity, and musical pieces. This includes all cabling and power choices.
When a close industry friend mentioned I should look into Shunyata further, and linked me to Caelin Gabriel’s background, I was floored. It is not an exaggeration to say that Caelin and his team at Shunyata are scientists pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the art form of recorded sound (not to mention their groundbreaking medical achievements).
In mastering, we’re typically working on the final 2-5% of icing on the cake. In a primarily analog studio like mine, this mandates that my analog chain must perform and reproduce in such a way that the full-fidelity of the program material is unscathed, and then enhanced through the careful and loving use of analog tools and techniques. And in the digital age, an analog chain cannot function at its best without scrutiny of the DAC feeding it, and the ADC capturing its output.
And thus, all of our equipment needs exceptional power delivery, and all of the digital interconnections must be handled with precision to fully enable our analog equipment and monitoring to shine. As luck would have it, this is where Shunyata’s technologies and products really deliver.
The first product range I tried was their power systems. I wanted to know exactly what they were capable of, so I went with the Everest with a Sigma power cord, several Venoms, and an array of their Gamma and Theta power cords, replacing all power in my mastering chain and monitoring environment. I tested after incorporating every piece, and with every addition, the effect became more pronounced. Ultimately what I found was that it sounded as though the dynamics throughout all parts of the frequency spectrum had more transient independence and articulation. It was like they weren’t competing for available current draw. This manifested in a more vivid and lifelike presentation across all facets of reproduction - height, width, and depth. These changes would not be dramatic to an average listener, but to an ME who sits in the listening chair every day, it’s obvious. The cumulative effect of the Shunyata system deeply impacts the end result.
Next, I experimented with their AES digital cable offerings. I had expected these changes would not be as dramatic, or possibly just different as opposed to better. Instead, I found that the digital cabling resulted in a much different aspect of improvement from the power changes, and it was significant. Furthermore, I found the higher Sigma X tier of Shunyata’s AES digital cables brought dramatic improvements over their entry-level lines.
I started with the Gamma cables first. The effect of this was what I can best describe as an improvement in accuracy of transients all the way through the detail of decays, particularly in the low frequencies. You could call it clarity or imaging. And as I stepped up and swapped the upper tier Sigma AES in its place, I found that this level of accuracy/imaging was noticeable not just in the low end but throughout the midrange and into the high frequencies.
One of the most important aspects of perceiving music as a mastering engineer, in my humble opinion, is being in touch with when the presentation of music - in all its technicalities through to its artistic intent - puts the listener at ease. What I find deeply valuable in my transition from previous power and cabling offerings to Shunyata’s scientific and puristic approach, is that I can concretely say that with each addition, every track I play (both those that I know like the back of my hand, and others that I’m working with for the first time), sound complete, unveiled, unhindered, and without any excuses needed from the listener.
I would be remiss not to mention their caliber of Customer Service. Too often in high end industries, customer service is overlooked. From the moment I first called Shunyata’s general line, I was immediately “taken care of”. Within about 20 minutes I had the pleasure of speaking to Grant Samuelsen, who not only answered all of my questions, but also introduced me to their companies numerous perspectives and products. He also avoided upselling me until I twisted his arm!
Shunyata manages to remove impediments to sonic enjoyment, and present a level of detail and accuracy that reproduces sound as we would all want to hear it. My hat is off to Caelin Gabriel and his team. I will be a customer for life."
~Mark Galup
Galup Mastering Labs
Final Analysis
Combining the documented feedback above with the profound measurement results from within the finest medical and heart surgery labs points to a level of consistency and performance that is rare in any industry. When the critical resolution of signals and images are paramount, Shunyata Research products are in a class of their own.