Producer & Audio Engineer

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Grammy nominated artist Carolyn Malachi's new album. More announced soon.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I normally hate this question. Regardless if you are sitting in front of a 50 foot mixing console or a 2 input channel strip most people are still recording into a DAW like Pro Tools. There is a bit of analog and digital in just about every recording these days. I have a ton of outboard which I use on the front end and a ton of great plugins that I use on the back end. I use what is available to me and what makes since for the project that I am working on. I even sometimes rent out large studios if I need that 50 foot SSL console. But if I had to choose I would say digital for mixing. The ability to recall my entire mix in 1 minute to make changes means a lot more to me than spending 1 hour recalling a console to make a minor change.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love the creative process. Music has been my saving grace for years know.

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

A: It can be fixed in the mix. While some common recording mistakes can be touched up and masked in the mix, it is always best to capture the best possible audio in the recording session. Imagine putting perfume on a stinky person. You may smell roses but there is still the undertone of stench. Great mixes start with great recordings.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I normally do a consultation with the client before taking on a job. If I come in after the recording process I normally listen to the music and provide feedback before getting into the mix. If it is from the start of the project I discuss create range and develop a project plan, and budget for the project. Then off to making great music.

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

A: Understand what your needs are. Think big but realistic. I take a lot of pride and care in the work I am involved in. I am an efficent and fast worker, but I don't like to cut corners. So if you are ready for a great recording experience that truly showcases who you are I am the guy for the job.

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

A: Mac Book Pro, Apogee Ensemble Thunderbolt, UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt, Manley Ref Cardioid Mic, and a pair of Focal Twin monitors.

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

A: After working in the industry for few years I attended and Graduated from Omega Studio's School of Applied Recording Arts and Science. Since then I have been professionally working in the industry since 2004. Since then I have been involved in a number of recordings, live concerts, studio designs, and more. I currently work for Discovery Communications (the Discovery Channel and many other networks) as a Engineer Project Manager designing audio suites, video edit suites, media systems, and Broadcast systems.

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

A: I am especially proud of the work I did with Carolyn Malachi on her Album "Gold". I was the recording engineer on 4 songs and 2 which I Co-Produced. Here is a link to the music video for the song "All Right" from that album. Recorded and Co-Produced by me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oydje4tn9uI

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: When recording in the digital domain keep your average levels at or around -16 to -12 dbfs. This will give you plenty of headroom and allow for a lot of dynamic range in your recordings. This will also help avoid distortion when you get high peaking transients.

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

A: I work on all types of music. R&B, Hip Hop, EDM, Rock, Jazz, Alternative, and more. I love almost all genres.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Production. 8 times out of 10 when I produce a song I am also the recording engineer on the sessions. This provides the Artist with a better atmosphere and I am able to do exactly what is needed for the song.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Experience ear for recording, productions, and song writing. Being a former music artist and also being professionally trained as a audio engineer I bring better understanding from all points of view.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I love working with an artist from beginning to end. I help them develop their idea or bring my ideas to the table and create a work of art.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Please see my website for a full equipment list. www.mecproductions.com

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

A: Recording, Production, Mixing, Studio Lessons, Studio Design, and Studio Installation.