The Art of Mastering with Oscar Zambrano

The Art of Mastering with Oscar Zambrano

Author: Brian Funk July 14, 2025 Duration: 1:06:56

Oscar Zambrano is a mastering engineer and the founder of Zampol Productions, a New York City studio known for mastering an impressive range of records—from Spotify Singles to avant-garde jazz to Broadway cast albums. With 20 years in the industry, Oscar has become a go-to name for artists who want their music treated with care, precision, and a deep understanding of both the technical and artistic sides of mastering.

In this episode, Oscar and I explore the art and philosophy of mastering—from quality control and loudness wars to the vinyl revival and the evolving role of mastering in the digital age. We talk about Oscar's unique path through the music world, the importance of saying yes to opportunities (even when you're terrified), and why a mastering engineer's job is often more about understanding intent than making things louder.

Listen on Apple, SpotifyYouTube

Links:

Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk


Brian Funk hosts the Music Production Podcast, a space where the technical meets the personal in the world of making music. This isn't a lecture series; it's a collection of conversations that feel like dropping into a studio with a knowledgeable friend. As a working musician, songwriter, teacher, and Ableton Certified Trainer, Brian approaches each topic with a practitioner's curiosity. Discussions flow naturally from the specifics of a piece of gear or a production technique into broader reflections on creative philosophy and the artistic process. You'll hear about the tools of the trade, but always through the lens of how they serve an idea or unlock a new way of working. The podcast thrives on informal dialogue, whether Brian is sharing his own experiences or talking with guests, making complex topics accessible and immediately relevant. It’s for anyone who builds songs from the ground up and thinks about the why just as much as the how. Tune in for honest, nuanced talks that go beyond simple tips and tricks, offering a deeper, more human perspective on the craft of music production.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Music Production Podcast
Podcast Episodes
#331: Dolby Atmos on Top of the World with Ross Lara [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:56
Ross Lara is a music producer, film composer, and the CEO and founder of Archipelago Entertainment. His studio is the highest-altitude Dolby Atmos installation in the world. His music is inspired by nature and he has wor…
#330: 12 Hour Sound Machines with Brandon Reed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:14
Brandon Reed is the creator of the 12 Hour Sound Machine (No Loops or Fades!) Podcast. The show provides listeners with 12 hours of soothing sound to help people relax and sleep. Episodes feature 12 hour stretches of whi…
#329: Morse Code and the Magic of Music with EmmoLei Sankofa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:39
EmmoLei Sankofa is a composer, producer, musician, and artist. Credits include Emmy award-winning "Watch Out For the Big Grrrls," the Lizzo documentary series, STARZ's "Step Up", and newly released, "Three Ways," which r…
#328: Why Do We Get Stuck? BIG Music Production Mistake! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:23
How come we get so good at creating one short section of music only to get stuck when it's time to create the next section? If a song is a collection of different sections, why is it so hard to string a few sections toge…
#327: Learning How to Do Difficult Things with Ameya [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:36
Ameya is a prog rock musician living in Philadelphia by way of India. He has a master's degree in biomedical engineering. Ameya shares his process and songwriting techniques on his Instagram and YouTube. His new EP is du…
#326: From Studio to Stage with Will Doggett [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:26
Will Doggett is a musician, sound designer, and Ableton Certified Trainer. He runs the popular YouTube Channel From Studio to Stage where he teaches musicians how to use Ableton Live in their live performances. He discus…
#324: End Procrastination - 3 SIMPLE Steps to WIN the FIGHT! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:46
Even though I spend most of my days wishing I had more time to make music, when that time arrives, I find myself avoiding the task. Why do we Procrastinate? What can we do to end procrastination and get to work? In this…

«1...678910