About Us
Brian Merrill – Mix Engineer | Merrill Studios
Digital Heart, Analog Soul.
Brian Merrill is a seasoned mix engineer, lifelong musician, and founding member of the power pop bands Barely Pink and The Ditchflowers. His journey through the indie music world began in earnest when Barely Pink signed with Big Deal Records/JVC Victor in the late 1990s—a pivotal experience that continues to shape his deeply artist-focused approach to mixing.
At Merrill Studios, based in a 1928 bungalow garage in St. Petersburg, Florida, Brian combines the precision of Pro Tools HD2 with high-end plugins like UAD, Waves, and FabFilter, alongside a carefully curated collection of analog gear including the Shadow Hills Equinox, Urei 1178, DBX 160, and the Distressor. His hybrid setup reflects a clear philosophy: create mixes that deliver emotional impact and sonic clarity, while honoring the human touch at the heart of every recording.
Brian’s mixing credits span a wide range of work—from intimate artist recordings to immersive film productions. Recent highlights include a Dolby Atmos mix for the feature film I Feel Fine, the 10th Anniversary remaster of Sharknado, and music featured on ESPN, the Disney Channel, and the Tokyo Broadcasting System.
Whether it’s a track recorded in a bedroom or a pro studio, Brian approaches every project with the same goal: to help artists bring their vision to life with authenticity, warmth, and power.
Credits + Recent Highlights:
- Mixed and mastered all six Quint songs for the 10th Anniversary remaster of Sharknado theatrical release + DVD + Amazon Prime
- Mixed the closing credits song for western feature film Butch Vs. Sundance (Tubi)
- Delivered a full Dolby Atmos surround mix for the feature film I Feel Fine (premiered at Sunscreen Film Festival)
- Works regularly with bands like Barely Pink (power pop/rock) and underground artists across genres
- Music placements include: ESPN XGames, Disney Channel, Tokyo Broadcasting System, and more
Sound & Vision
Immersive Audio
🎧 Frequently Asked Questions – Merrill Studios
What do I need to send you to start a mix?
You’ll need to send me your multitrack stems—ideally as consolidated WAV files, all starting at bar 1, with any time-based effects printed if you want to keep them. A rough mix or reference track is always helpful too. If you’re not sure how to export, I’m happy to walk you through it.
How much does mixing cost?
Pricing depends on the number of tracks and complexity of the project. That said, I always try to work within reasonable indie budgets. Just shoot me a message with your details and I’ll get you a quote that’s fair and transparent.
Do you offer mastering too?
Yes—I offer both mixing and mastering. For some projects, I recommend having a separate mastering engineer for a second set of ears, but I’m happy to handle both if you prefer a one-stop workflow.
What if I recorded in a home studio? Will that be a problem?
Not at all. I’ve mixed everything from pro-studio sessions to bedroom demos and love working with indie artists who are making it happen on their own terms. Good vibes > perfect takes.
What genres do you work with?
I work across a range of genres—rock, indie, pop, punk, hip hop, and even film scores and ambient projects. I’m also a lifelong songwriter and band guy, so I naturally lean into projects that are melody- and vibe-driven.
How long does a mix take?
Typically 2–5 business days, depending on the scope and my current schedule. Rush delivery is available if needed, and I always leave room for revisions to make sure you’re 100% happy.
Can I give feedback or ask for changes after the first mix?
Absolutely. Mixing is a collaboration—I usually include 2–3 rounds of revisions as part of the rate. Your input is always welcome, and I want you to love the final result.
Can you make my mix sound “analog”?
Definitely. My setup is a hybrid of digital precision and analog character, with real hardware like the Shadow Hills Equinox, 1178, DBX 160, and more. If you’re after warmth, glue, and that lived-in sound—I’ve got you covered.
Mixing & Mastering
Music, Dialogue, Sound DesignWhat People Are Saying…
“Brian brought our songs to life in a way we couldn’t have imagined. The mix felt warm, clear, and true to our sound. He just gets it.”
“Working with Merrill Studios felt like having another bandmate who knows tone, space, and how to make everything sit just right. Couldn’t be happier with the result.”
“Brian is the real deal. Super down-to-earth, insanely talented, and the mix he delivered sounded like it came straight off a record. We’ll definitely be back.”
Contact Us
Ready to bring your audio vision to life or have questions about our services? We’re here to help! Reach out to Merrill Studios for booking inquiries or any queries you might have. Whether you’re interested in recording, mixing, mastering, or our immersive Dolby Atmos capabilities, our team is eager to discuss your project and how we can assist you. Fill out the contact form below or give us a call to start your journey to exceptional sound with us today. We look forward to hearing from you and exploring the possibilities together!