In this episode of BESPOKEN, host Scott Pollack sits down with Josh Bonati, the Brooklyn-based mastering and lacquer cutting engineer behind Bonati Mastering. With a discography that spans indie icons, cult classics, and high-profile reissues, Bonati has become a go-to mastering engineer for artists and labels who value precision, depth, and analog character.
This conversation dives deep into the often misunderstood world of audio mastering—demystifying the differences between digital and analog workflows, explaining how vinyl lacquers are cut, and unpacking what happens during the mastering process. Josh shares stories from behind the lathe, what it means to “remaster” an album, and how the limitations of vinyl can actually drive creative decisions. Pro tip: Get an acetate cut of your album!
Whether you're an artist prepping your first vinyl release, running a label, or just curious about what makes a record sound the way it does, you'll love this behind-the-scenes look at the technical magic that happens after mixing but before your needle hits the groove.
🔗 Learn more about Bonati: https://www.bonatimastering.com/
💿 For 30 years, A to Z Media has been the trusted manufacturing partner for artists and labels—major and independent—producing high-quality vinyl, CDs, cassettes, books, and merchandise. Start your next project at: https://www.atozmedia.com
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