Rock Mixing&Mastering

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My basic studio: Pro Tools 8-10HD on a mac pro computer, Digidesign Command 8 console, Digidesign 192I/O, Digidesign PRE 8 ch, Digidesign MIDI dock , Neve 8816 summing mixer, Universal audio LA-610MK2, Universal audio 2-1176, Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor, Eleven Rack effect processor, AXE-FX II XL+, EVE-audio sub 8`, Event 2030 studio speaker, Radial 6ch direct box, Beyerdynamic DT 770 pro Bank of pedals, over 40 pieces include classic and modern things. Mikes available for fecording: Neumann U67, Neumann U47fet, Neumann TLM 127(x2), Neumann KM 184 (х2), Coles 4038 (x2), AKG C414 B ULS(x2) AKG D112, AKG C451B, Sennheiser MD 421, Beyerdynamic M 201TG, Beyerdynamic M 88 TG(x2), Shure SM7B, Shure SM57(x2), Shure Beta58A, ElectroVoice N/D868. Drums: Ludwig classic maple drum kit(USA): 18x22 bass drum,16x16 floor tom, 10x13 tom, 9x12 tom, Ludwig Supra-Phonic 6.5x14 snare drum, Ludwig Black Beauty 5x14 snare drum, Tama John Tempesta 7x14 snare drum, Yamaha Absolute Maple 7x14 snare drum , Zildjian 12 A Special Rec HIHATS , Zildjian 14 K HIHATS, Zildjian 18 K DARK CRASH THIN , Zildjian 19 K DARK CRASH THIN , Zildjian 22 K RIDE , Zildjian 20 A CUSTOM MEDIUM RIDE Combos: Vox AC30HW2X Handwired with Celestion Alnico Blue speakersFender Bassman'59 LTD tube amp, Orange Rockerverb 100mkII tube head, MesaBoogie 4x12 guitar cabinet , Ampeg SVT-VR 300w tube head, Ampeg SVT-810AV bass cabinet. For orchestra record we use studio UR Recording House. Was opened in 1976 for the State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine as a basic technical establishment for recording high quality music and literature pieces. Studio volume - 9800 m3, Reverberation time -2,7 sеc. Scene area - 22x12 m2. Audience hall capacity 350 seats.same microphones, preamp: Millennia Media (16 ch), AUDIENT (8 ch), HCL Tube (24 ch) Pro Tools HD10, Monitors: GENELEC 5020 5.1 set with subs.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: These days one doesn't exclude another. There are studios, which only work with an analog, and they have their own special sound. I prefer to work using both analog and digital equipment. I believe, that this combination allows you to achieve the best quality results.

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

A: They ask if I can do the job exactly how they want and what is the deadline. I always do all I can to make sure the songs sound as best as possible!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: First, I create a working project in which I load tracks of the records. Then I listen to the record, analyze it and a make plan of adjustments of the performing errors. I fix corrections and then proceed to the reduction. During its process I try to achieve the balance that is required for the best sound of the song in my opinion.

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

A: Recently, I worked as a sound producer with a rock band and symphony orchestra. I performed recording, mixing and mastering . I improved the skills on working with scores and working with the orchestra as well. In my opinion, it was very valuable work and great experience for me as it would be for any engineer.

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

A: Yes, there is. I will recommend, if necessary.

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

A: I will do my job as best as I possibly can.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Everything! The step of creation, completion and the date of the project due.

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

A: The biggest misconception is that you can't make enough money doing what I do.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I ask under what conditions the recording was made and what equipment was used. If I play the role of a producer, I will ask in what style and color they want to hear the mix, what is their budget and the deadline.

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

A: It is important that the sound engineer has experience and knowledge in the music, he will work with. More important to know on what equipment the mix is made and how well the monitors in the studio sound. It is also important to have skills in editing errors performance if it needs to be done. Ask to listen to the demo material.

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

A: I developed an interest in music and the playing technique since childhood. I became a musician in 1997 and I started working as a professional sound engineer since 2009.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Modern, clear, legible.

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

A: It would be very interesting to work with Andy Wallace, Butch Vig, Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney. I very much like the results of their work.

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

A: I usually work with alternative rock, indie rock, indie pop, pop rock, MIDI technology, electronic pop music, music where real instruments and synthesizers are present. I also work with symphonic music and I have the skills of working with scores.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: A sense of dynamic, sense of style, understanding of balance. I really enjoy the process of creating a sound composition. I give a special attention to it.

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

A: I get inspired by the following artists -Andy Wallace, Butch Vig, Dave Grohl, George Martin, Paul McCartney, Rupert Neve, Jimmy Page, Steve Albini, Bob Rock, Brian Eno, Rick Rubin, Andy Sneap, Nigel Godrich, Sam Phillips, Alan Parsons, Fab Dupont.

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

A: Most of all, I make mixing and mastering. In addition, I work as a sound engineer in a studio where I record live bands.The process of mastering includes fixing of performing errors, correction of the overall sound of the song, search for specific stylistic colors, which are inherent for the style recording is made and where it is needed. As a rule, I offer a service of the songs mastering for my clients. After the completion of the reduction step I carry out the song mastering and hand over the originals to my clients.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Good balance, essential stylistic color, clarity, groove.