Electronic Music Specialists

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Listening! Understanding and delivering on our clients needs while exceeding their expectations is our focus. We customize the production, mixing and mastering experiences for each client.

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

A: Dark Star Audio is an Electronic Music focused studio that specializes in music production, mixing, mastering, mentoring, and artist development. No matter what stage of the song writing process you are at, no matter what your skill level is, we will personally work with you to not only help mix, master or produce your music, we will also make sure your music career is on the right path! We have helped hundreds of artists take their ideas, sketches, projects, finished songs and branding to a new level of professionalism, get signed to today’s top labels and reach their music goals.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: We have 2 custom studios in the San Francisco Bay Area that host in person & remote sessions via Skype. Both of our rooms have been properly treated with GIK paneling throughout. At the heart of Studio 1 is the Antelope Audio 32+. Studio 2 hosts the RME Fireface 802 and Black Lion Micro Clock.

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

A: There are simply too many in the industry to mention by name. However, we find ourselves inspired each day by watching our clients reach their goals.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: We just finished up an album for 1 artist, a 6 track EP for another artist, 4 tracks in which we Co-Produced with 2 other artists. We are always working on Sound Design & Sample Packs.

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

A: Mac Vaughn, the lead Engineer began his passion for music as a bass player. From there, moved on to DJing. Then decided to become a producer. Being a producer made him want to know everything he could about perfecting music, and it was that intensive learning that inadvertently opened the door to becoming a mastering engineer. "I've been a mastering engineer now for over 7 years now. I started off mastering music for my dance label "Fierce Animal Recordings". Other labels started to ask me who was doing my mastering and the rest is history." -Mac Vaughn Dark Star Audio has grown year over year since the start. We have recently opened a 2nd studio and have big plans for the upcoming years.

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

A: We worked on the music and sound design for a University of Phoenix commercial with Giancarlo Esposito. It was an intensive project, but I am still very happy with the results.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Some analog, but mostly digital. Most mastering engineers are using plugins these days. Maybe it's laziness, but for us- it's that we can achieve relatively the same result but much quicker. Because we are able to do this, We transfer the savings on to our clients.

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

A: A major misconception is that if someone has a limiter plug in, they can master their own music. Mastering is much more than just using a limiter.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: We normally ask them for reference tracks so we can get an idea of what sound they are looking for. For production clients, we ask them what their expectations are for their music careers and what goals they have.

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

A: We primarily work on electronic music. The reason for this is simple. Rather than being a broad based, we narrow our focus to one area so we can provide the greatest expertise and experience.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Magic!

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

A: We promise you will get what you want or you will get your money back. Simple.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: We love to say "Your track is ready for the world". Being the studio our clients trust is a huge honor and we are very grateful.

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

A: iMac Desktop, Soundcard, Headphones, Blender and Coffee Machine. Hopefully it's a tropical island where we can have access to fresh fruit and coffee beans!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: We specialize in electronic/dance music, and bring decades of experienced ears.

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

A: Not that I know of.

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

A: When can I have this back? How soon do you need it?

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

A: 1. Can you hear examples of their work? 2. Have you emailed them questions and how soon did they respond?

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Simple, Colorful, Transparent.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: If it sounds good, it is good.