Michael Koonz on SoundBetter

Experienced Mastering Engineer specializing in high-end analogue mastering

I’m using a hybrid system, consisting of world class analogue equipment and a collection of the most advanced digital tools. Plugins are mainly (but not only) used for surgical purposes prior to adding analog character and colour to the tracks.

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Credits

Endorse Michael Koonz2 Reviews

by Ali N. Askin
Michael is my trusted go-to mastering engineer with whom I have worked on many projects for the past 20 years. These included CD, Vinyl and Digital releases from different genres. He is open to any kind of music, understands any style you can imagine and knows what is needed to let your music sound the best possible way. His background as a studied drummer and percussionist shows when working as a mastering engineer - he has great ears and is the perfect combo of a technician and a musician.
I can highly recommend his services!
by Amazetrax
Michael has been my mastering engineer for all of my releases, and his work has become an important part of my sound. He understands exactly what my music needs and always brings out the depth, detail and energy while preserving the original character of the track. I trust his ears completely. Great communication, great mastering and simply a great person to work with. Highly recommended!

Interview with Michael Koonz

Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both because plugins are helpful for surgical operations while my analog chain gives the track a dimension that I still find is not achieved by digital processing alone
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Communicating with people and making music sound better
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Send me your mix version you like most and let me hear what it needs. Maybe send me a version without a Master Bus Limiter and send me some reference tracks that sound like you want your tracks to sound
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My Maselec MLA-4 & MPL-2, Manley Vari Mu and Massive Passive, Prism Dream ADA-8XR, Metric Halo Lio-8,
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I studied classical and temporary percussion and drums at the Richard-Strauss Conservatory and the Joe Haider Jazzschool in Munich. I took classes at the Professional Percussion Center in New York City and finally worked as a studio– and session drummer with a wide variety of artists. Inspired by my experience in studio recording I became more and more interested in the technical side of music production. In 2008 SoundSupport Mastering was founded.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I can say without vanity that I'm working with all kinds of genres - literally from Classical to R&B to Schlager to Techno.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Being communicative and technically skilled. Having a huge variety of tools to choose from but not getting lost or overdo processing.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Understanding what the clients wants and what the song needs
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: First I listen to the tracks as they are with no processing. I then start with the track (if it's an album), that I find most demanding. Pauses are really important, so I have a break about every 30 minutes. I also like to switch to another track to gain some objectivity. Sometime I listen to reference tracks for the same purpose.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I'm working with a Hybrid System. Mainly analog but for some surgical corrections I use plugins.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Mastering Stereo, Stems and Dolby Atmos