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“Commanding the Mix” and “Commanding the Session: Recording Vocals” offer proven real-world workflow strategies from two of the industry’s most influential engineers
Legendary mix engineers Chris Lord-Alge, a five-time GRAMMY® winner celebrated for his work with Green Day, Bruce Springsteen, Muse and Pink, and his brother, Tom Lord-Alge, a three-time GRAMMY® winner known for his collaborations with Weezer, Sum 41, The Rolling Stones, Blink-182 and U2, are set to share their unparalleled expertise in an exclusive TEC Tracks Session at The NAMM Show on Thursday, January 22, from 2:00–3:00 PM PST at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel (California Ballroom C). This high-energy, insight-packed session is designed to deliver immediately applicable techniques for modern music production. Titled “Commanding the Mix – Part 1” and “Commanding the Session – Part 2: Recording Vocals,” the presentation offers a rare, unfiltered look into the workflows that continue to define contemporary hit records.
Moderated by Phil Wagner, a highly respected professional audio executive and technology leader whose career spans senior roles at some of the industry’s most influential companies, the session blends elite-level engineering craft with practical, real-world execution.
In “Commanding the Mix,” Chris and Tom Lord-Alge walk attendees through the foundations of a fast, disciplined and repeatable mixing workflow. Topics include configuring Pro Tools systems for maximum efficiency, narrowing plugin choices to a focused “top 12” for creative clarity, building reusable session templates through shortcut imports, and establishing non-negotiable file delivery standards with clients. The brothers also emphasize rapid session prep, maintaining a consistent 48kHz/24-bit workflow, implementing rigorous backup strategies, and locking down deliverables with precision and consistency.
“Commanding the Session: Recording Vocals” shifts the focus to capturing performances at the highest level. Drawing on decades of experience, the Lord-Alge brothers explore session psychology, communication with artists, and maintaining control of the room. Key techniques include the use of numbered lyric sheets for surgical takes, signature harmony-stacking workflows, real-time tuning strategies, and their well-known approach to vocal production—“stack ’em, rack ’em, and pack ’em”—all designed to keep sessions moving while preserving artistic momentum.
By combining speed-driven workflows with proven creative discipline, this TEC Tracks session delivers one of NAMM’s most actionable and inspiring educational experiences—demonstrating that preparation, clarity and efficiency remain the true drivers behind chart-topping records.
“Chris and Tom Lord-Alge represent the gold standard in modern production, not only because of their results, but because of their discipline,” stated Phil Wagner. “This session is about decision-making, preparation and building workflows that let creativity happen at the highest level.”
For more information about TEC Tracks programming and The 2026 NAMM Show, visit www.namm.org.
About Chris Lord-Alge and Tom Lord-Alge
Chris Lord-Alge and Tom Lord-Alge are among the most celebrated mix engineers in the music industry, with decades of experience shaping iconic sounds and earning multiple GRAMMY® Awards. Together, they bring unmatched expertise and a passion for inspiring the next generation of music professionals.
About Phil Wagner
Professional audio industry executive and technology leader Phil Wagner is a highly regarded figure in the professional audio industry, with a career spanning senior roles at several of the field’s most influential companies including Focusrite and Solid State Logic (SSL)
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