Analog Mastering for EDM

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use a hybrid signal path that combines high-end analog gear and converters with selected software in an acoustically treated studio with high-end point source Genelec monitors and subwoofer with GLM. The Crane Song Solaris DAC sends signal to my analog hardware chain which can include any of the following: Neve 542 tape emulators for saturation, Wes audio Prometheus for pultec style equalisation, Wes audio Rhea for vari-mu tube compression, Manley Massive Passive, for really high end equalisation and tone, Neve Portico Master Bus Processor MKII for compression and stereo/depth adjustment and Bettermaker Master Limiter for clipping and limiting. That signal comes back into the box via a BURL B2 Bomber ADC or Crane Song Interstellar ADC (depending on what's needed). The Burl has a transformer before the converter that adds harmonics, while the Interstellar is more clean and punchy. Am using selected software plugins before and after the analog stage, mostly UAD, Fabfilter, TC Electronics. Slate VSX headphone are used as additional way of monitoring sound in different modelled environments.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I’m on the tail end of building my boutique studio, and now finally focussing more on producing and mastering, as intended.

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

A: Andres Klein for mastering Techno.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both! Digital for precision and easy recall, and analog for natural saturation and harmonics created by the beautiful circuits and transformers, that are not well emulated digitally.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What exactly are they trying to achieve, and whether they have reference tracks they LOVE.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Harmonic

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Create a good listening environment i.e. acoustic treatment and good monitors, or at the least very good headphones, otherwise nothing you do translates well to other situations and it is near impossible to get the mix right.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Good taste ;)

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Fresh ears, passion for music, and boutique analog gear to give some extra love.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: First understand client aims and wishes, and listen to the mix-down carefully, before setting up a bespoke mastering chain, step by step and checking the results compared to selected reference tracks, on different monitors, speakers, headphones, before sending the client a first sample, once I am happy with the sound.

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

A: My musical tastes are incredibly diverse. I love Giorgia Anguili, Jan Blomqvist, Simon Posford for their creative original electronic music. I'm always impressed with Rick Rubin as a producer both in terms of result and vision. As a teen especially I was inspired by the late Randy Rhoads, who played guitar on Ozzy Osbourne's Blizzard of Oz and Diary of a Madman albums.