Beyond the Faders: An Architect’s Approach to Sound
Great music is more than notes on a page — it’s an intricate structure of energy, emotion, and physics. For me, mixing and mastering isn’t simply about balancing levels; it’s about understanding the underlying properties of sound — the way phase, dynamics, and tonal relationships interact — and shaping them to serve the artist’s vision.
My path into audio wasn’t typical. Long before I was cutting vinyl masters, I earned a PhD in physics and designed analog circuits. This dual background gives me a unique perspective: I work with my ears and my understanding of why certain techniques work, allowing for intentional, creative, and technically informed decisions that bring music to life.
“I see sound as both an artistic expression and a physical phenomenon. My role is to bridge that gap — translating the emotion you put into your track into a final product that is technically reliable and emotionally powerful on any system.” — Oliver Gretz (Okmog), PhD
My Services: A Tailored Approach
Whether you need a single track polished or a full album brought into focus, my process adapts to the unique needs of your music.
Mixing
A great mix is its own sonic world — it might be a vast, open space where every detail breathes, or a tight, cohesive blend that feels like one powerful instrument. My mixing approach focuses on:
- Solid Foundations – Tight, controlled low-end that translates across every playback system.
- Depth and Dimension – Thoughtful use of EQ, compression, and spatial effects to place each element exactly where it belongs.
- Sonic Cohesion – Careful phase alignment and dynamic balance so all parts work together naturally, creating an effortless, impactful result.
Mastering
Mastering is the final step before your music meets the world. My approach combines technical precision with artistic sensitivity, ensuring your tracks sound consistent and engaging everywhere — from streaming platforms to vinyl. My experience as a vinyl cutting engineer means I know how to prepare music for physical formats without sacrificing its dynamic range or emotional impact.
The Okmog Advantage
- Technical Depth – A background in physics and electronics gives me tools to solve problems and enhance beauty at a fundamental level.
- Artist-Centered – As a producer myself, I respect your creative vision and work to elevate it, not overwrite it.
- Real-World Mastering Expertise – Hands-on experience in vinyl production offers insight into what makes a master translate successfully across all formats.
Our Collaborative Process
- Define Your Vision – We begin with a conversation about your music, influences, and the feeling you want to convey.
- Craft the Foundation – I apply my full expertise to deliver an initial mix or master for your feedback.
- Refine Together – Your input guides the revisions until the result is exactly what you envisioned.
- Final Delivery – You receive professional-grade audio files, optimized for distribution and ready to connect with your audience.
Ready to Build Something Remarkable?
Let’s bring your music to its fullest potential.
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Explore My Portfolio
Testimonials
Very clean work! Top! … Great work, Olli knows his craft!!! – Angel Dust, Berlin |
You didn't promise too little with your mastering… Mega quality… BOMB – Alex Soap
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Decent Master! – Alex Soap |
Can only say … Bomb. now the old thing is finally round and finished… Thanks for the preparation – Maxx Pony
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
File Preparation & Submission:
Q: What file format and resolution should I provide for mastering? A: Stereo mixes in 32-bit float WAV/AIFF are preferred. If providing 24-bit, ensure the audio does not clip at 0 dBFS.
Q: What file format and resolution should I provide for mixing? A: Individual track stems in 32-bit float WAV/AIFF are preferred.
Q: How should I prepare my files for mixing? A: All individual tracks should start from the same zero-point. Please name track files clearly (e.g., KICK, SNARE, VOCALS). Providing a rough mix to convey your artistic direction is helpful.
Q: How do I submit my files? A: Upload all files to a cloud service (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) and send a private download link.
Q: How many revisions are included? A: Your satisfaction is my highest priority. I am committed to working with you on revisions until the final mix or master truly aligns with your vision and you are completely happy.
Q: What is your typical turnaround time? A: Turnaround time varies by project scope and current workload. This will be discussed during our initial consultation.
Pricing:
Q: What are your rates for mixing and mastering? A: Mastering is €85 per track. Mixing has a standard rate of €250 per track; but contact me to get an individual quote for your project.
Q: Do you offer discounts for album projects? A: Yes, please contact me for a personalized quote for album or custom packages.
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