Michael Ingvarson

Producer mixer composer & keys

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9 Reviews
Michael Ingvarson on SoundBetter

I enjoy bike riding and long walks on the beach . . . Wait . . oops, sorry, wrong website! ;) Seriously though, music production is my passion. I love the challenge, the collaboration and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with being part of a record that sounds great and fulfils the artist and me aesthetically.

I have many years experience in taking songs from a simple idea to a finished product. I have at times played all the instruments (apart from guitars) required, or at other times I have recorded session musos or full bands. Being a musician helps when mixing as well, I believe, and I enjoy that headspace too. I recently won an international Puremix mixing competition. I also compose and co-write songs with artists. Sometimes singers arrive with just lyrics and some melody and I do the rest! My studio has been acoustically treated with a stack of Real Traps so my monitoring (mostly Pelonis Model 42s with sub) is very accurate. I have high quality mics, preamps, converters and the best virtual instruments and plug-ins around.

Enough about me though! I'm all about giving the client a great product they are really happy with. So I will often work alongside them or liaise and communicate often via the internet. At the same time, I like to push the boundaries of where the production can go. With a little risk comes great sonic rewards and my clients are frequently surprised at how far we can take their original ideas. This unique approach to production can bring a point of difference for them in the market place.

Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.

9 Reviews

Endorse Michael Ingvarson
  1. Review by Andrew
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    by Andrew

    Michael is an audio engineer/mix/mastering jet ninja! His prowess in the studio is only matched by his smooth patient zen presence. His influen was a significant factor in bringing out the most of the studio time I had with him, but he has an ear for the detail, and if you can do better, he'll push you to do so! Working with Michael was a pleasure and privilege and I would so again in a heartbeat!

  2. Review by James Macdonald
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    by James Macdonald

    I've had the pleasure of working with Michael on two original albums. The first was a solo recording during my time with Laughing Outlaw Records (an independent label operating out of Sydney) and the second a joint project with Michael, the self titled 'jazzflutespaceman'. Michael has a fantastic ear combined with a great understanding of the recording process. Your songs are in expert hands!

  3. Review by David Brooks
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    by David Brooks

    I have had a wonderful experience collaborating with Michael since we first met back in 1989. He is easy to work with, talented and efficient, and his skills as a producer, songwriter and performer never cease to amaze me. Combining his attention to detail with an inspired vision of the overall finished sound, Michael can bring out layers and colours of sound like a master painter.

  4. Review by Sabrina Toon
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    by Sabrina Toon

    Every time I've worked with Michael, I've absolutely loved the tracks we end up with. He has an incredible way of bringing out the hidden beauty in every song, and somehow always reads my mind when I'm struggling to articulate the sounds and ideas in my head. With the perfect balance of talent, experience and professionalism, every session with him is a fruitful and most of all fun experience.

  5. Review by Jeanne Cheong
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    by Jeanne Cheong

    Michael's affable disposition and clear interest and knowledge of the recording process meant that my first experience in a studio was a lot less daunting! It was exciting to see my songs develop with the addition of other instruments with his guidance & production . No challenge seemed too difficult for Michael to tackle - we had a half inside/outside setup to accommodate all of the instruments!

  6. Review by Dave Redman
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    by Dave Redman

    I've known Michael for over 25 years and have always been amazed at his musical talent. I was lucky enough to have him score my 55 minute sci-fi film many years ago and have watched and listened to his immense talent ever since.

  7. Review by Christopher Hoyne
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    by Christopher Hoyne

    Working with Michael is easily one of the best experiences I have had in my life. He was able to help me make my songs come alive. He is brilliant at giving feedback, making suggestions to enhance your music and most importantly listening. Having experienced the opposite, Michael was a revelation.

  8. Review by Jade Alice
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    by Jade Alice

    He can bring out the absolute best in a song, like extracting gold out of a peanut, all whilst holding his cup of tea - Jade Alice

  9. Review by Jade Ingvarson-Favretto
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    by Jade Ingvarson-Favretto

    With the most incredible, natural ear for production, Michael can bring out the extraordinary in every idea. I place my trust in his years of refined production skills for every song of mine. It is an honour to work with someone so passionate and dedicated to his craft, you can rely on him to put every ounce of himself into his work, his mouse leaving a trail of stardust wherever it glides.

Interview with Michael Ingvarson

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

  2. A: Jazzflutespaceman self titled album. I am also part of the duo but I played keyboards and worked on production through the whole process from recording to mixing and mastering.

  3. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  4. A: An album with Jade Alice singer-songwriter from Australia. Jazzflutespaceman Album No. 2.

  5. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  6. A: Digital with a strong front end. I believe capturing sounds well (often with a little analog tone in the chain) is key. Perhaps a vintage mic, a good preamp and analog compressor like the Distressor which controls things a little and adds tone. Most importantly is the recall-ability of digital mixes for tweaking and being able to work on multiple projects concurrently. I use a lot of UAD, Soundtoys or Slate plug-ins to add analog style colours

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

  8. A: I'll always do my best. I can be a bit of a perfectionist which is good in this industry I think.

  9. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  10. A: I love the feeling when producing as things start to come together...as the musical and sonic elements start working together and you know something magic is happening!

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

  12. A: U47, Neve 1073, Distressor Compressor, Universal Audio Apollo, Macbook Pro.

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

  14. A: After studying music (piano) at Melbourne University (89-93) I have worked as a professional musician (keyboards) for 23 years. I had my first recording setup as a 17 year old creating backing tracks for a talent school and writing music for videos and musicals where I was the musical director. In 2005 I won the Nashville Songdoor songwriting competition in the Singer-Songwriter category. I was always reading recording/mixing books in the 90s and doing music production when not gigging. I had a small studio at home in '98 and began working out of "Big Hand Studios' in 2004.

  15. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  16. A: Sometimes less is more. 3-4 parts can be stronger than many. There are however no rules!!

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

  18. A: Generally electronic or acoustic pop but also singer-songwriter styles. I usually don't think in genres too much. I think uniqueness is more important than following trends or chasing a genre. I like to try to find unique and interesting sounds and arrangements that serve the song.

  19. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  20. A: Creative production. Keyboard and Synth parts. Vocal harmony arrangements. Bringing it all together to make a finished product.

  21. Q: What's your typical work process?

  22. A: I'm all about giving the client a great product they are really happy with. So I will often work alongside them or liaise and communicate often via the internet. At the same time I like to push the boundaries of where the production can go. With a little risk comes great sonic rewards and usually my clients are happy for the point of difference unique production can bring.

  23. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  24. A: Top quality vocal recording chain. (Beesneez T1 and Arabella nice preamps and converters). Acoustically treated with accurate monitoring (Chris Pelonis, Ns10s). Logic Pro with vast array of 3rd party virtual instruments (N.I. Arturia, FXpansion, Spectrasonics, G-Force etc) and mixing plugins (UAD, Slate, Soundtoys etc) Acoustic upright Pianola Rhodes 73 Suitcase Korg MS-20 Ensonq ASR-10.

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

  26. A: Bjork, Peter Gabriel, M83, Gotye, Aurora, Highasakite, Stevie Wonder, Billie Joel, Sting. George Martin, Quincy Jones, Brian Eno, Paul Epworth, Francios Tetaz, Manny Maroquin, Timbaland, Mark Ronson, Tony Maserati, Ken Caillat.

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

  28. A: Music production, recording and mixing. (20 years experience). Often for solo artists. Sometimes co-writing or writing chords and arrangements to accompany melodies. Keyboard player working also as professional musician.

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Pearl by Jade Alice

I was the Producer, Recording Engineer, Mixer & Mastering Engineer in this production

Gear Highlights
  • Beesneez T1 and Arabella tube mics
  • Distressor compressor
  • Rhodes 73
  • Korg MS 20. UAD Quads x2 and Huge selection of UAD plugins. Many of top Virtual Instruments.
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