Patrick MacDougall

Patrick MacDougall

  • Senior Audio Engineer, Studios-Post Production

  • Co-director

    Audio Arts
  • Adjunct

    Television, Radio and Film

After 27 years as a recording engineer based in Los Angeles, Patrick brings his west coast recording experience to Syracuse.

A native of Oswego, New York, Patrick received his A.S. in Trumpet Performance from Onondaga Community College.  He graduated from the Recording and Engineering Program at the Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles and was immediately hired by Skip Saylor Recording as an assistant engineer.  After learning the ropes there, Patrick began his freelance career working with Mixer/Producer Brian Malouf.  For over five years, they were involved in sessions with artists ranging from Celine Dion to Slaughter, Julian Lennon, Madonna, Queen, Take 6 and Pearl Jam.

In 1995, console manufacturer Solid State Logic approached Patrick as they introduced a new product, the SL 9000 J mixing console with advanced automation and computer control facilities. He spent five years with SSL as a Product Specialist, determining specifications for clients and training their studios’ staffs and freelance engineers, both in Los Angeles and abroad.  As Solid State Logic increased their digital product line, Patrick absorbed their new technology.  The flagship of their digital consoles, the Axiom MT, became the recording console of choice for Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s private recording studios. Installation and staff training on his nine consoles led to Patrick’s next opportunity as Studio Operations Manager and Chief Audio Engineer for Mr. Allen’s company, Vulcan Inc.

For the next twelve years, Patrick recorded, edited, and mixed music for Mr. Allen and his guests around the world in places such as Russia, New Zealand, France, Italy, Greece, and Madagascar.   Patrick was instrumental in the design and outfitting of new studio construction in various studio properties, as well as those on Mr. Allen’s luxury yachts.

The list of artists Patrick has worked with is even more impressive than the places he has traveled:  Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, A.R. Rahman, and Dave Stewart (who along with Damian Marley formed the supergroup SuperHeavy), Producer/Composer Marius deVries, Sarah Brightman, Debi Nova, Dana Glover, the "Sucker Punch" soundtrack, Joe Walsh, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Robben Ford, Robbie Robertson of The Band, and Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, among others.

Patrick was involved in the creation, development and marketing of DrumCore, a drum loop library that features world class drummers playing their grooves.  The all-star cast of drummers includes Matt Sorum, Terry Bozzio, Sly Dunbar, Luis Conte, Tony Braunagle, John Tempesta, Lonny Wilson and Alan White.

Patrick remains active in recording local, regional, and national artists and has worked with Don Was and his All-Star Band for the One World concert held at Syracuse University’s Carrier Dome, David Crosby, Voices of Afghanistan, Mike Powell, Savannah Harmon, Tanksley, FLOTUS, Solon Quinn Studios, Joe Davoli and Mikel Paris.

Patrick is a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS).