Chris Decastro on SoundBetter

REMOTE AUDIO ENGINEER / MIXING / EDITING / ARRANGING / MASTERING

I am a creative audio producer, beat maker, and engineer with over 10 years of experience in both analog and digital production. I have been certified by SAE Institute of New York for recording, mixing, editing, and mastering production, along with freelance and independent experience for 6 years. My approach to audio production would be described as multidisciplinary. I can play a multitude of instruments virtually by ear with exceptional understanding of music theory. I’m a collaborative team player with communicative, comprehensive, and problem solving skills. I’m geared to be focused on providing the best and preferred services to whomever this concerns. I enjoy a challenge and hope to exceed expectations on all ends. Submit your ideas, drafts, and mixes.

All services are operated remotely on computer. I work solely “in the box”. For in-person sessions, a studio space is available upon request but not guaranteed.

Specialize in following genres: Hip Hop, Rap, R&B, Soul, Lo-fi, Jazz, World, Ambiance. I am able to perform services to most genres and musical styles.

Specialize in following services: Recording, Vocal Tuning, Mixing, Editing, Post Mixing and Editing, Podcast, Remixing, Automation, Sampling, Drum Programming, Music Production.

Rendering & Export Options:
- Any requested File type (MP3, WAV, AIFF)
- Stems, Radio Edits, Live Performance Edits.

Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Credits

Languages

English

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Interview with Chris Decastro

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: To some, trust is earned. To others, trust is given. Give us a chance.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: MacBook Pro M1 Laptop, Shure SM7B Microphone, Roland SP-404SX Linear Wave Sampler, Audio Technica M50X Headphones, Stylophone GEN X-1 Portable Analog Synthesizer.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Pink noise is your mixing friend! When pink noise is heard, all frequencies are heard. This helps to level your mix to create headroom for further mixing. All you do is solo each attributed sound/track while pink noise is played and lower the volume until you can barely hear it. Repeat for all tracks. Once you've gone through all tracks, playback your mix and thank me later.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Hip Hop, Rap, Ambiance, R&B, House, Sample based.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: it's all about details and structure. I like to be thorough with what the clientele is seeking and include ideas and solutions along the way if suggested and needed. There's great convenience in being comprehensive on sonic expression that may be deemed art to wherever it's going. Organizing files help to carefully arrange sessions files, allowing me to execute the requested service(s) along with identifying my own decisions along the way.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: All "in the box". I execute and achieve my services on a MacBook Pro 2012 and MacBook Pro M1. I specialize on Ableton Live's interface for most of my work. Secondary to that would be between Logic Pro X, FL Studio, and Pro Tools. Regarding analog mixers, I am familiar with the Yamaha O2R Digital Recording Console, the SSL 4000 G Console, and favor the Audient 8024l analog mixing console the most.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I love all forms of sonic expression. From Daft Punk's "Something About Us" to "Getting There" by Flying Lotus. Wu-Tang's "36 Chambers" to Washed Out's "Life of Leisure" EP. Being raised in a Haitian home has impacted my music taste deeply too. From Sweet Mickey's "I Don't Care" to Racine Mapou's Voodoo Folk-drumming trance in "DANGERE". Can't forget the great and inspiring engineers of my perspective; MixedByAli, Ariel Borrow, Dave Pensado, Dr.Dre. J Dilla saved lives.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I usually record, mix, edit, and master most times. Since I'm also known as a producer to most of my clients, I might be requested of creating a beat, sample based or programmed from scratch.