Brian Merrill – Mix Engineer
Digital Heart, Analog Soul. I’m a mix engineer, singer/songwriter, and founding member of Barely Pink and The Ditchflowers. I came up recording on analog gear, and that experience still shapes the way I mix today — even in a modern, hybrid studio. To me, a great mix isn’t about making everything perfect. It’s about finding the heart of the song and helping it come through. I want the vocal to connect, the band to feel alive, and the personality of the recording to stay intact. Whether your tracks were recorded in a bedroom, a rehearsal space, or a great studio, I approach every mix with the same goal: to understand what you’re trying to say and help the song become the best version of itself.Mixing
For me, mixing is about finding what makes a song connect and bringing that forward. Every record is different, and I don’t believe in forcing a song into a particular sound or chasing whatever happens to be current. The vocal, the groove, the space, the energy, the imperfections — those are the things that give a recording its personality.
I work closely with artists to understand what they hear in their music and where they want it to go. Sometimes that means making a mix bigger and more powerful. Sometimes it means getting out of the way and letting a great performance breathe. The goal is always the same: serve the song.
Whether your tracks were recorded in a bedroom, a commercial studio, or somewhere in between, I want the finished mix to feel like your record — just fully realized. Something that connects emotionally, hits when it needs to hit, and makes you want to turn it up and listen again.
Mastering
I approach mastering with the same philosophy: the song comes first. Mastering isn’t about changing what makes a mix special. It’s about taking that final step back, listening with a fresh perspective, and making sure the music translates, feels balanced, and is ready to live alongside the records you love. For an album or EP, I also look at the record as a whole. Tone, dynamics, perceived loudness, and the way one song leads into the next all matter. The goal isn’t to make every track identical — it’s to make the entire record feel intentional and connected. Whether you’re releasing a single or a full album, I’ll make sure the final masters are ready for release while preserving the character, dynamics, and emotion that made the music yours in the first place.Dolby Atmos
Merrill Studios is at the forefront of cinematic audio with our Dolby Atmos surround sound mixing services. Dolby Atmos allows us to create a rich, immersive audio experience that envelops the listener in a three-dimensional soundscape. This technology is ideal for filmmakers and video producers aiming to elevate their narratives with superior sound depth and clarity. At Merrill Studios, we harness the full potential of Dolby Atmos to craft soundtracks that not only complement the visual elements but also enhance the overall storytelling, bringing audiences closer to the action than ever before.
Let’s Talk About Your Project
Have a song, single, EP, or album you’re working on? I’d love to hear about it.
Whether you’re looking for mixing, mastering, or just want to talk through what your project might need, send me a message below. Tell me a little about the music, where you are in the process, and what you’re hoping to accomplish.
Every project is different, so there’s no need to have everything figured out before reaching out. I’m always happy to talk music and see if I’m the right fit for what you’re creating.
I look forward to hearing what you’re working on.