Xander Maas on SoundBetter

Maas Audio is a boutique sound studio founded by audio engineer and producer Xander Maas. With his personal approach on engineering and production, Xander Maas has mixed/mastered for Diplo, Jillionaire, Rocky Wellstack, Spinnin' Records, Sony and Armada. Together, the credits have well over 26 million streams combined. Collaboration = 🔥📀📈

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Credits

AllMusic verified credits for Xander Maas

Rocky Wellstack
Rocky Wellstack
Rocky Wellstack

3 Reviews

Endorse Xander Maas

by Koen J.
Xander is a true entrepreneur in music. He's aware of the latest industry trends, he seizes opportunities and he’s doing something he’s passionate about.

His knowledge goes beyond DAW software. I mean, he makes his own software! Armed with a well-developed and trained hearing, He truly understands how projects come together and what it takes to create a specific sound or vibe.

He's a real team player and incredibly nice to work with. Always polite and values your opinion, but he can also challenge you and make you step up your game.
Xander is a big talent and valuable in every team.
by Niels van den Heuvel
Xander is my go-to guy when it comes to mixing, mastering and finalizing tracks. Assertive and proactive when it comes to lifting music to the next level, without losing sight of needs and wishes. He is creative, punctual and professional, and above all a great guy.
by Pepijn Rinzema
Worked with Xander on 'from scratch productions' and went to him with productions almost finished for finalizing and mixing. He has a knack for adding that 'this was just what it needed' sauce. He is a good listener, on both a personal as well as a musical/sonical level. Definitely one to have working on your gems!

Interview with Xander Maas

Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both are awesome!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: Personal, clear communication and teamwork. I strive to make lasting relationships with my customers as I believe this results in the best outcomes.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Creativity and making other artists happy. Seeing the joy in their eyes when they hear their song in full potential is exhilarating.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Will it be loud enough for Spotify? Answer: I never master to Spotify or whatever platform. I master in way that's good for your song, optimising it with objective musical decisions. Most platforms have loudness equalisation so it doesn't really matter any more.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: You can fix it in the mix. Mastering is just slamming a limiter on a song. I can continue, but I don't like the negativity. Lets look at the things we do and how we add value to your song.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: How are you? Can you describe some of the feelings you get or want to convey with this song? Where are you from? Can you show me some of the stuff you're listening to? Want to do a remote recall, you're happy to sit in.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: I know your music is your baby, but sometimes it's time for your 'kid' to go their own way. Don't overthink stuff and stop endlessly fussing around on tiny details. If the song is good, the song is good. Need a professional opinion? You know where to find me 😎
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Will there be power and internet? If not, just a bottle of whiskey will do.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I've been doing this for over 10 years. I have a bachelor's degree in Music from the Conservatory Haarlem.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Musical, balanced, impactful and personal.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Anyone that's committed to their craft.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Mix with your arrangement you'll thank me later.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I know my reel is mostly pop/edm but don't be fooled :) I do work on lots of different genres. Right now I'm working on a lot of hip-hop/r&b. I also recently did a folk/indie type of song. I'm a sound enthousiast, genre doesn't really matter much to me.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Being able to view the song in different perspectives. Making decisions based on objective listening.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Being a producer/artist myself with a conservatory degree, I'm able to make musical decisions throughout the process. For instance, if I'm mixing a track and feel like the chorus is too crowded I will mute stuff that doesn't need to be there (all in agreement with you of course). Because for me mixing starts with the arrangement.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: First I'd like to get to know you a bit better and get some insights to who you are and what you want with your song. After accessing that, I will share my vision with you and we can discuss further. Once we've decided our path I start working on the song and share a V1 as soon as possible. When you received your V1 we discuss further actions like recalls if needed.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Mixing, mastering and production. Also the hardcore stuff like editing vocals or time aligning stacks.