Mastering Engineer

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

A: One project I’m especially proud of involved mastering a rock album for a solo artist. The mix had a lot of energy, but the challenge was making sure the raw, intense feel of the guitar-driven tracks didn’t lose its punch while adding clarity and balance. My role was to enhance the dynamic range, giving the vocals more presence and ensuring the instruments blended seamlessly, all while maintaining that gritty, authentic rock sound. I worked closely with the artist to make sure the final master reflected their vision and the energy of the performances. The result was a powerful, polished album that still felt raw and energetic. It was especially rewarding because the artist received great feedback from their audience, and the master helped elevate the project to a professional level without losing the heart of their sound.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At the moment, I’m working on several exciting mastering projects across a variety of genres, from electronic and pop to indie rock and jazz. Each track has its own unique challenges, and I’m focused on bringing out the best in each one, whether it’s enhancing dynamics, refining EQ, or ensuring the mix translates well across all platforms. I'm also working on expanding my client base and exploring new ways to improve my workflow and studio setup to provide even better results for future projects.

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

A: While I don't have specific personal recommendations on SoundBetter, I would suggest looking for professionals with strong reviews and a proven track record in the specific genre or style you're working with. Many engineers and producers on SoundBetter offer a wide range of expertise, from mixing and mastering to production and songwriting. Always check their portfolio, listen to their previous work, and communicate clearly about your project needs before making a choice. The right fit will depend on your sound, goals, and the type of collaboration you're looking for!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I believe in the best of both worlds, analog and digital, and use them in tandem to get the best results. Analog gear offers warmth, depth, and character, giving music that organic, timeless feel, while digital tools provide precision, flexibility, and efficiency for the more technical aspects of mastering. My approach is to combine the strengths of both: using analog processing for its sonic qualities and digital tools for accuracy and consistency. This blend ensures that the final master is both emotionally engaging and sonically polished.

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

A: My promise to my clients is to deliver a professional, high-quality master that enhances their music while preserving its unique character and emotional impact. I’ll work closely with you to ensure the final product meets your vision, is optimized for all listening platforms, and stands up to industry standards. Your satisfaction is my priority, and I’ll make sure your music sounds its absolute best, every time.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I love most about my job is the ability to take a piece of music and transform it into its best possible version. There's something incredibly satisfying about fine-tuning the details, whether it's enhancing the dynamics, balancing frequencies, or adding that final polish, that makes a track shine across all platforms. I also enjoy the creative challenge of tailoring my work to each artist's vision and helping them bring their music to life in a professional, industry-ready way. Every project is unique, and that keeps it exciting!

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

A: Here are some of the most common questions I get from customers and my answers: 1. How do I know if my mix is ready for mastering? I recommend ensuring your mix is balanced, with no excessive clipping or distortion. Leave enough headroom (about -3dB to -6dB) on the master bus. If you're happy with the sound and it's well-balanced, it's likely ready. 2. How long will it take to get my final master? Typically, it takes 2-5 business days per track, depending on the complexity of the job. I’ll always keep you informed if anything causes delays. 3. Can I request revisions after I get the master? Yes, I offer up to 2 free revisions per track. If you need more changes, additional revisions can be arranged for a small fee. 4. Do you work with all types of music? Absolutely! I work with a wide variety of genres, from electronic and pop to rock, jazz, and classical. I tailor my approach to suit the unique needs of each track. 5. What format will I receive my final master in? You’ll receive your final master in WAV (16 or 24-bit, 44.1 kHz or higher). MP3s can be provided on request. I also offer other formats if needed, such as DDP for CD replication. These are just a few examples of questions I often get, and I always aim to provide clear, helpful answers!

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

A: The biggest misconception about mastering is that it’s just about making a track "louder." In reality, mastering is a delicate process that involves balancing dynamics, optimizing the frequency spectrum, and ensuring the track translates well across all playback systems. It’s about enhancing the mix without altering its core sound, maintaining the artist's vision while ensuring it meets industry standards. It’s more about refinement and polish than simply increasing volume.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: When working with prospective clients, I usually ask the following questions: 1. What is the vision for your track? – This helps me understand the emotional and sonic direction you want for your music. 2. Do you have any reference tracks? – This allows me to grasp the style and sound you’re aiming for. 3. What format do you need the final master in? – Whether it's for streaming, CD, vinyl, etc., this ensures I deliver the right file type. 4. Are there any specific adjustments you'd like in terms of loudness, dynamics, or EQ? – This helps me focus on your preferences and any particular areas of concern. 5. Is there a deadline or timeline for delivery? – Knowing your timeline ensures I can meet your expectations. 6. What was your mix process like? – Understanding your mix gives me insight into how much work will be needed to achieve the final sound. These questions ensure I can tailor my work to your exact needs and deliver the best possible result.

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

A: My advice for a customer looking to hire a provider like me would be: Ensure clear communication. Share your vision, references, and any specific preferences upfront to make sure we’re on the same page. A great master is a result of collaboration, and knowing your goals will help guide the process. Provide a high-quality mix. The better the mix, the better the final master. Make sure your track is balanced and clean before sending it for mastering. Be open to feedback. Mastering is an art and science. Trust the process, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or request adjustments if needed. Ultimately, the goal is to make your music sound its best across all platforms while staying true to your unique sound and style.

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 and could only take 5 pieces of gear, they’d be: 1. Laptop with DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) – Essential for creating, mixing, and mastering music. 2. Audio Interface – To ensure high-quality audio input and output. 3. Headphones (High-quality, closed-back) – To make critical listening decisions in isolation. 4. Portable External Hard Drive – For storing and backing up all my music projects and samples. 5. Synthesizer or MIDI Controller – To keep the creative flow going and experiment with sounds. With these, I could still create, produce, and enjoy music, even in the most isolated settings!

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

A: I’ve been working in music production and mastering for over 8 years. My journey started with a deep passion for sound and a strong desire to understand the technical aspects of music. I began by studying audio engineering and working on various music projects, learning from industry professionals. Over time, I honed my skills by mastering tracks for independent artists, bands, and producers, gradually building my reputation. Now, I specialize in providing high-quality mastering services that help artists achieve professional, industry-ready results.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would describe my style as refined and balanced, with a focus on enhancing the natural characteristics of the music while preserving its emotional impact. I aim for a polished, professional sound that translates well across all listening platforms, whether it’s a punchy electronic track, a warm acoustic piece, or a dynamic rock anthem. My approach is detail-oriented, ensuring every element of the mix shines without losing the artist’s unique voice.

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

A: I would love to work with artists like Flume or Tame Impala. Their ability to blend unique, atmospheric sounds with experimental production techniques fascinates me. I’d enjoy contributing to their music by enhancing the intricate layers and textures in their tracks, bringing out even more depth and clarity while maintaining their distinctive sonic identity.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Focus on your mix before mastering. A great master starts with a solid mix. Ensure your track has balanced levels, clear frequency ranges, and proper dynamics. Avoid over-processing during mixing, and leave enough headroom for the mastering stage. It will give you a cleaner, more dynamic final product.

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

A: I work with a wide range of music genres, including: - Pop - Rock - Electronic - Hip-hop - R&B - Indie - Alternative - Jazz - Classical - Folk - Reggae - Latin - EDM (Electronic Dance Music) - Metal - Acoustic Whether it's for a smooth acoustic track or a hard-hitting electronic anthem, I tailor the mastering process to suit the unique needs of each genre.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is the ability to meticulously analyze and enhance the smallest details of a track, ensuring it translates seamlessly across all listening environments while maintaining its unique sound and emotional impact. This includes balancing dynamics, perfecting tonal clarity, and optimizing for industry standards.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a professional, polished finish to your song, enhancing its dynamics, clarity, and depth. Through meticulous mastering, I ensure your track translates well across all listening environments, balancing the tonal quality while preserving its emotion and intent. My focus is on making sure every detail shines, creating a competitive, industry-ready sound that stands out.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical work process involves several key steps to ensure each track gets the attention it deserves: 1. Initial Listening – I start by listening to the track in its entirety, getting a feel for the mood, dynamics, and overall balance. I also check for any issues like clipping, uneven levels, or problematic frequencies that might need attention. 2. Client Consultation – I make sure to understand the client’s vision for the track, including any specific preferences, reference tracks, and the intended format for distribution (streaming, CD, vinyl, etc.). 3. Pre-Mastering – I make necessary adjustments to the mix, such as fixing frequency imbalances, correcting stereo image issues, and ensuring headroom. If needed, I might apply light EQ, compression, or other corrective processing. 4. Mastering – This is where I enhance the track's dynamics, clarity, and tonal balance. I use a combination of analog and digital tools to ensure the track sounds polished, competitive, and cohesive across all listening environments. 5. Final Checks – After completing the master, I listen to it on different playback systems to ensure it translates well. I also check loudness levels, ensuring the track meets industry standards for volume and dynamics. 6. Delivery – Once I’m satisfied with the final master, I deliver it in the requested format (WAV, MP3, DDP, etc.) along with any necessary documentation like metadata or ISRC codes. Throughout the process, I maintain open communication with the client to ensure the final product meets their expectations.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup is designed to offer the highest quality for both precision and creativity. I have a carefully curated mix of analog and digital gear to ensure every track is mastered with the best tools available. 1. Acoustic Treatment: My studio is acoustically treated with high-quality foam panels, bass traps, and diffusers to ensure accurate sound representation and minimize unwanted reflections. This creates a controlled listening environment for critical decisions. 2. Monitors: I use high-end studio monitors to get the clearest, most accurate representation of the mix. These are paired with a subwoofer for precise low-end response. 3. Audio Interface: A top-tier audio interface connects everything, providing transparent, high-resolution sound for mixing and mastering. 4. Analog Gear: I use analog processors, such as EQs and compressors, for adding warmth and character to the tracks. This helps me achieve the depth and richness that only analog gear can provide. 5. Digital Tools: I rely on industry-standard plugins from brands like iZotope, FabFilter, and Universal Audio to handle the finer aspects of mastering, from EQ adjustments to dynamic control and stereo imaging. 6. Headphones: For critical listening and to catch any minute details, I use high-quality, closed-back headphones that complement my monitor setup. This combination of analog and digital tools, alongside a carefully designed workspace, allows me to provide precise, high-quality mastering results tailored to each client’s needs.

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

A: I’m inspired by Chris Lord-Alge, known for his powerful and dynamic mixes, as well as Bob Ludwig for his impeccable mastering work that brings out the best in every track. Rich Costey’s work, particularly in the alternative and rock genres, is also a big influence. Additionally, producers like Flume and Tame Impala inspire me for their boundary-pushing approaches to sound design and texture. Their ability to create rich, immersive soundscapes drives my passion for mastering and enhancing the emotional depth of music.

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

A: The most common type of work I do for my clients is mastering, where I take their final mix and enhance its overall sound. This involves optimizing the track’s dynamics, EQ, and stereo image, ensuring it translates well across all platforms and devices. I often focus on achieving a competitive, polished sound while maintaining the artist’s unique character and emotion. Additionally, I provide loudness normalization to meet industry standards (like LUFS), fine-tuning for different formats such as streaming, CD, or vinyl.