Mastering Moves: Vlado Meller Exits Universal, Joins Masterdisk

May 10th, 2011 by
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Scott Hull’s Masterdisk announced today that veteran mastering engineer Vlado Meller has joined the company. He will work out of Masterdisk’s studios at 545 W. 45th Street.

(l-r) Scott Hull and Vlado Meller are combining forces at Masterdisk.

Meller brings assistant engineer Mark Santangelo and booking manager Peter Cho with him to his new position, continuing the team’s 10-year working relationship.

One of NYC’s most respected mastering engineers after 35+ years in the industry, Meller’s  credits include an extremely diverse list of artists and works. Just a few highlights include Beyonce, Susan Boyle, Harry Connick, Jr., Kid Cudi, Miles Davis, Celine Dion, Jakob Dylan, Neil Diamond, Duran Duran, Michael Jackson, Kid Rock, Jennifer Lopez, Linkin Park, Metallica, Muse, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Shakira, Frank Sinatra, Slayer, Kanye West, The White Stripes, and Pete Yorn.

Meller comes to Masterdisk after four years as Senior Mastering Engineer at Universal Mastering Studios. Prior to that, he was a part of the superb mastering group that worked with Dave Smith at Sony Music Studios.

“My last day at Universal East was April 1st, when they shut down the entire mastering studio,” says Meller. “I had ongoing projects and  clients, so after a few weeks its time to settle. Scott’s situation at Masterdisk was the best deal: legendary studio, legendary engineers. The fact that Scott is a mastering engineer as well is very important.

“The room I’m moving into here, Studio 4, was very attractive. It’s got the same designer as my room at Universal – Fran Manzella – and  almost exactly the same dimensions. So I brought my gear over here,  and it’s a win-win situation.”

“I’ve been doing this for 27 years, Vlado even longer, yet we barely spent a few minutes together in the same room over all that time!,” says Scott Hull, President of Masterdisk. “We started talking after he left Universal, realized we had a lot of goals in common, and decided to make it work.

“The facility at Masterdisk has several large rooms. It makes sense  to have a group of mastering engineers here doing high profile work. It’s that simple. We operate in that realm, while simultaneously developing younger talent and bringing up other engineers through the ranks.”

— David Weiss

3 Comments on Mastering Moves: Vlado Meller Exits Universal, Joins Masterdisk

  1. Jazzyswan
    May 10, 2011 at 4:08 pm (13 years ago)

    When I 1st heard the news that Vlado was leaving Universal, I was mortified. Vlado is the best of the best. I hope he never retires. I’m really happy for my friends Mark & Peter, who’ve been thru the tough times we’ve all experienced in the music business, and they’re still in the game. ALL THE BEST TO YOU GUYS, Glenn Swan

  2. StereoGum
    May 11, 2011 at 5:40 am (13 years ago)

    I am actually super excited about Mark Santangelo being brought in. He’s a young Mastering Engineer (not just assistant as your article states) with an impressive repertoire, a big NYC underground following & will remain a fixture in the industry while others fade out. Great article!

    • BananaBoat
      May 11, 2011 at 5:46 am (13 years ago)

      Wow! I was wondering where Mark would go next — Vlado too (who’s obviously a legend) but most of us indie folk can’t afford veterans’ rates, so having someone young as talented as Mark is a big draw. I searched Master disk’s site to book but can’t find if I’m able to book Mark or just Vlado? I guess I’ll email Peter’s address?