Dave Otero is a stalwart of extreme metal production—an engineer, mixing and mastering expert, and studio owner whose work has helped define the sound of contemporary brutal music. Based in Denver, Colorado, Dave runs Flatline Audio, where he’s honed his craft for over 20 years, producing records that balance tectonic heaviness with emotional resonance.

His early entry into the field began in his teens with a four-track recorder handed down by his brother, which he used to record basement band practices with duct-taped microphones—the humble roots of a career that would see him work with Cephalic Carnage on their breakout Lucid Interval. That pivotal project not only gave him his first real studio credit but also opened doors into the underground metal scene.

Dave’s ethos is summed up in a simple line:
“My job is to remove roadblocks, to provide the clearest path from an artist’s song or vision to the listener.”

This philosophy—serving the band, not stamping his own sound—has attracted artists across black, death, sludge, prog, and even occasional radio rock acts.

He’s known for detail-driven, aggressive yet transparent mixes. With bands like Cattle Decapitation, Archspire, Allegaeon, Khemmis, Zenith Passage, Primitive Man, and more, Dave has developed specialized techniques that he regularly shares on Nail The Mix.

Despite his studio prowess, he maintains a deep respect for emotional connection in music. He’s recounted watching fans cry along to Khemmis tracks—moments when production transcends technicality and hits the soul.

Dave also emphasizes the producer’s role as facilitator—navigating creative visions, technical constraints, and label expectations with grace. His mix style varies project by project, reflecting each band’s identity rather than a one-size-fits-all sonic stamp.

On the technical front, he’s a modernist: using amp sims, DI with SansAmp, and blending analog and digital workflows. For bass, he often uses Ampeg SVT-style reamps or amp sims layered with DI. He also champions reliable gear to maintain signal integrity in intense studio sessions.