Profesional Mixing & Mastering

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

A: I am especially proud of my work on Zoé's album, "Aztlán." My role as the Recording Engineer for the biggest band in Mexico was a demanding yet incredibly rewarding experience that spanned over seven months. It was a project that required a high level of technical leadership and a true dedication to excellence. The culmination of that hard work came in 2018 when the album was honored with a U.S. Grammy, a recognition that I am proud to have earned through a true team effort and a passion for the craft.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At the moment, I'm fully engaged with a diverse range of mixing and mastering projects for independent artists and producers from around the world. I am actively collaborating with musicians to take their ideas to the next level, ensuring that their message is heard and their music stands out with a professional, radio-ready sound.

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

A: As a new member of the SoundBetter community, I haven't yet had the pleasure of collaborating with other providers on the platform. However, one of my goals is to build a network of trusted professionals that I can confidently recommend to my clients. I believe that great projects are built on great teams.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I see this as a false choice. In modern production, the most powerful approach is to use both worlds strategically. I love the unmistakable warmth and depth that my high-end analog gear brings to a mix, but I also rely on the precision, flexibility, and recall that a digital workflow provides. My hybrid setup is designed to combine the best of both worlds, ensuring I deliver a high-quality, professional sound tailored to the unique needs of every project.

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

A: My promise is simple: to deliver a final product that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. I guarantee a collaborative process built on transparent communication, where your vision is the top priority from start to finish. I am here as your technical partner to bring your music to its fullest potential.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I would say my greatest joy is the collaborative process itself. I am passionate about music, but what truly inspires me is the unique challenge of listening to a song and helping the artist find its ultimate sonic identity. The satisfaction of helping a client achieve their vision and seeing the music come to life is the most rewarding part of my job.

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

A: The question I get most often is, "How much do you charge?" My answer is always that my pricing is based on the specific needs of the project, not a one-size-fits-all fee. I first listen to the artist's goals and creative vision. Then, I provide a detailed quote that reflects the full scope of work, the timeline, and the value I can bring to their music.

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

A: I would say the biggest misconception is that the work of a recording and mixing engineer is simple or purely technical. People often mistake what I do for something like DJing. In reality, my role is a detailed and highly collaborative craft that blends artistic vision with technical precision to build the sonic foundation of a song.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I believe that a great project begins with a great conversation. My first question is always: "What is your ultimate creative vision for this song?" I then follow up by asking for reference tracks to understand their sonic expectations, and I discuss the technical aspects of the session to ensure we are aligned on all fronts. This process ensures a seamless collaboration where the final result perfectly matches the artist's initial intent.

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

A: I would advise customers to be clear about their vision and goals from the start. Open and honest communication is the foundation of any great project. When you hire a professional, you are not just hiring their technical skills; you are hiring their experience and their perspective. A great working relationship is built on trust and a shared understanding of the artistic goal.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: My five pieces of gear would be the absolute essentials for a high-quality workflow and my creative process. My Pro Tools Rig: This is the core of my studio, the foundation for every project. My Monitoring System: Critical listening is everything, so my speakers are non-negotiable. My UAD cards: They are essential for my workflow, providing me with the processing power and the high-quality plugins I need. My Fader/Artist Control: Physical control over the mix is crucial for my process and allows me to work with speed and precision. A Comfortable Chair: Long hours of creative work require focus and comfort. It's a key part of my setup.

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

A: My professional path began after graduating from the SAE Institute. My first steps in the industry were at Sonic Ranch, the world's largest residential recording studio, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with top professionals and master some of the best equipment in the world. Later, I moved to Mexico City, where I worked at Topetitud studios and became a chief engineer at Panoram studios. This period allowed me to work with an independent scene and with top-tier talent like Phil Vinall, Sergio Acosta (Zoe), Phoenix, and Morrissey. In 2018, this journey culminated in my first Grammy for my work on Zoé's album, "Aztlán." Today, I run my own studio, providing mixing and mastering services to a global clientele of musicians and producers, bringing that same award-winning experience to every project.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would describe my style as a blend of creative innovation and sonic excellence. My passion is to find new textures and sounds that elevate the music's core message. I'm dedicated to creating mixes with a powerful and defined low end, a clear and present midrange, and a crispy top end that make the music not only impactful but also a pleasure to hear on any system.

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

A: My passion is to work with new artists and new music. I find that these projects are always the most challenging and creatively rewarding, as they offer the chance to build something truly unique from the ground up. In the end, the artist I most want to work with is always the one I'm currently collaborating with.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: My most important tip focuses on the fundamental balance between technical precision and musicality. First, never over-compress and always get your gain staging correct. This is the secret to a clear, powerful mix. Second, avoid listening at high volumes for extended periods, especially toward the end of a session. The goal is to make sure your mix performs flawlessly on all reproduction systems, not just in the studio.

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

A: My experience spans a wide variety of genres, from rock, pop, and alternative to hip hop, electronic, and orchestral recordings. However, my approach is consistent: to find the unique sonic essence of each song and elevate its emotional impact, no matter the style.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I believe my strongest skill is mastering the balance between the creative and technical. I am able to listen to a song and, as a Grammy-winning Recording Engineer, I have a proven ability to capture a sound that not only meets the artist's vision but also delivers a powerful and clear message to the listener.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a collaborative vision and a deep technical understanding to every song. My focus is to listen intently to the artist's message and then use my skills to elevate the sound, ensuring the final product not only meets but exceeds its artistic potential. I am the technical partner who helps the song shine.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My workflow is designed for efficiency and collaboration. First, I send a file delivery guide to ensure the production files are 100% correct. I then set up the session and have a final consultation with the artist to confirm all details. My goal is to work quickly and with precision, maintaining a fresh perspective on the music's message without rushing the creative process. This same meticulous attention to detail is applied to my mastering sessions, where I focus on optimizing the final mix for clarity and loudness.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio is built around a hybrid setup, combining the power of Pro Tools with a high-end analog signal chain. For monitoring, I rely on my JBL 6332 speakers. The core of my sound is shaped by a collection of world-class hardware, including the Dangerous Master, Millennia NSEQ-2, Alan Smart C2, and a Focusrite Red 2. This is complemented by a nearly complete collection of UAD plugins, which gives me the flexibility to meet the sonic needs of any project with a professional, high-quality sound.

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

A: I have a very extensive range of influences. I'm inspired by the creative vision of artists like The Beatles, John Lennon, and David Bowie, as well as the production genius of Quincy Jones. On the technical side, my work is deeply inspired by legendary engineers like Bruce Swedien, Al Schmitt, and Bob Clearmountain, all of whom have taught me the most important lesson: "Music First."

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

A: I specialize in music recording, mixing, and mastering, working closely with artists to craft a final product that fully captures their vision and elevates their sound.