How It Was Recorded

Gear · console

MCI 500 Series console

Large-format recording console, 1975 onwards. Solid-state in-line desk; the first from any maker to fit VCA grouping, so one fader could control several channels. The house desk at Criteria in Miami and Atlantic in New York.

Source, read 15 Nov 2026

Records it appears on · 3

  • Margaritaville

    Jimmy Buffett · Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes, 1977

    • Recording and mix chain · Input chainReportedConsole used for the live tracking at Criteria in Miami.
    • Recording and mix chain · Mix effectsReportedConsole on which the mix was done at Quadrafonic in Nashville, with an early automation system fitted.
  • Life's Been Good

    Joe Walsh · But Seriously, Folks..., 1978

    • Tape and mix · Mix effectsReportedSzymczyk mixed each of the three sections separately on this 36-input console.Settings: 36 inputs
  • Beauty and the Beat

    The Go-Go's · Album, 1981

    • Studio chain and mix · Input chainReportedConsole used for overdubs at Soundmixers Studios.

Sources for each use are on the record’s own page.

Get the sound

First choice · Close match

Metric Halo MBSI Channel Strip

channel strip

Models the channel strip of a custom MCI desk at Criteria Studios from the same years; it is the same maker's sound but not a JH-500.

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