Sam Hillman
Sam Hillman
Hi, my name is Sam Hillman and I'm excited to earn your business.
I am a Producer with years of experience in a wide variety of genres, and I run my own studio. I am a guitar player of over a decade, and a multi-instrumentalist. I also have experience in live sound and live recording. I started out in music playing Trumpet in elementary school band. I continued into high school Marching band where I switched to low brass and played Euphonium, Baritone, and Tuba. In addition to growing up as a musician, I was also a huge computer geek. Naturally the two melded into a passion for recording, mixing, and all things pro audio.
In 2014 I earned a degree in audio production from MTSU where I learned everything from large format analog console signal flow to the latest software and virtual instruments. My greatest learning experience at MTSU was being an engineer on the student team for the Shure Microphones Fantastic Scholastic Recording Competition. In the competition I got to work with top Nashville session musicians such as Scott Mulvahill and Eric Darken. My team won grand prize which included great Shure gear for the school, and for ourselves.
I understand the challenges you face, and I'm confident that my background will help us come up with creative solutions to your audio needs. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. I will be more than happy to help!
As your personal contact here at Sweetwater, please let me know anytime I can offer help or advice.
(800) 222-4700 ext 1748
E-mail Sam-
Education/Certifications:
Bachelor of Science in Recording Industry Management, Audio Production and Technology from Middle Tennessee State University.
Minor in Entrepreneurship
Advanced Music Studies Program at Governor Thomas Johnson High School (Frederick, MD), Sweetwater University
2014 1st Place winner for the Shure Fantastic Scholastic Recording and Mixing Competition -
Where are you from originally?
Frederick, Maryland
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What was your occupation before coming to Sweetwater?
At MTSU I worked in the Audio Maintenance Shop where I learned how to diagnose and repair problems with gear in all of the school's studios. I also was a Concert Production Tech for the MTSU School Of Music doing live sound and lighting, large stage setups and arrangements, and aiding performers backstage.
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Why did you first apply for a job at Sweetwater?
I was a customer at Sweetwater long before I applied to work here. I loved how My Sales Engineer was always trying to help me reach my goals in engineering. One of the things that I enjoy most about recording music is that I get to help artists fulfill their dreams behind the scenes. I applied to Sweetwater because their relationships with their customer are just like the trust that an artist and producer share in the studio.
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Technical strengths:
Analog and Digital signal flow, Patchbay Wiring and Grounding Schemes
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Instruments you play:
Guitar, Bass, Keyboard, Drums, Trumpet, Euphonium, Baritone, Tuba
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Gear you own:
Microphones: Neumann U87, AKG C414B XL-II, Shure KSM42, Shure KSM 141, Rode NT4, and many more.
Interfaces: MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid, M-Audio ProjectMix I/O, Presonus Audiobox USB, Tascam US1800.
Monitors: Adam A7s, Adam A3X, KRK Rokit 10S Sub, Sennheiser HD650 Headphones, Shure SRH 1440 Headphones.
Guitars: Gibson Les Paul Studio, Fender Telecaster, Martin DCX1E
Guitar Amps: Vox AC30 CCH, Marshall JCM900 SL-X, Peavey 6505+ -
Guilty pleasure of choice:
I watch the Hobbit and Lord Of The Rings movies way more often than I probably should... Of course I have the extended editions with multiple discs of special features too.
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What did you dream about doing for a living when you were growing up?
I have always dreamed of having a career involving music. I went through phases of wanting to be a touring musician and rockstar, and others where I wanted to be a technician fixing guitar amps and pro audio gear. I know now that I just enjoy helping people with their music whether that is on the phone or in the studio!
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2014 Shure Recording and Mixing Competition
Interview with Sam...
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I recently ordered some bass gear from you guys over the phone and your tech Sam Hillman was awesome. Im a new musician and he treateted me with respect and answered all my questions. The whole experience was great. I'll definitely purchase from Sweetwater again! Thanks guys!
Dan from Greensburg, PA
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Sam was extremely helpful. Buying from Sweetwater was a completely stress free process. I felt Sam had an invested interest in my purchasing experience. Thanks Sam and Sweetwater.
Jack from Oak Forest, IL
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Sweetwater has the best prices and the best service of any of the musical instrument places i have worked with. Sam is a great guy, easy to deal with, and I trust him completely to have our best interests at heart.
Bill from Madison, NJ
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Sam Hillman is the best sales rep I have ever worked with. He is exceptional, and very knowledgeable. He always responds quickly.
Andy from Honolulu, HI
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Sam is always cheerful when checking in, and I thought I would ask his opinion on a few things when I decided to build a recording studio. Nothing gobsmacking - but complicated enough. Sam has now become indispensable. It's nice to do business with people who know what they are talking about - and maybe know MORE than you, Without being pushy.
Craig from Pawleys Island, SC
