Elevate & Enhance Music

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup features a combination of vintage analog equipment and modern state-of-the-art technology to provide the best of both worlds for my clients. At the heart of the setup are the Universal Audio 2192, and Burl B2 Bomber- these high-end audio interfaces that allow me to record and mix with exceptional clarity and precision. The UAD 2192 is a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that allows me to work with high-resolution audio and provides me with a wide range of analog-emulation plugins that I can use to shape the sound of the audio. This converter was also the heart of Bruce Swedens control room. In addition to the UAD 2192, I also have a variety of vintage analog equipment that I use to add warmth and character to the sound. This includes classic analog mixing consoles, tape machines, and outboard gear such as equalizers and compressors. These pieces of equipment have their own unique sound and character that can be used to add a sense of warmth, depth, and richness to the audio. I also have a variety of modern state-of-the-art equipment such as high-end monitors, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and software plugins that allow me to work with the latest technologies and techniques. This gives me the flexibility to work with a wide range of audio formats and to deliver the highest quality results for my clients. Overall, my studio setup is designed to provide the perfect balance of vintage and modern technology, allowing me to create professional-quality audio recordings that sound great on any device. With the UAD 2192, vintage analog equipment, and the modern state-of-the-art system, I am able to offer my clients the highest quality sound and flexibility that they need to achieve their creative vision.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The ability to shape the sound of a song, bringing the artist's vision to life and experimenting with new techniques and sounds. The problem-solving aspect can be challenging and requires a lot of technical skills and knowledge, but a passionate engineer enjoys the entire end-to-end process till the finish line. The ability to work with a variety of music and adapt my skills to suit the specific needs of each project. Finally, the opportunity to work with other musicians and producers keeps the excitement and passion alive. The satisfaction of creating something to shape the sound and bring the final product to life and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with it. Enjoy the opportunity to stay up to date with the latest music production. Overall, a passionate lover of audio processing and creation.

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

A: One project that I am particularly proud of is a collaboration with an indie rock band. They had recorded their album in a home studio and the tracks were not as polished as they wanted them to be. My role was to take their raw recordings and bring them to a professional level, by mixing and mastering the album. I spent a lot of time working on the balance and EQ of each individual track, and carefully blending them together to create a cohesive sound. I also used some creative effects to add depth and dimension to the mix. I was able to bring out the best in the band's performances and create a final product that was true to their artistic vision. The band was extremely happy with the final result, and they received a lot of positive feedback from their fans and the industry. It was a great experience to see the band's music come to life and it was a true pleasure to be a part of that process.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently, I am working on a project for an indie-pop band, where I am responsible for mixing and mastering their new album. I am also working on a separate project for a hip-hop artist, where I am working on mixing and mastering their upcoming single. Both projects are quite different in terms of genre and style, so it's been a great opportunity for me to flex my creative muscles and apply my skills in different ways. I am also always looking for new projects, so if you have something you would like to work on, I would be happy to hear more about it.

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

A: n/a

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both- Overall, analog and digital technology are both important for audio mixing and mastering because they offer different benefits. Analog technology can provide warmth and character, while digital technology can provide precision and flexibility. Both technologies can be used in combination to achieve the desired sound.

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

A: Deliver the final mix and master that you envision and far exceed your expectations to further inspire your dream.

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

A: How long will the mixing process take? The mixing process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and the engineer's schedule. The mixing engineer should be able to give an estimate of how long the process will take and when the final mix will be delivered. Can you make my vocals/guitars/drums/etc. sound louder/more prominent in the mix?" Yes, a mixing engineer can adjust the levels of individual tracks to make certain elements more prominent in the mix. The engineer should be able to make suggestions for how to achieve the desired sound and make adjustments as needed. Can you make my mix sound more professional/radio-ready? A skilled mixing engineer can certainly enhance and improve the overall sound of a recording to make it sound more professional and polished. However, the quality of the original recording also plays a big role in how professional the final mix will sound. Can you make my mix sound like a specific artist/album? Mixing engineers can certainly take inspiration from other artists or albums, but it's important to keep in mind that every artist and album has a unique sound, and it's not always possible to replicate that sound exactly. The engineer should be able to suggest ways

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

A: Mixing and mastering engineers can fix poor-quality recordings. While a skilled mixing and mastering engineer can certainly enhance and improve the overall sound of a recording, they cannot completely fix poor-quality recordings that have been recorded with insufficient equipment or poor technique. Another common misconception is that mixing and mastering are the same thing, but they are two distinct processes. Mixing is the process of adjusting the levels, panning, and effects of each individual track to create a cohesive and polished sound. Mastering is the final step in the audio production process, and it involves optimizing the overall level and tonal balance of a mix to make it suitable for release on different platforms and formats. Mixing and mastering engineers are only needed for commercial releases or big projects. While they are certainly essential for those types of projects, mixing and mastering engineers can also be beneficial for independent artists, bedroom producers, and those who want to improve the overall quality of their recordings. Lastly, some people believe that mixing and mastering can be done by anyone with a computer and some software, but it takes a lot of experience and skill to be able to produce high-quality work. A good mixing and mastering engineer will have a deep understanding of audio recording and mixing techniques, as well as the equipment and software used in

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your desired sound for the project? Are there any specific elements or instruments that you want to be highlighted or emphasized in the mix? Do you have any references or examples of sounds or mixes that you like? Are there any specific technical requirements or limitations that I should be aware of? Are there any specific deadlines or delivery dates that I should be aware of? Is there any specific genre or style that you want to follow? Do you have any specific revisions or adjustments in mind? Are there any specific budget or financial constraints that I should be aware of? Are you looking for a mixing and mastering service or just mixing?

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

A: Look for someone who can understand your genre and has a good understanding of the genre you are working in and has a good ear for music and creativity. Choose an engineer who is willing to work closely with you and is open to feedback and revisions. Choose an engineer who is professional, reliable, and delivers the final product on time. Compare prices and services of different engineers, but do not base your decision only on price, remember that you are looking for a quality service.

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

A: 1.) My custom SSL 4000 G/Api mastering compressor 2.) My Mastering Langevin 252 eq's 3.) My Mastering Altec 9061 eq's 4.) My Neve 1084 channel strips 5.) Uad 2192 converters

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

A: I gained hands-on experience doing internships, volunteer work, and freelancing. Assisted established engineers in recording studios, worked on independent projects, or participated in local music events. Networked and built relationships with other professionals in the industry, such as musicians, producers, and other engineers. My strong work ethic and passion for the craft helped me build a strong reputation and produce quality work. This led to more opportunities for high-profile projects and collaborations with established artists and producers. I never stop learning and adapting, in this forever-changing world of fashion and music.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I work closely with each and every artist to achieve the desired sound they are after. It is important to be open to feedback and finally> a mixing engineer who has a strong sense of creativity and a good ear for music and can bring a unique and artistic touch to a client's song. That is my style and what I aim for.

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

A: Working with an established artist can bring more visibility and opportunities for us engineers, however; working on fresh and exciting projects with artists who are open to new ideas- try out new techniques is what it is all about to me.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Start with a solid foundation: This includes ensuring that your recordings are of high quality and that your drums and bass are well-tuned and in time. Think about the arrangement: Plan the structure of the song and think about how each element will fit together. Be selective with your sounds: Use only the sounds that are truly necessary and that will add to the overall production. Experiment with effects: Use effects sparingly and creatively to add depth and interest to your mix. Take breaks: It's easy to get caught up in the process and lose perspective, so take regular breaks to clear your head and come back to your work with fresh ears. Get feedback from other musicians, producers, or engineers to get a fresh perspective on your work. Continuously learn: Stay up to date with the latest music production techniques and technology. Ultimately, the key to successful music production is to be organized, methodical, and open to experimentation. By following these tips and staying true to your vision, you will be able to produce music that is polished, professional, and truly represents your unique artistic voice.

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

A: I enjoy working on various genres but World Music, Hip-hop, K-Pop, and Latin Music are front runners for me.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My ability to take all the individual elements of a song and blend them together. My attention to detail pays close attention to every aspect of the mix/ the record. I understand and interpret the client's vision for the song and provide constructive feedback throughout the process to ensure client's satisfaction.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: A great engineer brings a strong sense of creativity and a good ear for music, which enables them to bring a unique and artistic touch to a client's song. I was also an inspiring producer and performer when I was young and I understand the artist's perspective and how important the piece of music is to them.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Prepare the session: This includes setting up the session in a digital audio workstation (DAW) and importing all necessary audio files. Mixing: Start balancing and adjusting the levels, panning, and effects of each individual track to create a cohesive vibe texture, and sound while listening to the artist's rough mix. Attention to detail in stereo imaging, understanding the combination of EQ, compression, and reverb till the music comes to life and starts to sound like a record. Automation: I will create dynamic changes in the mix using automation, such as fading in and out certain elements or adjusting the level of a specific track during certain parts of the song. This is another technique I use to bring impact and emotion to the record. Review and revisions: The artist will listen to the mix and request necessary revisions until the desired sound is achieved. Mastering: This is where I apply final adjustments and processing to the mix to make it sound consistent across different playback systems and in different listening environments. This includes EQ, compression, and limiting with my analog mastering hardware combined with digital software. Finalize and export: I will export the final mix and mastering. QC: Quality Control of the final master Deliver the final master to the client.

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

A: There have been many musicians and music production professionals throughout history who have left a lasting impact on the industry and have inspired countless other artists. Some examples of these legends include: Quincy Jones: Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the music industry, Jones has had an illustrious career as a producer, arranger, and composer. He has worked with some of the most iconic artists of the 20th century, including Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles. He has been credited for bringing a new level of sophistication and artistry to pop music. George Martin: Often referred to as the "Fifth Beatle," Martin was the producer and arranger behind many of the Beatles' most famous recordings. He played a key role in shaping the band's sound and style and was instrumental in helping them to achieve their incredible success. Phil Spector: Spector was a music producer and songwriter who is considered one of the most innovative and influential figures in the history of rock and roll. He is known for his "Wall of Sound" production technique, which involved layering multiple instruments and vocals to create a dense, complex sound. Spector's work with artists such as The Ronettes and The Righteous Brothers helped to establish him as a pioneer in the field of music production. Rick Rubin: Rubin is a music producer and record executive who has been credited with shaping the sound of contemporary music. He has worked with a wide range of artists, from Johnny Cash to Jay-Z, and has been instrumental in the success of many of the most popular and influential music acts of the last few decades. These legends and many others have been inspirational figures for many other music professionals and artists, not only for their technical skills but also for their ability to innovate, create new sounds and push the boundaries of the industry.

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

A: I start from the individual tracks, such as vocals, drums, instruments, efx, and balance the frequency response levels along with timing to create a cohesive and record with emotion and movement. I often adjust the volume, panning, and EQ of each track, in combiniation with compression with the right type of reverb, and delay to enhance and bring to life the Artist's vision. Every song is near and dear to an artist and I take each project very seriously as I too was once an inspiring music producer/artist. Often an artist comes to me to achieve a particular sound or vibe, that is unique and different. This is why I have various analog equipment from the Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix Era with Ampex tube mixers to help imprint their own signature sound. I am addicted to the 70's vibe of smooth fat drums, snares, and warm vocals with a natural and realistic sound stage. I like to combine the old and new as one flavor to give an artist the best of both worlds. It's not being me, it's about the artist's vision as this is part of the singer/producer's musical DNA. Seeing the artist's eyes light up with excitement and satisfaction when they hear the final mix is the ultimate reward for me after all the hard work and dedication that goes into the process. Knowing that the artist is happy with the final product and that their music will be enjoyed by many, is truly fulfilling. A good mixing engineer is not only a technical expert but also an artist in their own right, and the ability to bring out the best in the music and the artist is what makes the job so rewarding.