BIOS
EQUIPMENT
THE SPACE
CLIENTS
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BIOS

ROBBY SCHWARTZ

(Producer, Engineer, Composer/Arranger, Manager)

Robby Schwartz holds a Masters in Music in Studio Composition from Purchase College and a Bachelor of Science degree (in Music and Biology) from Fairfield University.  He has a passion for education and spent a year  as a volunteer in Quito, Ecuador teaching music, english, adult education, and special education at the Centro del Muchacho Trabajador.  During his time at Fairfield University, he led ensembles like the all male a cappella group, The Bensonians, the Jazz Ensemble, and his local blues/rock band, The Lionfish. Robby has been an active composer, arranger, pianist, and singer for many years, performing as a bandleader, Musical Director, and solo performer. This strong passion for music and performing led him to pursue his MM at the conservatory at Purchase College (2019). While at Purchase, he produced and released his first solo album, “American Still,” a multi-genre musical exploration of American society. Robby has taught for many programs, including Education Through Music and Fairfield Performing Arts Studio. Having previously collaborated with James on albums with the Bensonians and the Lionfish, Robby joined the Firecat team in 2019 after completing a degree in Studio Composition. Robby has recorded and produced A Cappella, Voiceovers, and music from Rock bands to jazz, classical, and Asian-Latin fusion. In addition to performing and composing, he currently runs Firecat Audio/Soho Recording and teaches at University of New Haven. Robby lives with his wife, Samantha (an ER physician) and their handsome tuxedo cat, Loki, in Brooklyn, NY.

ZACK O’BRIEN

(Producer, Engineer, Composer/Arranger)

Zack is a songwriter, producer, teacher and audio engineer living in Croton on Hudson, NY. Before completing his Masters in Studio Composition from SUNY Purchase, he spent years as a guitarist and songwriter in bands Yucky Duster and Slonk Donkerson, during which he toured extensively and recorded albums that have received praise in The Guardian, Stereogum, VICE and more. He writes and records music as Starstruck, and released his solo debut on System Dialing Records in 2020.

Hallway Profile_retouched

JAMES BYRON SCHOEN

(Founder, Engineer/Producer, Composer)

James has decades of experience on both sides of the glass and has been recognized widely for both his audio production skills and his musicianship and composition, drawing both critical praise and the admiration of his musical mentors, such as Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull.  He formed FireCat (formerly JBS Recording) in 2007, where he has developed a long and varied portfolio, recording voice with Kris Kristofferson, working on shows with the BBC, American Public Media and TLC, corporate projects with Pepsi, fictional podcasts and a slew of musical projects with pioneering NYC musicians in genres ranging from classical, to progressive rock, to acoustic folk to heavy metal, to Latin Jazz and hip hop.  He’s also recorded nearly one hundred a cappella albums with collegiate groups throughout the northeast. When he’s not recording, mixing, mastering and producing work for others, he’s working on his own albums and touring domestically/internationally with his band Edensong.

James graduated with degrees in music and computer science from Wesleyan University, where his thesis was awarded honors by musical luminaries Anthony Braxton and Neely Bruce among others.  This thesis went on to become “The Fruit Fallen,” the debut album from Edensong and paved the way for a performance career with the band. Also while at Wesleyan, he was a member of co-ed a cappella group Quasimodal, which sparked his interest in the style and career of recording it! “James Schoen cares about great sound.”- Bob Katz, mastering engineer.

JARED PAUL

(Audio Engineer, Producer, Sound Designer)

Jared is an audio engineer, sound designer and musician/composer serving NYC locally, or anywhere in the world remotely.  His work can be heard on numerous films, commercials, albums, podcasts (WNYC studios and Vox Media) and more.  His services include Recording, Mixing, Audio Post Production for Film & Video, Surround Mixing, Sound Design, Music Production, Foley, Location Recording, Live Sound, Composition, Arrangement, Beatmaking, Guitar and Audio Consulting.

EQUIPMENT

  • Focusrite Red 16-Line Audio Interface
  • Apogee Symphony I/O Mk II Thunderbolt with (2) 8×8 cards
  • (2) Universal Audio 6176 Preamp/Compressors
  • (4) Universal Audio Twinfinity 710 Preamp/Compressors
  • Great River MP-2NV Stereo Preamp
  • (2) BAE 312A Preamps
  • (2) Grace m501 Preamps
  • (2) Universal Audio 4-710D Preamp with Conversion
  • Presonus Bluetube Stereo Tube Preamp
  • Avalon U5 Direct Box
  • Summit Audio TD-100 Tube DI
  • Dangerous D-Box Monitoring and Analog Summing
  • MOTU 8Pre-es Thunderbolt/USB/AVB Audio Interface
  • MOTU 828mk3 FW/USB Audio Interface
  • MOTU 896HD Firewire Audio Interface
  • MOTU Traveler Firewire Audio Interface
  • Apogee Duet 3 Dual Channel USB Audio Interface
  • DBX 160A Compressor/Limiter
  • Symetrix Peak-RMS Compressor Limiter
  • Apogee Ensemble Firewire Audio Interface
  • Ashly CLX52 Dual Channel Compressor/Limiter
  • Presonus Central Station with Remote Control
  • Samson S-Phone Headphone Preamp
  • BLUE Blueberry Microphone
  • Peluso P12 Multipattern Tube Microphone (on request)
  • (2) AKG C414B-XLS Microphone
  • (2) BLUE Dragonfly Microphone
  • (2) Neumann KM 184 Microphones (matched pair)
  • Earthworks SR-30 Microphone
  • Shure SM 81LC Microphone
  • (2) Shure SM-7B Microphones
  • (3) Sennheiser 421 Microphones
  • AKG C-3000 Microphone
  • AKG C-1000S Microphone
  • (2) Rode NT3 Microphone
  • (2) Audix D6 Microphones
  • Audix i5 Microphone
  • Audix OM7 Microphone
  • Audix APS 911 Microphone
  • Sennheiser e906 Microphone
  • (2) Cascade Fat Head SP Ribbon Microphones
  • (2) BLUE Encore Microphones
  • (2) BLUE Bluebird Microphones
  • 6 Sennheiser E604 Microphones
  • (2) Shure SM-57 Microphones
  • (3) Shure SM-58 Microphones
  • Shure PE 45 L Microphone
  • Sony Electret ECM-44B Lapel/Contact Microphone
  • AudioTechnica PZM Unidirectional Condenser Microphone
  • Behringer ECM 8000 Linear Measurement Condenser Microphone
  • M Audio Nova Condenser Microphone
  • ElectroVoice 635A Omnidirectional Dynamic Microphone
  • (2) Quested VH3208 Passive Midfield Monitors
  • (2) Bryston 6B 500W mono amplifiers
  • Audeze LCD-X Headphones
  • Burson Fun PC-100 Headphone Amplifier
  • Hearback PRO 16 Channel Monitoring System with ADAT input
  • Hearback Personal Monitoring System
  • Shure SRH840 Headphones
  • Shure SRH440 Headphones
  • Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO Headphones
  • Sennheiser HD280 Pro Headphones
  • Sony MDR 7506 Headphones
  • Audio Tecnica ATH-M40fs Headphones
  • Various Additional Headphones (20+ pairs) from Sennheiser, Samson, Audio Technica, AKG, Sony etc.
  • MOTU Digital Performer Software
  • Apple Logic Pro Software
  • Avid ProTools 11 (available by request)
  • Waves Assorted Plug-ins/Bundles
  • 1 Universal Audio UAD-2 Quad Card
  • 1 Universal Audio UAD-2 Quad Satellite Firewire
  • Antares Auto-tune Software
  • Audio Ease Speakerphone 2
  • WaveMachine Labs Drumagog
  • Eastwest Pianos Software
  • Eastwest Symphonic Orchestra
  • Lexicon PCM Native Reverb Bundle
  • Lexicon PCM Native Effects Bundle
  • iZotope Trash, Iris, RX elements, Ozone 3
  • ’93 PRS Custom 24 Electric Guitar
  • ’01 James Goodall Concert Jumbo Acoustic Guitar
  • Martin DC-15E Acoustic/Electric Guitar
  • Ramirez R2 Classical Guitar
  • Portuguese Guitarra
  • (2) Godin xtSA Electric Guitars
  • Godin LGX-SA Electric Guitar
  • Tobias 4-string Bass Guitar
  • (2) Birdsong Custom 4 string basses
  • Gibson SG
  • Godin Freeway 5 String Active Bass
  • Roland VK8M Organ Module
  • Roland GR-55 Guitar Synthesizer
  • Roland 5 Piece V-drums
  • Kawai MP6 Stage Piano
  • DW 4-piece Maple Drumset
  • Sonor Phil Rudd Signature Snare
  • Yamaha Custom Snare Drum
  • Sabian AAX Stage Hats
  • Misc Vintage Zildjian Cymbals
  • Tabla, Djembe, various aux percussion
  • Rivera Knucklehead Reverb 100 Watt
  • Splawn 2×12 closed back guitar Cabinet
  • Rivera 2×12 open back guitar cabinet
  • Fishman Aura Acoustic Guitar Pedal
  • Fishman AFX Reverb Pedal
  • Vox Wah Pedal
  • Ernie Ball Jr. Volume Pedals
  • Omnirax Presto Studio Desk
  • SE Electronics Reflexion Filter PRO
  • Mackie MCU Pro Control Surface
  • SKB 10U ATA Effects Rack
  • Road Runner 8U Rack
  • SKB 3U Rack
  • Groove Pack 3U Rack
  • SKB Attache Case
  • Radial Passive DIs
  • Radial Reamp JCR
  • Livewire 16×4 50′ Snake
  • Proco 8×4 25′ Snake
  • Assorted Proco Ameriquad Cabling
  • Assorted Mogami Cabling
  • Assorted other Cables (BLUE, Monster, etc)
  • Assorted Pop Filters
  • Assorted Mic Stands (standard, round bottom, boom, short, telescoping etc.)
  • (4) Sterling Audio s204HA 4-Channel Headphone Amps
  • Keyboard Stands
  • Keyboard Cases
  • Assorted Drum Hardware (Thrones, Cymbal Stands, Pedals etc.)

THE SPACE

TESTIMONIALS

“James Schoen cares about great sound!”

–Bob Katz, Mastering Engineer

Bob Katz, Mastering Engineer, Digital Domain

Intelligent, clever, exciting and technically excellent new music…World class.”

–Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull

“I played bass at a session at Firecat Audio, that Robby engineered and produced. It is an incredibly comfortable space, with top-of-the-line equipment. Robby brought the best out of us, and I’m proud of the quality of that session. The staff is friendly, efficient, and really wants to get the best out of their artist. It’s a great space in a really hip neighborhood. I’m really looking forward to the next session!”

Joey D’Alessio, Bassist (Goodnight Darlings, Chasing Carmen, ZO2, Sputnik)

Joey D'Alessio

“Robby, thank you again, for everything. We’re really excited to see this album come to life! We can’t wait to record again in the spring.”

Alison, Colgate University Dischords

The Colgate College Dischords

In a nutshell… talent, creativity, extreme flexibility…a consummate professional. I have never felt more supported or safe in a recording session. First in class.

–Ben Wigler, Arizona, New Beard, Sincere Gifts

Ben Wigler (Arizona, New Beard, Sincere Gifts)

“…a pleasure to work with. We got things done quickly and thoroughly, and he really knows his stuff! He took us all the way from recording to mastering, and he did an amazing job across the board.” 

–Ben, Pizmon

pizmonColumbia University's Pizmon

“A special thank you…Words can’t express how grateful I am for the journey that led to you…Because of you, I have more than an album project: This album is a musical experience.” 

–Rachel Walker

Rachel Walker

“We just recorded our first album and we were so glad we chose Firecat Audio to record and mix our album. Not everyone is so flexible and helpful, especially with groups that have questions regarding the process. [They] even helped us through our physical and digital release processes. We couldn’t be happier with our choice! Thanks so much and we look forward to working with you again! “ 

–Ben, The Bensonians

The Bensonians of Fairfield University

“There’s no better space, no better sound, no better knowledge. I’ve been making music and living my dreams for over 10 years and it is truly unforgettable.”

–Par-Zero Bermudez

Par-Zero Bermudez

“Working with James on our album was the best decision we ever could have made. From day one…supportive and responsive with any questions or worries we had about the album process…patient and enjoyable to be around, but also demonstrated extreme knowledge about music and offered great advice on how to make our album the best it could possibly be. The album turned out better than we ever could’ve imagined and it really would not have been possible without his consistent support, attentiveness, and professionalism.”

–Jessie, The Shwiffs

The Shwiffs of Connecticut College

“…accomodating, remained flexible through some logistical setbacks and produced a beautiful recording in an unlikely location. His expertise led to a wonderfully smooth session that resulted in a record done in a single day! We cannot recommend him highly enough.”

–Barry Seroff, Composer/Performer (Lapis, Democracy, Accidental Villain)

Barry Seroff

“Recording our album was an all-around wonderful experience. Not only is he an expert at the technical aspects of the process, but he also respected our group’s style and direction, while providing helpful commentary and suggestions to aid us in creating the sound we strive for.”

–Naomi, The Vassar Devils

The Vassar College Devils

“…a professional and a true musician, putting the utmost care into achieving the ideal sound in his recording. He is an absolute pleasure to work with, and the end result of his meticulous craftsmanship is a major studio-quality product, within a realistic budget. We are thrilled with the depth and clarity of the drum tracks on our album, and cannot recommend Firecat Audio highly enough.” 

–Joe Morse, Astronaut Down

Astronaut Down

“We all had a wonderful time recording. He was very professional, flexible, and knew exactly how to attack recording an a cappella group (an art in and of itself). Our finished product was head over heels better than our previous records, and with a much lighter price tag. We can’t wait to work with Firecat again.” Mark, Bobolinks

–Mark, The Bobolinks of Middlebury College

The Bobolinks

“Firecat Audio was great to work with…an extremely flexible schedule and was more than willing to experiment with many different recording techniques to achieve the sound we were looking for. We couldn’t be happier with the way our CD turned out.” 


–Jonathan, The Longfellows of Bowdoin College

The Longfellows

Thank you so much!!!! The tracks sound amazing, and we could not have asked for better results. I’m so excited to get this album out for everyone to hear! Thank you for your hard work, flexibility, and continued patience.


–The Decibelles, Dartmouth College

The Decibelles
“Dear Robby, Thank you for getting me the mixes faster than I’d expected. I’m happy with the direction you went, and many of your arranging choices bring structure and clarity to the songs. Thanks also for a touch of grace and serendipity…”
David Soler, The Shaolin Cowboys
The Shaolin Cowboys

“Robby helped me record and produce two very special songs I wrote for my wedding. The process was fun, thorough, and efficient, and the results were great. My wife loves them and I can’t wait to work on our next project together.”

Chris Finelli

Chris Finelli

“Immediately upon working with Robby, I recognized the value of his talent, work ethic, and professionalism. He quickly became a vital contribution to the success of the students’ performances…Students and parents have offered countless complements on Robby’s teaching and leadership.”

-Jennifer Kenny, Owner/Director at FPAS

Jennifer Kenny, Fairfield Performing Arts Studio

CLIENTS

We’ve worked with:


BBC, Authentic Entertainment, TLC Network, IdeaRocket, American Public Media, Minnesota Public Radio, Gabriel Urbina, Zach Valenti, Long Story Short Productions, Gerry Gartenberg, Michael Fox, Alex Karpovsky, Kris Kristofferson, Gato Loco, Edensong, Sincere Gifts, Matt C White, Benjamin Wigler, Rob Zahn, J Antonette, Glass Hammer, Jimmy Wong, Rachel Walker, Michael Friedman, Trent Bell, New Beard, CKAY. Noah Baerman, The Colgate College Resolutions, Columbia University’s Pizmon, The Cornell University Class Notes, The Bensonians of Fairfield University, The Vassar College Devils, The Middlebury College Paradiddles, Wesleyan University’s Notably Sharp, The Boston College Heightsmen, The Wellesley College Widows, Hamilton College’s Tumbling After, Robert J Bernstein, Greg Barris, The Jazz Groove, Ned Kihn, Nick Fiore, Kristen DiMercurio, Tony Waldman, Grok, Fenix Intl, Gildan Media, Mark Stevens, Eric Meyers =, Barry Seroff, Dead Seconds, Orphan Jane, Divine Records, Hands Down Productions, Par-Zero Bermudez, Lou Fortunate, Xavier Simmons, Rami Awn, The Accidental Villain, Henry Baker, The Lionfish, Rob Canora, Stefan Paolini, Verse the Empire, Frank Ocasio, Terra Incognita Festival, Tim Cluff, Kelly McIntyre, Christopher James, The Wellesley College Tupelos, The Cornell University Callbaxx, The Poor Richards of Franklin and Marshall, Keene State’s Chock Full ‘O Notes, Elizabethtown College’s Melica, The Trinity College Trinitones, The Williams College Octet, The Williams College Springstreeters, The Columbia University Kingsmen, The Skidmore Accents, The Boston College Sharps, Boston College’s Shaan, The Smith College Smiffenpoofs, The Dartmouth College Rockapellas, Columbia University’s Notes and Keys, Vassar College’s Measure 4 Measure, The Vassar College Accidentals, The Middlebury College Mountain Ayres, New York University’s Ani V’Ata, The Middlebury College Bobolinks, The Middlebury College Mamajamas, The George Washington University Sirens, The The Muhlenberg College Dynamics, The Bowdoin College Longfellows, The Vassar College Night Owls, Brandeis University’s Proscenium, Skidmore College’s Drastic Measures, Brown University/RISD’s Harmonic Motion, The Wesleyan University New Group, Wesleyan University’s Quasimodal, The Skidmore College Sonneteers, Wesleyan University’s Onomatopoeia, Rebel Ensemble, Blockstack, David Toth, KHJ Brand Activation, Paul Anthony Rivers, Sources for Students, EMC Corporation, Smooth Operations, The Yellow Box, The Carvels, Ricardo Rios, Carlota Gurascier, Shadow Circus, Daniel Emond, EmZ Music, ME Grant, Oneironaught, Los Gringos Locos, The Wandering Cellist, Astronaut Down, Babijoker, The Lehigh University Echoes, The Yale University Shades, The Amherst College Sabrinas, Muhlenberg College’s InAcchord, Bowdoin College’s Boka, Yale Out of the Blue, The SUNY Binghamton Treblemakers, The Dartmouth Decibelles, The Colgate Dischords, The Sing Dynasty of Dartmouth College, Hamilton College’s Special K, The Alef Beats of Brown University, The SUNY Geneseo Southside Boys, The Shwiffs of Connecticut College, Columbia University’s S’madar, Franklin and Marshall’s Sweet Ophelia, The Loyola Chimes, The MIT Cross Products, White Kids N Reverse, David Soler, Lapis, The Station Myth, Kid NixonAlex Feigin, Chris Daven, Matt Greene, Hanalea, Shwinn Ricci, Big Wayde, Ryan Berthod, Ian Carleton, Akeino Jr, John Federico, Max Yanker, Ben Gartenberg, Sergio Bochert, Rudnei Graczyk, Marcus Carr, Andrea Brave, Phor, Michael Ballen, Thom Beers

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