RSR539 - Phil Wagner - Advancing Sound Quality From Soundworks to Solid State Logic - Recording Studio Rockstars

RSR539 – Phil Wagner – Advancing Sound Quality From Soundworks to Solid State Logic

What does it take to lead two of the biggest names in pro audio?
Phil Wagner shares how he went from NYC engineer to running SSL and Apogee - and why the best technology still starts with listening.


My guest today is Phil Wagner, a longtime pro-audio industry leader who’s helped shape some of the most respected recording technologies in the world.

Phil began his career in New York City at Soundworks Studios, working hands-on as a recording engineer before moving into product development and leadership roles. Over the years he’s served as President of Apogee Electronics, U.S. President for Solid State Logic, and has collaborated with legendary studios, artists, and manufacturers across the globe.

With decades of perspective bridging the analog and digital eras, Phil shares insights on consoles, converters, immersive mixing, and the business of audio, along with stories from the front lines of pro audio innovation.

A big thank - you to Fadi Hayek at SSL for the introduction!

Thanks To Our Sponsors:

Get hands-on training and launch your music career at SAE Institute Nashville! Learn studio production, live sound, and audio for film using industry-standard gear, taught by experienced pros.The next program starts January 12, 2026 - don’t wait! With diploma, associate, and bachelor’s programs, SAE helps you build real-world skills. Visit nashville.sae.edu to fill out an inquiry form and schedule your personal campus tour today!

Power up your mixes, masters, and post-production with iZotope’s Holiday Sale! Get Insight 2 free for a limited time, iZotope’s pro metering plugin, and save 30% or more on pro mixing and audio repair tools like Nectar 4, RX 11, and Neutron 5. Bundle and save 30% on pro audio toolkits: Music Production Suite 8, Post Production Suite 8.6.
Looking for smart problem-solvers? Catalyst Series effects like Aurora and Velvet are just $29 each. iZotope.com

Holiday Sale at Native Instruments: get Creative Chords, a brand-new Massive X Expansion available free for a limited time, featuring 50 chord-based presets built around Chord Mode. Plus, unlock even more savings with tiered discounts across instruments and effects - and explore special pricing on Traktor X1 MK3, Traktor Z1 MK2, Maschine Grooveboxes and Kontrol S-Series at Native-Instruments.com

The holiday season is here and so are the savings! ADAM Audio gear that makes a real difference, now with limited-time holiday discounts. Available in the ADAM Audio webstore and at participating resellers.
Shop now at Adam-Audio.com

Bring classic analog power to your studio with Spectra 1964 and the STX 600 Complimiter Mic Pre. Combining a world-class microphone preamp with a musical, fully analog compressor/limiter, the STX 600 delivers bold tone, control, and punch in a single unit. A unique and powerful tool for capturing inspiring performances. Discover more at Spectra1964.com

Make your next record with me at the newly remodeled RSR headquarters and experience the ability to hear your music in holographic detail with the Phantom Focus System PFS HD1000 monitors. TheToyBoxStudio.com

Win over $1,500 in pro studio gear with the Pickr Giveaway! Score a Shure SM7 mic, a UA Apollo Twin interface, and Audio-Technica headphones - everything you need to get your music out into the world:
1. Download the free Pickr app.
2.Create your profile.
3.Post “I’m winning with Pickr” to the board in the app.
One lucky winner announced at the end of January.
 Download free at Pickr.com

The Grace Design M701 audio interface delivers pristine sound quality with exceptional headroom and ultra-low noise performance. Designed for all types of recording facilities, it offers transparent conversion and powerful monitoring in a compact, elegant form. A studio essential you can count on. GraceDesign.com

⬇︎⬇︎Scroll down to listen⬇︎⬇︎

Listen TO THE PODCAST here⬇︎⬇︎⬇︎⬇︎


LISTEN TO DISCOGRAPHY ON TIDAL


Website Links:

www.linkedin.com/in/phil-wagner

Facebook: @Phil Wagner
A photo album of 600 recording studio shots from Phil’s storied career with SSL and more: @Phil’s photo album

Additional podcast editing and production by:
Vlad Vasilcenko
Daria Tupesis

MixMasterBundle.com
Take your music from sounding like a basement demo to professional radio-ready mixes with my free introductory mixing course using stock and free plugins at MixMasterBundle.com!