Magnus Gulbrandsen on SoundBetter

Mastering all genres for any format.

A Master needs to sound GREAT on every speaker or headphones with depth, clarity and punch! When I master I listen to the artist intention and focus on expanding the sonic qualities with that as a starting point
I graduated from Norwegian Sound School in 2005 specializing in studio recording. The last 10+ years I've spent as a freelance Sound Engineer and Musician. These last few years I've settled down and opened my own mixing and mastering studio called Jelöy Sound. As it turned out, a vast majority of my reacurring work came from mastering clients. So my focus shifted towards that.
Specializing in only mastering has made my work consistently better, I work faster and the process is more enjoyable.
I am infinitely grateful for every artist that lets me be a part of her or his art. The musical process is a personal and emotional one and I am very respectful of this.
My only goal is to help the artist reach THEIR goal and mace their music sound as great at it possibly can!

Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.

Credits

8 Reviews

Endorse Magnus Gulbrandsen

by Pavel Z.
Verified
Great affordable master engineer. Made my mixes breathe :D
by Jan F.
Verified
Magnus did a great job in mastering my Ep. It sounded very good, no revision needed. Ive worked with many skilled master engineers through the years, and Magnus is someone I will definitive trust again with my future music. I recommend him 100% Jan Ove Fjeld
by Stefan R.
Verified
I was drawn to Magnus' work initially for his crisp sound, and he certainly delivered on my song. Magnus is an excellent collaborator with great patience, understanding, willing and a discerning ear. I look forward to teaming up again in the future.
by Stig M.
Mr. Martin & His Big Horns was very excited if Magnus could create that New Orleans groove. He really did that and helped us through the process. We are very satisfied with the results. Magnus worked out our final mix and also the last mastering. He is very cireative and helped us with many ideas during the final mix and he is a great guy to cooperate with. We give Magnus our recommendation and I think we want to use him next time.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with Magnus He is a true team player, and manages to foster positive discussions and bring the best out in our music.
by Kristian Frøland
After recording, producing and mixing music on my own, I find it refreshing for both myself and of course the music to have a couple of new ears coming in at the end. Mastering with Magnus at Jelöy Sound is as good as it gets. His musical understanding combined with technical finesse and high quality gear, both hardware and software, provided just what I was looking for with my music. The subtle touch made a huge difference on the final result. Highly recommended!
by Dag Markhus
After working with an array of engineers over the years, Magnus certainly signified a breath of fresh air and sound. An adept musician, he has a deep understanding of what plays or carries, always serving the song. Even without reference tracks, which I failed to provide (the unusual suspects hard to pin down), he immediately grasped the intent and vibe of this somewhat eclectic material, and made it snap, crackle & pop - no small feat. Bouncing ideas back and forth, I appreciated his every cent, and cherish the results. The mastering séance was truly revelatory to witness… thanks a million!
by Terje Kinn
Hot Rod Double recorded an entire album at Jeløy Sounds. We all know that recording is a collaboration between producer/ technician and band. Magnus, being both technician and produser helped us through all the stages of recording with an everlasting positiv attitude. The mixing process was the most surprising part of everything. Magnus had "grasped the concept" from listening to us live, understanding what we tried to achieve sound wise, he gave us a mix so close to our expectations that little had to be done.
Magnus and Jeløy Sounds is a highly recommended combo.
by Ola Innset
We recorded an acoustic track for a compilation with Magnus in September 2019. The recording took one day, and he had mixes ready the next day. Both the process and the result was teriffic. Magnus is organized, friendly, patient and full of technical ability. He has everything you want in a producer or mixer and comes with our warmest recommendations!

Ola Innset - Elva

Interview with Magnus Gulbrandsen

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I recently mastered an album by the Norwegian indie band Divest. Their album is coming out in the fall and I have their first single as a sample here on sound better.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: I travel light. Laptop Converter Headphones
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Right now I just want to establish more relationships with different artists around the world.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: When Mastering I work on all genres really. There is a certain level of objectivity in mastering and I let the music take me where it needs to go.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My listening environment is what is most important to me so I have spent a lot of effort treating and tuning my room. I listen on Focal speakers, Audeze Headphones through Prism converters.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Mastering
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What do you want your music to sound like and ehat do you expect the engineer to do? What is the timeline? What is your budget?
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Graduated from Norwegian Sound School in 2005 specializing in studio recording. while in school I got a live-engineering gig and spent 10+ years as a FOH sound engineer. At the same time I was playing and recording in studios with my own bands. From there I sort of gradually transitioned back into the recording studio. First recording and mixing more and more of my own stuff. Then I gradually got more mixing/mastering work from others as well. Untill eventually it made sence to set my studio up as a commercial business. Since then things have been great. Lots more work coming in, and I am having a great time mixing and mastering all this awesome music!
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: There are so many great, but my favorite engineers are Bob Ludwig, Bob Katz, Piper Payne, Pete Lyman Vance Powell, Bob Clearmountain, Tom Elmhirst and Tchad Blake. But what inspires me the most is just great music.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Working in the digital world is great, but I do love my outboard gear and use it a lot!
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: If you have to choose between an awesome take or a perfect take. Choose awesome!
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I think I have a good combination of musicality and technicality which suits the craft of record making.