What Sets Top Tier Mastering Engineers Apart? Thoughts from 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. 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.

What Sets Top-Tier Mastering Engineers Apart?

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?

The Subtle Art of Mastering

Ohad shared, "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 embracing a more minimalistic approach. I began to seek out the cleanest, most transparent tools to 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."

Embracing a Minimalistic Approach

When Ohad sent this over, my face immediately became this emoji: 😐. I am incredibly guilty of having done this on the first few mixes/tracks I have worked on. There is so much wisdom in being able to pull back, handing the ego a chill pill, and just serving the song—keeping the intended vibe of the artist at the center.

I will definitely be taking this with me as I progress in my own career. Thanks, Ohad!

Catch y'all next week!