I have worked with Jon on numerous projects over the past decade. He is more than a studio engineer, he is an absolute artist. He incorporates his musical abilities, ear, and experience into your sound. It makes everything you produce with him absolutely unique. Jon is extremely patient, and very critical when it comes to making the best possible sound. He is a perfectionist in all the right ways. There is not another person in the world I would trust to make an album with. Some of the best times i've ever had were sitting next to this dude in the studio. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity. If you are serious about making an outstanding album, I would direct you no where else. read more

If you know your way around OC independent music scene, the highly regarded producer Jonathan O'Brien (of The Music Box Studios) is synonymous with it. Having won the much coveted Best Producer on the OC Music Awards (at such a young age), is a justified statement that he's the go to guy for a quality recording. You can't go wrong with Jon, if you're looking for a patient, honest, and hands-on type of producer/engineer paired with an incredible set of ears. I started my music journey with him in 2013. I've recorded 2 EPs, 1 full-length and another ongoing full album for this year. That's more than enough reason to say, I'd highly recommend this guy. So do yourself a favor, check him out! read more

i have been working with Jon O'Brien for about ten years now and have completely enjoyed every experience. I have been recording with him and/or sending him all my songs to mix in that time frame and the final mixes are always stellar. The tones he gets are always badass, and he always achieves balance across the board, giving everything it's own unique space. Nothing steps on anything else. Just an excellent final product each time. As an engineer and producer in my own right, I've learned a ton from him and love working with him. Do yourself a favor and spend some time at The Music Box getting into a project with Jon and watch his ears work. Cheers read more

I have recorded several different projects in the past before being introduced to Music Box, each more frustrating and stressful then the last. Recording at music box was the single most rewarding musical experience ive yet encountered. At the studio, Jon was quick to assure me he only took on projects he felt connected too and passionate about. Together we formed a partnership of sound where he went above and beyond, making the project personal to him, and the results speak for themselves. Not only do I feel incredibly happy with the recordings, I made a lasting friendship and partnership. I will be coming back for more. read more

I've recorded many times with Jon and the reason I can recommend him above any other engineer/producer in the area is that he truly cares about every project he takes on. He works his ass off to make sure that every recording is something that both he and the artist can be proud of. If you book studio time with Jon, you're going to be working with an absolute professional who probably knows more about studio gear than people who have been in the business twice as long. You can be confident that Jon has the tools and knowledge to help you get the sound that you're looking for. Contact him now! read more

I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work on multiple projects with Jon at The Music Box Studios. As a musician, I believe that one of the most important parts of any recording process is being able to fully express yourself in a comfortable, fun, and professional environment, and that is exactly the type of experience I got when recording there. Jon is a very talented and creative engineer / producer and is his passion for his work is very apparent in the quality of work that he has helped bands put out. I highly recommend The Music Box Studios and will continue supporting it. read more

Greetings fellow artist! I imagine you're thinking to yourself, "Is the Music Box right for me? Can I trust Jon with my creative vision?" Let me do you favor - the answer is YES! Jon didn't create the name, "Tone King", he earns it every time he turns a knob in this magical studio. If you've never met Jon and just stumbled upon this page looking for a studio or producer, congratulations - your search is over! Go with Jon at Music Box. He's one of the best there is, and unless he loses his ears in a freak fireworks accident, I sincerely believe he could be the best there ever was. read more

Jon is a really great producer / engineer. He's got a great ear, is open minded, and has awesome gear for all styles of music. The studio has just about everything you will need to get your sound dialed in. I recorded an EP at The Music Box and everything from pre production, to mixing, to finally having the product mastered went smoothly. He exceeded my expectations and the recordings are of high quality, while still retaining that vibe that we all wanted (which sometimes can get lost after the recording process). Go see Jon, you will not be disappointed! read more

The Music Box, with Jon O'Brien at the helm, is a breath of fresh air for LA and OC artists looking to make a real ass record in the midst of a myriad of in the box, sterile, midi driven production spaces. He has got an incredible ear, with all of the right gear to facilitate the sounds the song calls for. I've known Jon for years and have worked with him at every Music Box location along the way. Good dude, great space, solid gear. I have in the past and will continue to highly recommend him as a producer, mix engineer, and homie. read more

I recorded an album with Jon a while back, and he is an absolute professional. His knowledge of and proficiency on the hardware/software he employs is nothing short of miraculous. His musical insights are tasteful and expressed with the utmost grace. In the time that I spent there, I played more interesting instruments than I have ever played in my life, and I was nowhere near exhausting his vast array. In short, the music box is just that: A large box filled with everything that is necessary for making real music. read more

We've recorded two Ep's with Jon at The Music Box Studios and will definitely go back for a Our Third! Jon is very patient and professional but most importantly he has a great ear for music. We used a bunch of his pedals and other toys like his B3 Organ with Leslie speaker on multiple tracks that all came out great. We had a quick turn around time on our mixes which was important for us. If you do a bit of research you'll see he putting out some of the cleanest recordings in Orange County. read more

My experience at The Music Box Studios highly exceeded my expectations in the best ways. As soon as I started working with Jon O'Brien on my EP, I knew that I could trust him to produce a product that I could be excited about and proud of. Jon O'Brien is an excellent, down to earth producer who truly does what it takes to give his clients something that they are thrilled about. I am 100% happy with my experience and with the finished EP. I highly recommend The Music Box Studios. read more

When it comes to making music, it's always incredibly refreshing to work with someone who is passionate about what your creating. Jon throws himself into the projects he works on 100% and the product shows that. Jons craft is in the details, in the way he lets no idea go untouched, and in the way he prides himself on creating great music. Having worked with him on multiple occasions, I can say you will most definitely be completely satisfied with the finished product. read more

My favorite producer/engineer in the game. I recorded an EP with Jon a couple years ago and he knew exectly what sound we were looking for plus all the equipment u could dream of is sitting there waiting for you to touch it mmmmmm. He helped us through alot of roadblocks along the way and made us more experienced studio performers. Ive had him mix and master multiple songs since then and he never lets me down. Heres a taste of the magic https://youtu.be/JfrZ6KKPGaQ read more

Jon O'Brien did such a great job on my record! Not only was the process a lot of fun, his ear and creative suggestions really helped turned my recordings into something special. I payed a very reasonable price and the process was professional, efficient (thanks to Jon, not me!) and just friggin pleasant. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend Music Box studios and couldn't be happier with the whole process, and I have had more than a few frustrating experiences in studios. read more

Jon O'Brien is phenomenal at taking an artist's or bands vision and making it happen. He is genius in his craft and puts tons of passion towards all his projects. Jon will not record for an artist unless he knows he is the perfect studio guy for them, which speaks a lot towards his integrity and authenticity as an artist. Also to mention, his studio has a great atmosphere and vibe. It's perfect for long studio sessions. He is your guy! read more

This studio is amazing! I have recorded twice with Jon and both times were wonderful experiences. He is so professional and personable at the same time. I haven't recorded much and I felt like I could really trust his input. He listens to your vision and chimes in when the time is right. I hope to record more projects with him at his studio. I encourage all bands to swing by this studio and meet with Jon. read more

My band and I had an awesome experience recording our last album with Jonathan O'Brien! Not only is he a really nice guy and fun to work with, but he has a great ear and really focuses on the details. He is a highly-skilled musician and song-writer, and he is down to get super creative to get unique sounds. We were very glad we chose to work with him, and I hope to record more with him soon! read more

Jon's a great engineer, great musician, and really fun to work with. My band recorded two singles with him and we got some of the coolest drum sounds I've ever heard. He knows how to dial in great tones, works quickly, knows his gear (yay) and keeps the focus on getting good music made without going down any time-consuming rabbit holes. Hope to work with him again in the future! read more