Ilpo Kärkkäinen
Mastering Engineer | Producer | DJ
I help producers and labels nail their sound – masters that balance dimension, clarity, loudness, and punch.
🎛️ 16+ Years Mastering – For labels like Over/Shadow, Dispatch, Straight Up Breakbeat and countless independent artists.
🎧 22+ Years as a DJ – From prime-time Fabric to underground circuits worldwide. I master for how music feels, not just how it measures.
🎹 30+ Years Producing – Releases on Metalheadz, Exit, R&S, Renegade Hardware, and Reinforced. I speak musician, not just engineer.
🌲 The Studio – Deep north in the Finnish countryside (visitors include wolves, eagles, and the occasional lost producer).
Hybrid Signal Chain:
- Analog (Elysia, Prism, Cranborne, etc.) for 3D depth and pro sheen.
- Digital (Weiss, Massenburg, Tone Projects, etc.) for utmost clean precision.
- Monitoring: HEDD full-range system – truth in every decision.
The gear is just a toolbox. What matters is what the music needs.
Trusted by Top Labels and Independent Artists
“I tested your master of “Existence” on a massive sound system the other day and was very pleased. The master you did was so clean. I’m extremely impressed. Thank you.”
Firmament
“Had some mastering work done by the wizard Resoundsound recently and this is a personal recommendation to labels/artists out there. Very impressed with the finished products, attention to detail is high, the tracks are 10x more alive. Big up Ilpo, technician!”
Antagonist
“Ilpo brought my premaster to life in a way I didn’t think was possible. Clean, precise, and powerful are a few words to describe it.”
Dubflex
“I’ve worked with Ilpo on various projects and they have always been excellent. The results have been fantasic but more than that, he’s incredibly knowledgable, open and easy to talk to. Would 100% recommend”
Modal
“Thank you so much for your help with my music so far. There is a clear before and after Ilpo sound quality to my music, and I couldn’t have got to this point without your help. Much appreciated.”
Raj Judge
How It Works
1️⃣ Talk – Tell me about your project. No commitment, just a chat.
2️⃣ Feedback – Free, actionable notes on your mix (if you want them).
3️⃣ Mastering – Analog depth + digital precision, tailored to your sound.
4️⃣ Delivery – Unlimited revisions until you’re 100% happy.
1% of every master goes toward developing new carbon removal technologies through Stripe Climate
What You Get With Professional Mastering
1. Confidence Through Expert Ears and Monitoring
Your room lies. Your headphones lie. Even great mixes need objective evaluation.
- Mastering-grade monitoring reveals what most setups can’t.
- No guessing—get straight feedback on your track’s strengths and weak spots.
- Catch hidden issues like sub bass problems or harsh highs before they reach listeners.
2. A Competitive Edge—Respecting Your Sound
- Loudness that enhances—not just “loud for loudness’ sake.”
- Radio-ready polish that makes a good mix stand out.
3. A Fresh, Unbiased Perspective
- You’ve lost objectivity—I’ll bring clarity.
- Genre-savvy mastering: Whether it’s EDM, DnB, techno, or house, I know how it should feel.
4. High-End Analog Gear – Applied Right
- A great master starts with a great mix—then adds dimension. Your track leans into the listener instead of playing at them. That 3D depth makes it feel real and alive.
- #1 rule: Only necessary processing.
5. Flawless Playback Everywhere
- Optimization for streaming, vinyl, and clubs, following current industry standards – so your music translates everywhere.
- Final QC: Every detail checked before delivery.
6. The Confidence to Release
- Stop second-guessing – know your music is truly ready.
- Peace of mind that your art sounds its absolute best.