Maor Appelbaum: Mastering the Art of Hybrid Sound with Sonnox Pro-Codec
As the owner of Maor Appelbaum Mastering in Los Angeles, Maor Appelbaum has built a diverse international client base, working with artists like Faith No More, Limp Bizkit, Sepultura, Eric Gales, and Yes.
With a background as a mixing, recording, and mastering engineer for producer Sylvia Massey, Appelbaum combines analog and digital techniques in his fully equipped mastering studio to achieve the best results for his clients. We caught up with Maor to learn more about his approach and his experience using the Sonnox Pro-Codec.
A Hybrid Studio for a Global Clientele
Appelbaum’s studio setup reflects his hybrid approach, combining analog and digital hardware and software to achieve a unique sound for each project. “I use a Maselec mastering console, PMC IB1 monitors, Bryston power amps, and a variety of outboard gear, converters, and plug-ins,” he explains. “My room is very easy to listen to, and the monitors are extremely detailed.”
Working with clients from around the world, Appelbaum emphasizes the importance of understanding their mastering needs based on music style, type of recording, and target audience. “If they want their sound to fit a specific niche or market, I need to communicate with them to achieve that result,” he says.
The Artistic Approach to Mastering
When approaching individual projects, Appelbaum focuses on creating a bond between the listener and the music. “I like to enhance the music in a way that connects to the listener, focusing less on the technical side and more on the artistic aspect,” he says.
Appelbaum uses his gear based on what best fits the sound, whether it’s analog hardware, digital hardware, or plug-ins. “Certain things work better in analog, others in digital, or a combination of both. I look for the sweet spot in the sound and find the friendship between the gear and the music.”
Navigating a Variety of File Types
Appelbaum handles a wide range of file types and sample rates, from 44.1 kHz, 24-bit files to high-resolution 192 kHz files, and everything in between. “It’s all over the place—sometimes even simple 16-bit files,” he notes. His ability to work with different formats ensures that he can deliver the best possible results for any project.
Discovering Sonnox Plug-ins with Rob Halford
Appelbaum first encountered Sonnox plug-ins while working on a surround DVD for Rob Halford of Judas Priest. “I was in a 5.1 surround room, and they had Sonnox EQ, Dynamics, Inflator, and Limiter,” he recalls. “I remember using the EQ and being impressed by its versatility and sound quality. It was great to be able to choose from different types, including the GML.”
Incorporating the Sonnox Pro-Codec into Mastering Workflow
The Sonnox Pro-Codec plays a key role in Appelbaum’s mastering process, especially when producing Mastered for iTunes and MP3 files for clients. “It’s the final stage in my workflow,” he explains. “I want to achieve the best possible sound for the client and make sure they approve everything. By including high-quality MP3s along with their full-resolution files, I’m saving them the last step of conversion, which I can do better than they might on their own.”
It’s the final stage in my workflow...I want to achieve the best possible sound for the client and make sure they approve everything.Maor on Oxford Pro-Codec
Although the Pro-Codec is capable of adding metadata when mastering for iTunes, Appelbaum typically leaves that task to the aggregator or distributor. “They are the last link in the chain for getting it out to the market, so it’s usually best that the final person applies the metadata to avoid any errors,” he says.
Why the Pro-Codec is Essential
Certified by Apple for Mastering for iTunes, Appelbaum was advised to use the Sonnox Fraunhofer Pro-Codec for his workflow. “It’s a batch processor, which is extremely helpful when working with many files,” he explains. “It helps manage files, keeps them organized, and ensures they all get the same processing. The file management aspect is crucial because it’s easy to lose a file in a computer.”
Appelbaum emphasizes the Pro-Codec’s quality and workflow benefits. “I hear a difference between its conversion and other built-in converters in DAWs. The Pro-Codec offers superior audio quality, streamlined workflow, and efficient file management, making it an essential tool in my mastering process.”
Quality and Efficiency with Pro-Codec’s Batch Processing
The Pro-Codec’s batch processing capability is particularly valuable for Appelbaum. “I run separate batches for MP3s and Mastered for iTunes versions to ensure everything is right,” he says. “The option for batch processing saves time and maintains consistency across all files. It also helps with naming files, adding extensions while keeping the original names intact, which is important for managing large volumes of audio files.”
Creating a Sonic Bond with Listeners
Appelbaum’s approach to mastering is driven by his goal to connect the listener with the music in a meaningful way. By blending analog and digital techniques and leveraging the capabilities of tools like the Sonnox Pro-Codec, he ensures that every project reaches its full sonic potential. As he continues to work with a wide range of artists and genres, Appelbaum’s dedication to quality and artistry remains at the heart of his mastering process.