MIXING
WITH IVO SOTIROV
About
I'm a mixing engineer based in Milton Keynes, UK. Over the past 10 years of living in the UK I've gained priceless experience, working side by side some of my heroes.
While this website is focused on my mixing services, I am also an active producer & recording engineer.
In my spare time I also work a gear-reviewer & writer for Musixon Magazine and other platforms. In the Media page you can find links to my articles & video content.
AT THE FRIARY STUDIOS
The Room
The mixing room is the most important tool for any mixing engineer.
I currently use The Friary Studios (Studio A) for all my mixing services. Designed by Barny Barnicott, this spacious room features some of the most advanced acoustic treatment technologies along with an ultra-high-end sound system. Our main monitors are the custom-made Munro M4 (ATC line) speakers, previously used in The Red Room (Miloco).
These monitors provide an incredibly accurate representation of the music, which is why dozens of UK #1 hits from Lana Del Ray to the Chemical Brothers, ColdPlay & Slipknot have been mixed on them.
The Gear
My workflow is a true hybrid, which means I utilise the best of both analogue and digital mixing.
The centre-piece of our Studio A is a 48-channel SSL G4000 console previously used in Olympic Studio 1 by countless legendary artists including Prince & The Rolling Stones. The iconic sound of the SSL G-series desks has been chased by artists & producers for generations and to this day it sets the benchmark for superior character and depth of sound.
Other Gear
Neve 1073DPA, Manley Dual Mono, Gates The Yard, Avalon 737
2x WesAudio 1176, Gates Level Devil, Gates STA-Level, Gates SA39
E.A.R. 825q, WesAudio EQP
Get a Quote
To get a quote visit the Contact page and fill in the form. Alternatively you can start a live chat now and ask any question. If you want to know more or you are not sure whether your songs are ready for mixing just start a live chat. I would be happy to start the conversation and answer any question.
Examples for listening
Credits
Credits
Credits
"Leaves Fast"
Sam Fender
Assistant Mixer
Single
2018
Credits
Ibiza Classics
Pete Tong
Vocal Recording & Mixing
Medley
2020
Credits
"Easy" & "Come Over"
Nick Lopez
Mixing
2 Singles
2020
Credits
"Sink", "California Clouds", "Did Me Dirty", "You Treat Me Better When You're Drunk"
Cloi Crider
Producer, Mixer, Rec
EP | 4 tracks
2019
Credits
Fireball Sessions Vol.1
Josh MckNasty
Co-Producer, Mixer
Mix Tape | 10 tracks
2020
Credits
"Sundown"
Josh MckNasty
Assistant Mixer
Single
2020
Credits
"90s Nikes"
Natasha Blume
Producer, Mixer, Rec
Single
2020
Credits
"Hermitage"
Moonspell
Assistant Rec
Album | 10 tracks
2021
Credits
"Sippin"
Kimberly Walker
Mixer
Single
2020
Credits
Upcoming
Joey Grant
Recording
Album | 8 tracks
2020
Credits
Upcoming
Eden Lole
Mixer
EP | 7 tracks
2020
Credits
"One Foot Forward", "Giant Leap", "Baby Steps", "Perfect Contrast"
Joe Devine
Co-Producer, Mixer, Rec
EP | 5 tracks
2020
Credits
"Go-Go"
Michael Jablonka
Assistant Mixer, Rec
EP | 4 tracks
2019
Credits
"Think Of Me"
Alseyda
Producer, Mixer, Rec
EP | 4 tracks
2019
Credits
"Open The Gate"
Musgo
Assistant Mixer, Rec
Album | 13 tracks
2019
Credits
"Algorisms"
Jerry Brown
Recording
2 tracks
2019
Credits
"Polaroid Nudes"
Deacon
Assistant Rec
Mix Tape | 13 tracks
2019
Credits
"Higher"
Johnny Hazard
Mixer
Single
2018
Credits
"Unfinished"
By Starlight
Producer, Mixer, Rec
Album | 12 tracks
2019
Credits
Upcoming
Toby Corton
Recording
EP | 5 tracks
2019
Credits
Upcoming
Joon Swinton
Recording
EP | 5 tracks
2019
Credits
"Cotton Wool Kids"
Horse Thieves
Mixer
Single
2018
Credits
Live Sessions
Never The Saint
Mixer, Rec
EP | 4 tracks
2017
Credits
Spacetime
Groove Razors
Assistant Rec
Album
2020
What is Mixing & Why do I need it?
Translating Your Message...
The art of mixing is a crucial point, which determines whether or not the message of your song will be delivered, understood & liked by your fans. In the process of making records the mixing engineer is the last step between you and your listeners. They are literally the translator of your music. That process alone can determine whether or not you will connect with your listeners.
Skills & Experience...
The craft of mixing is acquired predominantly through experience on the job and not through standard education. To become a great mixing engineer one must first be an apprentice to a master for many years. They would acquire their skills through countless sleepless nights in studios surrounded by masters and talented musicians. That is the nature of our business. Becoming a skillful mixing engineer requires thousands of hours of listening and watching in a professional studio environment surrounded by the right people.
Fresh Perspective...
The advantage of using a professional mixing engineer, aside from their skills and experience is the benefit of having someone with a fresh perspective. That is one of the most valuable aspects of mixing that people often neglect.
Why this mixing service?
The Room & The Gear...
While recording & producing in a bedroom is possible and nowadays people make records at home, mixing still requires a different type of environment. Being in a professional studio designed for specifically for mixing makes a huge impact on the engineer and their work.
Our monitoring system includes the Custom Munro M4 (ATC) monitor system previously used at the Red Room (Miloco). These legendary speakers have mixed countless hits from Lana Del Rey to The Chemical Brothers & Slipknot.
Beyond Normal Mixing...
Being an active recording engineer and working at The Friary Studios gives me the skills & facilities to go beyond standard mixing. That includes repairing and improving the sonics of poorly recorded tracks.
I understand that artists often work on tight budgets and don't have the luxury of recording in high-end studios. Poorly recorded vocals in a bedroom can still be repaired sonically.
My skills & studio facilities allow me to reamp audio signals through different guitar amps, cabinets and real echo-chambers. Re-capturing your audio in a beautiful-sounding room with high-end microphones and preamps allows me to improve on poorly recorded audio tracks and bring life to sterile digital recordings. That is essentially improving on the recording process after the fact.
Personal Connection...
I value the connection between artist & mixer. I myself am a producer and a musician with experience playing live and playing in studios while others record and mix my music. That helps me understand the struggles and frustrations of artists, musicians and producers. It also helps me communicate with my clients on a level where I can meet their needs as a mixer. I can guarantee you, I have been faced with most of the struggles you've experienced when working with others on your own music.