Scott Koopmann

Mixing & Mastering Engineer

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5 Reviews (1 Verified)
Scott Koopmann on SoundBetter

Knowledge, skill & experience produce top results. I'm an audio engineer specializing in mixing, mastering and audio design since 2003, looking to provide the highest quality solutions for today's musical demand. I am a graduate of the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences, providing extensive, comprehensive experience with today's technology.

***Soundbetter.com introductory offer! As a new member and looking to expand my portfolio on Soundbetter.com, I am offering extremely low price mixing, mastering and production for your work. Please contact me for more information!***

Offering audio mixing, mastering & production for any type of genre. I will provide the tools and communication necessary to build and craft your art, using years of experience and the latest technology. I listen to your needs and desires, and work together to make your music the way you want it, or we can work outside the box and explore new ideas to make your product fresh and new. You're in control of your production, as little or as much as you'd like.

Mixing - Your production will be professionally crafted using professional recording software, plugins and skills.

Mastering - Your production will be balanced to sound crisp, clear and smooth on all of today's media platforms and devices.

Producing - I can provide additional instrumentation to a production using a vast library of high quality virtual instruments, as well as personally contributing guitar and vocals, if needed.

I am a live monitor sound engineer for the legendary band Chicago for the last 12 years, and looking to provide quality mixing and mastering services from my studio in Chestertown NY, during my time off the road. Please contact me for more information.

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

5 Reviews

Endorse Scott Koopmann
  1. Review by Sergio R.
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    Scott is a professional. Communication was easy. The project was delivered on time.

  2. Review by Keith Howland
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    by Keith Howland

    I’ve been touring for almost 30 years, 25 years of which has been guitarist with the band Chicago. Scott has been our monitor engineer (in-ears) for I believe over a decade now. I almost NEVER have to ask Scott for anything changed in my mix.. He has ridiculous ears, great instincts, and I don’t think I’ve seen a better work ethic or commitment to professionalism. Scott is extremely versatile as well......tracking, mixing, FOH live sound.....anything he touches sounds amazing!

  3. Review by Ramon Yslas
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    by Ramon Yslas

    I’ve been working with Koop for two years now and I heard about him way before we met. I was so happy to know he was the monitor engineer for Chicago when I joined the band.
    From day one he had me dialed in to a sweet mix and with little or no adjustments, we rock and roll every night. Koop rarely hears from me on stage because his mix is spot on and I am extremely happy with the mix every night. Koop is definitely one of the best in the industry!!

  4. Review by Lee Loughnane
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    by Lee Loughnane

    Scott has worked with Chicago the band (yes, "25 or 6 to 4" Chicago) for the last 12 years. During that time Scott has been not only an exemplary monitor engineer but also has proven to me that he's capable of much, much more. He recorded all the basic drum tracks for our newest album Chicago Christmas 2019, on stage, before shows, and then run the monitor system as usual for the live show later that evening, so he's capable of multitasking and finding creative ways to work around problems as they may, and usually do, come up during the course of a live performance. I highly endorse Scott!!!

  5. Review by Walfredo Reyes Jr.
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    by Walfredo Reyes Jr.

    I have had the pleasure to work with Scott Koopmann since 2012 with Chicago the band, where I’ve played percussion and since 2018 drum set. Scott is the Best monitor engineer I’ve worked with in my 46 years in the Music Biz. He is a total profesional and makes us, the band, sound better cause we hear ourselves amazingly! On top of this, Scott has Mixed tracks for some of my side projects and he is fast! and has an incredible ear for quality and details. If you are an Artist/Musician you want Scott on your Team. Check out my videos made with the help of Scott: www.walfredoreyesjr.com/videos

Interview with Scott Koopmann

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

  2. A: I like to ensure that the recorded tracks are as intended by communicating with the artist first. I like to make sure the initial recordings are the best they can be, as this will help the final product shine. Then we can discuss the intended outcome and plan an idea together before the mixing begins.If needed I will listen and analyze the recorded tracks, arrange multed channels, adjust timing and tuning, and then begin to mix using my go-to tools to produce a final mix.

  3. Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

  4. A: My most recent professional work as a tracking engineer for the band Chicago. The recording process was done on the road, and on stage before performances. I am excited that with the proper tools and technology, the studio recording process can happen just about anywhere, and with reasonable results.

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

  6. A: I do not know anyone on Soundbetter thus far.

  7. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  8. A: Both. Analog is real, and actually linear. There is no replacement. Analog is an undeniable sound. Digital is still and will always be 1's and 0's. Digital is not linear, but it is fast, clear, compact and makes for incredible improvements in workflow. I love this topic and would always love to share my opinion more in depth.

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

  10. A: If I had to promise something to clients it would be that I will work with them as diligently as possible until they are satisfied with their product.

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

  12. A: I love the mixing process. Just like a painter on canvas, I love to listen to each track, one by one and really start to add the layers. I love listening to a mix build from nothing using the incredible hardware and software tools that are available today. I love tweaking the knobs and faders to get the music Just Right.

  13. Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

  14. A: The most common question is "when will it be done?" My answer is, "When you're happy with it".

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

  16. A: The 2 biggest misconceptions I feel are mixing is magic and/or music can be fixed in the mix. I feel mixing is a skill, and a bad recording will really still be a bad recording, even using some incredible mixing and mastering tools.

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

  18. A: I ask where and how the music was recorded. I will also ask if there are any examples of other recorded music that can be used as a reference to a sound they prefer. I will ask about deadlines, and what media the final product is intended for (i.e.- vinyl, CD, Streaming, YouTube)

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

  20. A: My advice would be to have a good understanding of what you want before contacting a mix or mastering engineer. I think it is very important to explain what is expected from an engineer, and that there aren't many questions or concerns before the work begins. Less revisions helps both the customer and the provider, and the artist can have a finished product sooner.

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

  22. A: I assume the desert island wouldn't have power, so I couldn't use gear there anyways. I'll just take an acoustic guitar with a spare set of strings.

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

  24. A: I have been in the music industry since 2004, primarily working with the legendary rock group Chicago. I have engineered for America, Babyface, Earth Wind & Fire, and Tower Of Power. I have toured and worked audio with the Doobie Brothers, REO Speedwagon. There are many more artists I have mixed for in a live sound setting over the years, as one off engineering. I interned for West Lake Studios in Los Angeles in the early 2000s.

  25. Q: How would you describe your style?

  26. A: My style as far as mixing music is concerned, I focus on making sure any type of music is clear and cohesive. Some material may require more energy and bite, while others should be smooth and clear. I like to let the style of the music steer my mixing to compliment.

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

  28. A: In the instance of working with other artists music, it is imperative to listen to the artist and have a mutual understanding of what the final product should be. Without communication and understanding, all is lost.

  29. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  30. A: I feel my strongest still is my knowledge of software and hardware. I LOVE to read the manual! I feel it is important to understand how every tool in the mixing process works, to use them as intended and to their fullest ability.

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

  32. A: Any type of solo artist that is able to compose music on their own while taking charge of the mixing process (i.e.- Steven Wilson, Devin Townsend) is inspiring to me. They have a very strong understanding of the entire creative process and are able to craft something from beginning to end.

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

  34. A: I am working on personal tracks and local musician recordings from my area. I am hoping to have an opportunity to prove my skills and techniques here on Soundbetter.

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

  36. A: I would love to work with Devin Townsend, his music and mind span farther than anything I have witnessed before.

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

  38. A: I focus more towards Rock and Progressive Rock, primarily.

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

  40. A: I really focus on bringing clarity and punch to a song. I feel every song, whether a solo acoustic or loaded dense wall of sound should sound full of life.

  41. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  42. A: I have a small personal studio, using Pro Tools 2019 and Digidesign Pro Control as the hub of my music production. I have an arsenal plugins and VSTs to hone and tune a mix. Digital Playback through Event 20/20s, Klipsch satellites, or soffit mounted custom Pioneer CS-902s, with D-A conversion through Presonus Central Station. Additionally, Harrison MixBus 32C can be used as an alternative mix down solution.

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

  44. A: As a live engineer I have the benefit of being challenged to create the most solid mix for my artists, while using the technology to record and mix live shows. This translates to the studio where I can use my skills and equipment fine tune and create an exceptional mix.

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Rat Race by Krystal Ortiz

I was the music composer and mix engineer in this production

Terms Of Service

Up to 3 revisions, I intend to provide a product that is 100% for the artist. Turn around time dependent on work needed and revisions required. No additional cost.

GenresSounds Like
  • Porcupine Tree
  • Devin Townsend Project
  • Frost
Gear Highlights
  • Pro Tools
  • Waves
  • Harrison Mixbus 32C
  • Event 20/20
  • Digidesign Pro Control
  • Klipsch
  • Shure
  • AKG
  • Presonus Central Station
  • RME
More Photos
More Samples
SoundBetter Deal

Please contact me for low cost, professional mixing and mastering services.

  • Mixing “An Evening with Chicago and Their Greatest Hits”Jan 13, 2022

    https://fohonline.com/articles/production-profile/mixing-an-evening-with-chicago-and-their-greatest-hits/

  • Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire TourSep 10, 2020

    https://www.mixonline.com/the-wire/chicago-and-earth-wind-fire-tour-martin-audio-mla-425667

  • Sonic Quality & Efficiency In A Minimal Footprint For Chicago 2012 Concert Tour June 7, 2012Dec 05, 2019

    https://www.prosoundweb.com/sonic-quality-efficiency-in-a-minimal-footprint-for-chicago-2012-concert-tour/2/

  • THE BENEFITS OF SWITCHING TO A SILENT STAGE OCTOBER 12, 2017Dec 05, 2019

    An introspective article regarding isolation in live performance, and the benefits of a silent stage. 

    https://blog.64audio.com/the-benefits-of-switching-to-a-silent-stage/

  • On The Road With Chicago’s Walfredo Reyes, Jr., A Photo EssayDec 05, 2019

    A behind the scene look at Chicago the Band on tour. 

    http://beatosblog.com/on-the-road-with-chicagos-walfredo-reyes-jr-a-photo-essay/