Remote Mixing, Mastering, Prod

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Our typical work process is immersive and highly collaborative. It begins with an in-depth listening session where we focus on identifying the highlights, atmosphere, and overall vision of the artist. We aim to deeply understand the emotional and sonic landscape the artist is trying to create. Next, we start building an initial mix using the existing material, crafting a preliminary soundscape that reflects our interpretation of the artist's vision. This initial mix serves as a foundation for discussion, where we engage in detailed communication with the artist to ensure we’re on the right track. Once we’ve aligned on the direction, we turn our attention to the **dramaturgy** of the track. We believe that the greater the dynamic arc, the more memorable the piece becomes. We carefully shape the emotional journey of the song, ensuring that it resonates with the listener. **Sound design** is a critical element throughout this entire process. It not only supports but also blends different genres, adding depth and character to the track. Alongside this, we place significant emphasis on **harmonic function and melody**, ensuring they work together to enhance the overall impact of the music. After the artist is fully satisfied with the creative direction, we move into the final mixing and mastering stages. Here, we pay meticulous attention to the finest details, refining the mix and ensuring that every element is perfectly balanced. We avoid using automated mixing or mastering tools, as we believe in the importance of a human touch in achieving the best possible sound quality. Our process is designed to be thorough and artist-centered, with a focus on creating a final product that is both technically polished and emotionally powerful.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Our studio setup is a hybrid system that combines the best of analog and digital technologies to deliver exceptional sound quality. At the heart of our setup is the analog SSL AWS 948 Delta Mixing Console, which provides us with the classic SSL sound and hands-on control over the mixing process. For our digital audio workstations (DAWs), we utilize Pro Tools, Logic Pro, or Ableton, depending on the project’s needs. Our monitoring setup is powered by Amphion's largest system, featuring the Two18 speakers paired with the BaseTwo25 subwoofers, ensuring we hear every detail with precision and accuracy. For conversion, we rely on the Merging Horus and Anubis converters, which are considered some of the best available today, offering us 20 channels of input and 52 channels of output, ensuring pristine audio quality throughout the production process. Our outboard gear is a carefully curated collection of both classic and modern equipment, designed to bring a rich, warm character to our productions. This includes: 2x Pultec EQP 1S3: Renowned for their smooth and musical equalization. 2x BAE 1032 and 2x BAE 1028: Classic preamps known for their vintage British sound. 2x BAE 10DCF: High-quality compressors with added distortion control, perfect for dynamic shaping. Urei 1078: A versatile equalizer and preamp combo that delivers the iconic Urei sound. 2x Retro STA-Level and 2x Retro 176: Compressors that offer a vintage tube warmth, ideal for vocals and instruments. 1x Retro Revolver: A versatile stereo compressor that adds punch and glue to the mix. 2x Eventide H3000, 1x H4000, 1x H7600: These multi-effects processors are essential for creative sound design and complex effects. Lexicon 480L and 300: Revered for their lush reverb algorithms, providing depth and space to our mixes. 1x Bricasti M7: A modern reverb unit known for its stunning realism and clarity. In addition to this, we have an extensive collection of both vintage and modern synthesizers, including: Prophet series 2x Mini Moogs Moog One Moog Matriarch Waldorf Quantum Various Roland and Korg synthesizers This blend of outboard gear and synthesizers allows us to craft unique and sonically rich productions, tailored to the specific needs of each project.

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

A: Our inspiration comes from a wide range of incredibly talented artists and music production professionals across various genres. We draw creative energy from the pioneering sounds of rock and pop legends like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple, as well as the innovative electronic landscapes created by Tangerine Dream and Kraftwerk. We’re also deeply inspired by the unique styles of Björk and Massive Attack, the cutting-edge creativity of Imogen Heap, and the atmospheric productions of Trentemøller. Artists like Drake, Prince, Nine Inch Nails, and Beyoncé also play a significant role in shaping our approach, offering a rich tapestry of influences that keep us inspired and motivated in our work. And of course, there are countless others who continually fuel our passion for music production. We can’t forget the profound influence that Techno and House music, particularly from Germany and Detroit, have had on us. Artists like Jeff Mills and Richie Hawtin have significantly shaped our approach to music production, inspiring us with their innovative and boundary-pushing sounds. This blend of electronic music's intensity and creativity, alongside the wide array of influences from rock, pop, RnB, and alternative genres, continuously drives our passion and shapes the unique sound we aim to achieve in our work.

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

A: The most common type of work we do for our clients involves understanding the artistic vision and message that an artist or band wants to convey through their songs or album. We focus on amplifying these aspects during the mixing process, ensuring that the mix aligns with and enhances the intended emotional and sonic impact. The mastering process then adds the final touches, providing a polished, cohesive sound that rounds everything off. When it comes to producing, the process is similar, but with an added layer of creative collaboration. We offer ideas and suggestions that can either be integrated into the project or serve as inspiration for the artists, helping to shape the final outcome in a way that resonates with their vision.