Howard Massey

Howard Massey is a music industry veteran known for his work as a recording engineer, producer, music journalist, and author of multiple books on music production and industry figures. His career spans over four decades, during which he has collaborated with notable artists and written extensively about audio recording techniques and music technology. As an author, Massey has written several influential books including "Behind the Glass," a collection of interviews with top record producers and engineers, and its sequel "Behind the Glass Volume II." He also co-authored "The Great British Recording Studios," which documents the history of Britain's major recording facilities and their contributions to popular music. Massey's technical expertise is reflected in his instructional works, including "Here, There and Everywhere: My Life Recording the Music of The Beatles," co-written with Beatles recording engineer Geoff Emerick. His writing has appeared in numerous music industry publications, and he has served as a consultant for various audio technology companies. His dual background as both a hands-on recording professional and a writer has allowed him to bridge the gap between technical expertise and accessible music industry journalism. Massey continues to contribute to the field through his writing and documentation of recording industry history and techniques.

Readers consistently highlight Massey's ability to translate complex recording concepts into clear explanations. The "Behind the Glass" series receives praise for its detailed interviews that reveal practical studio techniques and creative processes. What readers liked: - In-depth technical information presented in accessible language - First-hand accounts from industry professionals - Historical accuracy and research in "The Great British Recording Studios" - Practical insights for audio engineers and producers What readers disliked: - Some find certain technical passages too dense - A few note redundant information across books - Occasional complaints about organization and index quality Ratings across platforms: Amazon: "Behind the Glass" - 4.7/5 (180+ reviews) "Great British Recording Studios" - 4.8/5 (90+ reviews) Goodreads: Average 4.2/5 across all titles One recording engineer writes: "Massey asks the questions other engineers want answered." A music producer notes: "The technical detail is perfect - not too basic, not too complex."

Behind The Glass - A collection of interviews with music producers discussing their recording techniques and philosophies, featuring insights from George Martin, Phil Ramone, and others.

Behind The Glass Volume II - A second volume of producer interviews covering modern recording approaches, with contributions from Butch Vig, Jimmy Jam, and additional industry figures.

The Great British Recording Studios - A detailed historical account of major British recording facilities from the 1940s to 1970s, including technical specifications and notable recordings made at each location.

Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust - Co-written with Ken Scott, this book chronicles Ken Scott's engineering and producing career with The Beatles, David Bowie, and other artists.

Here, There and Everywhere: My Life Recording the Music of The Beatles - Co-written with Geoff Emerick, this memoir details Emerick's experiences as recording engineer for The Beatles.

500 Recording Tips: Essential Tips for Busy Engineers - A technical reference guide providing specific recording techniques and solutions for audio engineers.

Ken Caillat documents recording studio techniques and music production history, with a focus on Fleetwood Mac and 1970s record making. His technical insights and first-hand accounts align with Massey's exploration of audio production methods.

Bobby Owsinski writes reference books about music production, mixing, and recording studio practices. His works break down professional techniques and studio workflows similar to Massey's instructional approach.

David Gibson analyzes sound recording and mixing through visual representations and technical explanations. His focus on the art of mixing and spatial audio concepts parallels Massey's technical writing style.

William Moylan examines the technical and artistic elements of sound recording and critical listening. His academic approach to audio production and engineering concepts mirrors Massey's detailed technical documentation.

Roey Izhaki covers mixing techniques and audio engineering principles with an emphasis on practical applications. His systematic examination of mixing methodologies reflects Massey's detailed approach to explaining studio practices.