Pro Audio MASTERING
songs, albums, soundtracks, podcasts, DJ mixsets
Independent producers, musicians, bands, mixing engineers, and sound designers have limited budgets and too often decide to skip the mastering process (a critical mistake). I offer professional mastering at a fraction of the cost of mastering houses (note: this is not a hobby; I pass on the savings due to having access to a fully calibrated mastering studio at night). Mastering can make the difference between a compelling mix and an unbalanced misrepresentation of the artist's vision. Mastering enhances, balances, and makes the audio end-product more three-dimensional (not to mention, commercially viable). Because large mastering houses are beyond the budget of most independent artists, it makes it difficult for most producers, musicians, or bands to get their work properly mastered. This has led a lot of people to try to do it themselves. Unfortunately, it's difficult to be objective about one's own work (listening to music repeatedly in the same environment leads to a loss of objectivity and perspective). Secondly, it really does take years of practice to train one's ear and brain to respond like a mastering engineer (not to mention create a mastering environment/studio $$$ with proper acoustics).
Producers, bands, and musicians want their mixes to sound like commercial recordings. The difference that mastering makes can be dramatic. Even if you are putting together a quick demo, it pays to have your work mastered professionally. It can give you that critical edge in today's attention deficit market. Moreover, the bar has been raised in today's world of music, due to the ubiquity of music on the internet.
In short, I help music come to life and feel less one-dimensional. I'm also a musician, and bring that knowledge to the table. I listen to and appreciate all genres of music. My mission statement is simple: Music should never feel lifeless.
Songs should have punch, clarity, and should not be muddy or lack impact, yet still be nuanced and not fatiguing to listen to.
Mastering is the final creative step in the audio process/adventure, and brings out the emotional content of music, while making the musical end-product sound commercial and enjoyable on a variety of mediums and formats (in the car, on earbuds, in clubs, on home stereos, through audiophile speakers, etc.). What sounds good to you in one environment may sound completely different in someone's car or on the radio. Mastering addresses this issue, creating continuity across audio media.
My setup: An acoustically calibrated studio with pro analog and digital processing equipment (an array of vintage outboard gear, EQs, compressors, dynamic EQ, tube/tonal processors, vintage line amplifiers, and other tools of the trade) + phenomenal monitoring/speakers (one of the many reasons it's usually impossible to do mastering at home, where problems are more often amplified than fixed).
I am a perfectionist and pride myself on treating every project with the skills I have learned from years of experience in a field that requires a delicate balance of art and science. Mastering also involves building a unique artistic relationship with each client, so that both parties speak the same language. Some clients are looking for a sheeny and crisp high-end, while others want a vintage sound that evokes the '70s. And some people don't know what they want! They need someone to identify what the problems are, and address those problems. I am sensitive to these different kinds of situations (both as a mastering engineer and as a musician).
Email me for more detailed information (including a FAQ that addresses most questions). Describe your situation and any pertinent details. If you have never had your work mastered, feel free to ask any questions. I have ample experience, and can usually help with most audio issues (sometimes this might entail a suggestion that has nothing to do with mastering altogether).
related: DAW, recording, engineering, producing, mixing, mixer, production, logic, protools, pro tools, steinberg, avid, native instruments, novation, cubase, nuendo, ableton, sonar, tdm, aax, AudioSuite, dsp, vst, rtas, pensado's place, multimedia, acoustics, api, chandler, ssl, dbx, waves, neve, pultec, drawmer, manley, apogee, RME, motu, health, akai, roland, numark, behringer, focusrite, line 6, dynaudio, barefoot, ns10, ns10s, focal, krk, mackie, technics, mpc, tube, valve, analog, yamaha, dynaudio, presonus, genelec, bose, turntable, vinyl, moog, filter, soundtoys, uad, neumann, avalon, great river, bryston, rock, indie, hip-hop, hiphop, fostex, electronic, roots, blues, jazz, dance
