Mixing & Mastering Engineer

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical work process involves several clear steps to ensure the highest quality mix and master. First, I start with an initial consultation, where I discuss the artist’s vision for the track, any specific preferences, and the overall feel they’re aiming for. Once I understand their direction, I move on to preparing the tracks, ensuring that the stems are organized and clean. Then, during the mixing stage, I adjust levels, EQ, and effects to ensure clarity and balance, making sure each element of the track complements the others. Afterward, I proceed with mastering, fine-tuning the track for maximum loudness and dynamic range while ensuring it translates well across all platforms. I offer one free revision to fine-tune any changes the client requests, and additional revisions are available for $15 each. Finally, after the client approves the mix and master, I deliver the final files in the required format. My typical turnaround time is between 3-5 days. Throughout the process, I maintain open communication to ensure the artist’s vision is fully realized at every stage.

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

A: One project I am especially proud of is the full mastering of the debut album Tout Va Bien by Kobzx2z. I had the privilege of working closely on this project, ensuring each track achieved a polished and industry-ready sound. The album has been well-received, with multiple tracks reaching significant streaming numbers, which highlights the impact of the mastering work I did. My role involved mastering the entire album, giving each song the necessary clarity, depth, and punch while maintaining consistency throughout the record. This experience was particularly rewarding because it allowed me to showcase my ability to work with an artist whose music is getting exposure and contributing to his growing success.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Currently, all my work is done digitally. Digital tools offer great flexibility and precision, allowing for faster workflows and the ability to make fine adjustments with optimal quality. While analog has its own charm, especially for the warmth it can bring to a sound, I prefer to work digitally for now. It allows me to handle projects more quickly and efficiently, with full control over every aspect of the production

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

A: My promise to clients is to provide professional, high-quality mixing and mastering services that bring their music to life. I ensure each track receives meticulous attention, treating it as if it were my own, with a focus on enhancing clarity, depth, and punch. I promise to deliver polished, industry-ready sound on time, within 3-5 days, with one free revision included. I aim to create an atmosphere of collaboration, listening closely to the artist’s vision and bringing it to reality while maintaining the highest technical standards.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I love most about my job is the process of enhancing sound quality and bringing out the best in every track. Whether it's through mixing or mastering, I focus on refining the tonal balance, adding depth, clarity, and punch to the sound to ensure it reaches its full potential. The satisfaction comes from making raw recordings come alive, ensuring they sound polished and professional while preserving the artist’s unique identity. For me, it's about creating music that feels as good as it sounds.

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

A: Clients often ask me several important questions regarding mixing and mastering. First, they want to know how long the process will take. I explain that mixing and mastering together typically takes between 3 to 5 days, depending on the complexity of the track. Second, they ask if they can make changes after the initial mix or master. I offer one free revision, and additional revisions are available if necessary. Third, many clients are curious about the importance of mixing and mastering. I clarify that mixing ensures all elements of the song are balanced and work together, while mastering optimizes the track for different platforms, ensuring it's polished and ready for release. Lastly, clients often ask about the pricing. I let them know that the cost depends on the song's length and the specific services they require, and I always strive to offer competitive rates while maintaining the highest quality.

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

A: Many people think mixing and mastering are simple and quick tasks, but they are actually meticulous and technical processes that require time, expertise, and attention to detail to make sure the sound is polished and ready for all platforms. It’s about making sure every element of the track works together cohesively while maintaining clarity and impact.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: When working with clients, I like to start by asking about their vision for the project. Understanding the emotions or themes they want to convey helps me align the mix with their creative goals. I also ask if they have any reference tracks or specific inspirations to ensure we’re on the same page. Knowing the genre and style of the music is crucial, as different genres require distinct approaches to mixing and mastering. I always check if there are any elements they want to emphasize or avoid, whether it’s vocals, drums, or specific instruments. Timeline expectations are also essential so I can deliver within the agreed deadlines. Additionally, technical requirements such as loudness targets or dynamic range preferences are key to tailoring the final product. Lastly, understanding the target audience helps me craft a mix that resonates with the listeners, whether it's for streaming, radio, or live performance. These questions ensure that I fully grasp the client’s needs and can deliver a mix or master that fits their vision perfectly.

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

A: When hiring a provider like me, it's important to ensure clear communication about your needs and expectations. Be sure to share detailed references or examples of the sound you're aiming for, as this will help me understand your vision. Also, don’t hesitate to ask about the process and timeline, knowing what to expect will make the collaboration smoother. My advice is to focus on the relationship and the trust we build, as working together on music is a creative partnership. The better we connect, the better the final product will be!

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

A: If I were on a desert island, I would bring a laptop with my preferred DAW for music creation, an audio interface to ensure high-quality sound input and output, headphones for accurate monitoring during mixing, a microphone for capturing vocals or ideas, and monitors to achieve precise audio playback for fine-tuning my mixes. These five essential tools would cover everything I need to continue creating and producing music, even in an isolated environment.

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

A: I started working with sound about two years ago, first experimenting with music production and learning the basics of mixing and mastering. After refining my skills, I began offering my services professionally a little over a year ago. Since then, I’ve had the chance to work on various projects, including mastering tracks for artists that have reached millions of streams, which has helped me develop a unique sound and approach to my work.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style can be described as versatile yet focused on clarity and emotional depth. I approach each project with the goal of bringing out the best in the artist's vision while ensuring the track sounds polished and ready for release. Whether it's working with rap, pop, or more experimental genres, I’m always looking for ways to enhance the energy of a track and make sure every element sits perfectly in the mix. My work is all about balance, making sure each instrument and vocal has its place while ensuring the overall sound is cohesive and engaging. Every project is unique, but my main aim is always to make the music feel impactful and true to the artist's voice

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Stay focused and commit to working on music every day, even if it's just for a short time. Consistency is key in improving your skills and refining your sound. The more time you spend learning, experimenting, and refining, the better your tracks will become. Don't be discouraged by setbacks,each session is progress, and daily dedication will lead to long-term growth. Keep pushing forward, and you’ll continue to get better over time.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is my ability to take raw, unfinished tracks and turn them into polished, industry-ready productions. I excel at mixing and mastering, ensuring each element of the song is perfectly balanced and the overall sound is clear, powerful, and professional. I am also skilled at understanding the artist's vision and bringing it to life through careful adjustments to achieve a sound that stands out in the competitive music industry.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring precision, creativity, and professionalism to every song I work on. Whether it's mixing or mastering, I focus on enhancing the clarity, depth, and impact of your music. I use high-quality equipment and industry-standard software to ensure your tracks are polished and ready for the spotlight. I tailor my work to the artist’s vision, ensuring that each song reaches its full potential, whether it's a rap, pop, or more experimental genre.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup includes high-end gear to deliver professional results. I work with a SSL 12 audio interface, paired with Yamaha HS8 monitors for accurate sound reproduction, and a Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro (250 ohm) headset for precise listening. For software, I use Pro Tools and FL Studio for mixing and production, alongside industry-standard plugins from Waves, FabFilter, iZotope, and Soundtoys. This setup ensures a polished, professional sound tailored to each client’s needs.

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

A: The most common work I do for my clients includes professional mixing and mastering services, primarily focused on rap, hip-hop, pop, and other genres. I take raw tracks and enhance their clarity, depth, and punch, ensuring that the final product sounds polished and industry-ready. I also specialize in beat production, working with artists to develop original beats that fit their creative vision. My approach is collaborative, aiming to bring out the best in each project, whether it’s fine-tuning vocals, balancing instruments, or perfecting the final master for release.