Mixing and Mastering Engineer

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

A: Nathanial AKA Mrruffupdaspeaker

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

A: Very recently I was asked to mix and master two songs for a regular client in New Jersey. He owns a music studio and has a small record label with a few up and coming artists. He reached out to me on a Saturday to ask me if I could mix and master these two songs for him by that upcoming Monday 😳. He said he had a very important meeting with some important people and he needed this done. I said absolutely. I was able to lock in and get the job done in a very pressure filled situation and he loved the outcome of the two songs. I was very proud of that.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A few mixes for local talent in the Jersey area.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital. Most Studios now a days do not use an SSL or analog gear. Maybe some preamps, or compressors just for there analog warmth if that's what you're going for There are a few, but for the most part the entire process has moved to "in the box" (in the computer). This is the new industry standard to a degree. However, there is a time and place for both ;)

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

A: That I will do my very best, each day, each mix. You have my word.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I enjoy taking very cool music and being creative with the mix to further enhance and already great piece of work!

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

A: To be frank, all kinds of things. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out. I will be more than happy to chat with you about your project.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Do you have a reference track? Is there a particular sound or mix effect you prefer? Do I have your permission to be creative with the mix or do you have a certain template or formula you would like to stick to?

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

A: If I could say anything its that having a clear vision for your project and ultimately knowing what you'd like the end result to be is key. Do you know what you want this song or project to sound like? Any parameters or reference tracks you enjoy as far as they're overall sound and the mix is very helpful for me to compare to as well.

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

A: I've been recording and mixing about 4 and a half years now. I've been writing and producing for about 20.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I"m a chameleon really. I'm not sure that there is one. I write and certain things and genres just jump out. I really just love music in general.

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

A: Ed Sheeran. He is so versital and ultra talented across the board. He can write music in any genre for any artist and it always sounds good. That's fascinating to me.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: 1. Trust yourself. 2. "If theres a rule break it, its the only thing that pushes us along" - Hans Zimmer. Trust your ear. If it sounds cool to you there will 100% be someone else who enjoys it as well.

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

A: I'm currently in New York so as you can imagine hip hop is huge here. Most of my recent projects have been hip hop and pop. However, there is a very eclectic demographic in any large city so I am no stranger to most genres.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I am usually the first to point out an imperfection or a flaw. I have a keen sense of timing as well as note value. This may sound odd but I am a very symmetrical person so again it is very natural for me to understand what a song needs and balance all sounds to create one cohesive creation.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I'm a great listener (both musical and understanding your wants and needs) and I have a good ear. I have a really great sense of timing. I am able to tell wether a note is flat or sharp. I write songs in a few different genres and I'm a producer at heart so knowing what a song needs is very natural to me. Beings that I love to write music myself It helps me to know how to further enhance a songs value by understanding the direction, genre, and your vision.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: As far as mixing and mastering goes, generally speaking I work to remove harsh frequencies and undesirable sounds within the session. Then typically I would compress and limit (depending) on the instrument or vocal. Finally, I finish by adding some shine and color. The main focus is removing what doesn't sound good...boosting what does sound good and really putting all the instruments and vocals in the mix properly they should be according to frequency.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: At the moment I do most of my work from Premier Studios NY. All four studios are loaded with state of the art equipment, mics, and plugin suites and more. Visit premierstudiosny.com to find out more.

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

A: Josh Gudwin, Chris lord Alge, Timbaland, Swiss beats, Ryan Tedder, Benny Blanco, Ed Sheeran, Drake, Pharrell, Justin Timberlake to name a few.

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

A: Mainly I work in mixing and mastering. I do engineer for sessions weekly as well.

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

A: That it's easy. Music is subjective. What I may find pleasing to the ear, you may not. There are deadlines and a lot of things to consider when it comes to this field.

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

A: Computer, Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Guitar, Keyboard Controller