Mixing and mastering engineer specializing in post-metal and related genres, delivering clean, powerful results ready for release. I focus on emotional impact while bringing out the definition in your songs.
I'm Tomáš Svoboda – musician, listener, tea lover, reader, runner and cyclist, cottager, board game enthusiast, cat breeder, born in 1986 in Plzeň. The idea of starting my own home studio came about in February 2022. My original intention was to take my music to the next level, but this grew into an interest in collaborating with musicians and bands on post-production work. I have been involved in music as an independent artist since 2005. As a contributor to the Echoes webzine, I have been regularly writing about music since 2013. Since 2023, I have been a certified sound engineer after completing a retraining course organized by the Sound Engineering Institute in Prague.
Contact me through the green button above and let's get to work.
Credits
Languages
- Czech
- English
Endorse Silent Observer Studio3 Reviews
My impression of Tomas from Silent Observer Studio is that he is not only a very knowledgeable sound engineer, but also a real professional in his communication with the artist. However, what fascinated me the most is that in a world where art has become nothing more than a business to many, Tom approaches the music with passion and curiosity, therefore delivering an authentic and surpassing perfection result. Our first collaboration felt more like two friends trying to build something together rather than a stranger using the services of another stranger.
Yovan - Templum SilvaThere is a reason I keep coming to Silent Observer Studio, Tomas in particular, with my every new project. I really enjoy how he puts his experience to work and shares his knowledge openly. Thanks to his insight and tips, the end result is always matching exactly what I envisioned, even though it's not easy to grasp something so ephemeral like atmosphere. Tomas is a master of his craft and a pure pleasure to work with!
There is a reason I keep coming to Silent Observer Studio, Tomas in particular, with my every new project. I really enjoy how he puts his experience to work and shares his knowledge openly. Thanks to his insight and tips, the end result is always matching exactly what I envisioned, even though it's not easy to grasp something so ephemeral like atmosphere. Tomas is a master of his craft and a pure pleasure to work with!
Interview with Silent Observer Studio
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: When it comes to mixing, I prefer to work in genres I listen to and understand well myself—primarily various forms of rock and metal, including post-rock, post-metal, black metal, doom metal and shoegaze. As for mastering, I enjoy working with a wider range of genres, including neofolk and dark ambient.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Generally speaking, I’m looking for artists who are open-minded, and not overly fixated on the sound of their demo.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: There are too many to mention. As for studio work, Andy Wallace is definitely a great source of inspiration.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: For the black metal project Pusta Noc, I provided mixing and mastering for two studio albums. Both collaborations with Grymuar were very pleasant, as he has a deep understanding of his craft as a composer. We also worked on the production side to ensure the material could be mixed as effectively as possible. For the post-metal project Templum Silva, I mastered their latest album. Yovan and I discussed the desired sonic aesthetic and reviewed his mixes together. It was another very pleasant collaboration with someone who cares about achieving the best possible result.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I’ve just finished mastering a new double single for the Polish black metal project Moonthoth, which is currently being prepared for release.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Yes, Fanda Brych (Beak Studio).
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: It’s mainly about ensuring mutual satisfaction.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Probably the feeling I get when comparing the before-and-after versions and clearly hearing that I’ve helped the song reach its full potential.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Clients often ask whether their recordings can sound good. My answer is that it depends mainly on the quality of the recording and production, but I always do my best to bring out the full potential of the material.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I ask about their vision for the final sound, references, the purpose of the recording, and its planned release. I also want to know what they expect from the collaboration and whether the tracks are properly prepared.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: I recommend having a clear idea of the sound you’re aiming for and communicating it openly. It’s also important to choose someone whose work and approach you genuinely like. If you’re unsure, we can start with a single song and see how we work together.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have been an independent musician since 2005 and began working in the studio in 2022. After completing a retraining course in sound engineering in 2023, I have continued to improve my skills, driven by music being my main passion.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: It definitely wouldn't be an audio device...
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Since I mainly work with the independent scene, where most production is DIY, my primary contribution is bringing clarity and definition to the songs.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I start by discussing the project with the client, then review the tracks. After processing and presentation, I make any needed changes based on their feedback.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I work in Ableton Live using professional hardware and software (see profile for details). My studio has an acoustically treated space with software calibration for balanced listening.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I respect analog lovers, but I work in-the-box and don’t think there’s such a big gap between the two approaches when you use digital the right way.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: You can’t make gold from nothing—the sound must have character from the recording stage.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I aim for a clear, fat, and dynamic sound for maximum impact. In communication, I value clarity and sincerity.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Low-cut for clearer low end.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Mastering is my main focus.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Mixing, mastering, or both. I also offer stem mastering when necessary. The standard mastering rate covers one stem, with an additional fee for each additional stem provided.
I was the mixing and mastering engineer in this production
- Mastering EngineerAverage price - $30 per song
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $150 per song
Delivery time is 3 to 7 days. Orders include up to 3 revisions. Please specify the distribution format, reference track, and any specific requirements. Provide your own pre-master, if available.
- Deafheaven
- Amenra
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- UA Apollo Twin X DUO HE
- SSL UF1
- SSL UC1
- Adam Audio A7V
- Sennheiser HD 600
- Steven Slate Audio VSX
- Ableton Live 12 Suite
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