Marco Polo Mastering Secrets

Yo Plugheads,

Today I found out something dope that I just had to share with y’all.

If you’re into boom bap, underground hip hop or that raw East Coast sound, then you know the name Marco Polo — a legendary US hip hop producer who’s been holding it down for years with some of the grimiest beats in the game. Well, turns out, his process is a textbook case of staying true to the roots while still keeping things pro in the final stages.

From Vinyl to the MPC – Real Hip Hop Energy

First things first, Marco Polo is still out here sampling straight from vinyl. He chops everything up on his MPC, the way it’s supposed to be done. No shortcuts. No drag and drop. That’s already enough to make any true-school head smile.

But here’s the part that got me hyped…

Left & Right into Pro Tools – His Mastering Chain

After building the beat on the MPC, Marco Polo bounces the full stereo track (left and right) into Pro Tools, where he runs his mastering chain. His goal here? Straight up: boost the loudness while keeping that knock and vibe alive.

https://itbblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/marco-polo-producing.mov

Here’s the exact chain he uses:

1. SSL G Bus Compressor 4000 – from Universal Audio
   The legendary glue compressor that makes everything hit as one, while preserving dynamics. It adds that polished midrange presence and a subtle push that’s perfect for drum-heavy tracks.
2. Sonnox Limiter
   His current go-to for final loudness. Clean, transparent, and respectful of the groove. It boosts the track without killing transients or fatiguing the ear.

And Before That? The Classic L2

Marco Polo also admitted something super relatable — for a long time, his final limiter was the Waves L2 Ultramaximizer. A true old-school weapon. Still valid, still punchy, still loved by many. Sometimes it’s not about what’s newest, but what you know inside out.

Why This Matters

I love hearing this kind of stuff because it shows that even the greats keep things simple and effective. It’s not about having 50 plugins or analog racks. It’s about craftsmanship, taste, and commitment to the sound.

So next time you’re finishing a beat, think about:

• Is your compressor gluing or choking?
• Is your limiter lifting or squashing?
• Are you overprocessing something that just needs love?

Mad props to Marco Polo for staying authentic while still sounding loud, clean, and professional.