We specialize in delivering professional mixing and mastering services that bring your music to life. With a hybrid analog-digital setup and years of collective experience, our audio engineers ensure every track sounds polished, balanced, and ready to stand out.
At Octave Group, we specialize in professional mixing and mastering services that bring your music to its fullest potential. With years of collective experience and a hybrid analog-digital setup, we deliver tracks with warmth, clarity, and a polished sound that stands out.
Our expertise spans multiple genres, including Hip Hop, Reggaeton, R&B, Afrobeat, and Latin House. Whether it’s achieving the perfect balance for your mix or adding that final polish in mastering, our team is dedicated to delivering results that resonate and make an impact. We've worked on tracks like 'Donna' by Zem and 'Dónde Está?' by PartyWitTheAnimals, showcasing our commitment to creating music that leaves a lasting impression.
When you work with Octave Group, you’re not just hiring a service—you’re partnering with audio engineers who are deeply invested in your success. Our attention to detail, technical expertise, and passion for excellence ensure that every track meets the highest standards. Let’s elevate your music together!
Contact me through the green button above and let's get to work.
Credits
Discogs verified credits for Carlos Figueroa (2)Languages
- English
- Spanish
Interview with Octave Group
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: One project I’m especially proud of is a song from the 1990s called 'En La Casa,' which I co-wrote and created the music for. It took me three full days without sleep to complete, and the result was worth every moment of effort. Another milestone was 'Cuando Pienso En Ti,' a track I also co-wrote and co-composed the music for. It became the first R&B-Hip Hop fusion in Spanish for the Latin American market—a groundbreaking song that marked the beginning of a new genre for its audience. In recent years, I’ve had the privilege of working on 'Donna,' a song featuring the incredible singer Zem, where I handled the music production, mixing, and mastering. I’m also incredibly proud of 'Dónde Está?' and 'Tengo La Llama,' two tracks I wrote, composed the music for, mixed and mastered for the Atlanta producer Xztho’s group Party With The Animals. These songs represent a fusion of my experience and passion, blending timeless creativity with fresh, innovative ideas. In each of these projects, whether as a writer, producer, or collaborator, my role has been to push boundaries and deliver music that resonates deeply. What sets me apart is my dedication to the craft, ensuring that every track is more than just a song—it’s a piece of art with a lasting impact.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: At the moment, I’m collaborating with an Atlanta-based producer on his tracks, continuing a long-standing partnership that focuses on creating polished, high-quality productions. In addition to that, I work with clients who come to me through word-of-mouth—people I’ve worked with in the past who trust my expertise and keep coming back for more. Beyond these ongoing projects, I’m also expanding my reach by joining platforms like SoundBetter, aiming to connect with new artists and bring fresh ideas to life. My goal is to build meaningful collaborations and help every client achieve their creative vision.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Currently, I haven't collaborated with anyone on SoundBetter, so I don't have specific recommendations at this time. However, SoundBetter hosts a vast network of talented professionals, and I'm open to exploring potential collaborations in the future.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Analog or digital? My approach depends on the project, but I work with both and often prefer a hybrid setup. I usually start entirely digital, as it allows for flexibility and precision during the initial stages of production. However, once we’ve locked in the vocal, I transition to " caliente" analog. This adds warmth, depth, and a unique character that digital alone can’t replicate. It’s all about combining the best of both worlds to achieve the highest quality sound.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: My promise to my clients is my devoted loyalty to their vision, no matter what. I commit to understanding your ideas and bringing them to life with care, creativity, and precision. Whether it’s staying true to the smallest details or going above and beyond to exceed expectations, I ensure that your project reflects your goals while maintaining the highest quality. Your success becomes my priority, and I’ll work tirelessly to make sure the final product is something we can both be proud of.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: What I like most about my job is the creative process—taking an idea, no matter how small or rough, and shaping it into a fully realized piece of art. From brainstorming and experimenting with sounds to overcoming challenges along the way, every step is rewarding. Reaching the finish line and seeing how proud my clients are of the final product is the ultimate satisfaction. Knowing I’ve helped bring their vision to life and made it something they can truly feel proud of makes all the effort worthwhile.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Clients often ask how long the process will take, and my answer is that it depends on the complexity of the project. A mix might take a day or two, while a full production could take longer, depending on revisions and feedback. Another common question is whether I can make their song sound like a specific reference track, to which I respond that I can aim for a similar vibe while ensuring the track retains its uniqueness and reflects their vision. They also frequently ask about how much creative input I’ll have. My answer is that I adapt to their preferences—whether they want me to take the lead creatively or follow their exact vision, my goal is to enhance the project and make it the best it can be.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: The biggest misconception about what I do is that the process is effortless. While I strive to bring out the best in every project, it takes collaboration, clear communication, and a strong vision from the artist to make it all come together. My role is to refine, enhance, and elevate your ideas. With the right raw materials and teamwork, we can create something truly remarkable, and that’s always my goal.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: When working with prospective clients, I like to start with some genuine human interaction to get to know them and their vision. From there, the questions flow naturally, especially if we’re creating a track from scratch. I might ask: What’s the name of the song? Can I hear it? What genre or target are you aiming for, or are you blending genres? If so, which ones? Do you know the scale you want for the track, or should we figure it out together based on the vibe? For mixing and mastering, my key question is: Do you have a reference track? This can be incredibly helpful in narrowing down the target sound. While I have these basic questions as a guide, I prefer a flexible, organic approach that allows the project to evolve naturally.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: My advice for a customer looking to hire a provider like me is to trust the process and commit to finishing the project, even if self-doubt creeps in. A good provider doesn’t just bring technical skills—they bring vision, adaptability, and the ability to guide you through creative challenges. I’m here to collaborate, refine, and elevate your ideas into something you can be proud of. Choose someone who not only understands your goals but also pushes you to achieve more than you thought possible.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: If I were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, I’d choose my laptop, headphones, and BaxEQ for creating music. But let’s be real—I'd also need water, matches, and a knife. Without those, I could still survive, but it wouldn’t be easy.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: My career path has been shaped by music from the very beginning. As the son of a Puerto Rican radio producer in the 70s and 80s, I was immersed in sound from the moment I was born. By age 11, I had started DJing, and by 18, I was the DJ, songwriter, and producer for the group 3 2 Get Funky, among other projects. Music was my world until I chose to shift my focus to being a parent, a decision I’m incredibly proud of. Even during those years, I stayed creative, experimenting with new technology and keeping my skills sharp, though not professionally. When my kids grew older, I returned to music, working with a young NYC producer who went on to win the NYC Producer Battle—a turning point that re-ignited my passion. Over the years, I’ve collaborated with various artists, often as a work-for-hire, contributing to projects where I didn’t always get credit but gained valuable experience. For the past decade, I’ve been collaborating closely with a producer, handling everything from full track production to mixing and mastering. I bring not just technical expertise, but a lifetime of experience and a deep understanding of the artistry behind every track. Music is in my DNA, and every project I take on is an opportunity to honor that legacy while pushing creative boundaries.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: In my younger years, I would have said, 'Let the music speak for itself,' but now I understand the power of blending words with sound to create a full experience. I’d describe my sound as unapologetically funky—it’s where I started, and it’s a core element that I’ll always carry forward. At the same time, I’m conscious of evolving with the times. Even if we’re creating a '90s-inspired track, it’s about reinterpreting it for today’s audience. My style is unique because I approach your track like a DJ, thinking about where and when it will resonate best. I also work in reverse, imagining the final impact and working backward to ensure every element supports that vision. Once we collaborate, you’ll see exactly what I mean by this approach—it’s all about delivering a track that feels timeless and unforgettable.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would love to work with the unknown artists—the ones who feel they don’t fit into any category or, as we say in Spanish, no quieren ser encasillados. They’re my first choice because their fresh perspectives and unfiltered creativity can lead to groundbreaking music. I thrive on collaborating with artists who bring bold, even extreme, ideas to the table, and while I might try to refine or tame certain aspects, I would never change their essence. Beyond that, I’d love to work with known artists like 21 Savage, as I believe he hasn’t yet reached his full potential as a rapper, and Jorja Smith, whose stunning voice and artistry still have room to grow. On the Latin side, Eladio Carrión stands out to me for his ability to create timeless music that resonates across generations.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: One music production tip I can share is this: once you’re locked in on an idea, commit to it fully and see it through to the end. Even if it’s not exactly what you envisioned, you’ll end up with a complete product you can be proud of — something that reflects your effort and creativity. You can always start fresh with a new idea, but take pride in what you’ve created. The key is to embrace the process, enjoy the experience, and have fun creating or performing. When you truly enjoy the journey, it shines through in the final result.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I typically work on Hip Hop, Trap, Reggaeton, Afrobeat, and Latin House, but I thrive on exploring new territory, especially when it involves fusing genres or creating something unexpected. Whether it’s blending traditional sounds with modern elements or experimenting with unique sonic textures, I’m passionate about pushing boundaries and bringing fresh ideas to life. If you have a different concept in mind, I’m all in—I love turning unconventional ideas into standout tracks that leave a lasting impression.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My strongest skill is perseverance and an unwavering attention to detail, paired with a firm commitment to achieving the intended target. If time and budget allow, I’ll go above and beyond to perfect every aspect of the track, and if not, I have the creativity and resourcefulness to find solutions—because I believe there are no problems, only opportunities for innovation. Additionally, my ability to adapt and collaborate ensures that every project not only meets expectations but also delivers a unique sound that resonates with the audience.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: We bring a polished and professional sound to every song we work on, backed by a commitment to quality and attention to detail. If a track doesn’t align with your vision or needs additional refinement, we’ll communicate openly to ensure your time and expectations are respected. Once the vibe and target are set, we strive to exceed expectations by focusing on precision and creativity. From meticulously balancing every element in the mix to enhancing dynamics and clarity in the master, we prioritize every detail to elevate your track. Our goal is to ensure your music reaches its fullest potential and stands out across all platform
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Our typical work process begins with a detailed conversation to understand the client’s vision, target sound, and any specific references they have for their track. Once we have the stems, we begin by organizing and prepping the session to ensure every element is ready for a seamless workflow. During the mixing stage, we balance levels, enhance clarity, and apply EQ, compression, and effects to bring out the best in every track. We focus on ensuring that vocals, instruments, and other elements complement each other, creating a cohesive and polished sound. Special attention is given to dynamics, panning, and spatial effects to achieve depth and impact. In the mastering stage, we refine the mixed track to achieve professional loudness, tonal balance, and clarity across all playback systems. Our hybrid analog-digital setup adds warmth and character, ensuring the track is optimized for streaming platforms, radio, or any distribution format. Throughout the process, we maintain open communication, sharing updates and progress to ensure the client’s satisfaction. We typically deliver projects within 1–2 days, depending on complexity, and include up to two revisions to perfect the final result.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Our studio setup is a hybrid environment designed for precision and creativity. Located in an acoustically treated space, it features three sets of monitors and professional headphones to ensure accurate sound monitoring. We primarily work with industry-standard DAWs like Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Pro Tools, offering flexibility for various project needs. Our tools include guitar pedals, tape machines, and FX rack units—such as distortion, reverb, chorus, bass exciters, and bit reducers—to add unique textures to every project. High-quality audio interfaces from MOTU and UAD ensure seamless performance and professional-grade results. Every aspect of our studio is tailored to bring out the best in your music while maintaining a creative and collaborative approach.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Several producers and music professionals inspire our approach to music production and engineering. Dr. Dre’s relentless attention to detail and precision in every production serves as a benchmark for quality. Rick Rubin’s ability to create an iconic catalog of hits without a traditional musical background highlights the importance of vision and instinct. Timbaland’s innovative grooves have revolutionized the perception of rhythm, pushing boundaries in creative sound design. Sergio George’s work in salsa, maintaining its tumbao while introducing fresh, smooth elements, showcases the power of evolution within a genre. Producer 40’s redefinition of hip-hop has brought a fresh, emotive sound to the forefront of modern music. Finally, Luca Pretolesi’s expertise in achieving loud, dynamic tracks while preserving sonic integrity reflects the high standards we aim to meet in all our projects.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: The most common work we do for our clients is mixing and mastering, where we seamlessly combine technical expertise with artistic precision. Our mixing process involves balancing levels, enhancing clarity, applying EQ, compression, and effects to bring out the best in each element of the track. Once the mix is complete, we finalize it through our analog chain during the mastering process to ensure the final product reflects the highest quality, cohesiveness, and artistic intent of your music.
I was the Production,Mix&Master in this production
- Mixing EngineerContact for pricing
- Mastering EngineerAverage price - $70 per song
- ProducerContact for pricing
Up to 2 revisions for mixing/mastering (1 for mastering only). Turnaround: 2-5 days depending on complexity. Additional revisions or services may incur extra costs, discussed case by case.
- Neve EQ
- Bax EQ
- Bettermaker Limiter
- SSL Master Bus
- SPL Vitalizer
- Elysia Alpha
- Overstayer
- Tascam Tape
- Ableton
- 4k plus digital Plugins
- Genelec Speakers
- NS10s
- Avantones
- Guitar pedals and other top secret tools.
Every mix we deliver includes mastering through our analog chain, ensuring the final product preserves the quality, creativity, and intent of your music from start to finish.