Robert L. Smith

Producer/Mixer/Mastering

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223 Reviews (209 Verified)
Robert L. Smith on SoundBetter

Oscar & Grammy winning, Emmy nominated Producer/Engineer/Mixer. Recent clients of note include Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, U2, The Ting Tings, Chaka Khan, Placido Domingo, Ingrid Michaelson, Christina Aguilera, Alice Cooper, and Duran Duran.

If you're looking for how to make your music the best, you've come to the right place. I offer a one-stop-shop for all of your production, recording, editing, tuning, mixing and mastering needs. My 30+ years of experience and network of the best writers, musicians and vocalists available make it easy to make your project incredible. Contact me through the green button above and lets get to work.

Packages available for multiple songs and albums. I look forward to hearing from you.

Send me an email through 'Contact' button above and I'll get back to you asap.

223 Reviews - 31 Repeat Clients

Endorse Robert L. Smith
  1. Review by Stef
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    by Stef
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    Robert did a wonderful job mastering our EP. His work was fast, professional and pleasant at the same time. We'd be more than happy to work with him again anytime.

  2. Review by Southrace
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    Sir Robert is very consistent with his tag line "Mix/Master your song right the first time"! He always make us in awe everytime we hear his mix. He also respect our suggestion if any and do it with utmost accuracy. We are a happy and satisfied customer as always.❤️‍🔥💯

  3. Review by Anthony A.
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    Another fantastic experience with Robert and another song rescue in the finest sense! Robert's knowledge and experience are second to none and the reason I feel I have safety net to catch my songs when they go astray....Robert always seems to find a way to bring them back home, in pure style and class and better than ever! Highly recommended as always!!

  4. Review by Micky Y.
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    It was an absolutely brilliant time working on this project with Robert. There was quite a challenging pile of songs that needed to be built up and that's why I hired Robert to help me with it. He did not disappoint in the slightest. The way he directed the songs, the players, and myself was something invaluable. If you need any mixing, mastering, producing work, there is no need to go to anyone else but him. I had big dreams for my first album and Robert made those dreams come true.

  5. Review by Southrace
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    A repeat client here for the 5th time and sir Robert never failed to amaze us of the magic he made to our song. He is very professional and his works always exceed our expectations. We are excited for our next project with him.

  6. Review by Samantha T.
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    Robert is an amazing producer and a very nice person, he understood what I wanted from the beginning, he took my demo and turned it into a real song.
    If you are looking for a producer for your next song, you really need to book Robert, he will turn your idea into a beautiful song.

  7. Review by Anthony Albanese
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    Robert once again has come to the rescue and saved my song. He's simply fantastic and among the very best of the very best in the world and the reason I come to him every time. I can't see going anywhere else. His patience with me has been epic, to say the least, and the wealth of knowledge is second to none. It's been a valued learning experience from start to finish each time I've had the pleasure and honor to work with him.

  8. Review by Kjetil K.
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    Robert is a fantastic human being to work with. He is kind, patient and understands the balance in studio-sessions, mixing and mastering. He is good at getting the best out of people, and due to his experience good at giving the different processes what they need. He has deep attention to details and connects to the artist. This being my first album, i feel humble and grateful for having the opportunity to work with him. He is also great fun to be around. Highly recommended.

  9. Review by Phillip H.
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    Fantastic mixer/mastering job. Will work again with him and recommend him to anybody. He's incredibly friendly and patient!

  10. Review by Blake H.
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    Robert is a pro on all levels, patient as well. He is open minded, yet knows that mixing is like a glass that can only take so much fluid before overflowing. I highly recommend his services.

  11. Review by Martin E.
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    Robert L. Smith is a legendary record producer and recording engineer with great experience and an individual approach. Working with him is a source of knowledge that allows you to enter your music at a higher and higher level. I can say with confidence that his production standards are world-class. It was an honor to be able to work with Robert and to listen to the effects of his work. It was a wonderful experience and I was glad to know him.

  12. Review by Sean M.
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    Another awesome master from Robert! Honestly it sounds better than most of what I hear on streaming services. Super fast and great feedback on our mix

  13. Review by ✪ Jessie Wagner
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    Wow, Robert produced a rich, present vocal track, a fast turnaround and great communication. A+

  14. Review by Southrace
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    A repeat customer here for the 4th time and as always we again a satisfied customer! Robert is very professional. He is approachable and willingly do our request with utmost accuracy. Hoping to have him for our next song soon!

  15. Review by Southrace
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    Once again, a happy client here for the 3rd time! We are really very grateful for the wonderful things sir Robert has rendered to our song. He is very professional, give us an honest feedback of the song and give us time to make action to achieve the sound we desired. He is highly recommended!

  16. Review by Andre P.
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    Robert is very talented. He took the time to make sure I was 100% satisfied and was really easy to communicate with. I highly recommend him for anyone looking to get a top notch mix!

  17. Review by Sean M.
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    Robert is correct when he says 'mastered right the first time'

    We told him what we wanted and he delivered right away. His turn around time exceeded our expectations and he brought our song across the finish line to the next level!

  18. Review by Zemar R.
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    Quick and efficient, would recommend!

  19. Review by Danny
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    by Danny
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    Top quality mix, super friendly dude-- willing to answer questions and provide valuable feedback on the sonic quality of the tracks, it was definitely a pleasure working with Robert!

  20. Review by Eddie J.
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    A thorough professional that transformed my music into an amazing listening experience. Excellent communication and timely turnaround. I look forward to working with Robert again on some more music.

Interview with Robert L. Smith

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

  2. A: Started recording when I was 11 years old. I've been improving my skill set professionally for 30+ years.

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

  4. A: Too many to list. The key is to be open to every possibility, adjusting my role as needed.

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

  6. A: The Hustle. Always. It's that fine line of running a business and helping artists make their best work.

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

  8. A: The one that inspires me to do my best work

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

  10. A: API Lunchbox loaded with 512 preamp, 560 eq, 525 limiter, AEA A440, Avid HDX system

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

  12. A: Listen first, then speak

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

  14. A: Ones that would be answered by some basic research. Please do some homework before you decide to hire an engineer, producer, mixer or mastering engineer. The experience can be a great one with some basic knowledge.

  15. Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

  16. A: Josh Dodes, Malcolm Gold, Tim Leitner and Clara Lofaro

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

  18. A: "Anyone can do it". Incorrect! Production, recording, mixing and mastering are highly skilled careers. Buying software and a microphone does not make someone an engineer, mixer or mastering engineer. If you want your music to sound 'professional', hire a professional.

  19. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  20. A: 1. Budget 2. Goal. The two answers affect the entire process

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

  22. A: I'm not 'done' until I think its as great as can be.

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

  24. A: My process revolves around the client's needs. Its all about creating an environment that is conducive towards creativity. That includes making the gear 'disappear'. Once an artist starts questioning gear choices, we're doomed. Its never about the gear, its about the music. If I'm working on my own I have a usual method that allows me to be very productive. A mix is a solid day's work, with a second day to touch up the mix. There's always some little thing I catch on that second day that I want to change. I prefer to mix on my own, the mixes always come out better that way. I'd rather have the artist see the 'big picture' of the mix than the minutiae of the mechanics of it.

  25. Q: How would you describe your style?

  26. A: Transparent

  27. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  28. A: Pro Tools HDX & API console, with the best outboard gear

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

  30. A: Before you hire a producer, engineer, mixer or producer, make sure you hear something they've done that YOU love.

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

  32. A: Phil Ramone, Prince, Neil Dorfsman, Adrian Sherwood, Flood, Brian Eno, The Blue Nile

  33. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  34. A: It doesn't matter. The important thing is to embrace whatever system you have available and maximize its possibilities

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

  36. A: The best possible

  37. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  38. A: A mission to make the song the absolute best it can be

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

  40. A: It's a life, not a job.

  41. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  42. A: Focus, infinite patience, and attention to detail

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

  44. A: Production, recording, mixing and mastering

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Christina Aguilera feat Nile Rodgers "Telepathy"

I was the Recording and Mix Engineer in this production


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    Christina Aguilera feat Nile Rodgers "Telepathy"
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    Lady Gaga "Speechless"
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    Rickie Lee Jones "Trouble Man"
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    Lang Lang "Precipitato from Piano Sonata No. 7 in B-Flat Major, Op. 83"
Terms Of Service

Please contact me here and we'll discuss what you need to get the best result for your project. Deposits are non-refundable. 3-5 revisions on a track depending on the scope of work.

Gear Highlights
  • Pro Tools HDX
  • API console
  • Telefunken U47
  • Sony C800G
  • AEA 44
  • Neumann U87
  • Autotune
  • Melodyne
More Photos
More Samples
SoundBetter Deal

The more songs you have, the better deal I can do for you

  • Great tune!!! Mixed here at Defy RecordingsJan 27, 2022

    Had the best time working with Hyde Out. https://open.spotify.com/track/6p363sRaC4GYXJiaFyh3Oy?si=7e20423a74284e2e

  • I always appreciate the feedback!Jan 13, 2020

    "OMG. I love this. I love it so much. Thank you. You are a genius. That rhythm section WOW!!!!"

  • Happy to be an Eventide artist!Jun 15, 2019

    https://www.eventideaudio.com/community/artist-gallery/robert-l-smith

  • Message boardJan 20, 2019

    I appreciate each and every one of you that contact me here. I did want to mention to those that have tried to contact me here to offer their services. As this is a marketplace, for me to reply to your offer or question, I have to enter a $ amount to return an answer to you. So please don't be offended when I have to turn down your 'proposal' when all you're looking for is a connection.

  • Eurovision!Dec 01, 2018

    Jennifer and her friend Luisa came to me from Estonia and we made this song for her. It was accepted as an official submission for Estonia (where she's from) for the Eurovision

    contest    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbJyj-qY8Yg&feature=youtu.be

  • Happy to be one of PSPAudioware's artists!Aug 29, 2018

    http://www.pspaudioware.com/company/artists/robert_l_smith/

  • Happy to get a mention working with Austin Shaw!Feb 10, 2017

    http://ventsmagazine.com/2017/02/07/interview-austin-shaw/

  • Always nice getting feedback like this :-)Jan 31, 2017

    "Where can I begin... I was so happy and impressed by what you did with
    the tracks. This whole album/process has truly taken me to highs and
    lows and to hear it finally, at last, in it's entirety has been a huge
    relief and I'm so proud of it!!!! I literally broke out in tears of joy
    and feel so honored that you have given me such a fantastic master.

  • Here's a short clip of some of the gear I use here at Defy RecordingsDec 15, 2016

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bn0zHNwUsJQ

  • Grateful to Director Rob Mead for the video documentary!Nov 24, 2016

    http://defyrecordings.com/about/

  • Investing in your own brand is the smart thing to do...Mar 24, 2015

    You know you're doing something right with your brand when clients
    recite it back to you. "Just like your slogan: Great Music. Period."

  • More Duran Duran mastering today...Mar 05, 2015

    Always fun mastering these songs!

  • 20 Feet From Stardom wins Grammy!Feb 09, 2015

    Best Music film win for documentary film. proud to be a part of it. Congrats to the cast and crew.

  • If you haven't checked out FabFilter, you're missing out!Jan 23, 2015

    http://www.fabfilter.com/artists/robert-l-smith

  • Congrats to "Twenty Feet From Stardom" for the Grammy nomination for Best Music Film!Dec 05, 2014

    Congrats to "Twenty Feet From Stardom" for the Grammy nomination for Best Music Film!

  • Great chat with Chuck from BantMu!Dec 01, 2014

    http://bantamu.com/interviews/10-the-amazing-career-of-a-new-york-audio-engineer-meet-robert-l-smith

  • Listen to my interview with Matt Boudreau from Working Class AudioDec 01, 2014

    http://defyrecordings.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Screen-Shot-2014-12-01-at-11.58.11-AM.png


  • Some new gear updates...Oct 28, 2014

    http://defyrecordings.com/about/

  • New website up!Oct 27, 2014

    And we're LIVE! Please check out the new site here  http://defyrecordings.com/

  • New website on the way...Oct 20, 2014

    Just saw a sneak peek of the new website in progress. Very psyched! Hoping to share it with you in a week ‪#‎progress‬

  • Buscabulla album out today!Oct 07, 2014

    http://wemusicmusic.com/2014/10/04/buscabulla-kitsune-buscabulla-ep/

  • Happy Anniversary to me and NYCSep 21, 2014

    28 years ago today I left everything I knew and moved to New York City to begin this career. Best thing I EVER did. Onward!

  • Fulltone Tape Echo!Aug 25, 2014

    I've been wanting to get one of these for a long time. My old Roland Space Echo was too warbly. Nice to have clean, analog repeats.....repeats...........repeats.................repeats