Crafting immersive soundscapes

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both analog and digital have their strengths, but I prefer digital for the precision and flexibility it offers, especially when working with Dolby Atmos. Digital tools allow me to create highly detailed, immersive soundscapes with more control over the spatial placement of audio elements. However, I still appreciate the warmth and character that analog gear can bring, and I often blend the two when needed to achieve the perfect balance between clarity and warmth.

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

A: My promise to my clients is to deliver a high-quality, immersive Dolby Atmos master that elevates your music and brings your creative vision to life. I’m dedicated to ensuring every detail is carefully crafted, with clear communication throughout the process. You can expect precision, creativity, and a final product that exceeds your expectations, giving your audience an unforgettable listening experience.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I love most about my job is the ability to transform a track into an immersive experience. There’s something magical about taking a song and enhancing it with 3D sound, making the music come alive in a way that captivates listeners. I also enjoy the creative problem-solving involved in mastering—finding the perfect balance and depth in each project, and helping artists realize their vision to its fullest potential.

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

A: How long does it take to complete a Dolby Atmos master? -> My typical turnaround time is a few days, but it depends on the complexity of the project and the number of revisions. I always ensure the final master is of the highest quality. Can you work with any genre? -> Yes, I work across all genres, from pop and hip-hop to electronic and cinematic scores. My studio is equipped to handle any style, and I tailor the mastering process to suit the specific needs of each track. How should I prepare my stems for Dolby Atmos mastering? -> It's important to provide well-organized stems, clearly labeled and cleanly edited. The more prepared and organized the session, the smoother and faster the process will be. What can I expect from the final Dolby Atmos master? -> You can expect an immersive, 3D sound experience where each element of your track has its own space and clarity, allowing listeners to engage with the music on a whole new level.

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

A: The biggest misconception about what I do is that Dolby Atmos mastering is just about making things sound louder or wider. In reality, it’s about creating a carefully crafted, immersive 3D audio experience that draws listeners in and enhances every detail of the track. It’s not just about volume or stereo spread—it’s about placing sounds in a way that tells a story and deepens the emotional connection to the music.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: When speaking with prospective clients, I ask: .How would you like your track to sound in its final form? .What is the key element of your track that you want to be most prominent? .What are you hoping to achieve with this project—are you aiming for a specific feel or mood? .Who is your target audience, and how do you want them to experience your music? .Are there any references or artists whose sound you admire that could guide the mastering process? .Do you have any specific preferences for how the mix should translate across different listening environments, like headphones, speakers, or cinemas?

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

A: My advice for anyone looking to hire a provider like me is to have a clear vision of the sound you want, but also be open to creative possibilities. Communication is key throughout the process to ensure your music reaches its fullest potential. And one crucial tip: be organized with your stems! Properly labeled and cleanly edited stems save time and allow me to focus on enhancing your track rather than sorting through files. A well-organized session leads to a smoother, faster, and more precise mastering process."

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

A: Headphones, MIDI controller, LAPOTP , a mouse and a keyboard. Everything you need to make music

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

A: I’ve been working in the music industry for over 10 years, starting as a producer and gradually moving into mastering, with a focus on Dolby Atmos. My career path has taken me through various aspects of music production, from composing to engineering, but I’ve always been passionate about creating immersive sound experiences. Over time, I built The Funky Studio and developed a specialization in Dolby Atmos mastering, which has allowed me to work with a wide range of genres and artists, delivering high-quality, 3D audio experiences.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is immersive, detailed, and focused on creating a rich sonic experience. I approach each track with the goal of enhancing its natural elements while adding depth and dimension through Dolby Atmos mastering. I blend technical precision with creativity, making sure every sound has its own space and impact, whether it’s a lush pop track or a hard-hitting hip-hop mix.

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

A: I’d love to work with Billie Eilish because of the incredible depth and texture in her music. Her use of space, atmosphere, and intimate vocals would be a perfect fit for Dolby Atmos, allowing for even more immersive sound design. The creative possibilities of placing subtle details around the listener would bring a whole new dimension to her tracks, making the experience even more captivating.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: One key music production tip is to always leave space in your mix. Less is often more when it comes to creating clarity and separation between instruments. By not overloading the frequencies and keeping certain elements subtle, you allow the more important parts of the track to shine through. This is especially crucial in Dolby Atmos, where space and depth are part of the immersive experience.

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

A: I typically work on a wide range of genres, from pop and hip-hop to cinematic scores and electronic music. My focus is on delivering high-quality Dolby Atmos masters, so I’m always exploring ways to bring out the best in each genre’s unique elements. Whether it's enhancing the depth of a lush pop arrangement or adding immersive detail to a film score, I ensure the music connects with listeners on a deeper level.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is creating immersive, 3D soundscapes through expert Dolby Atmos mastering. I have a keen ear for spatial detail and can transform a mix into an enveloping audio experience that feels rich, dynamic, and balanced. Whether it's enhancing subtle elements or making bold, impactful decisions, I ensure every aspect of a track stands out in the most engaging way possible

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring depth, clarity, and a 3D sonic experience to every song I work on. Through Dolby Atmos mastering, I enhance the natural elements of a track while creating a more immersive experience for the listener. My focus is on ensuring each sound has its own space and presence, which brings the music to life in a way that traditional stereo can't. I also aim to preserve the artist's vision, while elevating the overall impact of the track with my technical expertise and creative approach.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical work process begins with understanding the artist’s vision and the sonic direction they want to achieve. Once I have a clear idea, I start by setting up the session in Pro Tools and organizing the tracks for Dolby Atmos mastering. I make sure each element is placed precisely in the 3D sound space, using my 7.1.2 Neumann KH80 system to ensure every detail is audible and immersive. After the first pass, I refine the mix based on client feedback, always aiming for the best balance, clarity, and impact in every layer. The final master is carefully checked to ensure it translates perfectly across various playback systems.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup is built for precision and clarity, with a room professionally measured and optimized by an engineer specifically for Dolby Atmos mastering. I work on a Mac Studio with 64GB RAM and an M2 chip, running Pro Tools. My monitoring setup includes a 7.1.2 system with Neumann KH80 monitors, ensuring an immersive, detailed sound experience. I use Beyerdynamic D770 PRO headphones for critical listening and a Focusrite 18i20 interface for seamless audio routing. This optimized environment allows me to deliver top-quality Dolby Atmos masters for any genre.

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

A: I'm inspired by innovators like Quincy Jones for his genre-spanning versatility and attention to detail, as well as producers like Rick Rubin, who bring out the raw essence of an artist’s sound. In the Dolby Atmos space, Hans Zimmer’s immersive approach to sound design continues to push boundaries, and his work inspires me to explore new dimensions in audio production.

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

A: The most common type of work I do is Dolby Atmos mastering. I help artists and producers enhance their tracks by creating immersive, 3D audio experiences that elevate the listener's connection with the music. My focus is on delivering precise, high-quality masters for any genre, ensuring the final sound is powerful and engaging.