Michael Brauer, born in 1956 in New York City, USA, is a celebrated mix engineer renowned for his dynamic and emotive mixing style. With a career spanning several decades, Brauer has worked with an impressive array of artists, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry through his innovative techniques and unparalleled ability to bring out the emotional core of a song.
Michael Brauer’s journey into the world of music began with an early fascination with sound and recording. Growing up in the cultural hub of New York City, he was exposed to a diverse range of musical genres and influences. Brauer’s passion for music led him to pursue a degree in music and sound engineering, laying the foundation for his future career.
His professional journey started in the late 1970s, where he began working at MediaSound Studios in Manhattan. Here, Brauer cut his teeth as an assistant engineer, learning the ropes from seasoned professionals and gaining hands-on experience with state-of-the-art recording technology.
Brauer’s breakthrough came in the 1980s when he began to establish himself as a skilled mix engineer. His big break was working with Luther Vandross, mixing several of his albums, including “Give Me the Reason” (1986) and “Power of Love” (1991). These projects showcased Brauer’s ability to create lush, detailed mixes that highlighted the emotional depth of the music.
Throughout the 1990s, Brauer’s reputation grew as he worked with a wide range of artists, spanning genres from rock and pop to R&B and hip-hop. His work with artists like Paul McCartney, Coldplay, and Tony Bennett brought him critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying his status as one of the top mix engineers in the industry.
Michael Brauer’s career is marked by an impressive list of collaborations with some of the most influential artists of the past few decades. His work with Coldplay, particularly on albums like “Parachutes” (2000) and “A Rush of Blood to the Head” (2002), is often cited as some of his most impactful. These albums not only achieved massive commercial success but also showcased Brauer’s ability to create expansive, atmospheric mixes that resonated deeply with listeners.
Brauer has also worked with artists such as John Mayer, mixing his critically acclaimed album “Continuum” (2006), and My Morning Jacket, whose album “Evil Urges” (2008) benefited from Brauer’s unique touch. His ability to adapt to different musical styles while maintaining his signature sound has made him a sought-after collaborator in the music industry.
One of the hallmarks of Michael Brauer’s mixing style is his innovative use of compression and parallel processing, often referred to as “Brauerising.” This technique involves sending different elements of a mix to multiple compressors, each set with different parameters, to create a rich, layered sound that adds depth and dimension to the music. This method has been widely adopted by other engineers and producers, cementing Brauer’s influence on modern mixing techniques.
Even more interesting is his use of the Akai S612 Sampler in his mixing, explained as follows: “I don’t use it as a sampler, but as a distortion device. If you put the Akai in microphone mode and you overload it, you get really nice warm distortion that you don’t really notice, but it sounds good.”
Brauer’s attention to detail and his relentless pursuit of the perfect mix have set new standards in the industry. He is known for his meticulous approach to balancing the technical and emotional aspects of a song, ensuring that each mix serves the artist’s vision while delivering an impactful listening experience.
Michael Brauer’s contributions to the music industry have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards. His work continues to be celebrated for its innovation, emotional depth, and technical excellence. Despite his long and storied career, Brauer remains active in the industry, constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities to collaborate with artists and producers.
His influence is evident in the countless engineers and producers who cite him as an inspiration. Brauer’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of music production ensures that his impact will be felt for generations to come.
Outside of the studio, Michael Brauer leads a relatively private life. He is dedicated to his family and enjoys spending time with them when he is not working on music. He continues to reside in New York City, where he mentors aspiring engineers and producers, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience.
Michael Brauer’s career is a testament to his extraordinary talent, technical mastery, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His work has shaped the sound of modern music, earning him a place among the greatest mix engineers of all time.
