VA Sam

Mixing Engineer

VA Sam on SoundBetter

My purpose is to elevate every song by blending the warmth and depth of analog with the precision and flexibility of digital. I craft mixes that are not only sonically rich and emotionally impactful but also polished and competitive in today’s music landscape. Whether it’s mixing, mastering, or vocal production, my goal is to bring

Hi, I’m VA Sam, an audio engineer and producer with over a decade of experience in the industry. My approach combines the best of both worlds—the warmth of analog and the precision of digital technology, creating mixes that are not only sonically rich but also emotionally impactful.

I specialize in mixing, mastering, and recording across various genres, from pop and R&B to more experimental projects. My primary services include:

Mixing: Sculpting your tracks into a polished, dynamic mix that translates across all systems.
Mastering: Finalizing your music for distribution, ensuring it has the clarity and loudness needed for competitive playback.
Recording: Capturing pristine, high-quality sound with attention to every detail, from vocals to instruments.
With over 10 years of professional experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with independent artists and major names alike, guiding them to craft records that connect with listeners on a deep level. Why hire me? Because I bring a unique blend of technical expertise and creative intuition to every project. I don’t just focus on getting the right sound—I focus on creating an experience that resonates with your audience. My process is collaborative, ensuring your vision stays intact while enhancing it with my technical knowledge and sonic experience.

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Credits

Discogs verified credits for VA Sam
  • Victoria Justice
  • Victoria Justice

Interview with VA Sam

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

  2. A: One project I’m especially proud of was working with Dionne Warwick and Jennifer Hudson—two powerhouse vocalists with timeless influence. Being part of a session with such legendary talent was both an honor and a challenge, as the expectations for sonic excellence were incredibly high. My role was recording, mixing, and mastering—ensuring that every vocal nuance, every dynamic shift, and every emotional moment was captured and translated into a polished, powerful final product. Working with voices as iconic as Dionne’s and Jennifer’s required a balance of technical precision and musical intuition, making sure the mix brought out the richness and depth of their performances while preserving the raw emotion in the music. What made this project truly special was not just the caliber of the artists but the responsibility of honoring their sound and legacy. Delivering a mix that met their standards and seeing the impact of the final product was an unforgettable experience. Moments like these remind me why I’m passionate about my craft—helping create music that stands the test of time.

  3. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  4. A: Right now, I’m working on a mix of projects that push creative and sonic boundaries. From mixing and mastering for indie and label artists looking to make a major impact, to fine-tuning hybrid workflows that blend the warmth of analog gear with the precision of digital tools. I’m also focused on building deeper connections in the industry—taking on contractor work as an engineer and expanding my reach through platforms like SoundBetter. Every project I take on is an opportunity to refine my craft, elevate an artist’s vision, and create something that stands the test of time. If you’re looking to take your sound to the next level, let’s talk.

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

  6. A: Absolutely—myself. When you work with me, you’re not just getting an engineer—you’re getting someone who is fully invested in your music. If you're looking for professional mixing, mastering, or production that elevates your music while staying true to your vision, I’m the right choice. Let’s make something great together.

  7. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  8. A: I use a hybrid setup to offer the warmth, depth, and musicality of analog while leveraging the precision, flexibility, and efficiency of digital. Analog gear provides that rich harmonic character and natural compression that people love from classic recordings, while digital allows for speed, recallability, and cutting-edge processing that keeps my workflow future-proof. By fusing the best of both worlds, I can craft mixes that feel timeless yet modern—giving every track the soul of analog with the clarity and adaptability of digital. It’s about honoring tradition while embracing innovation to create something truly special.

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

  10. A: My promise to my clients is to sonically offer my best—every single time. Whether it’s mixing, mastering, or vocal production, I approach every project with the same level of precision, passion, and dedication as if it were my own. I commit to: Delivering top-tier sound quality—ensuring clarity, depth, and impact in every mix. Bringing out the best in your music—enhancing your vision while adding my own sonic expertise. Keeping communication open and collaborative—so your final product reflects exactly what you envisioned. Making sure your music competes—whether it’s for streaming, radio, or film, your track will sound polished, dynamic, and ready for the world. At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to make your music sound the absolute best it can be, no shortcuts, no compromises.

  11. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  12. A: What I love most about my job is the creative freedom and influence I have in shaping a song’s final sound. Music isn’t just about technical precision—it’s about emotion, energy, and storytelling—and I get to bring that out in every mix. As an engineer and producer, I have the ability to take raw ideas and elevate them into fully realized, immersive sonic experiences. Whether it’s sculpting the depth of a vocal, adding warmth through analog summing, or fine-tuning dynamics for maximum impact, I get to influence how a song feels, not just how it sounds. The best part? Every project is different. Each artist brings a unique vision, and I love the challenge of adapting my skills to bring that vision to life while leaving my own sonic fingerprint on the final product. That balance of technical precision and creative intuition is what keeps me inspired every day.

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

  14. A: 3. Can you make my track sound like [artist/song]? Absolutely! My job is to understand the sonic elements that make that reference special—whether it’s the vocal treatment, drum sound, or overall vibe—and translate those elements into your track. I never copy, but I will take inspiration from those qualities and incorporate them into the final mix while still maintaining your unique sound.

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

  16. A: A lot of people think of mixing as simply balancing levels and EQing each track, but it’s about creating space, movement, and energy within the song, ensuring that every element, from the bass to the vocals, works in harmony. It’s a process of fine-tuning and creative decision-making—finding the sweet spot where everything sounds not just good, but dynamic, impactful, and timeless.

  17. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  18. A: When working with a prospective client, I always ask questions that help me understand both their creative vision and technical needs. One of the first things I ask is, “Where do you want to go sonically?” This question is key to understanding the vibe, energy, and emotional direction they want for the track. Do they want a modern, polished pop sound, or are they looking for something with vintage warmth and depth? Is their focus more on vocal clarity and dynamics, or do they want the music to have a rougher, more raw texture? Understanding this gives me a clear starting point.

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

  20. A: If you're looking to hire a provider like me, my advice is to focus on finding someone who aligns with your vision and can not only execute your technical needs but also enhance the creative direction of your project.

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

  22. A: A versatile microphone – I’d need a mic that can cover a wide range of sounds. The Shure SM7B would be my go-to—it’s perfect for vocals, instruments, and capturing the natural ambiance of the island. A high-quality audio interface – This would be my lifeline to connect all my other gear, allowing me to capture and manipulate sound. Something like the Universal Audio Apollo X would offer pristine converters and reliable performance. A good channel strip – To make the most of my microphone, I’d bring a Neve 1073SPX Channel Strip. It offers classic analog warmth and tone shaping with EQ and compression, perfect for getting that polished sound in one unit. A portable laptop with a DAW – I’d bring my laptop loaded with Pro Tools and all the essential plugins. This would be my creative hub for recording, editing, and mixing, even in the middle of nowhere. A pair of high-quality headphones – Since I’m on an island, studio monitors are out of the question. A pair of Audeze LCD-X headphones would give me clarity and detail, making mixing on the go possible.

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

  24. A: I’ve been in the music production and engineering game since 2010, officially starting my professional career with a passion for sonic innovation and creative collaboration. Over the years, I’ve worked my way up from assisting in various studios to establishing my own space, where I now specialize in mixing, and mastering.

  25. Q: How would you describe your style?

  26. A: My style is all about sonically crossing generations, blending the warmth and depth of classic analog sounds with the precision and clarity of modern digital techniques. I draw influence from the rich textures of past eras—whether it’s the soulful warmth of 70s analog or the punchy, dynamic mixes of 90s hip-hop—but I also embrace the cutting-edge innovations in today’s production.

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

  28. A: I’d love to work with Charlie Puth because of his exceptional musicality, precision, and creative approach to production. He’s an artist who understands the nuances of both melody and sound design, which would allow me to push my hybrid mixing setup to its limits in bringing out every detail—whether it’s a crisp vocal layer or an intricate instrumental arrangement.

  29. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  30. A: Think in layers: Keep lead vocals and key elements upfront while pushing background elements back with a mix of reverb and subtle volume automation.

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

  32. A: I primarily work on hip-hop, R&B, and pop, but my experience spans across multiple genres, including cinematic, soul, and alternative. My focus is always on bringing out the emotion, energy, and sonic depth in every track, no matter the style.

  33. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  34. A: Beyond the technical side, my ear for sonic balance, energy, and emotion allows me to make creative decisions that elevate a song beyond just sounding good—it feels right. Whether it’s a hard-hitting hip-hop track, a lush R&B ballad, or an intricate cinematic mix, I know how to make it hit, translate, and stand out.

  35. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  36. A: I bring clarity, depth, and emotion to every song I touch. My approach goes beyond just balancing levels—I shape the sonic landscape to make the music hit harder, feel bigger, and connect deeper with listeners. With my hybrid mixing setup, I blend the precision of digital processing with the warmth and depth of analog summing through my 16-channel outboard rig and Dangerous System. This ensures every mix has punchy low end, smooth mids, and a polished top end that translates across all playback systems. I also focus heavily on vocal production, using tools like Melodyne and Spectralayers to refine performances while keeping them natural and expressive. Whether it’s fine-tuning pitch, cleaning up artifacts, or adding creative effects, I ensure the vocals sit perfectly in the mix. Beyond the technical side, I bring a producer’s ear and an engineer’s precision—meaning I don’t just mix, I help elevate the song’s energy, emotion, and impact. My goal is to make every track feel alive, timeless, and ready to compete with the best.

  37. Q: What's your typical work process?

  38. A: 1. Session Prep & Organization I start by cleaning and organizing the session, ensuring all tracks are properly labeled, gain-staged, and phase-aligned. I optimize stereo and mono files, process for noise reduction, and Melodyne for pitch correction where needed. Everything is then routed into my Pro Tools template, color-coded for easy navigation, and prepped for hybrid mixing. 2. Mixing – The Hybrid Approach I mix through a 16-channel outboard summing setup integrated with a Dangerous System, combining the warmth of analog processing with the flexibility of digital tools. I sculpt the mix with UAD, FabFilter, Waves, and Acustica Audio plugins, balancing depth, clarity, and impact. Each element gets meticulous attention—tight low end, crisp vocals, and immersive spatial depth. 3. Mastering & Final Polish Once the mix is dialed in, I apply final mastering touches to ensure it translates across all playback systems. This includes subtle EQ shaping, harmonic enhancement, and dynamic control to achieve a loud yet dynamic final product. 4. Client Review & Revisions I send a high-quality mix for review, allowing for feedback and revisions. My goal is to ensure the client’s vision is fully realized while maintaining a radio-ready, industry-standard sound. Every track I work on is treated with the same level of dedication—whether it’s an indie release or a major-label project. The goal is always the same: make it hit hard, feel right, and stand out.

  39. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  40. A: My studio is designed for high-fidelity, professional-grade mixing and mastering, seamlessly integrating digital precision with analog warmth. I operate a hybrid setup featuring a 16-channel outboard summing rig running through a Dangerous System, allowing me to achieve depth, clarity, and a polished, three-dimensional mix. For in-the-box processing, I work in Pro Tools, utilizing a carefully curated selection of industry-standard plugins, including UAD, FabFilter, Waves, and Acustica Audio. My mix prep workflow includes tools like Stereomonoizer, Spectralayers, and Melodyne to ensure clean, phase-aligned, and sonically optimized sessions before the real mixing begins. On the monitoring side, I rely on high-accuracy studio monitors and headphone reference systems to ensure my mixes translate across all playback systems. Whether it’s a commercial release, film score, or indie project, my setup is designed to bring out the full potential of every track.

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

  42. A: I draw inspiration from legendary engineers and producers who have shaped the sound of modern music. Engineers like Dave Pensado and Jaycen Joshua inspire me with their cutting-edge mix techniques and attention to sonic detail. I also respect Tony Maserati for his ability to craft warm, dynamic mixes that translate across all systems. On the production side, creatives like Dr. Dre, Timbaland, and Quincy Jones push the boundaries of music with their innovation and sonic storytelling. Their ability to create timeless records with depth and emotion is something I strive to bring to every project I touch. Ultimately, my inspiration comes from those who blend technical mastery with artistic vision—engineers and producers who don’t just mix music but sculpt sound into an experience.

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

  44. A: The most common type of work I do for my clients is full-scale mixing and mastering, bringing their tracks to a professional, release-ready level. I specialize in hybrid mixing, combining the precision of in-the-box processing with the warmth and depth of analog summing through my 16-channel outboard setup integrated with a Dangerous System. Beyond mixing, I handle vocal production, including pitch correction with Melodyne and spectral clean-up with Spectralayers to ensure pristine vocals. My process also includes detailed session organization, phase alignment, drum tightening, and creative FX to enhance the overall sonic landscape. Whether it's hip-hop, R&B, pop, or cinematic soundscapes, I take a hands-on approach to ensure every record hits with clarity, impact, and emotional depth.

Terms Of Service

All bookings are non-refundable. Revised mixes submitted after mastering will be billed at full rate. Alt masters can be purchased at a later date if other versions are required. Please contact VA Sam

GenresSounds Like
  • Chaz French
  • Jennifer Hudson
  • Dionne Warwick
Gear Highlights
  • Dangerous Music LIAISON
  • Dangerous Music CONVERT-AD+
  • Dangerous Music CONVERT-8
  • Dangerous Music CONVERT-2
  • Dangerous Music 2-Bus+
  • Dangerous Music MONITOR ST
  • Dangerous Music Compressor
  • Dangerous Music BAX EQ
More Photos