Mario Carvajal on SoundBetter

Get amazing-sounding drums for your track. I have recorded tracks for Diana Hoyos, Los Rabanes, and 3RG Miami among others. Currently, I play live with Dark Side of the Wall.

Hi! I am a veteran musician with 30+ years of experience. I specialize in rock drums but also have a jazz and Latin background.

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

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Interview with Mario Carvajal

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Agustin Espina
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital but with lots of analog character and color.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I will track as many times as needed until you are satisfied.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: I record about 12-15 tracks. You do not have to use them all. The idea is to mix them as needed. I use 2 sets of stereo room mics. Top and bottom snare, hihat, and 2 mics on kick. Mix to taste.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What kind of vibe are you going for? What type of sound? How busy? How many other elements might be added to the track?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Try to be as clear as possible about what you are looking for. Trust that the professional is going to come up with something musical and maybe unexpected.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: It's not the arrow. It's the Indian. But ok. Vintech Preams, my U87, Apogee converters, Longo snare, Paiste cymbals.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Started playing drums in 1989. Went to music school (Jazz drums). Got a really nice recording setup around 2009. Have been tracking drums and engineering myself since then. I also play in a few local bands and teach.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Groove-oriented with a big sound.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Radiohead. I love their mix of acoustic and electronic elements, their melodies and vibe.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Less is more. Commit to your musical choices
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Americana, Rock, Folk, Indie, Latin rock.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Being able to integrate dynamic, rhythmic, and structural elements of the song into a cohesive whole.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Attention to detail in groove, dynamics, sound, and musicality.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I will listen to and chart your song. Choose drums, cymbals, and tuning. Track your song as many times as needed. Send you a trial mix for approval or direction. I will keep tracking and sending you mixes until you are satisfied.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I use Pro Tools. My chain is a top-of-the-line drum or cymbal. Usually Paiste, Ludwig, Tama, Yamaha, Zildjian, or Sabian. I have Neumann KM 184s, U87, Senheisser 421, Shure, Audix, AEA, and AKG, Microphones. Vintech, TL Audio, and PreSonus Preamps. Apogee AD16X converters.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: All good musicians and mix engineers.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Drum tracking

Awesome song by Tom Keeton

I was the I was the Mixing Engineer, producer and drummer in this production

Live drum trackAverage price - $100 per song

Turnaround time is usually 3 business days. I strive to be fast but more importantly, I want you to be happy. 5 revisions. Shaker and tambourine at no additional cost.