Master Your Mix Podcast

Andrew Maury: How to “Feel” Your Mixes

Andrew Maury is an American record producer and mixing engineer based in NYC / New Jersey. Andrew started his career in 2008 touring with Ra Ra Riot mixing front-of-house while producing artists between tours. His unique experiences and skills as both a live and studio engineer have influenced a body of work with artists such as Lewis Del Mar, Lizzo, Madi Diaz, Shawn Mendes, Post Malone, Vagabon, Victoria Canal, Jeremy Zucker, Kimbra, Colony House, Tones and I, COIN, Flor, Isaac Dunbar, and CRUISR. 
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Taking on opportunities when they come
The challenges of working on the road
Not being married to your gear
Building your interpersonal skills
Taking a top-down approach to mixing
Getting the foundation of the mix right
How to achieve big low-end
Why you shouldn’t always use high-pass filters
Learning to feel your speakers
Mixing at different volumes
How to get bass to translate on small speakers
How the speed of frequencies can be factored into mixing
Using saturation on drums
Hitting the sweet spot on your instruments
To learn more about Andrew Maury, visit: http://andrewmaury.net/
Notable plugins mentioned in this episode:
Renaissance Bass: https://waves.alzt.net/ZQOyDq
API 2500: https://waves.alzt.net/6eOgKK
MaxxBass: https://waves.alzt.net/Gme2VV
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/
Subscribe to the show:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/

Andrew Scheps: Streamlining Your Mixing Workflow (Revisited)

A Long Island native who got his start playing jazz trumpet, Andrew Scheps has mixed records for artists such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Adele, Metallica, Jay-Z and many others. After graduating from the Recording Engineering Program at the University of Miami, he spent some time working for New England Digital as a field service technician for the Synclavier, one of the first digital synthesizers/samplers/workstations, then on the road with Stevie Wonder (as a keyboard tech) and Michael Jackson (mixing live sound), before settling in LA.
Having got into mixing a few years before the analog-to-digital revolution, Andrew worked with a collection of vintage gear at his Punkerpad West studio in Van Nuys, California, including a Neve Electronics BCM-10 with ten 1073s that were used for reference during the Waves Audio Scheps 73 plugin modeling process.
In July 2015, he made the switch to working completely “in the box”
Scheps is known for his balanced, modern sounding and often loud mixes. 
He is also the owner and president of Tonequake Records and Punkerpad UK (formerly Punker Pad West).
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
The importance of having skills that go beyond basic audio engineering
Diversifying your skills and musical genres
Being proactive vs reactive in the studio
Why he switched working on analog gear to being 100% in the box
Creating efficiencies in your workflow
How using macros will make you a better engineer
His go-to macros for saving time
Andrew’s new app, Bounce Factory
The various mixes you should be delivering to every client
How he uses his “rear buss” system to make his mixes feel bigger
His approach to creating ambiance in a mix
Various ways you can manipulate your plugins to get a cooler sound
To learn more about Andrew Scheps, visit: http://www.mcdman.com/scheps
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 Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K
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/
Subscribe to the show:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/

Brendan Duffey: Building a Successful Career in Audio

Brendan Duffey is a Grammy award-winning mixing and mastering engineer. 15 Grammy nominations, multiple certified Multi-Platinum records, and awards in film and advertising are some of the highlights of his 25+ career in music production. Brendan has worked with Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Kendrick Lamar, Sheryl Crow, Devin Townsend, Ella Mai, Mount Westmore (Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Too Short, E-40), Milton Nascimento, Daniela Mercury, Muni Long, Graham Bonnet, Muni Long, Anitta, De La Tierra, Angra and many more.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Having diversity in your skillset
Being a “people person”
How to network
Being an extroverted introvert
Why work/life balance is bullshit
Aligning with like-minded people
Working with Sylvia Massy
Being a creature of habit
Engineers who have their own sonic footprint
Establishing client expectations
Having a checklist for your workflow
Using AI in mastering
The value of your personal brand as an audio engineer
Atmos mastering
To learn more about Brendan Duffey, visit: http://www.brendanduffeyaudio.com/
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K
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/
Subscribe to the show:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/

Zakk Cervini: Mixing Hit Records on Airpods (Revisited)

Zakk Cervini is a Grammy-nominated producer and mixing engineer who has worked with artists like Blink-182, All Time Low, Good Charlotte, 5 Seconds Of Summer, and many more. He is well known for being a very versatile engineer in the studio. His persistence and eagerness to constantly learn and adapt to the changing musical landscape is one of his big strengths that keeps him high in demand.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Mixing on headphones
How to make templates work in multiple genres
Programming drums vs using real kits
How to serve the song
Using rough mixes as inspiration
Creating an inspiring studio environment
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/
Subscribe to the show:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/

Nicky Howard: The Art of Listening

Nicky Howard is a mastering engineer based in 'sometimes sunny' Yorkshire, UK.
He's worked alongside many Grammy-Winning & Nominated artists, producers, and mix engineers, including Rhymefest, Kipper Eldridge (producer for Sting, Gary Numan, and Mary J Blige), and Mikalai Skrobat (Mixing Engineer/Producer for Kanye West, and Pharell Williams). He is credited on Billboard Top 100 and UK Chart hits, and his work has amassed millions of plays. In 2022, he received a nomination for the MPG Mastering Engineer of the Year award.
His work within the dance music community is well established, with credits on some of the most coveted labels, including !K7, Anjunadeep, Afterlife (by Tale of Us), WUGD (by Jax Jones), Purified (by Nora En Pure) and Cafe De Anatolia. Nicky has worked with influential artists, including Ewan McVicar, Hannah Laing, Chris Luno, and Franky Wah. His work on the 25th-anniversary of the groundbreaking UKG track RIPGROOVE led to the DJ Mag game-changer award for the artist.
Nicky's studio was designed from the ground up as a no-compromise mastering facility. A fully bespoke room with exacting acoustics to create the most natural and precise sonic environment possible, allowing confidence in decisions necessary to make your music sound its best. The centerpiece is a cutting-edge full-range 7000-watt Kii Audio BXT Monitoring System, finished in custom bronze metallic.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
The journey of becoming a mastering engineer
The art of listening
Not being fixated on all the technical stuff
Fixing vocal artifacts in mastering
The downsides to using limiters
Switching from an analog studio to going 100% in the box
Why digital mastering can be better
Keeping your clients happy
Mastering low-end
To learn more about Nicky Howard, visit: https://nickyhoward.co.uk/
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/
Subscribe to the show:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/

Ryan Schwabe: Using Clipping To Your Advantage

Ryan Schwabe is a platinum-certified mixing and mastering engineer, a former professor of recording arts & music production at Drexel University's Music Industry Program, and a former Vice President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Recording Academy, as well as Co-Chair of the Producer and Engineer's Wing. 
Currently, he is the Treasurer of the Philadelphia Chapter of the AES and the owner of Xcoustic Sound, a mixing and mastering post-production audio company. Ryan is also the owner and product designer for Schwabe Digital.
Ryan received his second Grammy nomination for "Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical" for mixing and mastering the album, Adolescence by BAYNK in 2023. His first nomination was for mixing the "Best Dance/Electronic Album" Planets Mad by Baauer in 2021. 
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
- Taking chances with your career
- Choosing between your dreams or opportunities
- Teaching yourself vs. having a mentor
- Analyzing tracks on an album
- Creating the arc of a record
- What levels to master to
- How Spotify determines the loudness of a record
- When digital sounds better than analog
- The real reason people pay you to work on their tracks
- Using clippers in production and mastering
- Clipping vs. limiting
- How to use clipping to make your tracks louder
- Different flavors of clipping
- Hard clipping vs. soft clipping
To learn more about Ryan Schwabe, visit: https://www.ryanschwabe.com/ or https://www.schwabedigital.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/
Subscribe to the show:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/

Adam "Atom" Greenspan: Pushing the Boundaries of an Artist

Inspired by early punk and new wave, Adam Greenspan's journey through the vast soundscapes of the late 80s, to industrial and alt 90s, marked a lifelong immersion in music. With over 25 years in the industry, his career ignited with the engineering of Faith No More's "Album of the Year." Later, a serendipitous connection with fellow producer Nick Launay led to fruitful collaborations, shaping albums for luminaries such as Arcade Fire, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Supergrass, The Cribs, and Refused.
Greenspan's recent productions have garnered critical acclaim, notably securing a 2019 Mercury Prize shortlist for IDLES' "Joy as an Act of Resistance" and a 2020 Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album with Thomas Dybdal's "All These Things." His return to IDLES resulted in a UK #1 album with "Ultra Mono," highlighting his enduring impact on contemporary music.
Continuing to shape sonic landscapes, Greenspan's recent projects include works with Bloc Party and Flogging Molly. His approach is characterized by close collaboration with artists, aiming to distill a sound and style uniquely theirs while encouraging them to explore new territories. Emphasizing the visceral impact of music and its ability to evoke emotion and movement, Greenspan rejects formulas in favor of capturing genuine artistic expression.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Working with Nick Launay
Going backward on the studio ladder to make for more opportunities
Having the right attitude to stand out when you’re getting started
Working from rough mixes
Pushing the boundaries of an artist
Leaning into what makes an artist special
Creative approaches to using poorly recorded tracks
Creating a 3D sound using effects
Using distortion on vocals
Panning effects
How to use stereo wideners effectively
Capturing the room and making your tracks sound big
Making the most out of a small room
Eliminating noise on your tracks
To learn more about Adam "Atom" Greenspan, visit: https://www.atomgreenspan.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!

Mike Indovina: Answering Your Questions

We hit 200 episodes! In celebration of this giant milestone, I recorded a special Q&A episode where I answered questions submitted by our audience about all things production and more.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Mike’s thoughts on the production of Metallica’s “black” album
How many layers to record for heavy guitars
My mic of choice for recording vocals
How to find time to write a book
What to do if you’re working on your music in a non-symmetrical room
The simple way to gain-stage your tracks
How to add top-end to your mixes without making them sound harsh
Where to find Mike’s production portfolio
Using reference tracks: Why you should use them, how to pick the right ones, what to do with them.
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!

Tony Hoffer: Creating Tracks That Have Grit

Tony Hoffer is most known for his colorful, gritty productions and mixes that pop out of the speakers. His work over the years spans across alternative, electronic, rock, pop and indie.
Hoffer spent his early years in Miami making music on 2 cassette decks and a reel-to-reel machine. As a teenager, he moved to Los Angeles and went ‘hi-tech’ upgrading to a Tascam 4-track cassette deck falling in love with music and the art of production.
Tony started off playing guitar in ‘post-punk’ bands and fell in love with sampling his favorite post-punk records (Cure, Chameleons, Bauhaus) into his own songs and productions. His big break was co-producing Beck’s double Grammy nominated album ‘Midnite Vultures’ which was a hybrid of intricate sampling and live playing. That initially led to him to working with Air, Phoenix and Supergrass. Some additional credits include: M83, The Kooks, Belle & Sebastian, Silversun Pickups, The Fratellis, Depeche Mode, Fitz & The Tantrums, Blondie, Metric, Chromeo, Dirty Heads, The Snuts, Rainbow Kitten Surprise and Ziggy Marley.
Tony’s productions and mixes have been nominated and/or won 7 Grammy’s (US), 4 Juno’s (Canada), 2 Aria’s (Australia) and the Mercury Prize (UK).
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Working with Beck
Working fast and being a minimalist
Running organic sounds through synths
Giving tracks character & grit
Recording live off the floor vs. tracking individually
Using samples in your productions
Creating hooks
Separating production time from mixing time
To learn more about Tony Hoffer, visit: http://tonyhoffer.com/
Notable gear mentioned in this episode:
ARP2600 (Plugin Version): https://sweetwater.sjv.io/JzMmkQ
Korg MS20: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/XYMX45
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!

Brad Boatright: The Challenges of Mastering Albums

As an active recording and touring musician for over thirty years, Brad cut his teeth as the guitarist and vocalist in From Ashes Rise, making music in a scene fraught with challenges to sound quality. He was raised in the North Mississippi Hill Country, surrounded by a rich and historic music scene, and, after studying Recording Industry Technology at Middle Tennessee State University in the late 1990s, Brad armed himself with a healthy obsession with records, sound, and music. He's always aimed to overcome the challenges independent artists face while helping them realize their vision of sonic perfection.
Since founding Audiosiege in 2010, Brad, a self-described "musician's engineer", has mastered many notable albums, including Michael Stein and Kyle Dixon's opening sequence and Grammy-nominated official soundtrack for Netflix's "Stranger Things" series, the reissue of Sleep's monumental "Dopesmoker" LP, as well as records from Corrosion of Conformity, Nails, Samiam, Obituary, Yob, Twitching Tongues, and more.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Analog vs. digital mastering
How file names can tell you a lot about a project
Using meters to guide your decisions
Having consistency in your levels and workflow
Mastering albums made of previously mastered songs
Using Metric AB for troubleshooting gear issues
Getting client feedback
Making sure your gear is calibrated properly
Working on the Stranger Things soundtrack
To learn more about Brad Boatright, visit: https://audiosiege.com/
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Notable gear mentioned in this episode:
Manley Massive Passive: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/g1070g
iZotope RX: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/xkyR2x
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!