Business Details
16 Years
experience
Professional Music Production & Mastering Services in North Collins, NY
Established in 2010, LBA Studios is a 40-track professional recording studio dedicated to delivering high-quality audio with an inspiring analog sound. Our facility features a meticulously restored AMEK Big 44 analog console and an Otari MTR-12 analog reel-to-reel tape recorder, creating a unique sonic environment. Located just 45 minutes south of Buffalo, NY, we offer music production, recording, mixing, and mastering services for all genres, complemented by band photography and session musician connections.Our founder, Mike Congilosi II, brings over 20 years of experience with Pro Tools and a Master of Music degree from SUNY Purchase College. We combine vintage and modern equipment to achieve a genuine sound, including custom analog electronics designed in-house. Our services cater to artists seeking polished recordings without excessive costs, supported by flexible pricing options and a commitment to capturing each client's musical vision.
Services
Music Production
Analog Mixing
Mastering
Band Photography
Session Musicians
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of professional recording experience with diverse music genres
- State-of-the-art analog equipment including restored AMEK Big 44 console
- Custom-designed analog electronics for unique sound quality
- Affordable rates with flexible package options available
- Convenient location just 45 minutes from Buffalo, NY
What people say
Exceptional analog warmth
Experienced engineering team
Vintage equipment collection
Competitive pricing packages
Creative atmosphere
Services
Music Production
LBA Studios offers comprehensive music production services in a professional analog environment. Our 40-track facility features vintage and modern equipment, including a restored AMEK Big 44 console and Otari MTR-12 tape machine. Artists benefit from our acoustically tuned rooms and extensive collection of microphones, amplifiers, and instruments. The studio accommodates diverse genres with multiple tracking spaces and personalized audio mixers for headphone monitoring.
Analog Mixing
Our analog mixing services utilize the AMEK Big 44 console and Otari MTR-12 tape recorder for authentic analog warmth. Engineers can mix directly to tape for natural compression effects or use hybrid digital-analog workflows. The service includes computer-controlled dynamics and automation with total recall capabilities. Clients receive high-resolution analog mixes with optional tape-based revisions for optimal sonic character.
Mastering
Professional mastering services combine analog and digital processing through premium equipment chains. The process utilizes the LBA Flux Bender EQ, Elysia X Filter, and Fairchild 602 limiter alongside Lynx converters. Mastering includes tape transfer options for added warmth and dynamic control. Tekton Pendragon speakers ensure precise monitoring, with revisions available to perfect the final product.
Band Photography
On-site band photography captures artists during recording sessions using professional Canon R6 Mark II equipment. The service includes lighting setup and basic editing for promotional materials. Off-site shoots are available with hourly rates covering travel time. High-quality images complement musical projects with visually compelling content for marketing and media purposes.
Session Musicians
LBA connects clients with local session musicians for various instruments including drums, guitar, and bass. The service accommodates projects requiring specialized instrumental expertise not available in-house. Musicians work within the studio environment to maintain sonic consistency, with audition samples reviewed prior to booking sessions for optimal artistic compatibility.
People
Mike Congilosi II
Owner, Music Producer, Recording Engineer
Mike Congilosi II founded Lightning Boy Audio in 2012 after earning music degrees from SUNY Purchase College. With 20+ years of Pro Tools experience, he has worked with hundreds of artists across multiple genres. His expertise includes analog electronics design and vintage equipment restoration, contributing to LBA Studios' distinctive sound quality.
Questions
What recording equipment does LBA Studios use?
LBA Studios features a restored AMEK Big 44 analog console, Otari MTR-12 tape machine, and extensive vintage microphones. Our gear includes Neumann mics, Fairchild compressors, and custom analog electronics designed in-house.
Do you offer mixing and mastering services?
Yes, we provide analog mixing starting at $300/song and mastering at $30/song. Both services utilize premium analog chains with optional tape-based processing for enhanced warmth and dynamic control.
What payment options are available?
We accept major credit cards and bank transfers. Payment plans may be arranged for larger projects. Tape usage fees and session deposits help ensure equipment maintenance and studio availability.
How far is the studio from Buffalo?
LBA Studios is located 45 minutes south of Buffalo, NY, near the intersection of US62 and NY249 in North Collins. Detailed directions are available on our website for easy navigation.
Do you work with session musicians?
Yes, we connect clients with local session musicians for various instruments. Artists can submit audition samples for consideration, ensuring musical compatibility before booking recording sessions at our facility.
Reviews (2)
Martin Schank
Aug 27, 2018
Report
As someone who has NEVER recorded, I was well directed and "coached" patiently through all the processes of recording my album "Gravy Train". Mike Congilosi can listen to ideas, and use his skill to offer good,concrete options and suggestions. He is clear and knowledgable about the costs/benefits of any decisions an artist might make. Mike was/is most adept at using the equipment he designs/chooses to get the optimal results for whatever you might ask him to accomplish. He KNOWS his equipment, which is all first-rate, and can tailor the set-ups to produce the desired texture and feel of the end
Doug Osborne-Coy
Nov 22, 2016
Report
My experience at LBA Recording Studio was everything I had hoped for and then some. Mike Congilosi II served as the producer and engineer for my 10-song project. As a result, the finished tracks met and exceeded my vision. What makes LBA Recording Studio special is that it excels equally in three key areas - equipment, skill and talent. The gear at LBA, much of which has been created and refined by Mike himself, is top-notch. Everything needed to capture the music at the highest audio level possible is right on hand. And the gear is in the hands of a true professional. Mike has mad skills as
