
With 20+ years of experience as a producer, mixing engineer, and multi-instrumentalist, I bring your vision to life. I provide clarity, punch, and character to elevate your project, whether it’s a major label artist or an independent act - each project gets the attention it deserves.
I am an experienced Audio Engineer with a diploma in Sound Engineering. Specializing in mixing and mastering, as well as guitars, amps, effects systems, plugins, and outboard gear, I combine deep technical knowledge with a true passion for music and innovation. My focus is on elevating good recordings into exceptional mixes. Since 2001, I’ve produced music across a wide range of genres, from country and blues to heavy rock and metal, driving projects forward with creativity and precision.
I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.
4 Reviews
Endorse Max Derkum- check_circleVerified
Working with Max Derkum was a great experience. He is a gifted and experienced mixing and mastering engineer who clearly understands your vision of your music. Especially the vinyl master he created took the listening experience to a new level. Working on projects with Max means quick results, high efficiency and professional service. Communication is easy, purposeful and enriching.
„In 2021 we recorded a live radio session at a recording studio in Bonn, Germany for the „beat route radio show“. We focused on the new song: „Limoges- the city is alive“ for mixing and producing. We submitted the song for the 2020 price „best rock group, Germany“ (Deutscher Rock-und Poppreis, Hauptkategorie, Beste Rock Band 2020 in Germany) and won the 1st price. Max did a great job in producing the song. The mix came out very powerful, transparent and musically. Max turned our live performance into a fine produced piece of music of that we are all proud when It came out on the radio.
Max was responsible for the mix of two Songs from the "atma" EP. From the very beginning we had a tremendous level of trust. I like how he responds to requests and his empathy and precision run like a thread through his work. Thank you, Max!
Christian Mueller // This Fear Became Mountains
I had the pleasure to produce a rock album back in 2018 with Max. This was fun and overall very professional. Max has a special drive in his daily work and he knows no limits regarding different production techniques.
Interview with Max Derkum
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: That I get to make a living doing what I’m most passionate about—creating and shaping music. Every project is different, and I love bringing artistic visions to life while constantly evolving as a producer.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Foo Fighters, Alter Bridge, and Metallica inspire me, as I have a clear vision for producing future songs based on their legacy, history, and what listeners want to hear next.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Guitar-driven genres such as singer-songwriter, country, blues, rock, and metal.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Mixing and mastering rock and guitar-driven music.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Mixing your music is a crucial step where the magic your music deserves comes to life. With my award-winning service, you'll soon be proud to stand alongside your reference artists.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: One of the biggest misconceptions about my job is that music production is just about pressing a few buttons or applying some effects. In reality, it’s a complex process that involves technical expertise, creativity, and a deep understanding of sound, emotion, and storytelling. From recording and arranging to mixing and mastering, every detail matters in shaping the final product.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: **What does mixing and mastering cost?** First, let’s talk about your project—your track, your idea, the number of recorded stems, and your overall vision. My pricing is based on these factors, ensuring a fair rate tailored to your needs. Let’s discuss what works best for you!
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I'm mixing a modern rock/metal song that I really enjoy. It gives me the feeling of wanting to join the project as a musician myself—I absolutely love it!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I am committed to delivering professional, high-quality mixes and masters that elevate your music while staying true to your artistic vision. I ensure clear communication, attention to detail, and a personalized approach to every project—so your sound stands out the way you envision it.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What they intend to do with their work, their goals, what they aim to achieve, and who they want to reach.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Writing, recording, and producing the album *"An Land"* for my former German rock band was a significant milestone. Coordinating the recordings across multiple locations was a particular challenge, but the process remained efficient, and the entire production was completed quickly. It was a great test run for international productions, proving that working across different studios, cities, or even countries is not an obstacle but an opportunity.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Yes, definitely Jay Ruston.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: It depends on the style of production, but I prefer a hybrid setup that combines the best of both worlds—digital and analog—since I primarily work on modern rock productions. I don’t subscribe to the idea that "analog is always better"; instead, I believe it all comes down to how well the sound aligns with the audio-visual picture you have in your head.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Having high-quality recordings is always the best starting point. The second most important factor is using clear, logical file names that are easy to understand.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: MacBook with a DAW, a Telecaster, an audio Interface, a pair of headphones and an instrument cable.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: First, I assess the project and immerse myself in the mood it conveys. Then, I analyze the audio tracks, applying surgical EQ, noise reduction, and gain staging. I create a rough mix through basic leveling, followed by various compression styles, EQ techniques, and routing via buses and VCAs. At this point, I take a break to refresh my ears, allowing me to later enhance the mix with effects like room, reverb, delays, and other elements that add depth and fullness to the production.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I work with both analog hardware and software plugins, seeking the ideal hybrid approach for each project. For me, analog pre-amps and analog bus compression at the end of the signal chain are essential.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Chris Lord Alge, Jay Ruston, Greg Wells and Rick Rubin
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Mixing and mastering are the most common services I offer, and they are easy to provide internationally as online services.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have been working as a music producer since around 2001—a role I naturally grew into as the head of my band at the time. Over the years, I have continuously expanded my skills, not only producing my own bands but also collaborating with other artists. My work includes productions for various musicians, managing talents from The Voice Kids, and conducting workshops on recording and mixing. One of my passions is working with bands in the studio, but I enjoy remote mixing and mastering the most—this is my greatest expertise. As I travel the world, I have the flexibility to work from different studios across the globe.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I describe my style as a modern rock mixing and mastering engineer as one that blends powerful, polished sound with raw energy, capturing the essence of the genre while pushing the boundaries of what listeners expect.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: There are no rules, only the right decisions to be made.

I was the Producer, Mixing and Mastering Engineer in this production
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $500 per song
- Mastering EngineerAverage price - $80 per song
- Vocal TuningAverage price - $200 per track
- Vocal compingAverage price - $100 per track
- EditingAverage price - $200 per track
- Time alignment - QuantizingAverage price - $100 per track
- Podcast Editing & MasteringAverage price - $100 per podcast
- Linkin Park
- John Mayer
- Stone Sour
- Amphion ONE25A
- Universal Audio Apollo X8 Gen 2
- Rupert Neve Designs R10 500 Rack
- BAE Audio 1073 MPL
- Mäag Audio EQ4-500
- SSL Fusion
- Rupert Neve Designs 542
- Black Lion Audio Bluey-500
- Elysia xfilter
- Tegeler Audio Creme
- Tegeler Audio EQP-1