What is the first instrument you start with in a new mix?
Definitely the drums. They’re such a broadband instrument that they influence and help define everything else in the mix. Plus, there’s usually the greatest amount of diversity in the way they can be recorded, so getting a grip on the tones in addition to focusing on the rhythm of the song helps me understand the song as a whole.

Is there one instrument (including vocals) you think is harder to get right than any other? If so, which, why and are there any workarounds you usually end up falling back on?
It used to be bass, until I started mixing with a sub. The work around for any troublesome instruments is trial and error along a lot of repetition. Having the freedom in a mix schedule to try something out, sit with it for a few days, then come back and try something completely new, all the while comparing to the previous mix is essential to making improvements.

What is the single most important piece of hardware equipment in your mix arsenal?
The piece of hardware I have been using consistently over the past eight years on almost every mix (other than the DAW) would have to be a Distressor. It gets a go every time whether its on bass, kick, snare or vocals.

What is the single most important piece of software equipment in your mix arsenal?
The single most important piece of software would have to be ProTools 11, being 64bit has allowed my mixes to completely open up and not be restricted by memory, which allows me to reach for whatever plug-in I want, rather than being restricted to whatever plug-in the system can handle.

Name one album you wished you had mixed.
”Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd.

Which album in your discography are you most satisfied with overall in terms of sound?
I Am Giant’s ”Science & Survival” really felt like we had defined a special sound. I was uncertain as we tracked in an unknown studio in France, and even some parts were done in a weird little maintenance room, but when the mixes started coming together, it was unbelievably satisfying to the point where I really took notice of the process & equipment we used to achieve that, and will aim to apply those techniques in the future.