William Knauft on SoundBetter

Hi I’m William (@killdagoat), I’m a 23x platinum, 1x Grammy nominated recording and mix engineer out of Miami, Florida. I've worked with XXXTENTACION, Gucci Mane, Nicki Minaj, Wisin Y Yandel, Gojira & many more.

My name is WIlliam, I'm from Portsmouth/Suffolk, Virginia.

I’ve been recording music for 16 years, professionally 10 years. I have experience working with rap, pop, rnb, and folk & metal.

I graduated from Full Sail University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Recording Arts and was the Salutatorian of his graduating class, as well as recipient of the Advanced Achievement Award, as well as Course Director's Award.

I have had the pleasure of working with artists like XXXTentacion, Gucci Mane, Nicki Minaj, Wisin Y Yandel, Gojira & many more.

Raised at Hit Factory/Criteria Studios, he is currently a freelance engineer, in Miami, FL.

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

Credits

7 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse William Knauft

by Ola G.
Verified
William is super friendly and my go to guy to help me editing vocals.
by Ola G.
Verified
I am a repeat customer and I am really happy with the services William provides. Good communication & excellent quality.
by Ola G.
Verified
I asked William to edit out pops and clicks from a vocal in a very sparse mix (just piano and vocals). There were some, quite loud, pops and clicks in various spots along the track. William edited out the pops while keeping the vocals extremely smooth sounding.
by Ola G.
Verified
Speedy response and solved my problem quickly!
by Ola G.
William has helped me on several projects now. I always get super results on a quick turnaround.
by Kee'on
The best engineer I've had .
by Joey Collins
Doing big things man. Im proud of you.

Interview with William Knauft

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Kodak Black - "Roll In Peace" ft. XXXTENTACION Tracking and mix engineer for XXXTENTACION. Working with X was an honor.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Analog. Saturation > distortion
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I will put everything I have, into creating music people will enjoy. Each project is produced and crafted with care.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The feeling I get as I create.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What are my limits? Do you have a vision, or am I free to "go all out"?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Understand your engineers "style". Many customers expect a project to sound like someone or another project, and are disappointed when an engineer doesn't make the project sound identical. Like tattoo artists, some specialize in a certain style and are better suited for that vibe.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: (Assuming I had power, or a generator w/ unlimited gas) MacBook Pro, Apollo, SM57, AudioTechnica headphones, and Mackie mains.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I was a landscaper from 17-21. I've been engineering for 16 years, professionally for 10.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Edgy.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Zilla Kami. I really enjoy his music.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Don't read into it, keep it flowing.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Trap Metal
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Mix effects & arrangement.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Attention. I enjoy using effects & sound design to change the "environment" in sections, to keep the listeners attention and immerse them into the song.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Fast. I mix as I track, and in many cases the rough becomes the final mix.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Chain: VMS > Neve 1073SPX > EL8 > Apollo 8p > ProTools Monitors: Dual Mackie mains, HS8 w/ Sub & CLA10 reference monitors AMPS: Marshal JCM2000 DSL100 head w MF280 cab & Fender Twin Reverb
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Metal inspires me, bands like Slipknot, SuicideSilence, KidsLikeUs, Nirvana, Limp Bizket. Andy Wallace inspires me, as an engineer.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Tracking and mixing for trap artists.