Final touch. Big impact

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

A: One project I’m especially proud of is an album called "Still Fighting Demons" by Independence, a talented rapper. I had the honor of working as the mastering engineer on the project. What made it special was that it was his first full-length professional release, and I got to help bring his vision to life and give the music that final polish. There’s something really rewarding about being part of such a big milestone for an artist — especially when the music is raw, honest, and full of emotion.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Right now, I'm working on some projects that are classified — can't share details just yet, but I’m excited about what’s coming. Let’s just say there’s some really great music in the pipeline!

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

A: At the moment, there’s no one on SoundBetter I personally know well enough to recommend — but I’m always open to connecting and building relationships with other great professionals on the platform.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog or digital? Honestly, both have their strengths — it really comes down to what the song needs. Analog can bring warmth and character, while digital offers precision and flexibility. I don’t stick to one side; I choose the tools that best serve the track. It’s not about the gear — it’s about making the song sound its best.

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

A: My promise to clients is simple: I’ll treat your music with the same care and respect as I do my own. I’m here to enhance your work, not change it — to bring out the best in your mix while staying true to your vision. I’m committed to clear communication, unlimited (reasonable) revisions, and a final product that you’re proud to release.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I love most about my job is helping artists finish their songs and getting to know them through their music. A lot of the tracks I work on are really vulnerable, and it's rewarding to be part of that process. I get to help the artist bring their vision to life, but I also love knowing that the music will connect with others and impact listeners in a meaningful way. It’s amazing to be able to support an artist’s journey while also helping share their message with the world.

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

A: "How long does mastering take?" Answer: Typically, it takes 2–4 business days per track. Larger projects, like EPs or albums, may take a bit longer. We can always discuss a timeline up front! "What do I need to send you for mastering?" Answer: I just need a 24-bit or 32-bit WAV/AIFF file of your mix, free of any limiting or clipping on the master bus. If you have any notes or reference tracks, feel free to send those too! "How many revisions do I get?" Answer: I offer unlimited reasonable revisions to make sure you’re 100% happy with the result. Just keep the feedback clear, and we’ll make it perfect! "Will you make my track louder?" Answer: I aim to make your track sound balanced and polished, not just louder. Loudness is a factor, but the goal is clarity, depth, and making sure your track translates well across all platforms. "How much does mastering cost?" Answer: My rates vary depending on the project, but I work with a range of budgets. Feel free to reach out and we can discuss your needs and get you a quote!

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

A: The biggest misconception about mastering is that it’s just about making stuff louder. While volume is a part of it, mastering is much more about balancing the track, enhancing its clarity, and ensuring it translates well across all listening systems. It’s about making the music sound its best, not just turning up the volume. There’s a lot of subtle work that goes into making sure every detail shines without sacrificing dynamics or the overall feel of the song.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: One of the first questions I ask prospective clients is, "What do you want to get out of mastering?" This helps me understand your goals and expectations, whether you're aiming for a polished, radio-ready sound or something more subtle. It also gives me insight into the overall vibe you're going for, so I can tailor my approach to best suit your vision.

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

A: My advice would be to make sure you find someone who listens to your vision and understands your sound. Mastering is all about bringing out the best in your music while staying true to the vibe you’ve created. Be open with your feedback, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the process. A good mastering engineer should be able to guide you while keeping your artistic intent at the forefront. Trusting your provider and having clear communication will make all the difference in getting the best result!

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

A: If I were stranded on a desert island and could only bring 5 pieces of gear, I’d go with my computer (because, honestly, it has all my plugins — who needs anything else?), headphones (so I can still pretend I'm not alone), and that’s about it. Who needs a mic or speakers when you have Wi-Fi and a good pair of headphones? I’d probably just master tracks while waiting for a rescue!

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

A: I started producing music back in 2017, which sparked my interest in audio engineering. After high school, I attended audio engineering school to deepen my knowledge and skills. I then interned at a mastering studio, where I gained hands-on experience and honed my craft. While working at the studio, I decided to launch Dylan Brown Mastering to offer professional mastering services, and it's been an exciting journey ever since.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I’d describe my style as subtle and detail-oriented. I focus on enhancing the core elements of a track, making sure it sounds balanced, cohesive, and true to the artist’s vision. I aim to bring out the best in the music without overcomplicating things — it’s all about finding that perfect sweet spot where everything shines.

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

A: I’d love to work with Joji one day. I’m a big fan of his sound — there’s something really special about how open and emotional his songs feel. I love how he blends genres and creates such a unique vibe.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: One important tip I always keep in mind is: less is more when it comes to mastering. Often, the best results come from subtle adjustments rather than overprocessing. Focusing on the essential elements and allowing the mix to breathe ensures a more natural, dynamic sound that translates well across all platforms. Mastering is about enhancement, not transformation, so it's important to preserve the integrity of the original mix.

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

A: I usually work on hip-hop, pop, and rock tracks, as these genres allow for a lot of creative flexibility and diverse soundscapes. However, I'm always open to working on any genre. Each project is unique, and I love the challenge of mastering different styles, ensuring that the sound is polished and translates well across all platforms, no matter the genre.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is my ability to make nuanced, detail-oriented decisions that enhance a track without compromising its original vibe. I have a keen ear for balance — knowing when to bring out certain elements, tighten up the low end, or add subtle warmth, all while keeping the song’s unique energy intact. This combination of technical precision and musical intuition allows me to deliver masters that sound polished and cohesive, but still true to the artist's vision.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring clarity, balance, and emotional depth to every song I work on. My goal is to enhance the mix while preserving its original intent and character. Through careful EQ, compression, and subtle harmonic enhancement, I ensure that every element of the track is heard clearly and with impact. Whether it's tightening up the low end, smoothing out dynamics, or adding warmth, I focus on making the song sound cohesive and polished without sacrificing its authenticity. I strive to give each song the attention it deserves, ensuring it’s ready for any platform or listener.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I start with a QC process, listening through the file and opening it in RX to check for any issues like abrupt cut-offs or sample drops. Next, I import the mix into my DAW, where I focus on topping and tailing the track. I then listen through the song to assess what it needs to ensure it’s ready for release. After making decisions on EQ, dynamics, and any needed adjustments, I proceed with mastering the track. Once the master is ready, I perform another round of QC to ensure everything is perfect. After this, I send the final master to the client for approval. This process helps me ensure every detail is addressed and the final result is polished and ready to shine.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup includes the Apogee Duet 3 for pristine audio quality and reliable performance. I monitor through Kali Audio IN-8 V2 speakers, offering accurate and detailed sound. For headphones, I use Beyerdynamic for precise monitoring. My DAWs are Reaper, Hofa DDP, and WaveLab, which provide flexibility across various formats for high-quality masters. I rely on FabFilter for EQ and dynamics, Tone Projects for analog warmth, UAD Plugins for rich, vintage tones, and the Brainworx/Plugin Alliance bundle for versatility. This setup gives me the precision and clarity needed to bring out the best in any track.

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

A: I’m deeply inspired by Nujabes, whose smooth blend of lofi and hip-hop influences my approach to creating warm, emotive, and dynamic soundscapes. I love the subtlety and depth found in his work. I also draw inspiration from engineers like Will Borza and Dale Becker Mastering, whose attention to detail and sonic clarity in mastering have greatly shaped my approach. Their work is a reminder that mastering isn’t just about loudness, but about making every element shine with balance and emotion.

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

A: The most common type of work I do for my clients is stereo mastering for singles, EPs, and albums. This involves enhancing the final mix to ensure it sounds polished, cohesive, and competitive across all platforms. I also provide alternate versions (like instrumental or radio edits) and offer unlimited reasonable revisions to make sure the final master aligns perfectly with the client's vision. I work across all genres, focusing on preserving the emotion of the music while ensuring it’s ready for commercial release.