Abi Asks: Ohad Nissim

Welcome to my Question Corner!
As a new Producer who has only recently jumped into the wild safari that is the Music Industry, I have MANY questions, and MUCH to learn (like, SO much- learning curves all day everyday). I thought it would be both fun and educational if I asked a different Producer/Engineer one question a week, and share what they say here, so we can all learn together *cue inspiring music.* 

To kick off this extremely glorious and magical Question Corner: I spoke to Mastering Engineer, Ohad Nissim. I asked him: What sonically sets a top tier Mastering Engineer apart from an amateur Mastering Engineer? (For my fellow young people here: top tier=slay, amateur= mid)

“In my journey as a Mastering Engineer, I've learned that the distinction between a top-tier and a "decent" engineer often lies in the subtlety of their approach. The challenge is in understanding that less is more. This isn't about showcasing your skills, but rather about serving the music and staying out of its way. As young engineers, we're often driven by the desire to leave our mark on a mix,—not out of ego,but from a place of wanting to prove ourselves. This can lead to over-processing, as we add layer upon layer of sonic manipulation in an attempt to enhance the mix. However, this approach can overshadow the original essence of the mix, which the artist, producer, and mixer had already signed off on. The turning point for me was trying to embrace a more minimalistic approach. I began to seek out the cleanest, most transparent tools to simply help a mix reach its best. By making small, yet impactful adjustments and consciously avoiding the temptation to imprint my 'signature,' I got better results and spent less time on each project. This approach not only preserved the integrity of the music but also strengthened my confidence in producing great work that I'm proud of, ensuring I always respect the original mix.”