Zach Midas

Mixing and Mastering

Zach Midas on SoundBetter

15 years of experience in both studio and live environments.

I have been a professional audio engineer for 15 years. In that time I have worked in a studio setting as well as a live environment. Some of my notable projects have included writing, composing, producing, editing, mixing, and mastering albums for musicians, live recording albums in mid-size performance venues and recording/editing for major podcasts as well as voice over work. I am committed to achieving the greatest possible results for your project!

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Interview with Zach Midas

  1. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  2. A: Opening a new recording facility.

  3. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  4. A: Analog for recording, digital for mixing because analog modeling is pretty incredible these days.

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

  6. A: I will give your project the same level of care and attention I would give my own.

  7. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  8. A: The feeling of pride when I listen to the final print of a great mix!

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

  10. A: That technical skills are more critical than taste and judgement.

  11. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  12. A: I try to get a sense for what the artist's expectations for their project will be. Do they want their song to sound rough and gritty or bright and polished?

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

  14. A: You will always get what you pay for.

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

  16. A: Neumann U87, Apollo Interface, LA-2A, Pultec EQ, Neve Shelford Channel

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

  18. A: I received an Advanced Audio Engineering degree from The Recording Workshop in Ohio. Opened a small studio in 2003, spent 8 years as lead engineer at a comedy club, and now work freelance full-time!

  19. Q: How would you describe your style?

  20. A: I try to be a chameleon and adapt to the client's needs.

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

  22. A: Steely Dan. Their production value is unsurpassed.

  23. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  24. A: Pre-production is everything. The best way to get a great mix is to know how you want your performance to sound before you start recording. Use quality mics and preamps.

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

  26. A: The bulk of my clients are in electronic music and hip-hop.

  27. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  28. A: Finding and accentuating the vibe of a track.

  29. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  30. A: Making every second of a song is as interesting as it can be. I never want my ear to get bored. I mostly use automation and various panning or stereo-field techniques to make sure that the mix is always evolving.

  31. Q: What's your typical work process?

  32. A: I go wherever the song takes me. Typically I like to start with vocals and then move to the rhythm section.

  33. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  34. A: Pro Tools, Focusrite Liquid 56, JBL Monitors, Focusrite Pre's, DBX 160's, Waves plugins, Native Instruments

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

  36. A: Rick Rubin, Quincy Jones, Chris Lord Alge, Dave Pensado, Michael Brauer

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

  38. A: Recording, Editing, Mixing, and Mastering all genres.

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