Way Deploys KRK Studio Monitors and Subwoofers to Achieve High-Quality Surround Sound
LOS ANGELES – Dave Way, a four-time GRAMMY Award-winning engineer/producer with dozens of gold and platinum records and countless chart-topping hits, relies on KRK to mix all of his tracks. Having worked with artists such as Pink, Christina Aguilera, Ringo Starr, Shakira, Michael Jackson, Spice Girls, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Stevie Wonder, Gwen Stefani, Foo Fighters, Toni Braxton, Boyz II Men, and many more, Way is no stranger to producing high-quality mixes. Way recently took his engineering skills to the next level by outfitting his studio, Waystation Studio, with several KRK V Series studio monitors and powered studio subwoofers to achieve Dolby Atmos surround sound for music and film soundtracks.
“I have used a variety of high-end speakers over the years, and the first time I listened to the KRKs, I was immediately impressed,” says Way. “I found myself noticing things I wasn’t hearing from my previous monitors. Within two weeks of mixing on the KRKs, my mixes were coming fast and easy, and I just really liked the sound of them.”
When it came time for Dave Way to set up his studio for Atmos, KRK was the only brand he considered.
He currently deploys seven V8s, four V6s, and two 10-inch subwoofers in a 7.1.4 Atmos array with speakers surrounding him from the front, back, and above, and two subs pushing the low end from below his desk. “With my KRKs, I can really get inside the mixes—there’s a three-dimensional quality to them even when they’re not in an Atmos set up. I knew they would perform phenomenally in a surround sound application, no matter the genre I’m working on. The speakers also have an extremely precise low-end, so I’m able to really feel those bass-heavy mixes. With the KRK subs, I can push the bass even further—it’s incredible. Deploying KRKs in Atmos has truly taken my mixes to the next level, allowing for a completely immersive experience.”
Not only does Way find his KRKs to be extremely accurate, they also make for a super enjoyable tracking experience. “I was tracking a band recently, and they came in for the playback. As we were listening to the mix on my KRKs, everyone was blown away by the clarity and detail. When I’m tracking, I truly appreciate being able to easily hear everything in the arrangement, and I find that I don’t need to EQ or compress as much.”
Prior to transitioning his studio to Atmos, Dave Way was accustomed to testing out his mixes on various brands’ speakers—but with Dolby Atmos, having one set of reliable studio monitors is crucial.
“Since I was no longer able to reference alternative speakers, I was a little nervous for my first Atmos track,” adds Way. “However, as soon as I took that track to Capitol Studios, it sounded just as great there, and I knew I could rely on my KRKs for accurate playback from then on. For engineers, speakers are like our favorite pair of jeans—they fit perfectly and make you feel comfortable, and that’s exactly how I feel about my KRKs.”
Additionally, Dave Way is thrilled to be a founding member of KRK’s new Kreator Alliance. As an avid fan of the brand, he is honored to take part in the important conversations surrounding product updates, new product launches, brand development, and much, much more. “I’ve been so happy with KRK as a brand that becoming a part of its Kreator Alliance was a natural progression. For years, I’ve been recommending KRKs. Not only are they super high-performing and dependable, but they’re also extremely affordable. With KRK, you simply cannot go wrong.”