About

J Franze (Franzé, Fran-ze)

J Franze’s expertise in the Production field is second to none. The dynamic mix of his engineering education, hands-on work experience, and intense Pro Tools training afford him collaborating with the best of the best in the industry. Any individual, group, or company he has dealt with in the past has experienced nothing but a high-quality, professional, consistent, timely project. J is a superb listener, who really tries to feel out what his clients needs are. Then, he constructs a plan and figures out how to implement it accordingly. He practices an eclectic approach. J is a genuine facilitator; not bossy, not intimidating. He lends an unbiased ear, which lifts a lot of pressure off the artist, leaving the comfort level high when they are in the studio.

J possesses endless, outstanding credentials. He attended SAE Institute of Technology in Nashville, TN where he received a diploma in Audio Technology. He was certified in Pro Tools from the Pro Tools Training Center, also located in Nashville. It doesn’t stop there, J had more formal education at, The Recording Workshop in Chillicothe, OH in Recording Engineering and Music Production. He holds a certificate in Music Business from the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Last but not least, he holds a degree in Accounting from North Shore College in Danvers, MA. As most people know, the best experience one can receive, coupled with a great education, is practical, hands-on experience.

J has been a Freelance Engineer at many different studios in Nashville, New York, and Boston. Sound Stage, Blue Sky, and ESS are just a few studios where J fine-tuned his already excelled engineering skills. To add to all of the countless hours spent in classrooms and studios, J still takes on the awesome task of assisting Digidesign in Daly City, CA. He tests their Pro Tools Software before its release to the public.

As far as credits, J’s list is extensive. He has collaborated with, and/or offered his expertise in some way, shape, or form to such places as: NBC, Comedy Central, Saturday Night Live, DSM Producers, Hugh Bennett Productions, and Pitt/Penn Productions. Regarding specific artists he has worked with, the list includes Phil Vasser, Keith Urban, and Kim Richey. Other talent he has more than merely worked with, but actually developed includes: Ken Elevan, Marie Martin, and Mindy Jo Rigel.

As a prominent Producer/Engineer, J’s background and track record speak for themselves, not to mention the fact that he possesses amazing organizational skills, gives great attention to detail, knows many contacts, and has a true ear for music. He thrives on satisfying the client, and will not rest until perfection is ever present. Satisfied clients speak for themselves. Testimonials reveal the whole truth, as we can see.

“J has helped me with several recording projects, and has always gone the extra mile. I know if J is on the project things will go well, which allows me to be more creative as a music producer.”
~Bob Bullock

“Mr. Franze's expertise in the studio is invaluable. From player to engineer, from mixing to mastering, J is an undiscovered gem. His common sense in the studio has saved me much needed time and energy.”
~Richard Pittman

“A tireless worker, a solid professional, a persistent optimist with a dedication to seeing things through. J is solely responsible for where I am and where I will be in the future. Without his expertise and attention to detail, my music might have never been heard. I respect and treasure J's ability to make the dream reality. He is truly unique. I'm proud to know and work with him”
~Ken Elevan

J is one of a kind, his own element, so to speak. His clients are always ecstatic with the results. His passion for this business increases with each passing day, which allows for fresh ideas to evolve and creative energy to flow.

Franze Music

J's privately owned studio, Franze Music, is a State-of-the-Art facility designed by Carl Tatz of Carl Tatz Design and built around Digidesign's exceptional hardware/software audio recording system Pro Tools.

Design:

"Utilizing an amalgam of techniques, protocol, hardware and software, the CTD PhantomFocus™ Near-Field System is a powerful tool in designing monitor systems. It concentrates first on "reach out and touch the vocalist" imaging where pinpoint detail is spread out before the listener in holographic panorama. Secondly, full and accurate frequency response is achieved by incorporating several elements that can include: speaker/listener position calculations; proper speakers stands; damping and isolation devices; subwoofer systems; laser alignment; 360 degree phase control (all- pass filter); crossovers; and corrective equalization. The success of the system will be limited by the room acoustics evaluation that must precede the process."

Platform:

"For over 20 years Digidesign has been the industry leader in digital audio production, providing the professional music, broadcast, multimedia, and film industries with tools for audio creation, post production, collaboration, and distribution. Our innovative core technologies, which continue to revolutionize the audio profession and the art of recording, have earned us a Grammy® award for Outstanding Technical Achievement, and an Oscar® statuette representing the Scientific and Technical Award of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the design, development, and implementation of the Digidesign® Pro Tools® digital audio workstation."