What do you look for in a mastering engineer?

[TRA]

I purposefully didn't post this in the mastering section because a mastering engineers opinion isn't what matters to me....

What do you look for in a mastering engineer? (Gear? Client list?)

What would an unknown ME need to win your business? (They obviously wouldn't have a vast client list)

I thought this might bring about good discussion...if not...feel free to can the post.

[peeder]

1) track record (even if not famous or vast)

2) monitoring system

3) personal chemistry

4) signal path (and if they are using fancy clocks and cables, that is a red flag)

[thermos]

I use guys whose work I've heard and liked. Or In the past I've tried guys who came highly recommended from engineers I respected. I've been happy both ways. Only times I haven't been happy was when I didn't know what the guy's work sounded like.

[danbronson]

I would just use someone whose work I liked as well. Of course, there's always the risk that they happen to master very well recorded material, so they may just be getting lucky and not be that skilled. So make sure to hear a good cross section of their work and do some research.

[rkwyent]

Originally Posted by peeder

4) signal path (and if they are using fancy clocks and cables, that is a red flag)

Peeder can you explain this?

Are you saying that if they are using FANCY cables they are delusional?

Are you arguing that the ME's judgment is off if they hear a difference in cables?

Are you saying there is no validity to using an external high quality clocking source?

[peeder]

Originally Posted by rkwyent

Peeder can you explain this?

Are you saying that if they are using FANCY cables they are delusional?

Are you arguing that the ME's judgment is off if they hear a difference in cables?

Are you saying there is no validity to using an external high quality clocking source?

It stinks to me of audiophoolery...I look for ME's who have come in from pro audio, not the type who came across from consumer hifi. I also look for ones who are very technical and understand the ramifications of what their gear does to the signal.

External sync is not a good thing for conversion, and esoteric cables are a total waste of money. If they don't know that, as I said, red flag.

I can give people a pass if they are just doing it for show and they admit it.

[mics]

the best bet is to ask them for 5 x pre and post mastered tracks in a similar genre to your own. that way you can choose for yourself.

[CompEq]

If their prior work has impressed me, then I'm sold on that. The more I like, the better. Their personality has more to do with the band than with me, though I did have one situation where the band chose a real nasty fellow (fortunately not on my recommendation). Gear is not important if they get a good product, but generally if their stuff sounds good to me, it came out of a pretty nice room as well. I'd find choosing a room based on equipment as working the equation backwards. Find the guy with the best ears first.

[Musiclab]

I look for Scott Hull, great ear great sensibility tons of expertise, and most important , he makes me look good

[DSD_Mastering]

Originally Posted by rkwyent

Peeder can you explain this?
Are you saying that if they are using FANCY cables they are delusional?
Are you arguing that the ME's judgment is off if they hear a difference in cables?

Yeah... Ludwig is pretty whacked out with those $30k Transparent Audio cables!

I tell everyone just look at the client list and also develop a rapport with your ME. It will go a long way..!

Regards,
Bruce

[BlueSprocket]

I try to work with the same people as frequently as I can. As a few have already stated, developing a relationship with someone goes a long way.

The few guys I use, I was introduced to personally by friends. They do great work, and they're a pleasure to work with. I find that someone who is a blast to hang out with or chat with a little bit each day, is a person who is easier to work with when the stresses of work get involved.

Ask for some samples and base your opinion off what you hear. You're the best judge of what works for you.

[NorseHorse]

Sex appeal.

And samples.