Ross Robinette on SoundBetter

I am a Mixing & Mastering engineer and Producer. I specialize in Rap, Pop, R&B. Since I started music as a jazz, fusion, and soul trumpet player, I have a unique approach to both my post work, as well as production. I have studied Rap and Hip Hop for eight years, Production for six years, Mixing for three, and Mastering for five.

I've had the privilege of working with artist like Eric Bellinger, Zaire, Trey Traylor, BabyDrill, DaeDae, 2FeetBino, Khallil...to regional musicians such as Jerius Duncan and Boat Command. Now I want to offer these services at an affordable rate so talented artists on a low budget have the same access to high quality services. My combination of playing and studying a diverse range of genres have given me a unique approach to both production and my engineering. While I specialize in Rap, Hip Hop, Pop, and R&B, I have experience working within Jazz, Funk, Soul, and Rock music as well. My experience as a performer, engineer, and producer allow me to fulfill my clients desires in a unique fashion that's brings out the full creative/emotional sonics in their music. I understand how our musical works are an extension of ourselves. I carry that throughout my approach to each project based on the client.

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Credits

3 Reviews

Endorse Ross Robinette

by Nicolas P.
Solid producer and engineer. Been working with this man a littler over 2 years bow on several projects. He is versed in many genres and above all listens well. He’ll have your sounds hittin your chest, too.
by Waylen Hardison
RMI1st really understands the musical elements in multiple genres. He’s on time and when he commits to a project he fully delivers. Also, he is easy to communicate with and will work with you. His mixing is amazing and the quality keeps improving! I definitely recommend him and plan on contracting him for future projects!
by Jackson Feroe
A very high quality producer/engineer. Experienced in anything from R&B, rap and hip hop, to jazz, funk and rock n roll, RMI1st has got your back making you sound night and day better without altering the structure or style of your songs. We've successfully worked together in all genres listed above. Do yourself a favor and get in touch with this well studied producer and musician. I doubt there's a project you can throw his way that he can't handle and do it justice in regards to sound.

Interview with Ross Robinette

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I did part of the mixing and mastering on Way$ky's/Way Ep, "Before". I'm proud of this release because the other engineer with credit on it is J Cole's recording engineer Kuldeep.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Working at 11th St Studios in Atlanta (recording/studio assistant), and producing/recording/mixing/mastering for a few independent clients. Also working on my first Album with artists around the Carolina's and Georgia.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: I'm not really aware of the other providers on Soundbetter
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital. I appreciate the analogue world, but I the aspects of digital that make life soo much easier. Being able to change anything back (that's not committed), routing, adding as many plugins/fx as allowed, parallel processing, etc... That being said, running for example a vocal through a U87, to a CL1B, into an SSL will always get a great sound.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: To deliver a radio ready rough mix, mix, master, or instrumental in an agreed amount of time.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I love the endless creativity, and the fact their are no rules to get to the finished product.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Can you make this sound like this? Answer: Yes
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That the engineer isn't responsible for a lot of the feeling/success of a project.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What's your target audience with this track? What emotions/vibes are you trying to create? How wet/present do you like your vocals (if references not available)?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Have a sonic and/or emotional concept of what you want with your music beforehand.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My laptop, Arturia controller, AKG Headphones, Bach Strad, and a Blue USB Yeti X.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: My career path before was playing trumpet. Once I found production and engineering, it was like a whole other musical world opening up in front of me. Been chasing it for the past four years.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My style is a fusion of Rap, R&B, Jazz, and Pop. I work mainly in Rap and R&B, but I apply a lot of theory/feeling I learned playing Jazz. Pop mainly appears with my synth and perc choices.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would love to work with J Cole. Besides the fact he put NC back on the map, he's created a superteam within Dreamville that pushes nothing but creativity. All his artists make music that speaking on a greater level, and all with their own flow.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: If you like all the ideas in your track but it doesn't sound cohesive, start muting. Maybe all the instruments/samples are great, and its just the arrangement that needs to change.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I usually am working on Rap, R&B, and Pop.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My strongest skill would be my use of the stereo field.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: There are many engineers that can get a great clean sounding mix. On top of this, I will lean into the artists emotional intentions and bring out the sonic characteristics of the artists.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I'll find (or create) an instrumental for the client and upload that into ProTools. Record the client in a way that keeps them as comfortable as possible while making a radio ready rough mix. If the client would like, I would then do additional mixing and mastering. If needed, than I may do one or two revisions.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My home studio setup is using a Cascade Fathead II into an Audient id14 interface, and mixing on AKGs. I double check my mixes on our 15" Augspurger at the studio I work at (11th St Studios). Also have access to a Eden LT -386 depending on the client.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Everyone from Travis Scott, to Miles Davis, Herbie Handcock. to Bad Bunny. I'm just inspired by good music.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Most common work I do is recording vocals, Production, and Mixing.