Fred Catero

The knowledge I gained from Fred when he taught at CRA follows me to this day. What an incredible person and engineer, and I think of him often.

I remember in astonishment while at the College for Recording Arts in 1984 watching him dust over the mixing console with his fingers and in five minutes create a finished mix of the music we had just recorded.

Fred was a good friend I was married in his home to my wife Elezibeth in 1968 when we divorced he let me live with him till i found a new house he will always be a true friend i will miss him very much your friend until the end of time Walter Karcich

I had the privilage of studying under him at the College for Recording Arts in 1984/5. He was always very generous with his time and had many great stories and wisdom to pass on. A true legend! R.I.P.

Fred was my go to main man for knowledge who never disappointed. His incredible kindness filled me each time I called him wishing that time would stand still to talk to him longer.
Fred as my teacher at CRA gave me the hunger to continue to learn even long after school for years and his wisdom helped me grow even to today.
Because of you Fred my dreams have come true and my knowledge continues to seek for more.
Fred, I called you tonight to share my new discovery with you to tell you that "we the world have been listening to speakers the wrong way" and to have you test my discovery in your studio; I am sure you would have agreed and would´ve been so proud and, you would´ve changed how you listen to your speakers but, my teacher, my friend, my idol; i called too late and i am so sorry it took so long for my discovery to and to share it with you
You will always be in my thoughts heart and prayers
Love you always Fred always!

I just listened to Herbie Hancock's 'Deathwish ' soundtrack and I was stunned by the excellence of the engineering - I came online to reach out to Fred and express my appreciation for his fabulous work when I came across this site and the news of his passing. A great loss to the world of audio.

My dear friend for so many years, Socorro and I are privileged to be able to count ourselves among the many people whose lives were enriched by your and Madeleine's friendship.

As a young entry-level sound engineer at the great Wally Heider studios in San Francisco I would occasionally have a chance to poke my head into Studio A where Fred and David Rubinson were working their magic. Unlike other studios in the building, Studio A seemed to have nearly constant laughter going on in the control room. I soon realized that Fred was as funny as any of the comics playing the local clubs. His humor set a tone in the studio that relaxed everyone and seemed to bring out everyone´s best work. The results are many of the finest recordings of the times. Fred´s brilliance and sense of humor were legendary and he will be deeply missed by all of those he inspired. I wish I could have spent more time with him.

I loved Fred. I spent countless hours and days at his side and it seems like we laughed the whole time. He was incredibly talented of course, but he was one of the most courageous, forthright and loyal men I've ever met. I think you also all need to know that Fred baked the best cheesecake in the world. (Chocolate or plain). With great affection and deep respect, DR

Fred taught me a lot, much of which I still use today.

But he also taught me that a recording studio was not where I would be most useful to the music. He did so with the greatest understanding and kindness.

For that I remain grateful.

Fred taught all of us at the Automatt. He was a very talented, generous, and wise man. Bless his soul.

If it wasn't for Fred's mentorship, kindness and support I am not sure where my career would be today. Fred was the consummate engineer and a leader in the Bay Area recording community. His name on the Automatt studio listing brought me to San Francisco as I admired his work so much. Rest well dear Fred.