Mark Bengtson on SoundBetter

Combining the professionalism and quality of the big studios with the flexible and attentive approach of working remotely.

I enjoy making great music with fun people! Operating remotely has given me the chance to make music with artists from all over the planet. It lets me work on many different styles of music and I can open each project with fresh ears.

I have been making records in some shape or form for the last 15 years. I currently operate out of my production room in Upstate New York. Before that, I was down in NYC for the better part of a decade, working on staff at Downtown Studios, Electric Lady Studios and Red Bull Studios New York. Over that time, I had the pleasure to work in sessions with artists like !!!, San Fermin, The Strokes and Yoko Ono.

Over the last few years, I have developed systems to offer the flexibility and attentiveness of remote mixing without losing the quality and professionalism of the big studios that I was brought up in. Every artist prefers to work on a different schedule and at different speeds; I’m here to help you navigate the final stages of putting your art out into the world at your own pace.

Feel free to send me a message! I will respond ASAP and am always happy to give a quote, feedback on a mix or advice on what the next step on your project might be. I look forward to hearing about your project, your story and your vision.

Cheers,
Mark

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Credits

AllMusic verified credits for Mark Bengtson

The Muckers
James Bay
San Fermin
!!!
!!!
Son Lux
Son Lux
Son Lux
Son Lux
San Fermin
San Fermin
!!!
!!!
Little Simz
Muddy Magnolias
Rumer
James Bay
James Bay
Elle King
Elle King
Matt Nathanson
Matt Nathanson
Angélique Kidjo
The Bohicas
The Bohicas
Shinedown
Kaiser Chiefs
Kaiser Chiefs
Martina McBride
Kelis
Kelis
Haerts
Christina Perri
Christina Perri
Rumer
Rumer
Alex & Sierra
Alex & Sierra
Copeland
PHOX
PHOX
Dani Martín
Birdy
Yuna Zarai
Yuna
Yuna Zarai
Yuna
John Mayer
John Mayer
Nathan Pacheco
Rumer
Rumer
Max Frost
Max Frost
Max Frost
Marmozets
Marmozets
Rumer
Rumer
Max Frost
Max Frost

5 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Mark Bengtson

by Grady N.
Verified
Mark is an exceptional mixing engineer. We shifted gears from a previous contractor and the difference in quality is substantial. He's a real pro at blending parts in stereo and was a pleasure to work with; through multiple rounds of revisions, testing various elements out, and making recommendations of his own.
by Michael H.
Verified
Mark was a pleasure to work with. He understood exactly where I wanted to take the song and made that vision a reality. He has an impressive resume and the talent to back it up. It's not just names! I cannot wait until I get another chance to work with this producer. Thanks so much.
by Adam W.
Verified
Mark is super easy to work with and his mixes are pro quality.
by Miles Solay/Outernational
Mark Bengtson is an indispensable artistic collaborator! From a stepped-back perspective which informs how he mixes, Mark's probing and guidance always strengthen our work. What's the song about? How does it make us feel? He of course knows all the knobs + faders + bells + whistles but what is special is Mark's passion for the work as art as well as his ability to focus on the bigger picture...within a song, a larger body of work, and the world in which we live. IT DIDN'T GET BETTER by Outernational, which he both recorded + mixed is a fantastic example of Mark Bengston's abilities.
by Rocko Dorsey
I had the opportunity to work with Mark on my latest album and it was a true pleasure. Mark's attention to detail and work ethic is by far the best I have encountered in my 20 years of performing/recording. His organization during tracking really maximized our time in the studio, however, I never felt rushed or under the gun. He created a stress free environment which allowed us to capture some great moments. It can be hard to transpose/explain your ideas to someone who isn't in your group but his instincts and natural ear left me feeling like he truly understood the objective of my project.

Interview with Mark Bengtson

Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Always check the mix in mono!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Generally Alternative Rock. I love to work on different genres. One thing about working as a staff engineer that I really liked was working on a different styles of music, sometimes day to day.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Communicating and understanding what an artist really wants to get out of a song.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Adding motion to a mix through techniques like fader riding, panning, effects, etc. Its my job to "guide" the listener through the song so that the right elements are highlighted at the right times.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I like to get on the same page with an artist. We will usually mix a single song and go through notes to make sure I am going in the right direction. Then we may decide that its best for me to mix the whole batch and do notes when the client is ready or work song by song.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My digital mix rig is based around a 12-core Mac Pro with an Apollo 8 for an interface. My main speakers are a custom 3-way design with active crossovers. I mix through Yamaha HS-80 (Calibrated with SonarWorks software), Yamaha NS-10s, Auratones and a small radio. I use a Softube Console 1 and Euphonix MC control to get the hand-on feel of analog, while keeping the workflow and flexibility of digital. I do use outboard gear (mainly reverbs, delays and compressors) if I'm looking for that sound and can't get it in the box. I print these back into the mix session so that I don't need to worry about lengthy recalls
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I spend my time mixing records for clients. On a lot of projects I get the chance to do some tracking or step into a production role.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Working with amazing people from all over the World!