Mastering: Loudness & Translation - Will Borza & Julio Monroy

Listen

Will Borza is one of those mastering engineers who understand music from the inside out. His path led him from playing trumpet to working at iconic studios like Hans Zimmer’s Bleeding Fingers and Howie Weinberg Mastering, before building his own studio, Seismic, where he now shapes the sound of projects that define modern rock and beyond. 

In this episode, Will opens up his process with uncommon clarity: how he thinks about mastering, what separates music from cinema, how he balances analog gear with digital tools, and the criteria he uses to decide when to offer feedback and when to let a mix speak for itself. He also shares his honest take on Dolby Atmos, the economic reality for independent artists, and the limited but inevitable role of AI in music production. 

What makes this conversation valuable is Will’s honesty about his craft. He goes beyond technique—into judgment, responsibility, and the emotional impact of decisions made during mastering. For producers, mixers, and aspiring mastering engineers, this is a rare window into the mindset of someone who truly owns his space. 

If you work in audio or want to understand what defines a great master, this episode will challenge you to rethink your own process and the standards you aim for.