Audeze talks with engineer Jacob “Biz” Morris

Jacob “Biz” Morris is a two time Grammy winning engineer. He has been the head engineer for Reach Records for about 10 years and has been working in the music industry for over 15 years.

"With the Audeze Headphones, I can be confident the sound will be quality even on the go, whether working from home, in the studio, or in another state. I have no doubt that once I am finished with a mix on these headphones, I can send the final product to my clients right away."  - Jacob “Biz” Morris

Here's our chat with Jacob:

Can you pick out any highlights from your work that you're particularly proud of?

Recording and mixing the viral hit song Coming In Hot with Andy Mineo and Lecrae.

How would you define your main role on most of the projects you work on these days?

I am the mixing & mastering engineer for a lot of artists. My main role is to make sure the quality is pleasing to all parties involved.

How did you get started in music? What kind of music did you listen to while growing up and how has that progressed?

I grew up listening to hiphop and pop music. I always loved picking apart songs and trying to figure out how they were created. At the age of 12 I got to be around a recording studio and see the process. From there, I knew I wanted to be an engineer and set off making connections and learning the craft. After high school (2008) I decided to head to audio school to continue growing the skills that helped do what I do today.

Can you name any factors that influenced the course of your musical life? Heroes, role models, moments, interactions, etc?

Carlton Lynn is one of the biggest influences. When I met him in 2011 he humbly let me shadow him and learn from him. If it wasn’t for him I would not be mixing like I do today.

Can you briefly describe a moment of frustration from your past work, and what you may have done to overcome the obstacles? Would you approach it differently now?

I think the times I get frustrated is when rooms don’t translate. I'm invested to making my mixing rooms really good because if they aren’t, you will work twice as long. If I had to build a new room I wouldn’t think twice to making it the best room possible. So If I am traveling, I want the best sounding headphones with me to work on.

Is there any gear you find yourself turning to most when working on a project? What are some of your favorite tools/instruments recently?

I love my SSL The Bus +, McDSP APB and my Dangerous Compressor. I go to these on almost every mix.

Do you have any words of wisdom for people who might aspire toward a similar path for their own careers?

Pick one thing to focus on, work on it, and be the best at it you can be. Many times I have engineers around me that (for good reasons) try to do too much and get drained. If you want to be a recording engineer, be the best recording engineer. If you want to be the best mixing engineer, be the best mixing engineer. If you want to be a touring manager, be the best TM. You can’t be great at all things.

How long have you been working with headphones, and how do you typically use them in your workflow?

I've had a few headphones and custom in ears I use from time to time...

How have your Audeze headphones affected your work?

Since incorporating Audeze (MM-500) Headphones into my workflow, I have noticed an undeniable consistency in many facets of my operations. All of my team like these headphones and are able to present a consistent sound because of this. With the Audeze Headphones, I can be confident the sound will be quality even on the go, whether working from home, in the studio, or in another state. I have no doubt that once I am finished with a mix on these headphones, I can send the final product to my clients right away.

Can you tell us what you've been working on with them recently?

Church Clothes 4 by Lecrae

As I Am by 1kPhew

New Hollywood by WHATUPRG

New music by Thad Cockrell