Mike Marsh: Using Reference Tracks During Mastering

Mike Marsh is a world-renowned mastering engineer with over 30 years of experience in mastering audio for vinyl, CD, DVD, HD audio, and digital downloads. After nearly three decades at The Exchange Mastering Studios in London—where he worked on iconic albums for artists like Björk, Massive Attack, and Oasis—Mike established Mike Marsh Mastering in East Devon to continue his legacy of making great music sound even better. His meticulous attention to acoustics ensured his new facility replicated the exceptional listening environment he had perfected at The Exchange.

Mike's career began in 1984 as a recording engineer in his native Westcountry, where he honed his skills with analog equipment before transitioning to mastering at The Exchange in 1986. Over the years, he became respected for his versatility across genres, mastering projects for artists such as The Chemical Brothers, Jamiroquai, and Depeche Mode. His adaptability and ability to enhance music without compromising its artistic integrity have made him a trusted collaborator for both industry legends and emerging talents.

Recently, Mike has worked on high-profile projects for Calvin Harris, Jonas Blue, and Zedd, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in the field. His commitment to excellence has earned him widespread acclaim, with artists and producers seeking his expertise to bring their sonic visions to life.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

• Shooting your shot and creating opportunities for yourself
• The importance of learning how to record, mix, and master records
• Preserving mixes vs improving them in mastering
• Picking the right reference tracks
• Mike’s magical E.A.R. EQs: What makes them so special
• Balancing loudness vs clarity
• The specific requirements and challenges of mastering for vinyl
• Being strategic with track order when making vinyl records

To learn more about Mike Marsh, visit: http://www.mikemarshmastering.co.uk/

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