Dave Rhodes on SoundBetter

My mixes are on mainstream Rock Radio and Gold and Platinum selling albums! I specialize in mixing songs with real drums. If you're having trouble getting nice big fat drum sounds hit me up!

I have been recording, mixing and mastering music professionally for over 25 years. I particularly love recording and mixing rock and metal bands but enjoy working on anything with live musicians.

I've recorded and mixed gold and platinum selling albums in New Zealand and been awarded the NZ Music Award for Engineer of the Year. Songs I've mixed have been on high rotate on NZ Rock radio for years!

My goal is to create the perfect mix to compliment your vision for your song. Thats why I don't charge for revisions and I wont stop until you are 100% stoked with the results!

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Credits

Discogs verified credits for Dave Rhodes

Arnse Cassrels
Forsaken Age
Blindspott
The Feds (8)
Michael Murphy (6)
Topp Twins
David Griffiths (17)
Topp Twins
Shepherds of Cassini
Brendon Thomas And The Vibes
Shepherds of Cassini
Hamilton County Bluegrass Band
Arnse Cassrels
Pale Flag
Rebecca Nelson (5) & The Band Of The Welsh Guards
Ginzu And The Steak Knives
Forsaken Age
Mika Haka
The New Loungehead
Dub Asylum
Various
Stylus
Stylus
Various
Various
Various
Stylus
29 Blackbirds
Topp Twins
David Griffiths (17)
Debbie Maples
Various
Various
Radioglo
Topp Twins
John Rowles
Dyaltov
Brendon Thomas And The Vibes
Hamilton County Bluegrass Band
Arnse Cassrels
Ginzu And The Steak Knives
Pale Flag
Rebecca Nelson (5) & The Band Of The Welsh Guards
Ginzu And The Steak Knives
Forsaken Age

6 Reviews

Endorse Dave Rhodes

by Skooltan
Verified
Terrific experience with Dave! He delivered a top-notch mix of one of my songs—well-balanced and punchy, absolutely divine to listen to. Will get back to him for more mixes!
by Marco J.
Verified
Dave did a fantastic job mixing my album. He was totally committed to helping me bring to life my overall vision for the project. It was such a great experience working with him; excellent communication, very kind and patient, very talented and attentive to details. Thanks Dave for the hard work, I couldn't be happier with the results! I 100% recommend him, and I will definitely work with you again for my next album.
by Dean Taylor-Levey
From the moment the first note hits your eardrums, it becomes abundantly clear that Dave possesses unrivalled talent. Dave is a master at his craft, a genius, consistently delivering music that captivates and mesmerises. Dave continues to demonstrate why he is at the forefront of music production. I could never trust any other with my mixes..
by Glen Dalby
We worked with Dave on the recording and production of our first single. He was absolutely amazing to work with, and pushed us as musicians to create something far beyond our expectations. His communication as to what we needed to do to get the best recording was top notch, and just all round was an awesome experience. Would 100% recommend working with him again in the future, and we are going back soon to record our second single
by Stewart Pedley
Dave Rhodes has the justified reputation of being one of NZ's top music producers. He's in demand nationally and internationally. I've been lucky enough to have Dave record and produce several projects I've worked on - all live instruments - and have another one booked in. Dave knows how to get the right sound, the right detail, the right feel, to serve the artist and song. He's a chilled guy, who creates a comfortable, relaxed environment, and draws from experience and expertise to bring out the best performances and shape strong, vibrant, professional mixes. I can't recommend Dave enough.
by Larn Berge
We worked with Dave on our debut recordings, he was very professional and hard working, Dave worked closely with us during the mixing phase and happily made changes until we were 100% happy with our songs, we are very pleased with our final results and look forward to working with Dave again very soon!!
Highly recommend!! Lucid Night

Interview with Dave Rhodes

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I recently produced, engineered and mixed a new EP for NZ hard rock band Devilskin. It included a cover of the Heart song Barracuda which hit the top 5 in NZ charts and is getting huge radio play at the moment. You can listen to it on my website player here: https://www.daverhodesproductions.com/
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I'm always working on something new. You can see what I'm up to here: https://www.facebook.com/daverhodesproductions/
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Analog on the way in, digital for mixing. I started on tape and I don't mis it for a second, it's time consuming and expensive.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I won't stop until you are happy. Unlimited revisions!
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I love creating exciting mixes that bring my clients vision to life.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That you can watch a couple of youtube videos then do it yourself on a laptop.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Have a clear vision of what you want and then be open to discussing how we can best achieve the results you are looking for.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: 1176, MA5, Pro Tools, SM57, Headphones. I guess I'd starve within a few days with no food or water but at least I'd have some gear with me even if I have no power t run it!
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I studied audio engineering at SAE in 1995. My first studio job was making radio programs while recording bands in my spare time. I then worked my way up through various studios learning from other engineers until I ended up managing a studio in 2013. In 2019 I moved back to my hometown and built my own studio. You can find out more about me here: https://daverhodesproductions.com/about-me/
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Have a clear vision of what you are doing. Know what you are aiming for and then do whatever it takes to get that sound. Don't record 100 things and then try to figure it out in the mix!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I usually work with bands. I prefer the collaborative process of working with a group of musicians rather than solo artists or creating everything in the box with virtual instruments. I also prefer to mix songs with real instruments, I love working with live drums in particular.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Talking to musicians and finding out what they want from a recording or a mix and them making that happen.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have a boutique studio setup in a small beach town in New Zealand. I have everything I need here to record and mix epic sounding records. You can find out more about it here: https://daverhodesproductions.com/recording-studio/
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: There is a long list of producers and engineers that inspire me.... here's a few of off the top of my head: Joe Barresi, Vance Powell, Andrew Scheps, CLA, TLA, Nick Raskulinecz, Michael Baskette.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I'm a freelance music producer, sound engineer, drummer and music production nerd! In New Zealand my clientele are musicians and bands from all genres, but I particularly love recording and mixing emerging and established rock and metal bands. Internationally I offer my mixing services to anyone looking for a dynamic and exciting mix for their songs.