As a producer, engineer, and mixer, I’ve worked in many studios, each with its own strengths. But stepping into Wally’s HydeOut, housed inside the legendary Hyde Street Studios, is something special. This is a space where modern recording technology and vintage analogue warmth meet seamlessly, offering an ideal environment for capturing, shaping, and mixing music at the highest level.
Our Guide: Producer & Engineer Jaimeson Durr
Leading today’s tour of Wally’s HydeOut is none other than Jaimeson Durr, a highly respected producer, engineer, and mixer. Jaimeson has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, and Jason Bonham, and his expertise in both analogue and digital recording makes him the perfect person to walk us through what makes this studio truly exceptional.
The Legacy of Wally Heider
Before getting into the details of Wally’s HydeOut, it’s worth recognising the influence of Wally Heider, whose approach to recording continues to shape studios today. Heider’s San Francisco studio became legendary in the 1960s and 1970s, hosting Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. His commitment to sonic fidelity and technical excellence laid the groundwork for what many engineers strive for today—qualities that are evident at Wally’s HydeOut.
While this studio isn’t directly connected to Heider’s original, it carries his spirit forward, blending classic analogue character with modern precision in a way that few studios can.
First Impressions: The Space & Atmosphere
Wally’s HydeOut isn’t just another recording space—it’s an environment built for creative flow. The moment you walk in, it’s clear that this is a place where artists and engineers can work without distractions, focusing entirely on the music. The thoughtful layout, exceptional gear selection, and acoustic design make it a space where great recordings happen organically.
The workflow here is smooth, thanks to a shared calendar system among the studio partners, ensuring that sessions run efficiently without overlap. Whether tracking a full band, overdubbing, or mixing, everything about the setup is designed for maximum productivity without compromising creativity.
The Engineers & Producers of Wally’s HydeOut
Wally’s HydeOut isn’t just a world-class recording space—it’s a collaborative home to some of the best engineers and producers in the industry. Each brings a unique approach and expertise, shaping the studio’s reputation for sonic excellence.
Jaimeson Durr
A Top Billboard Charting producer, engineer, and mixer, Jaimeson is the founder of Wally’s HydeOut (est. 2004). His work with Sammy Hagar and the Circle, Chickenfoot, Joe Satriani, and Don Felder has cemented his place among the industry’s best.
Scott McDowell
A Fader soloist often described as the studio’s “nice guy,” Scott is on a never-ending search for timeless sound. His credits include Feist, Ty Segall, The California Honeydrops, and The Head and the Heart.
Chris McGrew
A seasoned drummer, producer, and engineer, Chris has been shaping the San Francisco recording scene since 1992. His recent projects include work with The Headhunters, Lester Chambers, Keyon Harrold, Isaiah Sharkey, Maurice Brown, Ben Williams, Julius Rodriguez, John Vanderslice, Dungeon Weed, and Seal Party.
Roan Gibson
A synth enthusiast with a deep background in folk, bluegrass, and jazz, Roan’s approach to production is as unique as his sound palette. He thrives on crushing drum tones and making great coffee. His credits include The Brothers Comatose, The Headhunters, Plovver, Zeeminar, Saintish, The Quilters, and Jerry’s Timeshare.
This collective of talent ensures that Wally’s HydeOut remains at the forefront of creative and technical excellence, making it one of the most sought-after studios in the Bay Area.
The Console & Conversion: A Powerhouse Setup
Jaimeson takes us straight to the heart of the control room, where the Neve Genesis Black console serves as the centrepiece. “This was a massive upgrade for the studio,” he explains.
The Neve Genesis Black integrates seamlessly with BURL Mothership converters, ensuring that every signal maintains its integrity from start to finish. BURL’s approach to digital conversion is unmatched in delivering a smooth, tape-like character, and its integration with Waves SoundGrid provides modern flexibility without sacrificing analogue richness.
“It’s all about balance,” Jaimeson notes. “The studio is designed to blend vintage character with modern workflow, and this setup is the perfect example of that.”
Preamps & Outboard Gear: A Carefully Curated Collection
Jaimeson walks us through some of the finest preamps in the industry, selected to ensure the best possible signal capture for any instrument or vocal performance.
Preamps
- (10) CAPI VP28 – Modern takes on classic API circuitry, delivering tight, punchy tones
- (8) AMS-Neve 1073 – Essential for that rich, harmonically saturated Neve sound
- (4) Vintech X73i – Inspired by classic Neve EQ and preamp designs
(Additional gear details remain as previously written…)
Final Thoughts: A Must-Experience Studio
Wally’s HydeOut is more than just a studio—it’s a creative sanctuary for producers, engineers, and musicians. The Neve Genesis Black console, BURL Mothership converters, carefully selected outboard gear, and diverse mic collection make it one of the most well-equipped recording spaces I’ve worked in.
Jaimeson’s passion for the space is clear. “Everything in this studio was chosen with a purpose,” he says. “It’s about giving artists and engineers the best tools possible to bring their music to life.”
Whether you’re tracking, mixing, or simply looking for a place that fosters creativity, Wally’s HydeOut delivers the perfect blend of vintage character and modern workflow.
For anyone serious about getting the best possible sound, this is a studio that deserves your attention.
