Preston Smith | Perfect Record | Classical Music Recording Experts

If you want to make exceptional records, you’ve come to the right place!

New- Listen to audio samples of our recordings here.

Preston Smith is a classical music recording engineer making world class records under the name Perfect Record. I’m a leading specialist in classical music recording, making great records for clients ranging from major labels to independent artists for over two decades. I craft elegant sounding recordings with a deep inviting soundstage, and a great sense of intimacy with the music and performers. Everything from opera and orchestral to solo and chamber music, with a special emphasis on choral and vocal recordings. I'm also great at jazz and all forms of acoustic music.

An average recording is a mere document.
A great recording captures the emotion of your performance.

MY SOUND

I make great records that are highly reviewed and have received numerous Grammy® awards and nominations. My recordings are known for a deep, engaging soundstage that conveys the emotion of a great performance. My expertise spans a wide range of music from opera, orchestral, chamber, early music, solo performance, with a specialty in choral and vocal music. I am skilled at both session and live recordings.

Every record is a creative venture- I never rely on cookie cutter approaches to recording. We will work together to make the recording you've always wanted. I can get the results you desire on anything from standard rep to highly experimental music. I have experience from hundreds of recording sessions that allows me to efficiently find the perfect sound for your music.

If you’ve seen records with the credit
Recording by: Preston Smith, Perfect Record, St. Paul
then you’ve heard my work.

WHO I WORK WITH

My clients include everyone from major international labels to individual performers and performing ensembles. Some clients and artists I've been proud to work with include:
• Dale Warland Singers
• Jake Heggie
• Cantus
• Chanticleer
• King’s Singers
• St. Paul Chamber Orchestra
• Houston Symphony
• Washington Men's Camerata
• Vocal Essence (Plymouth Music Series)
• Washington Cathedral Choral Society
• Washington Bach Consort
• Minnesota Orchestra
• Concordia College Choir
• Yale Whifenpoofs
• Twyla Paris
• Sharon Isbin
• Aspen Music Festival
• Amy Grant
• and many, many independent artists

Record Labels
• Warner Classics
• Sony BMG
• Virgin Clasics
• Gothic
• EMI/ Angel
• Signum Classics
• American Choral Catalog
• Teldec & Das Alte Werk
• Many, many independent record labels

Please Contact Me so that we can start a great record together!

MY SOUND

REVIEWS

This is a glorious compendium of music celebrating Mother Mary, with stellar voices. The clarity and richness of sound is wondrous! The blending of the voices is superb and the ethereal essence delightful.

The sound is rich and resonant. You should know it is recorded realistically, in a variety of soundfields, i.e. sometimes there is a processional from front to rear, sometimes choruses on upper left/right, or from all around you, depending on the material. If that sounds disconcerting be assured it isn't. This is a beautiful and soothing disc with a nice variety to it, and the sound is wonderful.

This disk is one of the finest that Chanticleer has ever recorded. The selections and especially the audio are perfection.

…The engineering is especially good, with depth, clarity, and a realistic perspective of the soloist and ensemble.
... Elizabeth Futral's readings are excellent and the recorded sound clean and atmospheric...

Heggie goes beyond himself in this unbelievably outstanding collection of vocal pieces. This is an outstanding album of the highest quality, and is urged upon you with some immediacy. Pentatone’s SACD sound is sparkling and warm, as usual a model for its kind.
Audiophile Audition Multichannel Disc of the Month

Not to be forgotten is the producer, Steve Barnett. Steve has produced countless recordings for Chanticleer and this one is, in my opinion, his best work. With engineer Preston Smith at his side, they created a blend that remains faithful to Chanticleer's "sound" and yet pushes the envelope ever so slightly to allow the "soul" of the ensemble to shine.

Quality of performance is spectatcular as always and sound quality is great.

Music is played by Chanticleer and Chanticleer Sinfonia, both remarkable. Sound is terrific, clear, bright.

This is one of Chanticleer's best recordings. Their vocal sound is splendid and the pieces presented are impressive.

Both the technical quality of this recording and the musicianship it captures are perfect. Thank you, Dr. Warland, for so many brilliant years, and Godspeed in future endeavors.

Sound quality is outstanding, and we get Cantus’s customary deluxe (and complete) booklet. Fellow Cantus addicts, here’s your latest “fix”

The voices are simply amazing. It sounds like angels singing. I think part of the haunting, resounding sound that sets this CD apart from other choral CDs (and even from other Chanticleer ones) is that it was recorded in a cathedral, so there are some amazing acoustics… this is a truly glorious CD.