Michael Smith on SoundBetter

I am a Producer, Mixing/Mastering Engineer, and multi-instrumentalist. I love helping others achieve their vision and goals for their project.

I specialize in producing tracks from start to finish, sculpting mixes that transfer emotion and energy, and polishing by mastering to ensure your project translates everywhere.

Reach out to me and let's talk through your ideas/projects and see where we can take them.

Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Credits

2 Reviews

Endorse Michael Smith

by Jillian Kay
Micheal mastered my newest single “Every Night” and I couldn’t have been happier with how it turned out! I recommend Micheal to anyone looking to get their music mixed, mastered, or produced and I hope to continue working with him on future projects!
by Matthew Hofman
Michael is the only person I trust with my music. He single-handedly produced, mixed, and mastered my most recent album REMOTELY, transforming my acoustic songwriting into massive pop/rock tracks with full instrumentation. Michael was great about checking in throughout the project to ensure that my vision was met and was patient and accommodating to mix tweaks. Michael has an amazing ear, pays extreme attention to detail, and has honed his skillset to perfection. I wholeheartedly recommend choosing Michael for your next audio project!

Interview with Michael Smith

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: "Not Ready To Let You Go" - Mark Joshua. This project was an opportunity I once dreamed of. I have a passion for vintage synthesizers and guitar amps/pedals. Fortunately over the years I have been able to obtain some of my dream vintage synthesizers and gear and use them in modern production. This song is entirely comprised of my vintage gear collection and for me is a reminder that if you set your goals appropriately and work hard, you can achieve your dreams.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: A synth-pop single and an indie-pop ep.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Ryan Prewitt
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both - like any project you need tools to get it done. Analog and digital both offer specialized tools that can achieve a high quality result. Picking the right tool for the job is most crucial to the success of the project.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: To be humble and serve your project to the best of my abilities.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Helping other people achieve their vision. I love using my skills and abilities to take someone's vision and bring it to life.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Can you make my track sound radio-ready? - Absolutely. My hybrid analog/digital setup lets me create a polished, competitive sound that stands up on any platform. I focus on giving each song the balance, punch, and clarity needed for professional quality. What’s your turnaround time? - Turnaround depends on the project's scope, but I prioritize both quality and efficiency. Typically, I’ll provide initial mixes within a week and revisions within a few days, always keeping you updated on progress.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: One of the biggest misconceptions is that mixing and mastering are purely technical tasks—just adjusting levels and adding effects. In reality, they’re highly creative processes that require an artistic ear and a deep understanding of the song’s emotion and dynamics. Another misconception is that great gear alone guarantees a great sound. While having quality gear helps, it’s really about how you use it. My goal is always to shape the song to match the artist’s vision, enhancing its personality and making it memorable, not just “loud and clear.”
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I start by asking about the song’s story and the mood you’re aiming to capture, as this shapes everything from arrangement to final polish. I also like to know which artists or tracks inspire your sound to understand your style preferences. I also ask about your timeline and budget, so I can tailor my process to meet your goals effectively. Finally, I always ask what a "win" looks like for you with this track; knowing your benchmarks for success ensures we’re both aligned from the start.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: find someone who truly values your creative vision and is open to collaboration. Look for a producer or engineer who asks questions and listens to your ideas, as their dedication to understanding your goals will make a big difference in the final production.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: UA Apollo Twin, dbx 160X, Eventide TimeFactor, Yamaha DX7, Roland JX-8P
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I starting piano lessons at the age of 3 when my parents noticed I had "perfect pitch". After 10 years of classical piano lessons, I began teaching myself how to play electric guitar. When I was in high school I was very interested in layering instruments together. I saved up and purchased a Tuscan DP-02 8 track digital multitrack recorder and a Yamaha MO8 keyboard workstation, I realized I wanted to pursue a career in music production so I attended Belmont University and studied music business and audio production. Upon graduating I worked for multiple churches as Director of Production and Audio Technician while freelancing as a producer and mixing/mastering engineer.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Clean, smooth, and punchy.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: The Midnight - love their music, style, and appreciation for the 1980's.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: 99% of the time, "less is more" for the production arrangement.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Pop, indie-pop, synthwave, synth-pop, country, worship.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Listening to the music and the client.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring a blend of precision, character, and artistry that truly amplifies a song's unique vibe. Working with a hybrid analog/digital setup, I leverage the warmth and depth of vintage gear alongside the flexibility and clarity of modern tools to create a sound that’s both rich and competitive. My approach is highly collaborative; I work closely with artists to capture the essence of their vision, fine-tuning every element to ensure the final mix stands out. From pristine clarity to organic warmth, I ensure each track has the punch and soul that make it unforgettable.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Establish the identity of the song with creative experimentation, build a solid demo while being organize and prepping for the final recordings, record the final production and making important decisions during the recording and production process.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I built my studio to be a hybrid setup of analog and digital gear. I work primarily to produce and create in Ableton, then mix and master in Universal Audio Luna. I have a collection of vintage synthesizers, guitar amps/pedals, audio compressors while also a digital collection of industry standard tools such as iZotope RX, iZotope Ozone and Melodyne Studio.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: The Midnight, John Mayer, Jeff Balding
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Music production, mixing, and mastering.