Great Lakes Mastering on SoundBetter

Pro mastering, indie sensibilities. Analog and digital mastering services.

Great Lakes Mastering is a hybrid analog and digital mastering studio built by Darren Vermaas and based in West Michigan. Created around a Dangerous Music mastering console and convertors, featuring custom analog processing from Manley, SPL, Dangerous, and others as well as state of the art digital tools. The studio is built around an ASC Acoustics Attack Wall with custom GIK bass trapping and cloud system. Monitoring is provided by ATC and features Trinnov calibration. With nearly 20 years experience, Great Lakes Mastering can help bring your project across the finish line. Contact now and ask how we can best serve your music.

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Credits

AllMusic verified credits for Darren Vermaas

Summertime Dropouts
The National
Beijing Band 2001
Kemaxiu Sped

5 Reviews - 2 Repeat Clients

Endorse Great Lakes Mastering

by Karina I.
Verified
We’ve had a very positive experience of working with Darren - communication went quickly and easily. He clarified a lot of things we didn’t have figured out and was very patient with us, while we were working on the final versions of our songs. Would definitely work with Darren again.
by InspireStudios
Verified
Happy to work with darren once again, good work, and quick turnaround! thanks darren
by Matthew C.
Verified
Darren Vermaas is a pro and an artist. He brought my project to sounding exactly as I had hoped for. He didn't rush me and made certain I was happy with the result. Extremely capable with his gear. Experienced ears. Well organized. Excellent communicator. Works quickly. Will definitely work with him again. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
by Diego V.
Verified
I Highly recommend Vermaas Audio, as my experience was both professional and interactive. He took my home recording and brought it up to a radio quality master, with a very short turnaround. He answered any questions and was happy to fill my artistic vision for the song. All in all, a great way to get achieve professional quality!
by Andrew A.
Verified
Vermaas Audio delivered fantastic results, with professional high quality mastering. They attended to my project quickly, with great customer service and attention to detail.

Interview with Great Lakes Mastering

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: Mastering is not going to magically fix a bad mix.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Joshua Stoll. A great tracking and mix engineer whom I've known and worked with for nearly 10 years. Check him out!
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both. Every project is different!
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Getting to hear new artists/songs!
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: If you're looking for a mastering engineer, make sure you have all of your information ready.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Dynamic, natural
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Don't unnecessarily squeeze the life out of your music.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Rock, Pop, Folk, Hip-Hop, VO
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Listening to both the client and the material.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Perspective, quality, efficiency
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Understand the client's goals, listen, do a quick first pass following intuition, listen, polish.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have connections to a number of studios in the greater NYC area, depending upon the project. As well as a Pro Tools based home studio.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Ted Jensen, Bob Ludwig, Greg Calbi, Michael Brauer, Chris/Tom Lord Alge, countless others...
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Deliver professional final masters for replication.

Ben Noble - Gamora

I was the Mastering Engineer in this production

Mastering EngineerAverage price - $70 per song
Mixing EngineerAverage price - $300 per song
Recording StudioAverage price - $500 per day
EditingAverage price - $40 per track

Terms vary based on project and what your needs are. For mastering, generally 3 revisions are provided at no additional charge. Turnaround time is based on number of tracks in the project.