Maciej Bliziński » Music production » Approach

Natural sound

When you work with me, you can expect a production process that taps into the natural way we perceive sound. My focus is on preserving the authenticity and warmth of your performance, ensuring your music doesn’t sound artificial or overly processed. I work with timeless, classic sounds—especially acoustic instruments—while integrating subtle, well-placed synthesizers when it enhances the music.

I draw inspiration from Al Schmitt and Andrew Scheps. Al Schmitt’s approach emphasizes simplicity, minimizing interventions and maintaining the purity of the sound. Andrew Scheps is known for embracing more complex digital workflows to create rich, dynamic mixes. In September 2023 I attended a week-long seminar with Scheps in France, which deepened my understanding of how to achieve an analog warmth in a digital context.

The recording environment is a key part of my process. Whether we’re working in a professional studio, a rehearsal room, or an unconventional space, I’ll help select the best location to capture your sound. My acoustically treated home studio ensures clear and balanced recordings, but if we go off-site, my mobile rig still delivers high-quality results. I know how to avoid common problems like boxy or overly roomy sound, using creative mic placement and adapting to the environment.

Off-site recording can be more labor-intensive, but it has its merits. If you’re looking to capture music in an interesting or unique space, I’m well-equipped to handle the challenges while maintaining great sound quality.

Microphone choices and placement are critical to capturing your music at its best. I’ll carefully select and position the microphones to suit the instruments and the space, making sure we address potential issues right at the source. This ensures that the recording has the natural tone and balance we need, so the majority of the work is done before we even start mixing.

I use high-quality microphones and analog preamps to bring out the clarity and depth in your recordings. My gear is chosen to ensure that your music sounds natural and true to your original performance, providing the best possible signal for the ADC converter.

When it comes to mixing, I offer an iterative process where we exchange mix notes and take our time so the mix can mature. My purpose is to help you realize the full potential of your musical ideas, and this collaborative back-and-forth ensures that the final mix aligns with your vision. Drawing on both minimalist and more layered approaches depending on the project, I mix in the box with flexibility, using the tools and techniques best suited to bringing out the essence of your sound.

While I don’t handle mastering, I leave minimal work for the mastering engineer. My mixes are balanced and loud, providing a strong foundation for final touches.

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