Ryan Smith joined Sterling Sound in 2002 and quickly moved up the ranks.  He spent his first few years learning the art of mastering under the legendary Ted Jensen.  Ryan worked closely with Ted on a wide array of high profile projects like Green Day and Slipknot, as well as re-masters for Talking Heads and The Beatles. In October 2005, Ryan was promoted to Senior Mastering Engineer and started a collaboration with another Sterling legend: George Marino.  During this time Ryan has compiled an impressive discography with releases by Rufus Wainwright, Nada Surf, Joe Bonamassa and Mudvayne. In addition to CD mastering, Ryan has emerged as a specialist in 5.1 surround mastering for DVD and other new formats.  Ryan's recent surround work includes DVD's from O.A.R., Iron Maiden, Beyonce, Rihanna and Gov't Mule. Ryan holds a music degree from the DePauw University School of Music (1995).  Before joining Sterling, he made the rounds as an assistant engineer in the New York recording scene. In 1999 he joined the staff of the prestigious Right Track Recording, where he worked closely with a long list of legendary producers and engineers such as Phil Ramone, Arif Mardin, Frank Filipetti, and Russ Titelman. During this time Ryan worked on countless projects for a wide range of artists from James Taylor to Jay Z. Ryan lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Shannon, and their two sons, Kieran and Jonah.