Allow me to surpass your vision of your project. Let me bring your creation to life!
Specializing in mixing, mastering, audio rebalance and audio separation.
Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.
Interview with TRACK KATZ
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: There are way to many to mention because I'm grateful to have worked on many projects. However, I am very proud to have worked on projects for Gucci Mane early in his career. Gucci made me step up my art and learn quickly. These are projects that I produced, tracked the vocals, mixed and masterd.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Currently working on an inspirational Hip Hop record by the JMGBOYZ. These 2 real brothers have a positive message for everyone. They are known best for their their roles on Starz network BMF, The Banker. Terror Lake Drive and many more.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: I would recommend Ken Lewis.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I love both. I appreciate the soul of analog and the power of digital. I enjoy the artistry in warmth and imperfection, as well as the innovation and clarity that modern tools bring.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: My promise is that I will work hard to surpass their vision for their project.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I love the final product and the positive energy that a client pose after they hear their raw version versus my art.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: "Can you make my record sound capatible to mainstream artists?"
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: One of the biggest misconceptions about an audio producer is that they just "press buttons" or only handle the technical side of recording. In reality, a good audio producer is often deeply involved in the creative process—shaping the sound, guiding the artistic direction, coaching performers, arranging compositions, and even helping with song structure or emotional impact. They're not just engineers—they're collaborators and visionaries who help bring an artist’s ideas to life.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Know Your Project Needs: Be clear about what you’re hiring me for—recording, mixing, mastering, etc. Each requires different skills and tools.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: The main question that I ask is, "What is your vision for the project?" "What don't you like as far as fx on their vocals."
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Wow! That would be my Laptop, midi controller, VSX headphones, my mic and an interface.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: My career path? Well at the time I was trying to figure out LIFE. I started writing Lyrics and demoing my records. Travel to New York and stood outside of the BMG Building trying to get someone to listen to my tape. I was denied. When I got back to Atlanta I really took my craft serious. Started a producer company and signed Gucci Mane as my very first artist. Fast forward 20 plus years I am still working and learning.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Wow! That would be my Laptop, midi controller, VSX headphones, my mic and an interface.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: My career path? Well at the time I was trying to figure out LIFE. I started writing Lyrics and demoing my records. Travel to New York and stood outside of the BMG Building trying to get someone to listen to my tape. I was denied. When I got back to Atlanta I really took my craft serious. Started a producer company and signed Gucci Mane as my very first artist. Fast forward 20 plus years I am still working and learning.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My style as an audio engineer blends technical precision with creative intuition. I focus on clarity, warmth, punch, spatial depth, using analog gear, digital tools, hybrid setups to sculpt emotionally engaging mixes. I’m driven by the feel of the music, ensuring every element serves the song while maintaining a clean, powerful sonic footprint. I gravitate towards [genres], where I can experiment with [e.g., space, texture, dynamics], often pushing boundaries to create immersive soundscapes."
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Though he us not with us anymore. Inwould have loved to work with Prince. Just to be around his creativity and soap up the most knowledge from the greatest!
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: As an audio engineer, my strongest skill is precise, objective analysis and enhancement of audio using advanced DSP (digital signal processing) principles.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Mixing audio is all about clarity, punch, and making sure the vocal rides the beat with authority.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Typically, I work on R&B, Hip Hop, Trap and Jazz. However, I've been hired to work on several Southern Soul recordings as a mix and mastering engineer.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: As an engineer, I bring technical expertise and creative support to a song, ensuring that the artist’s vision is captured, enhanced, and translated into a polished final product. In short, I am the bridge between raw performance and a professional-sounding record.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Producer and songwriter Tim Jackson. He's the rock who introduced me to audio design. The Grammy award winning Audio producer and mixing engineer Ken Lewis.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: My process begins with the following. Mixing Process 1. Session Prep Import and organize tracks: Label, color code, group (e.g., drums, vocals, instruments). Gain staging: Adjust levels to leave headroom (~-6 dB on master). 2. Static Mix Set basic levels and panning without plugins. Establish a good balance before adding processing. 3. Processing EQ: Cut mud, tame harshness, enhance character. Compression: Control dynamics and glue elements together. 4. Automation Automate volume, FX, EQ, and panning for movement and energy. 5. Reference Checks Compare to professional tracks in a similar genre. 6. Export Stems or Pre-Master Bounce down the final mix, leaving headroom for mastering (usually -6 dBFS).
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: For me, mixing is the most requested and recurring service, especially for clients producing music or podcasts remotely.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Cubase is my DAW of choice. I work in the box and use all of the industry standard plugins. When tracking vocals the Mojave mic is my choice and when tracking woodwinds etc my go to my is the Dragon Fly.
