Top 5
Nigel Godrich - His work with Radiohead and Paul McCartney is like an orgasm in my ears.
Ethan Johns - Heartbreaker is one of my favorite albums sonically and contained absolutely no compression or EQ... That shows how much of a bad ass this guy is at mic placement and hand leveling... Oh did I mention he didn't use automation either? Also his work with the Kings of Leon, and The Jayhawks is awesome... On top of that he is a hell of a nice guy, and very modest... oh and he knows his gear like no other.
Dennis Herring - His work with Modest Mouse is absolutely brilliant... "Good News for People Who Love Bad News" is one of my favorite albums of all time, and the sounds are fabulous. Also his work with Mute Math was quite impressive as well. I am actually about to order a JFL MP F6E mic pre from him studio in the next month or so...
Steve Lillwhite - Hmmmm let's see... His work with U2, The Dave Matthews Band, Guster, and countless others is just brilliant. When I was 16 I e-mailed him (I was sneaky and got his e-mail), and he was kind enough to give me quick responses to all of my questions. I have kind of let off of him in the last few years, but I was shocked that he constantly sent me friendly and encouraging words of support and information. He is a genius, and a nice guy.
Goerge Martin - I mean come now... Do I really need to explain why?
-Grant