Mixing Engineer

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: One project I’m especially proud of is Fatso’s album, where I worked as the mixing engineer. This project stands out because of its unique blend of influences, combining elements of jazz, soul, and Latin music with a contemporary edge. It challenged me to bring warmth, clarity, and cohesion to a richly layered sound. My role involved carefully balancing intricate instrumentation while ensuring the groove and energy of each track remained intact. It was about creating a mix that felt both organic and polished, allowing every nuance of the music to shine through. The result was a sound that truly represented the artist’s vision, and seeing the positive reception from fans and critics made it an incredibly rewarding experience.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At the moment, I’m working on the live mixing of a concert in Mexico featuring Nanpa Básico. It’s a big project with 40 songs, and it’s exciting to bring the energy of the performance to life through the mix. It’s a unique challenge that combines technical precision with a deep understanding of live dynamics and musical flow.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: I ll tell later, i have to search.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital. I learned the craft on analog equipment, and it taught me a lot about sound, workflow, and discipline. However, digital has evolved to the point where it’s now on par with, and in many cases surpasses, analog in terms of flexibility, precision, and creative possibilities. Digital tools allow for seamless recall, unlimited experimentation, and access to high-quality emulations of analog gear, which means I can achieve the warmth and character of analog while taking full advantage of modern technology. It’s the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, allowing me to focus more on creativity and delivering the best results for every project.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: My promise to my clients is that everything will be perfect, and you'll love the final result—but it’s important to trust the process. Mixing is a journey of refinement and creativity, and while it might take a few revisions to get everything just right, I’m committed to bringing your vision to life and ensuring the end product exceeds your expectations. Your music deserves the best, and I’ll work tirelessly to make sure it shines.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I like most about my job is that it feels like playing as a kid every day. Mixing is a creative playground where I get to experiment with sounds, textures, and dynamics, exploring endless possibilities to bring a song to life. It’s a process of discovery—trying new techniques, pushing boundaries, and finding joy in every detail. There's something incredibly fulfilling about turning raw tracks into a polished mix that resonates with emotion and energy. It keeps the work exciting, fresh, and fun, just like when you’re a kid exploring new things without limits.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: Can you make my mix sound like [artist/track]? Answer: Absolutely! If you have specific reference tracks or artists in mind, I can use them to understand the vibe and sound you're aiming for. However, I’ll always make sure the mix still reflects your unique style and vision. What is the difference between mixing and mastering? Answer: Mixing is the process of combining all the individual tracks and elements in a song (vocals, instruments, effects) to create a balanced, cohesive sound. Mastering is the final step where the track is optimized for distribution, ensuring it sounds great on all platforms and formats. Mixing is more about creative decisions and shaping the sound, while mastering is about fine-tuning and finalizing the track for release. Can you work with different genres? Answer: Yes, I work with a wide range of genres! From rock and pop to electronic, hip-hop, and beyond, my style is versatile and adaptable. I tailor each mix to the specific genre and the artist’s vision to make sure it sounds the best it possibly can. Do you offer mastering services too? Answer: While I specialize in mixing, I can also do work on it or I can also recommend trusted mastering engineers who will ensure your track is polished and ready for release. If you need mixing and mastering, I can guide you through both processes seamlessly. Can you work remotely? Answer: Yes! I work with clients from all over the world and handle everything remotely. You can send your files digitally, and we’ll communicate throughout the process via email, video calls, or messaging, ensuring we’re aligned at every step.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: The biggest misconception about what I do is that mixing is easier than mastering. Many people assume that once the tracks are recorded and arranged, the mixing process is just about balancing levels, but it’s much more intricate. Mixing is about shaping the sound, ensuring every element is not only balanced but also works together harmoniously. It involves making creative decisions about space, depth, dynamics, and tone—choices that affect how the listener experiences the song. It's about understanding how to highlight emotions, create impact, and maintain clarity, all while keeping the track sonically engaging and true to the artist’s vision. While mastering is the final step to polish and optimize the track for various formats, mixing is the foundation where most of the artistry and detailed work happens. It requires deep technical knowledge, creativity, and an ear for every nuance of the sound. The process can be challenging, especially when working with multiple elements across different genres, which is why it's not something to be taken lightly.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is the overall vision or vibe you want for this track/album? This helps me understand the emotional direction you want to take, whether it's energetic, laid-back, atmospheric, or something else entirely. Do you have reference tracks or artists in mind that you want your sound to resemble? This helps guide the mixing process by giving me a clear sense of the style, tone, and dynamics you're aiming for. What are the key elements of the song that you want to stand out the most? Whether it's vocals, drums, bass, or any other instrument, knowing which elements need to be highlighted helps me create a mix that prioritizes those features. What’s the intended use for this track? Knowing whether the track will be for radio, streaming platforms, TV sync, or a live performance can affect how I approach the mix, especially with considerations like loudness and frequency balance. What is your preferred mix style? Some artists prefer a more polished, radio-ready sound, while others might want a rawer or more organic feel. Understanding your style preference is crucial for achieving the right tone. Do you have any specific sounds, effects, or instruments you want incorporated or treated in a particular way? This could include requests for specific reverb types, stereo imaging, or any experimental techniques you might want to explore. What’s your timeline for the project, and do you have any critical deadlines? Understanding the timeline allows me to set realistic expectations for delivery and revisions. How many revisions do you anticipate needing? This helps me plan the workflow and ensure we have enough time for any changes without compromising the quality of the final product. What file formats and stem organization would you prefer? I want to make sure that the files I receive are organized in a way that works best for both of us, ensuring a smooth mixing process. Are there any specific challenges or concerns you’ve had with previous mixes? If you’ve worked with other engineers or faced issues in the past, this gives me insight into potential pain points and helps me address them proactively. By asking these questions, I ensure I’m on the same page as the client, allowing me to craft a mix that truly represents their vision while delivering the best possible results.

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: When hiring a provider like me, my advice would be: Know Your Vision: Be clear about what you want to achieve with your track. Whether it’s the emotional vibe, the energy of the song, or the overall sound you're aiming for, communicating your vision will help guide the mix process. Trust the Process: Mixing is an art, and while it’s important to provide feedback, trust that the professional you hire has the experience to bring out the best in your song. The balance of collaboration and trust is key to achieving the best result. Provide Reference Tracks: If you have songs or artists that inspire the sound you're going for, share them! Reference tracks help me understand the specific vibe, tone, and dynamics you're after, making the process more efficient and aligned with your vision. Be Open to Suggestions: Sometimes, an outside perspective can bring fresh ideas to the table. While staying true to your vision is essential, be open to suggestions that can elevate the track further. Communicate About Deadlines and Expectations: Be clear about any deadlines or milestones, and make sure you’re on the same page regarding the number of revisions and overall timeline. This helps ensure the project runs smoothly and efficiently. Provide High-Quality Files: The better the source files you provide, the better the final result will be. Ensure all stems are clean and well-recorded for the best possible mix. By keeping these things in mind, we can work together to create a mix that truly reflects your sound and vision.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: Laptop with Protools SM7B Microphone UAD Volt Interface Small Keyboard Controller DT 770 Headphones

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: My career path in audio engineering started in 2009 after I completed my studies in Sound Engineering and Music. I began my journey by diving into the technical side of music production, and over time, I honed my skills through various projects. Early on, I worked on developing a virtual synthesizer in Max MSP for Pro Tools and Logic, which was used in the production of "Interference" by The Psycho, an album that earned recognition at the Audio Engineering Society. Since then, I’ve worked on a wide range of music, from rock and pop to electronic and urban genres, gaining experience and developing my craft. I’ve had the opportunity to work with different artists, producing and mixing tracks while continuing to push the boundaries of sound design. Over the years, I’ve also expanded my skills into other areas like video production and digital marketing, helping me understand the broader scope of music and media production. It’s been a fulfilling journey, and I’m still as passionate as ever about evolving my craft and creating exceptional mixes.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is polished and versatile. I ensure each element in the mix is finely tuned and balanced for maximum impact. I bring out the best in every genre I work with, whether it’s creating a radio-ready pop mix, a gritty rock sound, or an atmospheric electronic track. I’m adaptable and tailor each mix to the unique vibe of the song, ensuring that it resonates with the listener and stands out in its own way.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: Working with Gorillaz would be a dream. Their genre-blending sound, which seamlessly fuses elements of alternative rock, hip-hop, electronic, and experimental music, would provide a fascinating and dynamic project to mix. The creative freedom and diverse range of sounds they incorporate would allow me to push the boundaries of audio engineering and experiment with various effects, textures, and spatial elements to enhance their already unique sound. Their approach to collaboration with different artists from diverse genres also aligns with my passion for diverse musical influences, which would make the mixing process both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Plus, their visually striking and conceptual approach to music production would offer an exciting opportunity to create a compelling auditory experience that complements their artistic vision.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: One essential music production tip is to eliminate unwanted resonance or ringing early in the mixing process—especially in your low-end and midrange. Resonant frequencies can make a track sound muddy or "cluttered," and if left unchecked, they can create imbalance, especially when listened to on different playback systems. Here’s how to address it: Use EQ to tame problematic frequencies: When mixing, apply a surgical EQ (such as the FabFilter Pro-Q 3 or similar) to identify and cut the specific ringing frequencies. These are often found in the low-midrange (around 200-500 Hz) or higher midrange (around 2-4 kHz) areas. Dealing with instruments: For vocals, guitars, or snare drums that have unpleasant resonances, it’s often a matter of finding the specific frequency causing the ringing and reducing it slightly. You can apply a narrow EQ cut with a high Q setting to target just that problematic frequency. Subtractive EQ: Instead of boosting frequencies elsewhere, focus on subtracting the offending resonances. It’s usually more effective and transparent, keeping your mix cleaner and more focused. Dynamic EQ/De-essing: If the ringing is not static but varies with performance (such as on vocals), a dynamic EQ or de-esser can be helpful. This allows the frequency to be controlled only when it becomes too pronounced. By cleaning up these resonant frequencies early on, you'll have a stronger foundation for your mix, leaving more room for the other elements to breathe and giving your track a much more polished, balanced sound.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: I usually work on a wide variety of music genres, allowing me to blend my technical skills with different styles and sounds. However, I tend to focus on the following: Rock - Pop - Americana - R&B - Folk - World Music

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: When asked about my strongest skill, I would say it’s my ability to blend technical precision with creative intuition. I have a strong grasp of the technical aspects of audio engineering—like EQ, compression, and spatial effects—but I also deeply understand how to craft a mix that emotionally connects with the listener. This combination allows me to create mixes that are not only sonically balanced but also engaging and dynamic, capturing the essence of the song while staying true to the artist’s vision. Whether it’s making sure every instrument is clear, or adding depth and movement through creative effects, my ability to fuse these elements into a cohesive and polished final product is what I consider my strongest skill.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: What I bring to a song is a combination of technical expertise and creative vision, all aimed at crafting a mix that enhances the song’s emotional impact while ensuring it sounds polished and professional. Here are the key elements I contribute to every project: 1. Clarity and Balance I focus on ensuring that each element in the song—whether it's vocals, instruments, or percussion—can be heard clearly without competing with one another. By carefully balancing levels, EQ, and panning, I create a space where every part of the song shines. 2. Emotional Impact Music is all about emotion, and my goal is to bring that emotion to the forefront. I use dynamics, tonal shaping, and space to amplify the emotional core of a song, making sure that the mix not only sounds good but also resonates with the listener. 3. Punch and Energy Through techniques like compression, EQ, and automation, I bring out the punch and energy in a track. Whether it’s adding warmth to a vocal performance, tightening up a drum kit, or giving the bass more presence, I focus on making sure the mix hits hard and moves the listener. 4. Atmosphere and Space I create a sense of space and depth through reverb, delay, and panning. This adds dimensionality to the mix and allows the song to feel immersive. The right atmospheric effects can transform a flat-sounding track into something dynamic and engaging. 5. Consistency and Cohesion Each song has its own character, and my role is to ensure that the mix is cohesive. This means keeping the tone consistent across all elements, matching the overall vibe, and ensuring that the song feels unified from start to finish. 6. Detail and Subtlety I’m a firm believer in the power of small details. From the right amount of reverb on a snare to the subtle delay on a vocal, I bring precision and attention to detail, which allows the mix to evolve naturally and keep the listener engaged from start to finish. 7. Creative Flavor Every song has its own personality, and I always aim to add a unique creative flavor to each mix. Whether it’s experimenting with effects, manipulating dynamics, or crafting unconventional transitions, I push the boundaries of what’s expected while always staying true to the artist’s vision. 8. Professional Quality I bring a high level of technical proficiency to every project. From tracking to final delivery, I ensure that the mix is of the highest quality—clean, professional, and ready for any platform, whether it’s radio, streaming, or live performance. 9. Collaboration I value collaboration with artists, producers, and other team members. I actively listen to feedback, ensuring that the final mix reflects the artist's vision while offering my professional input to make sure the song stands out. In short, I bring a deep understanding of sound, technical skill, and creative intuition to every song I work on, ensuring it’s not only sonically polished but also emotionally compelling and engaging for the listener.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical work process for mixing is methodical and designed to ensure both creative exploration and technical precision. Here's a breakdown of how I approach each project: 1. Pre-Production / Project Setup Initial Consultation: I begin by discussing the client’s vision, referencing their artistic goals, preferred style, and any specific requirements they might have (e.g., mix elements they want highlighted, target sound, or reference tracks). Materials Collection: I ensure I have all the necessary files (multi-track recordings, stems, rough mixes, etc.) in the right format (e.g., WAV, 24-bit, 48 kHz). I also ask for any notes or references to guide the mix process. 2. Session Organization Track Arrangement: I start by organizing the tracks in the DAW, labeling each one clearly and grouping them by type (vocals, drums, bass, instruments). This helps me stay organized and ensures a smooth mixing workflow. File Preparation: I check for any technical issues such as clipping, phase problems, or unwanted noise. If needed, I clean up the tracks by editing out non-musical elements (e.g., breaths, noises) or correcting timing. 3. Initial Mix – Balancing Levels Volume Balance: I start with a rough mix, adjusting the levels of each track to ensure the fundamental elements (vocals, drums, bass) are in balance and can be clearly heard. Panning: I work on the stereo field, panning instruments to create space and avoid clutter, ensuring the mix feels wide and dynamic. Basic EQ and Compression: I apply subtle EQ and compression to bring clarity to each element, ensuring there’s enough room for each instrument to "breathe" in the mix. The goal here is to establish a good balance before diving into creative details. 4. Refining the Mix EQ and Tonal Shaping: I use EQ to fine-tune each element, ensuring clarity and tonal balance. This includes carving out space for important elements like vocals, bass, and kick drums while ensuring that frequencies don’t conflict. Compression and Dynamics: I apply dynamic control with compression to keep the mix tight and punchy, while also ensuring the mix maintains its emotional energy. I adjust settings for each instrument—like vocals, drums, or bass—to create a smooth but energetic flow. Adding Effects: Reverb, delay, and modulation effects are introduced at this stage, enhancing depth and space in the mix. I make sure the effects are applied thoughtfully, ensuring they enhance the mood without becoming distracting. 5. Creative Touches Automation: I automate volume, panning, effects, and EQ to add movement and dynamics to the mix, ensuring it feels alive and evolves naturally. Special Effects: Depending on the style, I may add more creative touches like distortions, stutters, or unique delays that bring a fresh edge to the mix. 6. Cross-Referencing Different Systems: I check the mix on various systems (studio monitors, headphones, car speakers, etc.) to ensure it translates well across different playback devices. Genre Consistency: I compare the mix to reference tracks within the same genre to ensure it holds up sonically and fits stylistically. 7. Final Adjustments Feedback Loop: Once the initial mix is done, I send it to the client for feedback. I make sure to ask for specific comments on any areas they want to change (e.g., balance, volume, tonal changes). Revisions: I make adjustments based on client feedback, making sure that the final mix aligns with their vision while maintaining a high-quality sound. I include up to 7 revisions to ensure the final result meets their satisfaction. 8. Mastering Preparation Finalizing the Mix: Once the client is satisfied with the mix, I ensure everything is polished, and the mix is ready for mastering. This involves ensuring the final mix is clean, with no clipping, and at the optimal volume level for mastering. Stems (if requested): If requested, I provide stems or separate tracks to allow for easier mastering or future edits. 9. Delivery Final Delivery: I deliver the final mix in the agreed-upon format (e.g., WAV, MP3) to the client, ensuring it’s properly labeled and organized. If any additional deliverables are needed (e.g., stems, alternate mixes), I provide them at this stage. 10. Post-Delivery Follow-Up Client Check-In: I follow up to ensure the client is fully satisfied with the mix and offer any additional support if needed. This also helps build a strong working relationship for potential future projects. This process ensures that I not only meet the client’s expectations but also exceed them by maintaining a high level of professionalism and quality throughout every step of the project.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup is designed to provide the best possible environment for creating and refining mixes, combining both high-end gear and a comfortable, inspiring workspace. Here's a breakdown of my setup: Acoustic Treatment The room is acoustically treated to ensure accurate monitoring, with bass traps and diffusers that allow for a balanced sound. I use a combination of foam panels and broadband absorbers to eliminate unwanted reflections and ensure a clear, focused listening experience. Monitors Focal Shape 65: These are my primary studio monitors, providing exceptional clarity and an even response across the frequency spectrum. Their detail allows me to make precise decisions during the mix. Yamaha HS8: For cross-referencing and ensuring mixes translate well on different systems, I also use these reliable monitors. They give a more "raw" representation of the sound, which is crucial for checking balance. Audio Interface Universal Audio Apollo x8: I rely on this interface for its superior sound quality, low latency, and the built-in UAD plugins, which help in shaping the mix with analog warmth and precision. Control Surface Avid S6 Control Surface: This is my go-to for tactile control over the mixing process. It provides hands-on adjustments for volume, EQ, dynamics, and effects, making the workflow smooth and efficient. Software Pro Tools: For most of my mixing and production work, Pro Tools is my primary DAW. I find its powerful features and stability perfect for professional-level mixing. Logic Pro X: For more creative tasks, especially when working with MIDI or producing, Logic is my choice. It’s a versatile DAW with excellent virtual instruments and MIDI capabilities. Ableton Live: Occasionally, I use Ableton for its unique workflow, especially for electronic or experimental elements in a mix. Outboard Gear Neve 1073 Preamp: This preamp is integral for giving vocals and instruments a rich, warm tone that I love. It adds depth and character to any signal that runs through it. Universal Audio 1176 Compressor: For precise dynamic control and adding punch, the 1176 is my go-to compressor, particularly for drums and vocals. Empirical Labs Distressor: A versatile compressor that’s great for adding aggression or smoothness depending on the mix. I often use it on drums or bass to give them more presence. Headphones Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro: These headphones are a trusted tool for referencing mixes and ensuring clarity when I need to step away from the monitors. They give me a solid representation of the mix, especially in terms of low-end response. Microphones Shure SM7B: When recording vocals, the SM7B is my preferred dynamic microphone for its versatility and ability to capture vocals with a natural, yet present tone. Newmann U87: For more detailed recording, I use the U87. It's perfect for capturing the subtleties in acoustic instruments or ambient recordings. Software Plugins I rely heavily on plugins for mixing, especially when I need the flexibility and creative possibilities they provide: Waves Plugins (SSL G-Master Buss Compressor, H-Comp, EQs) Plugin Alliance for details FabFilter Pro-Q 3 for EQ iZotope Ozone for final mastering Soundtoys for creative effects like delays, distortion, and modulation. This setup allows me to deliver professional, high-quality mixes while staying flexible in my creative process. It’s always evolving as I try new tools and techniques, but it’s designed to provide a balance of precision, creativity, and comfort.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: I draw inspiration from a wide range of musicians and music production professionals who have shaped the art of sound design and mixing. Here are a few key influences: Dr. Dre – His ability to blend innovative production with clear, powerful mixes in hip-hop has been a huge inspiration. The way he brings out the subtleties in a track while maintaining punch and clarity is something I strive to emulate. Quincy Jones – Known for his work with Michael Jackson and a long list of legendary artists, Quincy’s approach to orchestrating sound with dynamic shifts and rich textures has influenced my mix creation. His ability to balance technical skill with emotional depth is something I aim to reflect in my own work. Rick Rubin – His minimalist, yet impactful approach to mixing and production is a guiding principle for me. He has a way of enhancing the raw energy of a track without over-complicating it, allowing the music to breathe and connect with the listener. Tchad Blake – A master of unconventional, yet highly effective mixing techniques, Tchad Blake’s work across genres (from rock to electronic) has shown me how creative and experimental mixing can elevate a song, adding layers of atmosphere and depth. Nile Rodgers – As a guitarist and producer, Nile Rodgers’ approach to rhythm and groove is an ongoing source of inspiration. His clean, punchy production style creates space for the music to shine, while maintaining an infectious energy. Andrew Scheps – A renowned mixing engineer known for his work with artists like Adele, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Metallica, Andrew’s blend of warmth, clarity, and punch in his mixes is something I admire. His approach to mixing, always focusing on the emotional delivery of a song while maintaining technical precision, is a constant influence on my work. Brian Eno – A pioneer in ambient music and sound experimentation, his vision for creating atmospheres and blending unconventional sounds has encouraged me to explore new textures and creative boundaries in mixing. These professionals, with their unique approaches, inspire me to push the boundaries of audio engineering while maintaining a strong focus on emotional and sonic clarity.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: The most common type of work I do for my clients is audio mixing. This involves taking their recorded tracks and shaping them into a polished, cohesive final product. I focus on: Balancing Levels: Ensuring all instruments and vocals sit harmoniously in the mix without overpowering one another. Enhancing Clarity: Using EQ and dynamics processing to bring out the best tonal qualities of each element. Creating Depth and Space: Adding reverb, delay, and panning to build an immersive sonic landscape. Highlighting Key Elements: Accentuating lead vocals, solos, or any feature the client wants to stand out. Achieving the Desired Tone: Aligning the mix with the client’s artistic vision, whether it's warm and organic or modern and punchy. This process often includes revising the mix based on client feedback to ensure the final product exceeds their expectations and reflects their unique sound.