Master Your Mix Podcast
Helping musicians, engineers and producers create professional recordings and mixes from home.
Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
Marc Matthew is the driving force behind Synth Music Mastering, an online music mastering company. With a deep understanding of mastering's complexities, Marc aims to alleviate the common struggles musicians face in achieving sonic perfection. He offers a collaborative and straightforward mastering service, ensuring artists' visions are honored and their productions maintain their integrity. Marc's mission is to offer peace of mind in the production's final stage, helping musicians finish a record they're proud of.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Finding your niche in the music industry
The “dark art” of mastering
The financial side of getting into mastering
Picking reference tracks wisely
Why people struggle with mixing low-end
Hearing low-end
Tools that can help you when you’re not sure of what to do with your mixes
The importance of volume-matching
Competitive loudness: Should you master for specific levels?
Using humans vs. AI for mastering
The challenges of mastering synth-based music
To learn more about Marc Matthews, visit: https://www.synthmusicmastering.com/
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/
Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/
Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/
Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community
To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!
Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
Adam Bentley: Making Immersive Prog Tones
Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
Adam Bentley has been deeply entrenched in the world of guitar playing and music production for the better part of his life. With nearly a decade of focused study in music production, he earned his Bachelor’s degree from Berklee College, setting the stage for his professional journey. Upon graduation, he swiftly secured a position as a mix engineer in Nashville, immersing himself in the city's bustling music scene.
In addition to his role as a mix engineer, Adam is a formidable force in his own right. Under the alias "Absently," his solo project has garnered significant acclaim, lauded for its exceptional musicianship and polished production. Concurrently, Adam continues to make his mark in the studio as a mixer and producer, boasting credits on numerous albums spanning the progressive and metal genres.
Presently based in Nashville, Adam Bentley remains deeply committed to his craft. Beyond his studio endeavors and guitar duties with the band Arch Echo, he actively shares his expertise through his burgeoning YouTube channel, where he offers valuable audio tutorials. With his steadfast dedication and notable contributions to the music industry, Adam continues to leave an indelible imprint on the world of music production and performance.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
How to record technical guitar parts for clarity
Creating space in the arrangement for instruments to shine
Punching in vs. recording single takes
Reducing noise in a performance
Making tracks sound and feel tight
Getting solid bass tones
Capturing the articulation of a bass
Using dynamic EQ for low-end control
Programming bass and drum tracks with MIDI
How to make your programmed tracks sound human
Retaining dynamics with programmed tracks
Making mixes feel immersive
To learn more about Adam Bentley, visit: https://www.adambentleymusic.com/
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/
Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/
Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:
The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com
The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/
Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community
To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!
Wednesday Apr 03, 2024
Will Beasley: Achieving a Full Sounding Mix
Wednesday Apr 03, 2024
Wednesday Apr 03, 2024
Will Beasley is an American producer/engineer, and musician from Richmond, Virginia. His credits include artists such as Turnstile, The Dangerous Summer, Emarosa, and Asking Alexandria. Will's love for music was developed at an early age and he spent his teenage years playing live shows with various bands and learning the mechanics of recording. At 18, Will moved to Baltimore, Maryland, and began working alongside legendary producers Paul Leavitt and Brian McTernan. After years of gaining invaluable experience, he moved to Richmond, where he currently resides and operates Studio A at the Bakery Recording Studios, a beautiful, newly developed facility in the heart of the city.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Starting with solid recordings
Why you need to put so much value in getting the performance right
Workshopping songs in pre-production
Treating vocals as an afterthought
How to prevent your songs from sounding “over-produced”
Creating space around instruments in your mix
Double-tracking tips to get more width out of your mix
Keeping your signal chain simple
Getting big drum sounds
Why ring is a good thing with snares
Automating ambiance throughout a song
Why tempo makes a big impact on your reverb settings
Using room samples
To learn more about Wil Beasley, visit: https://www.willbeasleyrecording.com/
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/
Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/
Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/
Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community
To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
George Perks: Making Exciting Mixes
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
George Perks is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, engineer, and mixer with over 10 years of experience working across genres, with artists like Enter Shikari, The Darkness, Skindred, and You Me At Six. His portfolio has totaled over one billion streams worldwide, including 3 UK-chart topping albums.
George specializes in helping rock, metal, punk, and alternative artists craft powerful and exciting records - from developing and producing young acts to creative engineering for self-producing artists.
Now the resident engineer at VADA Recording Studios in Worcestershire, George has also recorded in some of the UK’s premier studios including Abbey Road and RAK in London, and built temporary recording spaces in remote locations. He has engineered for a wealth of producers including Adrian Bushby, Dan Weller, and Julian Emery.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
How to keep busy with work when working in a small, remote town
Getting repeat clients
Being adaptable with your production approach
How to work fast
Committing to your sounds
Tracking to a “mixed” sound
Fulfilling an artist’s vision
Creating movement in a mix
The importance of contrast in a mix
How to make vocals sound interesting
Using modulation
His go-to tools for mixing vocals
Double-tracking vs. modulation
To learn more about George Perks, visit: https://www.georgeperks.com/
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/
Get your copy of The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide To Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio by visiting: https://therecordingmindset.com
Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/
Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/
Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community
To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!
Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
Vince Ratti: Creating Space for Each Instrument in a Mix
Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
Vince Ratti is a highly accomplished producer, songwriter, and recording/mixing engineer based in the Philadelphia area. Operating from two renowned studios, The Skylight in Fairless Hills, PA, and Studio 4 in Conshohocken, PA, Vince has become a sought-after figure in the music industry. His extensive portfolio includes collaborations with well-known bands such as Circa Survive, Brand New, The Wonder Years, Citizen, Balance & Composure, August Burns Red, Title Fight, Mewithoutyou, and others. Vince is not only a technical expert but also a facilitator of creativity, fostering environments that bring out the unique qualities of each artist.
Beyond his studio work, Vince Ratti is a guitarist for the band Zolof The Rock & Roll Destroyer. This dual role as both producer and performer provides him with a holistic understanding of the music-making process, contributing to the authenticity and innovation evident in his productions. With a career marked by diversity and a commitment to pushing artistic boundaries, Vince Ratti remains a respected and influential figure in the dynamic world of music production. His dedication to excellence and genuine passion for the craft continue to shape the soundscape of contemporary music.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Becoming an engineer who only mixes
Do you need to be a jack of all trades?
Social media for engineers: Do you need to use it?
His two tricks for mixing big-sounding drums
Figuring out the source of muddiness in your tracks
When and when not to use tools like Auto Align
Getting great bass tones
Cleaning up guitar tracks
Using multiband compression on vocals
Rough mixes: What’s the point?
How to critique your work when self-producing
To learn more about Vince Ratti, visit: http://www.verydesign.net/vince/
Get your copy of The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide To Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio by visiting: https://therecordingmindset.com
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/
Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/
Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/
Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community
To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!
Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
Johan Holmström: Composing For Video Games
Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
Johan Holmström is a highly accomplished Swedish composer renowned for his significant contributions to the realm of video game music, particularly in his role as the composer for Candy Crush Soda Saga. With an extensive background in both composition and orchestration, Mr. Holmström meticulously crafted and arranged the score for the game, which was recorded with the prestigious London Symphony Orchestra at the iconic Abbey Road Studios.
As a resident composer and sound designer at King, the acclaimed creators of Candy Crush and numerous other top-grossing games, Johan Holmström consistently demonstrates his exceptional musical prowess. Following his studies at the Musicians Institute and Berklee College of Music in Boston, he garnered invaluable experience playing alongside some of Sweden's most prominent artists, with a notable emphasis on showcasing his exceptional Hammond skills.
In addition to his impressive work in the gaming industry, Johan has made substantial contributions to the Swedish music scene. For three consecutive seasons, he served as the bandleader and composer for the popular Swedish children's show "Bacillakuten," further showcasing his versatility and talent in the field. His achievements, including the distinguished recording sessions at Abbey Road Studios, have earned him accolades such as the title "King of video game music" among other commendations.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Working on casual games vs. AAA-level games
Preparing scores for orchestras
Composing music for games such as Candy Crush
Asking questions when you’re feeling stuck
Designing sound effects
Getting your team on the same page
Making sure your music translates across multiple devices
How to get into the gaming industry
Finding people better than you to collaborate with
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Get your copy of The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide To Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio by visiting: https://therecordingmindset.com
Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/
Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/
Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/
Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community
To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
Phil Ek: Establishing the Vibe of a Record
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
Phil Ek is an American record producer, engineer and mixer. Ek began his career in Seattle, Washington in the early 1990s recording live sound in clubs. He then moved into studio recording, recording small projects and demos for local bands. Around this time, Ek was frequently working with influential producer Jack Endino. Producing Built to Spill's second album, There's Nothing Wrong with Love, proved to be Ek's mainstream breakthrough (the album has since ranked in the Top Ten of Spin Magazine's top indie records of all time). Phil Ek has worked with such indie rock bands as Band of Horses, Fleet Foxes, Modest Mouse, The Shins, Built to Spill, Duster, 764-HERO, Big Business and Mudhoney.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Working in Seattle during the 90’s
Prioritizing instruments when recording
The legacy of Build To Spill’s “There’s Nothing Wrong With Love”
Overdubbing vs. recording live off the floor
Getting the right scratch tracks in order to capture the true energy of a song
Editing for feel vs perfection
Should you track with or without reverb?
Setting up room mics for options
How to make reverb sound big but without being muddy
Creating a 3D sound
To learn more about Phil Ek, visit: https://philek.com/
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Get your copy of The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide To Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio by visiting: https://therecordingmindset.com
Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/
Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/
Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/
Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community
To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Harry Hess: Making Songs Sound “Finished”
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Harry Hess is a stalwart figure in the music industry, amassing a remarkable three decades of experience. As the owner and operator of HBomb Mastering, a distinguished facility, he seamlessly transitioned into the specialized world of mastering. With a focus on using the finest analog and digital gear, Harry has become a go-to mastering engineer, crafting #1 hits for acclaimed artists like Barenaked Ladies, Billy Talent, and more.
HBomb Mastering stands out as an Apple-approved "Mastered for iTunes" facility, attesting to Harry's commitment to meeting industry standards. His influence extends beyond individual artists to major record labels such as Disney, Warner, Universal, Sony, and EMI. His dedication to delivering high-quality audio mastering services has solidified his reputation as a key player in achieving chart-topping success.
In addition to contemporary hits, Harry Hess has left his mark on reissues and compilations, contributing his skills to projects involving iconic artists like Ed Sheeran, Madonna, Ray Charles, and others. This underscores his versatility and lasting impact on the sonic landscape, further establishing Harry as a respected force in the ever-evolving world of music mastering.
To learn more about Harry Hess, visit: http://www.hbombmastering.com/
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Getting work when you don’t feel prepared
Finding the balance of how much processing is too much
Defining what a finished record sounds like
Being mindful of the demands of your genre
The importance of great converters
Getting loud masters
Mastering full albums: How to make the tracks sound cohesive
Working on remaster projects
Not being afraid of clipping your signal
True Peak limiters: Are they good things?
Using multiple limiters vs. only one
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Get your copy of The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide To Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio by visiting: https://therecordingmindset.com
Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/
Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/
Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/
Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community
To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
Alex Gamble: Engineering With Intention
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
Alex Gamble, a seasoned professional in the realm of audio production, has built a distinguished career as a versatile force, excelling as a Mixing Engineer, Dolby Atmos Mixer, Recording Engineer, and Producer. Guided by a commitment to dismantling technical barriers, Gamble's focus lies in creating atmospheres that empower artists to step beyond their comfort zones and actively participate in the production process. Beginning their journey at Union Sound Company, Gamble's career highlights include significant contributions to the award-winning "Antisocialites" by Alvvays, and collaborations with notable artists such as Fucked Up, Broken Social Scene, Arkells, Sarah Harmer, Tanika Charles, and Bruce Cockburn, spanning across labels like Universal Music Canada, Arts & Crafts, Sub Pop, Six Shooter, Royal Mountain, and Bonsound.
Gamble's passion for challenging the status quo and fostering creativity has resulted in a rich tapestry of critically acclaimed recordings. Their relentless dedication to breaking down technical barriers and creating a conducive environment for artistic expression positions Alex Gamble as a driving force in the ever-evolving landscape of audio production. With an extensive portfolio of award-winning works and a commitment to pushing artistic boundaries, Gamble continues to shape the sonic landscapes of the industry.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Taking the leap from a comfy day job to pursue music
Making the most out of audio college
Finding your own process
The secret to capturing great vocals
The important conversations you need to have with artists before starting a project
Getting clear on your vision before you start recording
Working with analog tape
Committing to a sound
Questions to ask yourself when recording any instrument
Getting fat-sounding snares
Tuning drums to the player’s techniques
How to get your drums in phase
Adding drum samples
Dolby Atmos mixing: What you need to know before getting into it
Who is paying for Atmos mixes?
To learn more about Alex Gamble, visit: https://www.audiogamble.com/
Get your copy of The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide To Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio by visiting: https://therecordingmindset.com
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/
Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/
Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/
Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community
To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
Mike Indovina: Your Mixing Problems Are Likely Recording Problems
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
The new book by Mike Indovina is now out. It’s called The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio. In this episode, we dive into the book, what you can expect from it, and how it can help you see massive improvements in the quality of your home recordings.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Why your mixing problems are likely recording problems
The importance of following a specific order of events in the production process
The impact that small details in your recording chain can make
How Gene Simmons’ story about poop might relate to your mixes
Hot to work smarter, faster, and achieve better results with your music
What you can expect to find inside The Recording Mindset book
Get your copy of The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide To Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio by visiting: https://therecordingmindset.com
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/
Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/
Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/
Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community
To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!