Over 20 years of experience in the audio industry, mixing live bands and studio works, mastering and helping with producing for several bands and projects. Also a experimentalist musician with a broad view on music.
I offer recording, mixing and mastering services. Recording can be done in a fully soundproof studio located in a beautiful country park where no traffic, air or land disturbs us. Only the rustling of trees and birds singing ... and the odd person walking on the park. But these are only inspirational because once you step inside the studio no noise can be heard. Recording room is fully soundproof and acoustically treated.
All 16 audio signals go through a Soundcraft Ghost 32, Neumann matched pair microphones, AKG, Rode, Shure are available.
Monitoring is done via Tannoy System 800 passive speakers connected to Samson amplifier that produces a clean bright sound.
Instruments availabe such as guitars, amps, bass, pianos (electric and acoustic), theremin, synths, etc.. ask for list ;-)
From folk to classical i've recorded different kinds of artist. Check samples for some of them.
I can also offer access to a Church Hall with an amazing reverb time and with a Pipe Organ (in restoration process).
Mastering process also possible using Studer Reel to Reel and DBX technology to give that extra warmth to your record.
Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Interview with Heitor Alves
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I'm proud of them all. They all rocked!
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Finished mixing and mastering 5 news songs for The Delerium Trees
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: no
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: both, we live in a digital era that needs the analogue warmth
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: 100% satisfaction
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: everything
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: they ask for examples and details of the studio/equipment
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: easy and overrated
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Expectations and previous works
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Listen to samples and ask questions.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Acoustic Guitar, Laptop, Soundcard, Handheld recorder (zoom h5n) and Neumann U87
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: started circa 2000, studied electronics and sound. Did it all, from garage bands to big concerts. Theatre to full on orchestras.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Diverse and experimental
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Would love to mix Hans Zimmer works
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Less is More, no need to fill up with compression..
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Folk, pop, acoustic and classical
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Listening with all senses
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: good taste and diversity
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: After first contact i ask more details to musician(s) and ask for samples of their work. Before arrival, studio is prepared for accommodating and microphones are placed. Once musicians are setup microphone placement happens and line levels checked. Adjustments done and first round for levels and warmup happens. After that is magic time...
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Custom build interior with acoustic treatment, neutral room and soundproofed to high standards. It was the first studio to allow 5.1 Dolby Surround mixing and recording in Scotland using the Soundcraft in a very clever way. More info can be found here : https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/surround-sound-explained-part-8
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: So many, from all genres and nationalities
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Recording, mixing and mastering. I also give my creative input and knowledge to clients aiming to improve their works.
2 revisions allowed, 2 hours for mixing and mastering per track (1 extra hour for analog mastering), discount on volume of work.
- Neumann
- Tannoy
- Soundcraft
- Presonus
- Logic Pro X
- Fender
- Marshall
- AKG
- Rode
- Studer
- Ibanez
