A Console That Helped Shape Modern Records
When a legendary mixer chooses to part with a legendary console, it’s worth paying attention.
In this blog and video, Tony Maserati sits down with Providence Sound and Vision founder Jeff Ehrenberg to share the story of his vintage Neve 5316 console—a desk that played a major role in records by Jason Mraz, Alicia Keys, John Legend, and Kelly Rowland. After two decades of use, this classic 1974 Neve is now available, brokered directly by Providence.
Why the Neve 5316 Became Maserati’s Core Gear
Tony Maserati is well known for his hybrid mixing approach. He handles automation and editing in Pro Tools, but still relies on hardware for summing and coloration. From early days using summing sections on SSL or Neve desks at studios like Record Plant, Hit Factory, and Jungle City, Tony eventually transitioned into his own dedicated spaces.
In one of those spaces—a converted barn north of New York City—the Neve 5316 became the heart of his setup.
He used it to shape entire albums. For example, the Jason Mraz record We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. was summed through the Neve. He also ran analog inserts using a rack of Neve 31114 EQs, the same modules found in the 5316 itself.
Built for Headroom and Familiarity
Tony didn’t choose this console at random. He wanted more headroom than a purely in-the-box mix could provide. More importantly, he needed a sound that felt familiar—something that reflected years of experience mixing on large-format desks.
He bought the console from a voiceover studio and worked only with top-tier technicians to keep it running at its best. In New York, he called on Richie Boisits, who previously worked at Hit Factory and Sony Studios. On the West Coast, he turned to Lawrence Malakos, a tech at EastWest Studios in Los Angeles.
They helped him maintain the console with care. Other than recap jobs and calibrations, Tony made very few modifications. He even left the patchbay in its original configuration. As a result, the desk stayed true to its 1974 design and tone.
What’s Inside the Neve 5316?
This specific unit features:
12 input channels
4 group buses
Stereo bus output
Two onboard compressors on channels 11 and 12, accessible via the patchbay
31114 EQ modules, the same ones Maserati used for his plugin impulse responses
These EQ curves later became presets in Tony’s Waves plugins—a direct digital extension of the sonic imprint of this exact desk.
A Key Player on Iconic Records
The Neve 5316 didn’t sit idle. It played a hands-on role in several major projects:
Jason Mraz – We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.
Alicia Keys – 2009 album sessions, with mixes printed through the console
John Legend, Kelly Rowland, and many more
Gant, a rising artist whose records were entirely mixed on this console
Even while traveling, Tony often brought stems back to his barn studio to run through the Neve. That workflow became a trusted part of his creative process.
Why Tony Is Letting It Go
After decades of loyal service, the console is no longer a fit for Tony’s mobile workflow. He now splits time between Europe, the East Coast, and the West Coast. Constant travel made it harder to maintain and calibrate the desk.
Still, selling the Neve hasn’t been easy. It’s more than gear—it’s part of his career. That’s why he turned to Jeff Ehrenberg and Providence Sound and Vision to broker the sale. Their shared history and deep trust made it a natural fit.
Do you have a beloved recording console that you’re looking to broker through Providence? Contact us today with a brief description and photos of your console and we’ll let you know if we’re interested!
