Devin Wickens on SoundBetter

Sound is what I love to do. There are times, no matter what you are doing, where you hit that "sweet spot". You know, everyone knows - that you nailed it. I live for those moments. That's my job, making those moments happen.

I have been working in studios, in various roles, for twenty five years.

Music production: tracking and mixing.
Live: bands, events, musical theatre.

Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.

1 Reviews

Endorse Devin Wickens

by Faris Badaro
Verified
Devin is a top tier audio engineer! When initially picking Devin for my project, I was unsure because he primarily specialized in rock music, and I was looking for something in the rnb genre. But his work on my music proved just how fit he is for any job and showcased his versatility. Throughout the process, he made sure he was always communicating, and was always willing to listen to my feedback. The result was amazing! I recommend Devin for anyone trying to take their music to the next level.

Interview with Devin Wickens

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Mixing eight performances of "Onegin" at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Canada
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital - the difference sonically is negligible, but the convenience, the reliability can't be beat.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: To work to the best of my skills, knowledge, and abilities to produce a mix that will beat your highest expectations.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I love music, and I love taking a bunch of stuff and making something special with it. Sometimes that involves very little - the tracks are effortless. Sometimes it involves a great deal of work and polish. But either way, when you're finished you know you've helped bring a project to life.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: How much? My answer: what's your budget? How much did you spend in tracking? That usually gives me an idea of what they think my contribution is worth.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: Unfortunately, due to space limitations, I don't track.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Do you have a synced multitrack recording in a digital format? (preferably a zipped file of stereo .wav, 48k, 24 bit) Do you have a rough mix? What do you want this music to say/sound like? Does it need editing/comping/tuning?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Two things - there is a huge difference between a good mix and a great mix. And, it's worth the $$ if you can get a great mix.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My computer, my Adams, my faderport, uh... my room? can I bring that? Otherwise the waves would make it hard to mix ;).
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Recording bands since I was a kid. Went to OIART for audio engineering. Started working at RevSound as an engineer. Started doing post-production for tv, moved to mixing live television. Worked in various studios until semi-retirement in 2017 where I built my mixing studio.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: First of all, I would like to work with anyone - everybody has something to offer. But given the choice I'd say George Martin. What he has done for the whole of recorded music can't be understated.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I have 25 years of experience in critical listening - being able to know what people want to hear. I have the skills, tools, and knowledge to bring an artist's intentions into fruition.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: In a general sense, I try to determine what the narrative of the song - what it's trying to say? After some critical listening and getting that story, it's now a process of focusing on the prime elements of that story, make their intentions clearer, with a stronger voice. Then work your way to the more supporting elements until you have a cohesive whole that moves you.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I am now in-the-box completely. With the response of my faders/controller, and the sound of plugins now, there is very little difference than mixing on a console - but the reliability and ability to recall can't be beat. Plus, it allows me to create an improved acoustic environment - my room is flat and my monitoring (main: Adam Audio T7V) is clear.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: As a mixer, after receiving a multi-track recording of a piece of music, I will edit/comp/tune tracks as needed and mix those tracks into a high-quality stereo track that can then be sent to a mastering engineer. As a mastering engineer, after receiving a group of mixes I will process those mixes to make a cohesive project that is high-fidelity and error free.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Hard hitting and catchy.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: No one listens to a song in solo.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Most of my work has been pop/rock, with some country and hip hop.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I have a strong sense of groove and a good ear for hooks.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Tchad Blake, Andy Wallace, Chris Lord-Alge.