Sean Davies, a world-renowned studio designer, technical engineer and authority on disc cutting lathes will receive a Special Recognition Award at the MPG Awards 2014.

A successful audio consultant, Davies is also a key figure in the UK and European disc cutting business, with extensive knowledge of cutting techniques, lacquers and the equipment required to cut a vinyl record.

His interest in audio began at the age of 13, when he started repairing broken radios and cutting discs at home. This hobby became a career when he was later offered a job at IBC Studios, initially in the maintenance department, and then in the disc cutting operation. He then went on to set up his his own company, SW Davies, which specialises in maintaining high quality disc-cutting lathes, as well as supporting cutting facilities worldwide.

Although he recently retired after 53 years in the pro audio industry, Davies is still acting as a consultant – most notably for the newly-launched Art of Vinyl (AoV), a maintenance business run by former Metropolis Mastering engineer Crispin Murray and AV equipment repair specialist Duncan Crimmins.

Ray Staff of the MPG’s Mastering Group, which nominated Davies for the award, commented: "I am so pleased Sean is receiving this acknowledgment. He has been my mentor for over 40 years. Sean is a generous educator, gifted with the ability to explain often complex theories, simply and clearly.

"His skills and knowledge have benefited every aspect of recording, mastering, manufacturing and design. He is a truly unique man in our industry."

Davies will collect his award at the next MPG Awards ceremony, which takes place on February 13th 2014 at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel in London.

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