Daniel Brooks on SoundBetter

I am first and foremost a lover of all music. I pride myself on taking someones beautiful ideas and turning them into the final product they have always wanted. From recording to mixing, to mastering I live for my work.

Based in Los Angeles, California, Daniel has been helping artists achieve a professional and personalized sound since 2012. With 15 years of performance and studio drumming experience and 8 years of advanced music theory study, Daniel intuitively understands how to realize an artist’s full potential through the recording and mixing process. He is well-versed in all genres, from pop to rock to hip hop, and he works closely with his clients to ensure that the sound they create together is uniquely tailored to the artist’s vision.

After completing his studies, he honed his skills at Sphere Studios, Soulpower productions, and Delta H Design Acoustics. He has worked with both established and up-and-coming artists including: The Marias, Still Woozy, JoJo, Benny The Ghost, Shaboozey and Desi Valentine.

Specialized skills include: Advanced recording techniques, mixing and mastering.

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Credits

2 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Daniel Brooks

by Layton Wu
Verified
Great collaborator. Highly recommended! Always a pleasure working with Daniel! His talents take tracks to the next level!!
by Jamie Beaman
Verified
Daniel mastered our song "Honey" and not only did he do a fantastic job, he was also incredibly responsive and informative throughout the whole process--answering all of my questions and allaying any concerns. A true professional!

Interview with Daniel Brooks

Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I begin with listening to the demo mix (if it exists) very closely to understand what my client is looking for. I then crack my knuckles and get to work.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Besides a consistent flow of mixes, I’m always trying to improve my skills. There’s no ceiling of greatness in this job, stay humble and always get better.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That mix engineers can completely fix a poor recording. Sometimes I’ll be brutally honest and suggest that it be re-tracked. I care about my clients work and how listeners will eventually hear it.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Be patient, be kind and work as a team.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Debating between survival gear and analog gear…
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I enjoy mixes that are clean and glued with harmonic color and attitude. I suppose that’s my style.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Tom Elmhirst, Tchad Blake, Steve Albini, Elvis Presley and The Pixies.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Hybrid. Modern technology (plugins) is so amazing yet there’s something special about analog equipment.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: My clients happy faces when they hear my final mix.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Vision, budget and timeline.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: My dream is to work with Tame Impala, seems like a fun time. Also smash mouth…just so I can say I did it.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Mixing and fixing.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Everything I have to offer. With years of experience in the music industry I can help in many ways! (Primarily making your songs sound great).
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: A full range of genres but recently I have been working with pop, indie rock, indie electronic and heavy rock.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I run Pro tools HDX with Avid HD IO 16x16. I monitor on PMC IB1S and Yamaha NS10's with the Grace Designs monitoring control. I use my Burl B2 Bomber for A/D. I also use hardware eq and compression on my mix bus.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Recording and mixing all types of music.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Mixing and mastering various songs for The Marias. They are hands down the bees knees of indie music and I love them dearly.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: To never stop working until the final product is perfect.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I began playing the drums and piano at the age of 12 and never looked back on music. I've worked as an engineer at various studios, studied music theory/quantum acoustics and studied under a handful of well established engineers such as Steve Albini and Phil English.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Do not get demo-itis!