#223: How A New York Intern Became A Grammy-Winning Mastering Engineer with Dan Millice (Sound Discussion Podcast)

What does it really take to go from invisible intern to trusted, Grammy-winning mastering engineer? The Sound Discussion Podcast sit down with Dan Millice to unpack the habits, choices, and honest work that shaped his journey, from cleaning bathrooms and taking cheques to the bank at MasterDisc, to building a client list one late-night venue at a time, to mastering records for artists across genres and continents.

Dan explains why he chose to specialise in mastering and why he ultimately moved fully in the box. The answer isn’t dogma, it’s service. Faster recalls, instant fixes, and reliable delivery matter when a label needs a longer fade today or a track order change by this afternoon. He breaks down his no-template approach, starting albums from a blank session, picking a reference track, and selecting EQs, de-essers, and limiters for each song’s needs. We compare popular limiters, FabFilter Pro L2, Ozone Maximizer, and talk about why default settings rarely cut it, how genre changes limiter behaviour, and when subtlety beats shine.

You’ll also hear how Dan handles mixes that aren’t ready. He shares the quick QC process, the value of a phone call to align on vision, and the ethics of pushing back so the final record wins. Beyond tools and taste, the throughline is human: relationships, trust, and responsiveness. Recognition and nominations follow the reps, wet Tuesday nights at shows, genuine conversations, and consistent delivery. For artists and engineers, this conversation is a roadmap: specialise with intent, keep learning, meet people in the real world, and above all, serve the song.

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