Nikola Zanev

Mix and Mastering engineer

Nikola Zanev on SoundBetter

With years of experience I have had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse range of talented musicians. From rock and metal to pop and electronic, Every project has allowed me to push the boundaries of my skills and explore the nuances of different musical styles!

My name is Nikola Zanev, I'm a music composer and sound engineer based in Sofia, Bulgaria.
I've been mixing and mastering records for almost a decade. I specialize in heavy genres such as metalcore and extreme metal. However, this is just a small fraction across all the music genres that I actually work in.

Music has been my passion since a young age. That's why I'm currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in sound engineering.As an artist myself, I truly understand that every song is unique and has its own heart and spirit. Music is supposed to be made with people, and that's why it's important to have the right person behind the mixing and mastering process of your tracks.
Someone who is not just a good engineer but also understands your vision.

I've had the great honor and pleasure of working with artists and bands from around the world for the past couple of years via different online platforms and record labels as well.

So feel free to get in touch,I'm looking forward working with you!

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Languages

  • Bulgarian
  • English

Interview with Nikola Zanev

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

  2. A: One project that stands out to me as particularly gratifying is my work as the mastering engineer for the album by the band "Other Night Fears." This project holds a special place in my heart due to the collaborative process and the remarkable outcome achieved. As the mastering engineer, I was entrusted with putting the final polish on the album, ensuring that each track sounded cohesive, powerful, and ready for distribution. The satisfaction of hearing the finished product and knowing that my contribution helped elevate the band's music to its fullest potential is something I'll always cherish.

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

  4. A: Currently, I'm immersed in the production of an 11-song album with a hard rock band from the Netherlands, pouring my energy into crafting each track to perfection. Simultaneously, I'm collaborating on several singles with bands hailing from Australia and the USA, each project presenting unique creative opportunities and challenges that I'm excited to tackle.

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

  6. A: While I'm not personally acquainted with individuals on SoundBetter, I'm confident in the platform's ability to connect clients with top-tier music producers, songwriters, and engineers. SoundBetter boasts a vast community of talented professionals who excel in their respective fields, making it an excellent resource for finding the perfect match for your project's needs.

  7. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  8. A: When it comes to analog versus digital, while I adore the tactile feel of analog hardware for mixing, I predominantly rely on digital software for several practical reasons. Firstly, cost efficiency plays a significant role, as digital tools are more accessible and budget-friendly. Additionally, the intuitive nature and speed of digital software streamline my workflow.

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

  10. A: What I love most about my job is its dynamic nature—it's not a typical 9 to 5. I get to collaborate with incredibly creative individuals, each bringing new ideas to the table. But beyond that, it's the art we create together that truly inspires me. Every song I work on holds meaning, and I approach each project with dedication and passion, seeing it as more than just a mixing or mastering task.

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

  12. A: Customers commonly inquire why they need to send their demo before their tracks. Sending the demo first allows me to form an initial impression of the song, which is crucial for understanding its potential and requirements. Additionally, opening the tracks in my DAW enables me to assess their quality and intricacies, helping me determine if the project is feasible and what the client can expect from the final mix. This process ensures transparency and sets clear expectations for both parties.

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

  14. A: One of the biggest misconceptions about my work is that clients sometimes refer to me as a magician, attributing my ability to transform poorly recorded projects into amazing mixes. While I take pride in my ability to enhance the quality of recordings within budget constraints, it's essential to recognise that there are limitations to what can be achieved with poorly recorded source material.

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

  16. A: When engaging with prospective clients, I typically inquire about whether they have a demo of their song available. Additionally, I seek to understand the desired mix aesthetic, whether it leans towards an organic or polished sound. Furthermore, I inquire about their top reference tracks, which serve as a guide for achieving the desired sound.

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

  18. A: When seeking a provider like myself, it's crucial to find someone who not only possesses technical expertise but also understands your artistic vision. I encourage potential clients to explore my website and delve into the projects I've undertaken over the years. By doing so, you'll gain insight into my capabilities and how I can help bring your musical vision to life.

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

  20. A: I'd ensure my laptop, guitar, audio interface, and an abundance of guitar picks accompany me and of course headphones. With this setup, I could continue composing, recording and mixing :)

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

  22. A: My journey in music began at the age of 9, heavily influenced by my grandfather, a musician himself. I started learning guitar and soon formed my first band, experimenting with metalcore and rapcore genres, where I delved into the realms of mixing and mastering. As I honed my musical skills, I transitioned into remote session work and delved into beat-making, spending several years immersed in the pop and trap music scenes. Following my graduation, I pursued a bachelor's degree in sound engineering while concurrently diving deeper into mixing metal songs and albums, where I've since dedicated myself to refining my craft.

  23. Q: How would you describe your style?

  24. A: I don't limit myself to strict rules. Instead, my approach is guided by one central objective: to make the song sound exceptional, regardless of the creative or technical challenges involved. I prioritize the artistic vision and quality above all else, ensuring that each project reaches its full potential.

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

  26. A: Working with Bring Me the Horizon and Architects would be a dream come true for me. Both bands have consistently pushed the boundaries of their respective genres, blending aggression with melody in innovative ways. Collaborating with them would not only be an opportunity to contribute to their groundbreaking sound but also to learn and grow as a music producer in the process.

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

  28. A: An invaluable production tip I swear by is prioritizing the enhancement of the midrange and low-mid frequencies in every project. These frequencies are the backbone of your mix, providing warmth, depth, and clarity. By ensuring they sound great, you lay a solid foundation for the entire song.

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

  30. A: My focus primarily revolves around Metalcore, Deathcore, and Hard Rock music projects. These genres allow me to leverage my expertise and passion to bring out the intensity and raw energy that define them.

  31. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  32. A: My strongest skill lies in my meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality. I approach each project with a calm and relaxed demeanor, never rushing the process. Additionally, my creativity shines through in problem-solving, as I develop innovative methods to overcome any obstacles that may arise, ensuring the best possible outcome for your project.

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

  34. A: Entrust your music to me and experience the transformation firsthand. I bring your song to life, meticulously crafting it to embody your artistic vision while ensuring it meets industry standards for radio-ready perfection. From making the drums punchy and powerful to enhancing every aspect of the mix with my expertise, your music will captivate listeners and stand out in today's competitive world

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

  36. A: You will receive my full attention and my professional skills dedicated to make your song sound exceptional and in line with the industry standards.The quality of your music is my supreme priority.

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

  38. A: My typical work process begins by receiving the tracks of the song and opening a new session in Logic Pro X. I prepare the session for the mixing process, starting with the drums, followed by the bass, guitars, and then post-production elements like effects and synths. The vocals are typically the last elements I mix. Once the mix is complete, I send it to the band or artist for their review and approval. If everything meets their expectations, I move on to mastering the song, which usually takes about a day. Overall, the mixing process typically takes 2 to 3 days, including thorough checks on different devices.

  39. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  40. A: My studio setup revolves primarily around digital software for my mixing and mastering sessions. However, I do incorporate the API 500 series EQ for its precision and sonic capabilities. While equipment certainly plays a role, I firmly believe that the most crucial aspect of audio production lies in the skills and expertise of the engineer. It's not about the gear you use, but rather how you utilize it to shape and enhance sound.

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

  42. A: I find inspiration in the music of Bring Me the Horizon, Bad Omens, Architects, Spiritbox, and Boston Manor. Their unique sounds and creative approaches continually fuel my passion for music production. Additionally, I admire the audio productions of Zakk Cervini and Lance Prenc, whose work showcases exceptional skill and innovation in the industry.

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

  44. A: My primary work is mixing and mastering records, I improve the sound by make it clear and balanced while also adding depth and energy. i ensure that the final product meets the highest standards of quality in terms of audio production.

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Other Night Fears - UNBREAKABLE

I was the Mastering engineer in this production

Terms Of Service

All of your tracks must be consolidated, all starting from 00:00s to the end of the song, properly named and sent to me in a folder!

GenresSounds Like
  • Bring Me The Horizon
  • Architects
  • Boston Manor
Gear Highlights
  • Universal Audio
  • AIP 500 series
  • Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro
  • Adam Audio T7V
  • Logic Pro X
More Photos
SoundBetter Deal

for 10 songs album you will get 1 song for FREE!