Jarrett Bartlett on SoundBetter

Engaging mixes, solid communication, professional results. My mixes have appeared in top films and TV (Crazy, Stupid, Love; Wanderlust), and worked with Grammy nominated and Polaris winning artists (Lido Pimienta; Andy Shauf). I treat every mix like it's an inevitable chart topper.

I've been fortunate to have worked extensively in both high-end analog studios and fully digital productions - I still use both 2" tape + API console as well as portable DAWs. This helped inform a high sonic and musical benchmark to get professional results, even in less than ideal circumstances.

Even limited gear in a bad room can work with the right song and performance. Whether hi-fi or lo-fi tracks, I've learned to infuse an energy that is essential to a successful mix.

My experience recording and mixing (and loving) a wide range of music - rock, jazz, reggae, metal, electronic, country - results in a musical mix no matter the style.

Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.

Credits

4 Reviews

Endorse Jarrett Bartlett

by Matt Lee
I worked with Jarrett on a mixing and mastering project that I had all but given up on. With patience and care, we pushed through the mix, rescued a bassline and ended up turning what I thought was lost into one of my proudest releases. Throughout the process, Jarrett was a consummate professional, he approached every aspect of the recording with positivity, alacrity and good natured humour. Employing a blend of active dialogue and leadership, I felt that there was an almost psychic understanding of how the mix wanted to be in my mind's ear. I recommend Jarrett's skills and work ethic to all
by Proffessor Undressor
I've had the pleasure & privilege of working with Jarrett on both sides of the glass for a wide variety of projects. Regardless of the situation & dynamics, his professionalism and creative energy has always improved on the final product, not to mention the experience of creating it. Whether he's employing tried & true techniques or blazing new audio engineering trails, Jarrett's got golden ears that will make your sounds sound better.
by Matthew Clare
We've worked with Jarrett on our last three records (two EPs and a full length), both out of our studio and in his space, and he has a one-of-a-kind ability to tame the the seven member beast that is our band. He's got fantastic gear, a great ear for all genres and styles, and he does a incredible job capturing not only the essence of your sound, but complimenting it with things that maybe you hadn't imagined before (i.e. "have you thought about this" or "what do you think about trying this" type moments). - SAINT CLARE (Matthew Clare & Friends)
by The Acorn
“Jarrett has a knack for recognizing and highlighting the authenticity of a musical moment. His mix work is as impactful as it is transparent.”
— THE ACORN (ROLF-CARLOS KLAUSENER), 2X POLARIS-NOMINATED ARTIST

Interview with Jarrett Bartlett

Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I'm pretty invisible. I try and make a recording and mix sound like the artist is having their best day ever.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: A great preamp, API or Neve/ UREI LA3A/ Neumann KM84/ Sennheiser 441/ Amphion One18s You could do anything with these!
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I've spent years with both. I love the workflow, focus and commitment that comes with analog but there are more important things that affect the recording and final mix - songs and the sound happening in the room.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Communication is key, don't be afraid to ask questions. Once we feel like a good fit, we can get to work.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Mute things. It'll show you what really needs to be there.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I'll focus on what's essential in bringing out the desired impact of your songs. Make it groove a bit more, bring out the mood/edge/weight, whatever is needed.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have access to two: my main setup is a home-based hybrid rig where I do the majority of my mixing and some basic overdubs. Depending on the project I will either stay in-the-box or run tracks out to some outboard - Altec 436c, RMS Stereo buss compressor, 1176 clone, various crunch-boxes. The second is at Little Bullhorn Productions in Ottawa where I've worked since the early 2000s. It's based around an API 1608 and a 16 track MCI 2" tape recorder. It's loaded with great old outboard as well - 1176s, LA3As, Pultec, Neve 2254s, EMT plate, etc. It is also equipped with ProTools so getting sounds into the digital world in a breeze.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: When recording, I default to making the artist sound like the best version of themselves, but if they want to get off the beaten track, I'll be right there with them. When prepping for a mix, I tend to get basic things like patching set up so once I start mixing, I can move quickly, grabbing groups, single tracks, and FX to see how things are playing together. Once a great foundation comes together I'm all set to keep on going.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I'd have to say Tom Waits.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: These days I'm doing about 70% mixing, 20% tracking, and 10% mastering.