CD mastering, post, audio edit

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

A: "Inception" Trailer Score: "MindHeist" - Mastering Engineer

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am currently working on mastering cues for Film Trailers right now for super talented new Artist/Producers - Mastering and Composing Sports Cues for TV - Both audio and video editing and mastering of a new documentary about boxing.

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

A: Air Show Mastering, Colorado.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I use both almost all the time in varying amounts.

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

A: You get 100% of me no matter the budget or the deal. If my hands and ears are on it, I skimp on nothing each and every time.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The excitement of bringing the tracks home.

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

A: Varies between creative questions, and cost questions. Although new clients should not fall into this trap: I want my track or full CD to sound like this reference (which in general, is not good since the sonics are substantially different on the reference as compared to the tracks at hand to begin with)

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

A: Some young clients often mistake Mastering for Mixing. And while it is true that great mastering is going to take your mix all the way home, It the mix is not there yet, great mastering still can help, but it will not solve a glaring mix deficiency should it be there.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Obviously, they want the best for their product. But in general, I listen to what they want and then comment if necessary.

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

A: Email or call, will discuss your project, and if you feel the energy and or expertise. . . fire one!

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

A: Pacific MicroSonics Model 2 HDCD Converter, Avalon EQ, Crane Song, Sonic Solutions Workstation. Oh, and one more Pacific MicroSonics Model 2 HDCD Converter if possible.

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

A: Started (and still do) as a composer/arranger/producer in NY many years ago. At the same time back then, I was also a concert classical guitarist and toured the world with solo concerts. I arranged and produced many record acts, then transition to the post side of things.. moved to LA and got heavily into all things audio. Mastering/mixing/editing.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Very Musical, yet Commercial... The two are not automatically at opposites.

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

A: I especially like and do work with many new Artists: reason... Their energy is pure.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Do not SLAM you 2 Track Master Bus with tons of Compression or Limiting; you will only tie the hands of your mastering engineer regardless of who it may be.

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

A: In alphabetical order: Country Pop/Rock, EDM, Hip Hop, Pop, Pop Rock, R&B, Soundtracks, Techno.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Musical Knowledge translated into Mastering / Mixing/ Editing expertise.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Knowledge: brought about by many years of diverse experience in most styles of music, both on the creative production/composition side and as well as the same on the mastering/mixing, editing side. It is the total sum of all this experience that enables me to get to the heart of the project at hand.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I usually (in most cases) employ separate Analog (as needed) and Digital (as needed) passes. With varying degrees in the amount/ratio of each, followed by the final HDCD Mastering pass.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Mastering is set-up around my Pacific Microsonics HDCD Model 2 Converter, as well Avalon and Crane Song Analog Gear, all at the control of my Sonic Solutions Mastering Workstation.

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

A: Elton John, Boys to Men, Mary j. Blige, and Katy Perry to name a few.

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

A: CD Mastering first, then Editing, and Mixing as well as video editing of indie artist videos.