Testimonials from those in the know

“In a career that has spanned over 30 years of of recording, I have spent a considerable amount of that time seated at a console beside Philip Begley. We have recorded every kind of artist, from Monks in Monasteries to Berimbau players in Brazil. From Divas to shy pipers. We have recorded jingles, jangles and jungle-drums. Garage bands and symphony orchestras. Crooners, screamers, poetic dreamers. Dancers and digeridoos and the Ancient Navan Horn. We have taken breaks for cigarettes (when we used to smoke), coffee (now herbal tea) and paused for political argument or philosophical musings. We have gone for late night curries and the occasional pint. Like drivers in an unknown landscape, we have peered out through the glass and seen and heard wondrous things, and occasionally driven through that dark night when nothing happens.

In all that time, I have come to rely on Philip's unerring commitment to music and music-making. I have come to rely on the care he has taken to faithfully get the timbre and nuance of each instrument onto the various recorded media we have used over the years. I have come to rely on his patience - to wait like fly-fishers for the better performance, or rummage through the out-takes for an F-sharp in tune, or a magic phrase that might have ended in the bin. Like many other artists, musicians, and producers, I have relied on his openness to musical adventure, grounded by a good common sense. 'The Beg' can be trusted. In a occupation where people are expected to sometimes expose their vulnerabilities as well as their strengths, what more could be asked for? All that, and we're still good friends - at least until the next tea-break and another political argument!.”

“I have worked with Philip Begley on a number of soundtracks for film and theatre. Philip’s wide range of experience and expertise is really helpful recording all different kinds of music - from intricate choral arrangements to live studio performances and even special sound effects. He has an impressive mastery of all the latest recording technology allied to a real musician's sense of sound and atmosphere. From setting up for a first take all the way through to the final mix, I found Philip to be efficient, invested in the work, and an easy presence in the studio during the potentially fraught creative process. Philip is passionate about music and how to record it to its optimal potential. But most importantly, Philip has a great pair of ears!”

“Philip has been an outstanding engineer , musician and producer for over 30 years. As a tape op I watched with awe and amazement at his effortless engineering skills, regardless of the genre. Under his tutelage I learned most of the fundamentals in great record making- skills that I still employ on a daily basis and that have in no small measure contributed to my success as an independent engineer / mixer / producer for the last 25 years.

His willingness to guide, mentor and encourage the development of those around him only reinforces his love of music and the craft of record making. Always inquisitive and fearless, Philip has embraced and excelled at adopting to the ever changing landscape of the music industry, while still producing work that continues to be contemporary and innovative. That he does it with a wry sense of humor and genuine collaborative spirit is a testament to his skill and personality.”

“I became aware of Philip Begley the best way possible, through artist/writer friends that I respected. Pals like Paul Brady and Mick Hanley turned me on to Philips work. As a producer/engineer/musician, his work is a joy to listen to! He never fails to impress! His golf game however, is another matter!”

“To say I've worked with hundreds of recording engineers is an understatement. Philip Begley is one of the finest engineers I've had the privilege of working with. That is also an understatement. Mr. Begley has golden ears, exquisite sonic and musical taste ...and a great sense of humor, which is also a requirement in our field.”

“A Musician who Records. A Recording Engineer who Plays. Philip's musicality and his enjoyment of, and considerable knowledge of, a wide variety of musical genres informs his prodigious skill as a recording engineer. A great pair of ears, a great pair of hands.”

“I always look forward to working with Phil. I have respected his work for many years. High quality work with an attention to detail.”