Mixing & Mastering — Boston's North Shore

Your music deserves to sound as good as the songs that inspire you.

I'm Dereck Blackburn — mixing and mastering engineer with 25 years of professional experience and a deep commitment to making records that last. I work with artists who care deeply about their music and want a collaborator who does too.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PROJECT ⇾

““Dereck is a rare mix of top-tier quality engineer and openly generous with his time; feedback is honest, culturally sensitive, and always pushes the music forward.””

— Kevin Kline, Valleyheart

AES Boston Treasurer

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Recording Academy P&E Wing

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Boston Music Awards Nominee '23 '24 '25

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NEMA Nominee '23 '24 '25

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Host — The High Pass Podcast

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GRAMMY U Mentor

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SERVICES

Mastering isn't just loudness — it's the final act of clarity. I listen critically to tone, dynamics, and translation, then make precise, purposeful decisions. Delivered for streaming, vinyl, and sync.

MIXING

A mix is where everything comes together — or doesn't. I start by listening to your vision, then build a mix that serves the song, not my ego. Analog/digital hybrid. No templates. Every session from scratch.

MASTERING

Sometimes you need someone who can help you see your work clearly. Direct, one-on-one sessions for artists, producers, and engineers. Grounded in real experience, not theory.

MUSIC PRODUCTION

Maybe you have a song that needs a great arrangement or guidance in making it the best it can be. Collaboration with me respects and elevates the vision for your music.

CONSULTING

Work With Me

About

I believe in the pursuit of the sound you’re after.

Work With Me

I've spent the better part of 25 years in studios: as an engineer, mixer, mastering engineer, and producer. I've worked across genres, budgets, and timelines, from intimate solo recordings to nationally recognized releases.

My career has taken me through some of the most respected studios in the country. Those experiences shaped how I hear music and how I think about the relationship between artist and engineer. What separates a good record from a great one is rarely gear or software. It's judgment. It's listening. It's knowing when to push and when to get out of the way.

I take a limited number of projects at a time by design. When I'm on your record, I'm on your record.

Testimonials

"Dereck keeps sessions fun yet disciplined, listens deeply to 'vibe'-level feedback, and makes my band feel like his top priority from tracking to final master."

Mary Dumont

Roser

"Dereck is my personal mastering engineer. I appreciate his fast turnarounds, hassle-free revisions, and genuine enthusiasm for my music."

Kiara Oliver

Lover of Eve

"Dereck is the most responsive pro I've met; his mastering took our album to the next level and I'd hire him again instantly."

Wyn Doran

Wyn and the White Light