Audio Mixing and Mastering

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

A: - Mixing - Mastering - Vocal edits - Vocal tuning - Timing edits - Comping - Stem Processing - Live audio - Location recording - Audio Restoration

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital is the future of audio. There is no reason why a digitally mixed track can't sound like it was recorded and mixed using analogue equipment - in fact, it’s possible to achieve a better result this way. Total recall gives everyone more flexibility and reduces overhead costs, which saves everyone time and money while still achieving the same results. We're excited with how the digital audio world is progressing.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: We generally ask if they are happy with the track before the mix begins. When we quote the project we can suggest changes in the arrangement if we feel it's necessary for a good mix, and may advise edits if that's what is required to give the track a studio quality.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: We mindfully appropriate our mixing style to suit the track and the artist.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Here's three: - Start the mix with a great arrangement. - When mixing, start with the drums, bass and vocals first, then incorporate the other instruments. Compress the audio lightly in stages, and have confidence. If it sounds good, it is good. - Mix no louder than 75db to protect your hearing and prevent ear fatigue - and don’t forget to take regular breaks.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: We aim to amplify your personality as an artist and make creative choices that enhance your signature style. We make sure the audio has clarity, then we bring balance to the musical elements by controlling yet retaining the natural dynamics of the performance. We make sure that the frequency range is properly represented, and we add dimension using ambience and panorama. We make sure that the track has consistent levels, and holds the listeners interest through use of focal point and intimacy. We make sure your track sounds great through consumer audio devices as well as industry leading hi-fi systems.

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

A: We don't know anyone on soundbetter, but if there's a project we can't take on or just isn't right for us, we'll help you to find someone who's more suited to your needs.

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

A: Clients ask us all sorts of questions, and we're always happy to answer them.

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

A: We work in all styles and genres, but we mostly work with Electronic, Rock, Jazz, R&B, Indie, Popular and Classical music.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Recently we’ve been working with a client who introduced himself to us a few months back - we finished the work for him, and since then he's released his album, which has gained a lot of positive feedback on social media, internet radio with some great album reviews. It's inspired him to write another album with immediate effect, and we're all very excited about it. This time he's sending over the demo tracks straight after he's composed them to see if we can spot any potential problems with the arrangement ahead of time. This is a great system for everyone involved, and an example of how we’d like to work with clients to help them reach their full potential.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: We spend a lot of time adjusting the gain stage using an emulated analogue signal path, and saturating the stems to taste. It adds classic console character and we think it's the start of a great mix. We then re-print the stems and build a new session. We then communicate with the artist to decide the overall vision of the mix. Deciding the vision of the track is the most important aspect of our workflow. With thousands of pro plugins at our disposal - it's important that our creative choices reflect the intentions for the track. We'll mix the project, and work with the artist to make any revisions they want. Revisions are unlimited to keep the artist in control of the final output. When when everyones happy, we then master the project using the stem mastering workflow - we have much more control this way which is why use stem mastering as our standard process. We apply the same revisions process to the master, and afterwards you'll receive a high-quality (lossless) version of your track(s) as well as multiple mp3 formats.

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

A: Audio mixing and mastering for a eclectic mix of clients.

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

A: Lusine, Cinematic Orchestra, Fleet foxes, Santigold, Elton John, Paulo Nutini, Werkah, Maribou State, Bohren & Der Club Of Gore, Duke Dumont, Deadmau 5, Supertramp, Hanz Zimmer, The Whitest Boy Alive, Bombay Bicycle Club, Maroon 5, Snarky Puppy, Porcupine Tree