I never GAVE UP, and finally got a $100,000 NEVE Console!

Despite not having any talent for music, somehow, I've managed to make a career out of it. Here's my story, and why it led to my studio getting a major upgrade. Many thanks to everyone at Sweetwater for making it happen. No matter the size of YOUR studio, they can help! Click this affiliate link: sweetwater.sjv.io/Gmddk6
Disclosure: Yes, Sweetwater gave me a major discount. But I'm still broke!
About Spectre Sound Studios:
I'm Glenn Fricker, engineer here at Spectre Sound Studios. I love making records, and after doing it for sixteen years, I want to pass on what I've learned. On my channel you can find tutorials on how to record guitar, bass, real drums and vocals. There's reviews and demos of tube amps, amp sims, drums, mics, preamps, outboard gear, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, and plugin effects.
We've covered Moon on the Water, played Bias FX, given you the absolute best in Stupid Musician Texts, ranted & raved about bass guitar, and this channel is where The Eagle has Landed.
Everything you've wanted to learn about recording Hard Rock & Heavy Metal can be found right here on this channel!
I also respond to your comments & questions: The best make it into the SMG Viewer's Comments series of videos. Loads of fun, lots of laughs.
Thanks for checking out my channel & please subscribe!

[@bobmartino8073]

Congrats Glenn. You earned it.

[@scrummyvision]

facts

[@JessyWessy_]

Yes we’re all so happy for Glenn

[@462dewey]

It's the absolute best when grown adults get to experience the tingling, ecstatic, can't sit still, feel like running around the house 10x joy level of a child again. Congratulations Glenn. It's the best high ever. Enjoy the ride!

[@risanderson3533]

Congrats you talentless pric#. Keep it up. You rock 🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@seanmoore55]

As an ex Neve UK employee you have an awesome console right there. I used to be a prototype wireman back in the day and got to meet some amazing artists when they visited us. Great video and so interesting.

[@ThomasCallahan]

Seeing someone who has been consistently helpful to his community for so long reap this reward is so satisfying. Feels like something is right in the World. You and Death Angel or Exodus would be incredible.

[@Marshall_EL34]

Saw Death Angel live in 2022 ...and they fkn ripped. Sounded as good as they ever have, mind blown.

[@fragrancenut8494]

I hope one day I can own a neve bcm10/2 to track drums.

[@DorseyFaught]

I gotta say, I’m not a metal musician, I’m a country guitar player/singer who happens to love metal. I’ve learned a lot from you, and I’m stoked for you to be able get such and awesome piece of gear!

[@XRROW_]

Dude Glenns videos are applicable to all of us who write other genres of music! Its awesome how it brings us all together

[@DorseyFaught]

@@XRROW_ absolutely!

[@solosabbath8940]

"And Glenn finds a new passion... dusting and polishing mixing boards." Congrats Glenn! Can't wait to hear mixes on this thing, if we haven't been already.

[@DrMurdercock]

he literally has a mix at the end lol

[@solosabbath8940]

@@DrMurdercock Yeah jumped the gun with that Simpsons quote.

[@robertmills2058]

Glenn,congratulations, I think it's great that you showed every one of us what is possible when you stop making excuses put a plan together and never give up,when you punched in that drum audio as soon as it started playing I had this enormous smile on my face,I can only imagine what you will achieve in time,thanks for teaching us all a very important lesson.

[@sundialmusicproductions2346]

We are SUPER HAPPY for your Glenn on your new acquisition. That's quite the stepup from REAPER! Hope that you have fun and use your new powers responsibly.... :)

[@dmac3316]

Perseverance, grit, resilience. Such key factors. Congrats Glenn, well earned!!

[@soulsweet40]

I love the fact that with all the negatives you had as far as being in the music business, you persevered and made a respectable name for yourself..I'm also a music hobbyist who loves this field..and more respect that you worked 9 to 5 jobs to realize your dream...Congrats Glenn!

[@Snipersounds]

I'm so happy for you mate! That is GREAT news! This video was so inspiring! Thank you for sharing so much over all these years!

[@innervisionmedia]

Congrats dude!!! You rock. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@jayloyrecords]

The video we've been waiting for and the console Glenn sold his soul for. Congratulations OG Glenn!

[@DavidN4real]

Congratulations Glenn, happy for you man! Can't wait to see and hear all your new projects!

[@shoebuddy]

Dude this is super inspirational. It’s been amazing to be a fan of this channel and watch the growth. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

[@zoltarwizdom6708]

Been watching for a while now and I gotta say, good for you Glen, congratulations on the upgrade! I'm sure you'll mix some bangers on that beast!

[@instrumentenfreak]

Howly sheet, this is awesome! Congrats and well deserved 👌🏻 Can‘t wait to hear it in action 🤘🏼

[@CarlosWadeMusic]

Glenn I must say, I’m proud of you!!!!! I’ve been a long time subscriber and seeing your journey, and even your learning journey, is truly inspiring! I’m excited for your future mixes and videos! Keep up the grind!

[@treborretlaw]

Congrats ! Well deserved! Looking forward to the setup and debugging video!

[@DarkLightSwordFight]

Man. Glenn. Im sooo psyched for you and your whole team! What an amazing addition to your studio!!!!! 🤘🖤🤘🖤

[@Motorpunk666]

The reason why musicians don't wanna pay someone to mix their gigs is probably that they aren't getting paid themselves 😄 Congrats in your new equipment Glenn, it looks awesome! I'm glad to see all your hard work is paying off.

[@shayneoneill1506]

Hah yeah thats tragically true. Its really on the house to budget that because most of us musicians barely get enough to afford beers after the show. And if the house DID pay properly (Ie paid musicians well and put in the money for a great PA and audio guy, and perhaps throwing a bit of money at a decent light rig, cos people DO enjoy a light show) they'd find punters would come back time and time again. Its an everyone wins scenario that the bean counters will never understand. Paying musicians well gets you the best bands, paying the crew well gets you the best sound and stage. ANd then the punters will have a blast and happy punters means more beer sales and therefore a happy bar manager. Its a recipe for success.

[@StereoAnthony]

@@shayneoneill1506 Its a lot more complicated then that unfortunately. The overwhelming majority of us play in lower tier venues. Just like restaurants, these venues operate on razor thin budgets because the monthly expenses drown them. The best bands don't play in these venues because they can play in the mid and top tier venues. Lower tier venues generally only have grassroots promoters, if any, and they don't have any money either. Most live music only happens Thurs-Sat, and even if it does happen on other weekdays, people aren't drinking like the weekend. On top of that, you can't expect all the days to be bangers every week, so you're banking on 12 out of 30 days to (hopefully) cover your overhead. So this idea of the house "throwing a bit of money" for a decent lighting rig or even a decent PA generally becomes impossible. There is no extra money. The mid tier and large venues all have promotor monopolies, where these issues aren't a problem. Running a venue is still running a business, and that's exactly where the "bean counters" come in, and because they understand it, is why you have a venue that is open for you to play in.

[@senselessinductor7921]

Best advice... Get a mixing board, in ear monitors, and then mix your own sound. Send the douchebag at the soundboard 2 channels. Left and right. If they can f*ck that up, you don't need to play there anyway. (It's your sound, and you should set it yourself) *The in ears can help to fix on the fly, and are mandatory for on stage mixing. Playing with an industrial band meant that monitors were a nightmare, mixing was a nightmare, and sound guys were f*cking evil. Taking matters into our own hands was HUGE!!!

[@mrcoatsworth429]

That's absolutely true lol also for live. When I play with my band, our entire ticket sales basically goes to the FOH guy. We're playing for free.

[@MrDaveangelo1]

Congratulations, Glenn, you deserve every bit of success you have!

[@ierapetra23]

This was rewarding to watch. Getting a Neve is the ultimate reward for an engineer. You deserve it. Hope you enjoy it!

[@frayedinsanity]

Dude congrats man! This is epic and I'm genuinely happy for you. Can't wait to hear the mixes you get out of this console.

[@alauncomer4513]

Glenn, you have earned every component in that console and it brings me so much joy to see this video right here. I’ve waited years for this one with you!!! Congratulations brother!!! Here’s to making the metal world a better place!

[@Namelessforever_]

Congrats man! You deserve every knob and fader on that console! Keep going brother! Just the beginning! Windsors finest right here for sure 😎

[@boarheadblast]

That's pretty awesome, Glen! I'm looking forward to hearing your new stuff!

[@BudoReflex]

Love your enthusiasm and energy. So cool to see awesome equipment in the hands of a master.

[@BlastBeatForest]

Oh hell yea! Congratulations Uncle Glenn. The potential of Spectre Sound Studios, actualized! Best in the game. Can’t wait to see you flow on this thing in the coming months 🔥🤘💪

[@scaddc]

Congratulations, Glenn. You've definitely earned it. I would love to hear you do a remix of "The Eagle Has Landed" through the console.

[@ProducerStefanSchnabel]

Musical Congrats! Awesome! Much fun with your new central! 🤘🏻✨🎶

[@bryanunderwood]

This is really awesome! I’m happy for you, you’re living the dream! I’ve been watching this channel for years and your videos have been so helpful and entertaining. Thank you and congratulations!

[@thrivedrumming2869]

Congratulations Glen!! This certainly is well deserved. I look forward to your videos every week and love the content and advice. This is coming from 59 y.o. Drummer who has just completed one year of learning guitar under my belt. I have no idea how good I might get on guitar but I couldn’t be learning during better time in history. Thank you for your channel!

[@RJHEllis]

Glen!! You absolutely deservee this!! I have been following you since I was in secondary school and watching your video helped mold me into the engineer I am today. What inspired me even most is the hard work and humble beginnings you came which my story. Ive used you as a model to appreciate that I will make it too, just slowly, and that is okay. So I am sooo absolutelyyyy happy that this is where you are today. I hope you appreciate that youre living the dream youve always had!! Keep on being great!!!

[@wiseyoda89]

Good for you Glenn, your story is inspiring. All the best for the future!

[@georgejacob3234]

Congratulations Glen really happy for you.cant wait to see more videos and mixes.🙏

[@heavyasi1981]

You’re desire for this board is the same for me with why I play the brands I do. We all have a specific desire for certain gear, and want what we want! I’m stoked for ya man, it’s nice to have what you’ve always wanted, and is a pat on the back for all the hard work you’ve put in! And HEAVY METAL the movie RULES!!!!!

[@FultonStreetBeats]

You literally made me grin through this entire episode. Seeing you like a kid in a candy store was awesome. I'm happy for you brother! This is exactly what it's all about. Enjoy! I look forward to hearing those awesome mixes.

[@MrDingDong2]

Happy for you, man. You made it! I wish you all the best. Greetings from Norway.

[@geoffdoucette8235]

Amazing Glenn, congratulations. Been watching since you started and you've helped me so much! I definitely need more help and I'm stoked you'll be better suited to doing what you set out to do with this! Game changer!!

[@jasontanner5836]

You’ve worked very hard. It’s humbling to see the amount of perseverance required to achieve this level of success. Impressive work. I really appreciate everything you’ve done for us little guys. As a hobbyist I learn so much from your channel. Thank you

[@all-things-metal78]

Way over my head, but congratulations ,Glenn! You deserve it man!!

[@johndcoffee632]

Congrats bro, you worked hard and deserve all your success. Thanks for teaching me so much about production and here's to many more years

[@saberreiter8569]

Congrats, Glenn. Nice to see you happy and accomplished

[@DeadKoby]

Congrats Glenn. I prefer working /w/ hardware also, and find that the limitations also speed up my work too. I quit fussing and get back to working. I don't always agree with your opinions on stuff, but I've never been featured commenter, so I guess my thoughts are more leveled, and cordial. Happy record making.

[@sanjaybelkhode1103]

Congratulations, Glenn! You've earned much respect from many, please count me among them. To say your channel is great is an understatement.... Now you've earned this - looks like you're taking it to the next level. Well done!

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Ty!!

[@JNCGaming]

Legendary video Glenn! As a long time viewer of this channel I have to say I’m so proud of you! You’ve taught me so much and helped so many of us on our musical journey and we will never forget that. You deserve this Neve console and I hope it brings you great things! Thank you!

[@Batsinthebelltower]

Epic setup man look forward to hearing your new mixes !

[@jasonm3602]

Good stuff, mate. Nothing satisfies me more than someone getting the reward they worked extremely hard to get, and not expecting it to be handed to them like an entitled git. Congrats, Glen.🤘🤘👍👍🎶🎶🎸🎸

[@Sam_336]

This video is further proof of hard work paying off, congrats Glenn. You fucking deserve it

[@CekalaStudios]

Just started watching this channel, love it! Your vibes are great, and congrats on getting that console

[@huskyspade3461]

This is awesome Glenn! I can't wait to see what you share with us on this new console!

[@GearAGoGo]

It's always affirming to see someone achieve one their dreams! Glenn, you're now officially a walking morality tale about hard work and perseverance! In you place I would have brought a sleeping bag into the room and slept under its warm, glowing goodness!

[@matthewpritchard6109]

I’m not entirely convinced that ‘talent’ even exists. My hypothesis is that ‘talent’ is actually: Interest + Hard Work * Perseverance. Yes, all these three words have sub-attributes that make them up - so Interest also has attributes like enjoyment, enthusiasm, etc. But if you have the broad span of I+H*P, I suspect that’ll get you to the point where someone says, “Hey, you’ve got real talent!” And as other musicians have said, talent is almost always directly proportional to the amount of practice you do…

[@allanallan4791]

practice practice and more practice? probably, Ahaha

[@gilbertspader7974]

I think possibly talent could equate to potential. I can sing and play Bass at the same time by tremendous effort and practice. I will always suck at drums no matter how I try.

[@Geo-cs3tm]

Sorry mate, talent definitely exists. Some people are just naturally good at certain activities without any previous experience. Doesn’t mean a less talented person can’t with lots of hard work become better than the talented person though.

[@KingLinguini]

I like to separate "talent" and "skill." Talent is basically the floor that some people start at or potentially the speed at which they can develop their skill. Skill, on the other hand, is what you were talking about. It's the repeat practice, hours of grind and passion (well, hopefully you do it out of passion) in order to develop your skill. We may start at a different place. We may need a little more time than others, but yes, we could all get there given the right time, resources, and passion for what we do.

[@orphanuprising]

I think 90% of it is hard work and dedication, but we all know those guys out there than can and will reach a level above everybody else. I think some people's brains are just suited to certain tasks. There are 8 year olds out there that can shred harder than most 30 year olds who have been practicing their asses off for 10+ years. You don't _need_ to be the best player in the world. Just get good enough to play what you write, then focus on writing.

[@filipmakesthings]

Hey Glenn! Congratulations, you deserve this beauty! You worked hard for it and you help so many of us get better at mixing. Also, I love the angle at the beginning o the video. Keep up the good work and I cant wait for more mixing tutorials, studio gear and hidden gems videos!

[@dobroslaw_yt]

Congrats. It really shows that hard work pays off, and not giving up is the key.

[@VinceMusicianG]

Happy for you man, looking forward to hearing the new stuff you produce im sure as with any good new peace of equipment youll find a fresh inspiration to produce great things.

[@paymantavasoly3262]

I'm deeply happy for you, Glenn. You deserve every bit of this generous console. Congratulations, man 🎉

[@spectralaudioco]

Inspiring. Stoked for you Glenn!

[@Rhuggins]

Congratulations Glenn! I can only imagine how ecstatic you must be! Awesome stuff 🙏🏽

[@JNo-sk5mz]

Amazing, Thanks for showing us the journey. Congratulations!

[@tacoboutdrumming]

You deserve it man! Looking forward to hearing more from this!

[@mikeferguson4816]

wow dude, too cool!!! and yeah, killin' it on the sounds/tones/mix!

[@ArneHenrik]

Wow wow wow!!! Congrats a huge lot!! Superhappy for you!! This is so awsome, Glenn!!

[@georgemiadis3165]

Well deserved sir! Congratulations and wishes for great recordings to come!!

[@FrederickLewisDeAngelis]

Congratulations Glen. Best of luck with the new board. Keep Rocking!!

[@elasticmachinery]

I’m so impressed with what you’ve accomplished. Much deserved.

[@mr_travismc1]

Congratulations Glenn. I can't wait to see more videos on this in the new year.

[@Ikillintel1]

😮😮😮 Glenn, Awesome, Congratulations 🎉 can’t wait to hear what you do with that as you learn that console inside and out.

[@Thallingsworth]

This is insane. It's like I'm able to hear your spirit of the mix through the board. Absolutely amazing.

[@user-my3ke2jl3g]

Awesome, Glenn! Great story and a great message keep on rocking!

[@jordanjohnmusicofficial]

Congratulations Glenn! Great video, great story and a much deserved achievement. To many more successful milestones in the years ahead!

[@kennethhughmusic]

Man this is epic! Congratulations! Keep swinging, I literally had tears of joy in my eyes listening to your story :)

[@caffeinastudio832]

Congrats!! Im sure nothing but badass jams are going to come out of that baby

[@iamonke8715]

That is sick, what an upgrade! Congrats!!!

[@bluematrix5001]

Congratulations!!!! well deserved! that is a beauty

[@mikej6565]

Glen, you're an awesome guy and have my respect. You've been dedicated and earned every bit of your success. I too have had a studio for a few decades and can say you're right in every way about having a console. You're going to love the Neve more and more, as will your clients and subscribers! Congratulations! Rock on!

[@GimenezJorgeX]

Beautiful Glen. Its inspiring. Congrats!

[@Vazheri]

Awesome stuff Glen. It’s amazing to see everything you’ve accomplished so far! I just want to say that your videos have been essential to me lately, as I’ve started to dabble into recording and mixing. Thank you so much for all you have done for this community, and despite not agreeing with you on everything, it cannot be denied that the content you’ve been putting out there since this channel started has been an absolute gold mine for individuals like myself. Perhaps one day I’ll be able to somehow book some studio time with you, and learn a thing or two from the man himself. Once again: thank you Glen

[@zloboslav_]

Your excitement is so infectious! Congratulations! The mix sounds great! :)

[@ToneChaseBasement]

Congratulations man! Really happy for you and you clearly deserved it!🙌

[@vindmolle3903]

Heyo, that's awesome Glenn, Congrats. I am happy for you dude this is some awesome news! Can't wait to see what you make with this badboy!

[@nagarev]

I'm really happy for you! Those mixes were more 🔥than before! I didn't think that was possible. Congrats and enjoy!!!

[@TannithVQ]

Your delight is contagious Glenn. I'm really excited for you. Onwards and upwards!

[@randol.official]

ive been watching you for years and its been incredible watching you grow. absolute congrats on the beautiful console. its amazing seeing how big of a smile you have on your face.

[@bigbokiptd]

Glenn the MAN, big big congratulations! Thank you for such an inspiring video. Hard work and proper mindset - well deserved success. Thank you for everything you are doing

[@GabrielBarreragodisgood]

Congratulations man, perseverance has its rewards!!!! Keep it coming. Thanks for your hard work.

[@jaredarseneault9414]

Congrats Glenn! Looking forward to hearing what you put out in 2024!

[@StereoAnthony]

Wow! Congrats Glenn! Such a great video! There is nothing like a Neve console! Those mixes do really sound amazing, I'm so stoked for you! I do miss the old intro music though. Had me banging every time!

[@matt_hayward]

Congrats Glen! Hell of a way to start the new year

[@glenclifton4563]

Congrats on the new board! As great as you are anyway, this is only going up!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@roxannelafleur2932]

Glenn, just wanted to say love your videos and keep up the great work! To me, there is nothing like seeing someone who does what they love, and are able to realize their dreams by rewarding themselves for all the hard work they have put in! Enjoy the new console. Truly happy for you! 👍🏻🎸

[@chasej7337]

Congratulations man! Super excited to see the thing in action and can’t wait for the next 10 years of your show! Huge fan!

[@thissilentshell6360]

Congratulations Glen a well deserved gift. I'm delighted for you 🤗

[@EqDior]

Awesome job! So proud of your accomplishments!🙏🏽

[@JDAfrica]

You deserve it big guy! Enjoy! Loved seeing you delight in gear

[@masonshirley4051]

Congrats man! Hard work pays off, and you've been working hard at this for a long time. Testament to never giving up!

[@K-ORA]

Fantastic video! Great words of encouragement. And badass shirt, i love that film!

[@johnpauljonesgrouptv]

This makes me happy. Glenn this video was a real breath of fresh air. Your enthusiasm comes through! Congrats for your accomplishment!

[@icestorm_rb9057]

Congratulations for this milestone, Glenn!! After years of putting out content and giving us viewers absolutely great value, I think you deserve such a cool piece of gear! Hopefully you actually do get to mix major band with that board too Cheers from the Philippines!!