Brad Irvan
Brad Irvan
Above all else, I am a father and a husband.
Prior to taking this job, I was a professor of music technology and audio production at a number of colleges. For that reason, I specialize in the educational side of the business as I’m familiar with the inner and outer workings of the industry. House-of-worship setups and film production are also strengths of mine that I focus on here.
I fell in love with music as a child, listening to music my dad played on old vinyl, reel-to-reels, and eventually CDs. I grew up on progressive rock like Rush, ELP, Yes, and Genesis as well as more standard rock like Van Halen and Journey. My favorite band in the world is Dream Theater, which prompted me to start piano lessons, and I’m still playing keyboards to this day.
I first got a taste for audio production in college when I was asked to voice a radio commercial for an assignment. As soon as I got to see the process of how recording worked, I immediately switched my major to it and never looked back! Eventually, I was asked to become a graduate assistant at Central Michigan University, where I got to teach advanced audio labs and manage the student record label, Moore Media Records.
Since then, I have worked on films, albums, and sales in the audio industry. While trying at times, I have enjoyed every minute of it.
As your personal contact here at Sweetwater, please let me know anytime I can offer help or advice.
(800) 222-4700 ext 1603
E-mail Brad-
Education/Certifications:
Master of arts in broadcast and cinematic arts
Bachelor of applied arts in broadcast and cinematic arts
Sweetwater U
Certifications on SSL consoles, API consoles, and Neve consoles -
Where are you from originally?
I grew up in Lapeer, Michigan, and lived most of my life in various cities on the east side of the state, like Clarkston, Oxford, and Oak Park.
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What was your occupation before coming to Sweetwater?
I was an audio instructor at three colleges in Michigan.
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Why did you first apply for a job at Sweetwater?
It caught my attention when I was able to visit the campus and see how the company works firsthand. I was blown away and decided that this was the place for me.
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Technical strengths:
Audio post production, sound design, keyboards, home studio setups, mixing, surround sound, consoles, home hi-fi
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Instruments you play:
Keyboards, synthesizers, drums
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Gear you own:
Yamaha HS80 studio monitors, Yamaha HS10W studio subwoofer, Universal Audio Apollo Twin Quad, Roland RS-9, Korg Krome 61, Sennheiser MKH 416, Blue Bluebird, Sony MDR-7506, Mac Mini, Pro Tools 2018, Iris, Ozone, Neutron, RX Advanced, FMOD, Waves, Sonnox, UA plug-ins
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Other stuff we should know about you (hobbies, talents, interests, etc.):
I’m a simple man. I love strong coffee, reading Thomas Sowell, Notre Dame football, lifting weights, and, of course, making music. My biggest hobby is drawing concepts in portraits in graphite, charcoal, and ink.
Currently reading: The Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Intellectuals and Society by Thomas Sowell, Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis -
Guilty pleasure of choice:
Sometimes I like to listen to really awful pop music.
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What did you dream about doing for a living when you were growing up?
Being a rock star. Then mixing audio for films at Skywalker Sound.
Interview with Brad...
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Brad Irvan has been working with me and helping with my orders for the last 3-4 years. He is a true professional and knows what he is talking about. Brad is the reason shopping at sweetwater is so great (other than an amazing selection, deals, and my wife loves the candy bags) he gives the site the feel of a local shop, where I know I have caring people that know music and will legitimately make my set up better. THANKS TO BRAD!
Zack from Dulles, VA
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I used SW because of my first dealings with Brad, and the speed with which my first order arrived. SW was selected for the Yamaha guitar because I wanted it to arrive ready to play, and beside my desire to change the strings, I was pleased with the condition of the instrument. I actually have a Guitar Center 10 minutes away, but chose to use SW.
Clarence from Cleveland, OH
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Brad is an example of the best customer service ive ever received from any company. Hes knowlegeable, personable and friendly. He always checks on me and my order and its always a great, fun conversation. Just the best!!
Manuel from North Providence, RI
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The young man named Brad is great ! He is polite and informative and patient. He answers all my questions and has a kind tone in his voice. I think he really cares about a customers needs and wants. He also seems to be very intelligent. I enjoy talking to people like him. Great service and prices from Sweetwater. I have another order from Sweetwater on the way now. And will probably have another in a few weeks ! It's nice to pick up the phone and get quality products sent to me so quickly. And I do mean Quickly!!! I don't enjoy driving 50 or 75 miles to a store, only to find out that what I want is not in stock or they don't carry it or etc.!! With Sweetwater my shopping experience is pleasant with no hassles!! Thank you guys !!
David from Shelbyville, TN
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I spoke to Brad and told him Sweetwater is the only place i will be buying equipment from. Great company great prices and great people like Brad Irvan!
Leonard from Holbrook, NY
