Mixing and Mastering Engineer

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: We follow a collaborative and transparent approach in every project to ensure the best results for your music. Initially, we discuss your artistic vision, the sound you are aiming for, and the specifics of your project. Then, based on your feedback, we proceed with editing, mixing, and mastering, always focusing on maintaining the highest sound quality while respecting your creative direction. In mixing, I receive audio stems and, optionally, MIDI files for virtual instruments. The mixing process includes manual vocal tuning with Melodyne or Auto-Tune, audio editing and quantization, and professional mixing using advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment. The focus is on enhancing the sound with a wide stereo image, creative sonic elements, and precise tonal and frequency balance, ensuring clarity and optimal translation across all playback systems. For mastering, I work with a WAV audio file in 24/32-bit format at 44.1/48 kHz. The process focuses on preserving dynamics and tonal balance using advanced techniques such as EQ, glue compression, multiband compression, de-essing, clipping, and limiting. These tools ensure competitive loudness while optimizing stereo imaging and clarity without sacrificing the mix’s energy or introducing distortion. The final delivery is tailored to the producer’s needs, but formats such as 24-bit WAV at 44.1/48 kHz are recommended for optimal compatibility with streaming platforms, CDs, and vinyl records.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Studio time, remote mixing and mastering.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital: Super enjoyable workflow, easy setup, and great flexibility, with an imperceptible difference from "the real thing". That makes for a clear, efficient, and precise result.

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

A: Quality Guarantee: A clean three-dimensional sound, stereophonic openness, power, and clarity.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The simple fact that my job is to listen to music all day and make it sound the best possible for the enjoyment of listeners.

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

A: In mastering, we can only work with the track as a whole. Any errors made during recording or mixing can be fixed very subtly; however, in mastering, our focus is on ensuring a good frequency balance, punch, clarity, stereo image, and competitive loudness. This final step involves enhancing the overall sound to make sure it translates well across different listening systems while maintaining the integrity of the original mix.

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

A: In mastering, we can only work with the track as a whole. Any errors made during recording or mixing can be fixed very subtly; however, in mastering, our focus is on ensuring a good frequency balance, punch, clarity, stereo image, and competitive loudness. This final step involves enhancing the overall sound to make sure it translates well across different listening systems while maintaining the integrity of the original mix.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: a few of the most important questions are: Were the stems recorded in a professional recording studio? What audio processes were applied to the stems, and is there a possibility to send the stems completely dry with the desired effects applied? Which artists inspired you to create this song, and do you feel sonically connected to them?

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

A: Focus on ensuring that your artistic vision is understood by your audio engineer, always prioritizing communication and customer service.

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

A: My Adam Audio A44H monitors, my Beyerdynamic DT900 PRO X headphones, SSL UF8 DAW Controller, IK Multimedia.

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

A: I am currently pursuing a degree in Music Production and Audio Engineering at Fermatta School of Music, with a focus on recording, mixing, and mastering techniques. My academic training includes a Diploma in Mastering from the College of Music & Business Solfeggio 528, where I developed advanced skills in professional audio finalization. Additionally, I hold an AVID Pro Tools Specialist Certification (101-110) from Immersiva Lab, which has equipped me with expertise in the advanced use and operation of Pro Tools for editing and mixing.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Heavy in terms of process manipulation, but without losing naturalness, as I mainly focus on achieving a balanced and exquisite rough mix. The processes simply elevate the sound.

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

A: Each artist, whether new or in the top 10, has something unique to offer to music, and every artist deserves my time and effort.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Always trust your ear and make decisions based on your sonic taste and judgment, even if there are visually "red flags" in technical aspects.

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

A: I personally work with any music genre, including soundtracks for audiovisual projects and jingles. However, I particularly enjoy working in more organic genres such as rock, indie, jazz, blues, folk, metal, punk, and regional Mexican music.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My deep understanding of my setup, combined with my strong decision-making skills guided by my ear, comes from years of analyzing and studying the sound of my favorite and popular artists, a passion I've had for as long as I can remember.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Definitely, my love for music as an art form drives my technical approach to sound problem-solving, always aiming to enhance the emotional expression that the song seeks to convey. Maintaining close communication with musicians and producers allows me to elevate their sonic vision to a professional level, enriching the song as a piece of art.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup was meticulously designed to deliver professional, reliable performance for critical listening and frequency balancing in competitive mixing and mastering. The acoustic treatment is specifically tailored to support these tasks, ensuring precision and clarity. The studio is equipped with three key tools: Adam Audio A44H monitors, an AVID Mbox Studio interface, and beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X headphones, all chosen to provide exceptional accuracy and consistency in audio production.

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

A: Jasper Maekelberg, Mitch McCarthy​, Rick Rubin, Carles Campi Campón, Jorge Drexler. Rita Payes. All incredible musicians, producers, and audio engineers.

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

A: I specialize in mixing and mastering musical products, . My daily work involves professional editing audio and MIDI clips, mixing complete projects from start to finish. and mastering mix state songs, that combines advanced techniques with high-quality equipment. I take a personalized approach to enhance every detail of the music, delivering a sound that is balanced, dynamic, and tailored to your artistic vision.