Mixing Engineer

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

A: I recorded, mixed, and mastered my own album set to release in 2022.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently working on a number of projects for independent artists.

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

A: Not at the moment but i hope to change that!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. Digital provide convenience and simplicity. Analog give a warmth and depth that digital cannot consistently reproduce.

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

A: I promise to provide a product that you will make you proud to press “PLAY”!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The ability to bring an artist’s idea to life and produce a final version that can be shared with the world.

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

A: Is Mixing and Mastering the same thing? My answer: NO! Two completely different processes. Do I need to Master my music? You don’t NEED to Master your music but i strongly suggest it to EVERYONE (…and not because its a service i offer but because it’s a reflection of your art and how you feel about it’s final form! I suggest it even if you go to another Engineer!)

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

A: People now seem to think that Presets and Templates are the EASY button. I have User-Created Templates and Presets that i use but that is merely a starting point for any and every project i work on.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your goal with your project? How would you describe your style of music? When are you looking to release your next project?

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

A: Communication will go a long way with this process. Communicate early and often. Be clear about what you are looking for and trust the skill and expertise of the person you decide to work with.

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

A: UAD Apollo LA-2A 1176 (Blue Stripe) SSL Fusion Yamaha HS7s

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

A: I was a Sr. Business analyst with a Fortune 500 Company. I have been Mixing for 5 years and Mastering for 2.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is simple yet effective. I love Analog flavor and creatively bringing movement to projects with automation and effects.

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

A: Kendrick Lamar or Smino! I love them both as artists and love the production value that their music has been crafted with. Would love to not only work with them but their production team and Mixing Engineers as well.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Balance is key!

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

A: R&B Hip-Hop Trap Soul

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: The ability to enhance the overall Mix/Master!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Clarity! Depth! Openness! Well-Crafted Low-End! Precision in the Mid-Range! And Sparkling Highs! and an overall great sounding and feeling sonic fingerprint!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: The process varies a slightly from project to project but the goals is the same. Find balance. Remove the Bad. Accentuate the Good. Add sparkle and style. I tend to start with the low-end, most important instruments, and vocals, as these are the focal points of the song! I look to establish depth, space, clarity, and cohesion!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My private studio is built within an acoustically treated 2500 cubic ft room. The brains of the operation is a maxed out Mac Mini running the latest versions of Pro Tools and Logic. A Universal Audio Apollo and UAD Twin serve as the Centerpieces of my sonic workspace. Yamaha HS7s and MixCubes are used for monitoring. Analog Gear to note: Heritage Audio SYMPH EQ and Warm Audio Bus Comp. Plugins Used: Universal Audio, Waves, Soundtoys, FabFilter, Valhalla, and more.

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

A: Mixed by Ali and Dave Pensado are two of my favorite Mix Engineers. Mixed by Ali’s list of work is some of my personal favorite to listen to. Dave Pensado’s work is amazing also but his insight on Mixing is priceless. I have carefully studied both of their work and aspire to reach similar heights in my journey to Mixing and Mastering some of the world’s favorite music.

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

A: The most common work I do for my clients is Mixing, Mastering, Audio Editing, and Vocal Editing/Tuning. I also produce music and record vocals/instruments/voiceovers.