Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Professional Music Production & Recording Services
Ante Up Audio has been a cornerstone of professional audio engineering and music production since 1934. Originally established as Cleveland Recording Company, our studio has evolved while maintaining a commitment to sonic excellence through both analog and digital technologies. Our team of experienced engineers specializes in audio recording, mixing, mastering, and tape restoration, serving artists, filmmakers, and content creators nationwide. With a legacy of working with iconic musicians and preserving historic recordings, we combine decades of technical expertise with state-of-the-art equipment.Our facility houses rare vintage consoles, microphones, and tape machines alongside modern digital workstations to deliver unparalleled sound quality. We prioritize client collaboration and technical precision to ensure every project meets the highest industry standards. As stewards of Cleveland's rich musical heritage, we continue innovating while honoring traditional recording techniques that shaped modern music production.
Services
Audio Recording
Mixing & Mastering
Film Post-Production
Tape Transfers
Video Production
Forensic Audio Consulting
Music Production
Details
- Year established: 1934
Highlights and features
- Decades of experience in analog and digital audio engineering
- Access to rare vintage recording equipment and modern technology
- Specialized tape restoration services for historic recordings
- Engineers trained in both classic and contemporary production techniques
- Proven track record with Grammy-winning artists and major label projects
Services
Audio Recording
Our facility offers professional audio recording using both vintage analog equipment and modern digital systems. Engineers utilize custom-built consoles, rare microphones, and tape machines to capture high-fidelity sound for music, commercials, and film projects. Clients benefit from our acoustically optimized spaces and decades of technical expertise.
Tape Transfers
Specialized analog-to-digital transfer services preserve historic recordings using original equipment. Technicians handle fragile media with baking, cleaning, and precision playback techniques. We support multiple tape formats from 1/4" reels to 2" 24-track masters, ensuring accurate preservation of musical and cultural heritage for future generations.
Mixing & Mastering
Comprehensive mixing and mastering services enhance sonic clarity using hybrid analog-digital workflows. Engineers employ vintage EQs, compressors, and modern plugins to achieve commercial-grade sound quality. Services include stem processing, format conversion, and final delivery optimization for physical and digital distribution platforms.
Film Post-Production
Full-service film audio post-production includes score composition, sound design, foley recording, and final mixing. Our studios support 5.1 surround sound creation using industry-standard DAWs and monitoring systems. Services cater to independent filmmakers and production companies requiring professional-grade audio integration with visual media.
Music Production
End-to-end music production assistance from arrangement to final mix. Producers collaborate with artists using historic instruments and modern tools to craft commercially viable recordings. Services include session musician coordination, composition guidance, and genre-specific production techniques tailored to contemporary and classic styles.
People
Michael Seifert
Owner | Composer | Producer | Audio Engineer
With over 35 years in audio engineering, Michael acquired SUMA in 2018. He specializes in tape restoration and hybrid production workflows, continuing the studio's legacy while modernizing operations. His expertise spans multiple Grammy-winning projects.
David Alan Shaw
Producer | Audio Engineer
Experienced engineer with deep knowledge of analog equipment and modern production techniques. Focuses on capturing authentic performances while leveraging SUMA's unique gear collection for commercial and artistic projects across diverse musical genres.
Questions
What recording formats do you support?
We handle all analog formats from 1/4" reels to 2" 24-track tapes, plus digital formats including Pro Tools HDX, ADAT, and DA-88 systems.
Can you restore old, damaged recordings?
Yes, our technicians use specialized cleaning, baking, and transfer techniques to recover audio from degraded tapes while preserving original sonic characteristics.
What makes SUMA's equipment unique?
We maintain Ken Hamann's custom consoles, vintage Neumann microphones, and rare tape machines alongside modern digital systems for hybrid production capabilities.
Do you offer remote collaboration options?
Yes, we provide file-based workflows for mixing/mastering while maintaining in-person sessions for tracking with our unique analog gear collection.
What music genres do you specialize in?
Our engineers have experience across rock, jazz, classical, and experimental genres, with historic work spanning from polka to groundbreaking rock recordings.
How can I visit the studio?
Contact us for appointments to tour our 14-acre facility featuring historic recording spaces and equipment used on numerous classic recordings.
