Specialize Mixing / Mastering

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

A: Country

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Mixing a 'Texas' country 5 piece band. But I'm sure we'll over dub other instruments later. Mixing some TV commercials for 2 different National Banks. And just finished mixing my second 7:1 surround sound full feature movie. That was fun but won't pursuit that venue. Love country too much.

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

A: To deliver an authentic mix the wraps around the unique style of the production but using modern technics to meet world class standards of modern mixing.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The challenge and the final result of the Mix. It never gets old. And of coarse, the clients big smile of satisfaction.

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

A: Q - I tried mixing where I recorded and elsewhere. Can you please help me with the Mix ? A. Yes, but let me hear what you have first. You may have a real good quality recording. And then again, . . you may not. We'll take it from there Q - Can you help me tighten or quantize my project ? A. Yes. For a separate but modest fee, of coarse. Q - Can you send me Mixes before you master to hear if it's going where I in-visioned ? A. Of coarse

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

A: That we, Mixing engineers, are not a vital key in the making of a Hit record or have a major impact in the making of an artist. The mixing engineer is a HUGE part of making or breaking any part of the production.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I look deep into the lyrics first and work on the mix to feel and compliment the intended expression of the artist. And in many cases, when the artist is the composer / writer of the lyrics, it's always good to hear why the was written.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: For years I was all analog consoles and tape machines. My set up now consists of PT-HD-TDM with much of the gear and effects processing, still being analog.

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

A: Me.

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

A: A project where the band wanted nothing to do with the last, supposedly filler song. That song brought them out of local bar misery gigs and transformed them into the huge group they are today. That one song sold over 10 million cds and made 4 members, 1 manager and 1 agent millionaires. I recorded, mixed and mastered that cd. But only the keyboard player and I (me) recorded all the instruments in that song. No one else wanted to record anything on that song. It was a major, major Hit ! Then I did 5 more albums with that group and repeated the success.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. They both have qualities you can use to your advantage.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Turn around time. By when do they need their project ? Where and to who do I send the project once it's Mixed and complete ? Are you also going to want the Mix with no vocals ? (trks)

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

A: Know what you want and what you are looking for in your production. Communicate your thoughts well with the engineer of your choosing. Be open minded to a degree and never hesitate or be afraid to ask questions on any matter. Music, finances etc.

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

A: 1, A ham radio. 2. A mores code tel. machine. 3. A military grade issued long range hand held lo band communications radio. 4. A beacon or transponder to global satellites. 5. Can't think of anything else. I'm good. But LOL ! I know what you mean. 1. Adam speakers 2. API analog console 3. A80 Studer 24 trk tape machine 4. Atomic dual chl compressor 5. Lexicon 490L 5.

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

A: My career path has been good to me and a very long one at that. Since 1977 started shrink wrapping 8 trks. Moved on to high speed cassette duplicating. Went to Nashville for audio engineering school. Got 1st recording studio job with RCA Records. Took electronics education to repair the consoles and tape machines and started modifying gear. Worked on Radio stations for 4 years. No fun so got back to recording and especially Mixing. Mixed countless albums and had many no.1 Hit singles in my career. Still Mixing today.

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

A: Mixing 10 to 12 song projects. Mixing lesser number of songs, no problem.

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

A: Herencia de Timbiqui. They are unique. They have a style combination African, Colombian with a bid of modern dist guitars powered by a 4 piece brass section and 4 phenomenal vocalists. Rare percussive instruments compliment the unique style.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: No matter what hardware gear, what software programs or where you record, . . . .record and produce to to the best of your ability, no matter what.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Multit-track - Mixing

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: "Life"!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Working at night. Something about the night the day light just doesn't bring

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

A: Mixing engineer Vini Baconi.