Clear, pristine, and very affordable audio mastering with over 15 years of experience. I use a combination of several different softwares and plugins in order to achieve a great quality master that translates well on all sound systems. I would love the opportunity to show you what I can do with your music today!
I am here for your needs. As an independent musician for over 25 years, I am extremely familiar with every single step of the music making process and fully understand the amount of time, blood, sweat, tears, and money involved in achieving a final product that you can be 100% proud of. A great sounding master is the final step and I'm fully confident that you'll be 100% happy with the final product once it's delivered!
Contact me today and let's get to work!
I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.
Interview with Matt Schneider
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: The biggest misconception about mastering is that it can correct and/or cover up any problems in the mix itself. While mastering can definitely fix issues with certain frequencies in a mix, it cannot adjust individual elements within a song without also affecting all of the other elements/instruments within those frequencies. For example, mastering can't add delay or reverb to just the vocals - that still has to be done during the mixing process. Mastering also cannot raise or lower the volume of a particular instrument - that still has to be done during the mixing process.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: 1. Most importantly: are you 100% happy with the final mix? If the answer is no, then I strongly recommend holding off on mastering until you are 100% happy with the mix. 2. Do you have a reference song in mind, as far as how you want the mastered version to compare sonically?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Look for someone who demonstrates a clear love and passion for what they do. Look for someone who has samples of their work readily available for you to review. Look for someone who takes great pride in their work and is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that a customer is 100% happy with the final product. Look for someone who is friendly, engaging, professional, respectful, knowledgeable, and does not take your trust in them lightly. Finally, it never hurts to ask for a 30 second sample to make sure they can do the job.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: One electric guitar, one acoustic guitar, one bass guitar, my Mac, and my speakers.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have been doing this for over 25 years. However, I have also had to maintain a 'day career' during that time as well since this doesn't always pay the bills!
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring skills that have been acquired through over two decades of experience as both a musician and an engineer.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: First and foremost, my ears have to be 'fresh' before I begin listening to anything so that I can trust my first impression. Assuming that is the case, I proceed to listen through my main speakers and take as many thorough notes as possible on all aspects of what I am seeing (the frequency spectrum) and hearing (my trusty ears). I especially focus on what needs work - muddiness, tinniness, too much treble, not enough bass, etc. I also listen to the track(s) on headphones, car speakers, and an iPhone to make sure I'm not missing anything. Based on my notes and action plan, my next steps are usually (in order): - light compression to control the dynamics and tighten everything up - EQing - both regular and dynamic - for tonal balance - further enhancement - stereo widening/reduction, saturation, reverb, etc. - limiting and loudness optimization - wait another day or two and listen again with fresh ears; repeat process again if/as needed
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: As a mastering engineer, I would say that my style is very detailed, careful, and calculated. Every step of my process is critical - as far as I'm concerned - and serves a significant purpose in contributing to the final product. In other words, I comb everything as finely as I possibly can.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Devin Townsend. He's a huge influence, as well as an incredible musician who I've learned a lot from just by listening to his music.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My strong attention to detail and a creative approach to problem solving - both of which have enabled me to develop a unique style of mastering songs.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Always take lots of notes! Jot down your settings and document any changes you make along the way so that you have complete transparency of the entire process from start to finish. Not only does it save loads of time in the event of a power or software blip, but it's also an essential learning tool that helps you to continually grow and perfect your craft.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I usually work on hard rock, metal, folk, ambient, and pop rock
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Nothing too special here... I use a Mac, Sonos speakers, and Audio Technica headphones (when needed) in a 20-25 ft room. The softwares and plugins that I typically use are Adobe Audition, Izotope RX, Izotope Ozone, Waves, Melodyne, and Logic Pro.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Anyone that is on a never-ending quest (like myself) to constantly improve at their craft and loves what they do.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I specialize in audio restoration, which represents about 60-70% of the jobs that I perform for my clients. The other 30-40% is mastering.
I was the Mastering Engineer in this production
Mastering fee per song = $65. Up to 4 free revisions. Each additional revision = $20. First pass turn-around times for: 1-2 songs = 2-4 days, 3-5 songs = 5-7 days, 6-10 songs = 7-10 days.
