Mastering Engineer

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

A: So many good projects it would be unfair to single one out. Each project brings its own interesting aspects.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Multiple mastering projects.

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

A: I am not sure.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both, they are both required. Analogue for non contrived broad changes digital for small tweaks and detailed work.

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

A: That your music will sound as good as it possible can do across the widest number of varying sound systems.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Variation of musical styles, satisfaction of having helped people realize their creative goals.

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

A: I have a FAQ page with about 25 questions on it on my website, it is a very good read for those looking for mastering. http://www.masteringmastering.co.uk/masteringfaq.html

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

A: That it is just making music loud.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I communicate in a concise manner to understand the clients goals and expectations.

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

A: I operate at a fairly low price rate at these rates you need to check who your engineer has worked with and check the website shows the studio. Why not phone the engineer (me!) and get an impression if they know what they are talking about.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: Water purifier, cooker etc.... you can do a lot with 5 pieces. PMC IB1S, Massive Passive, the best digital EQ of the time, VARIS compressor and Benchmark conversion.

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

A: Mastering for 8 years now and prior to that was the Head of engineering at a audio visual production facility. Much programming and music recording was made for the BBC. I was fortunate to be trained by a former BBC sound engineer. Prior to this I obtained a diploma in sound recording and worked as an assistant engineer at 2 studios.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Methodical and considered, versatile at working with many genres of music.

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

A: Not relevant at this time as I have worked with my favourite band. Incredible experience.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: If you are serious about music production try and put spare money into your room acoustics and monitoring. This alone will accelerate and optimize the speed learning of your recording, production and engineering skills.

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

A: All genres

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Listening and responding to what is heard to improve music. Communicating in a clear ways to explain issues I have heard. Being able to work with professionals and new producers.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Better sound for a very reasonable price. And insight into what might need addressing in mix, a mix appraisal is free for those who ask for it.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: There is not really one. Listening comes first relative to my own internal genre references. My work relies on accurate acoustics and monitoring and a set of analogue and digital tools inside out to know how to be achieve a sonic goal for the client. Quality control of the final fines is also very important.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Fully acoustically treated, very flat response. Using PMC IB1S what is right and wrong both tonally and dynamically jumps right out at me. The speakers have sat on the custom built stands for 8 years now without moving I know the room and can produce consistent results. Plenty of nice analogue kit and quality conversion courtesy of Benchmark.

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

A: I like music of all genres, that helps with the work I do.

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

A: Mastering singles, E.P.'s and albums.