Master Your Mix Podcast

Max Morton: Having a Musician’s Mindset as a Producer

Max Morton is Ukrainian producer and musician best known for his work with Jinjer, IGNEA, Morton and other metal bands.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Being able to relate to musicians and coach them
Improving your own musicianship through recording
Making musicians comfortable in the studio
Recording guitars using DIs and reamping vs capturing live amps
Tips for recording with Dis
Should you record guitars using gates?
How string and pick selection impact the sound of your guitars
Recording metal vocals
Controlling screaming vocals
Being strategic with headphone mixes for singers
A simple process for layer vocals and building harmonies
How to get a solid low end in metal music
Using tools like compressors and EQs as analyzers
To learn more about Max Morton, visit: https://mortonstudio.com/
Notable gear mentioned in this episode:
SM7B: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DKLEP5
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!

Carl Bahner: How to Get Your First Studio Clients

Carl Bahner is a mix engineer originally from Lancaster, PA.  Carl has worked with artists like The Wombats, St. Lucia, Joywave, and Hippo Campus.
Applying a contemporary slant on the "Wall of Sound" style to his productions, he offers his bright-eyed and open-hearted perspective by creatively framing vocals with imaginative instrumentation. He blends the organic with the synthetic, the digital with the analog, and the modern with the classic—resulting in rich, vibrant music that's full of life.
But don't be fooled by Carl's youthful energy and infectious enthusiasm – he's a seasoned pro who's honed his skills on stages around the world. As a performer, he has toured extensively in the US, Canada, and the UK, and his music has been featured in film, television, and even Guitar Hero: Live. Carl has also performed on stage opening for acts like Walk The Moon, X Ambassadors, Charli XCX, Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness, The Wombats, Joywave, Years & Years, They Might Be Giants, Civil Twilight, The Hold Steady, Diarrhea Planet, Cold War Kids, The Gaslight Anthem, The Airborne Toxic Event, The Naked & Famous, and countless others.
In addition to his mixing and production work, Carl is an educator passionate about sharing his industry knowledge. He currently teaches music industry courses at Lebanon Valley College. Carl also creates educational content for Produce Like A Pro, focusing on home studio marketing topics.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Making remixes to build your portfolio
Taking music production “seriously”
Getting on the same page as your clients
Not being afraid of muting tracks in a mix
Questions to ask yourself to make sure you aren’t adding too many layers to your productions
How to get clear, in-your-face vocals
The argument for using multiple plugins with each doing smaller changes, rather than fewer plugins doing big moves.
Using de-essers properly
The downside of using reverb
How HPFs will help you achieve better low-end
Getting your first clients
How to use social media to market yourself
What sorts of social media posts to make
Doing cold outreach to attract new clients
To learn more about Carl Bahner, visit: https://www.carlbahner.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!

Toby Campen: From Working In Film & TV To Mastering

Toby Campen, a mastering engineer based in Brighton, UK, is dedicated to helping artists elevate their music. With a focus on delivering exceptional mastering services, Toby aims to enhance creative visions and foster deeper connections with audiences.
Toby's professional journey began as a mixing engineer in various domains, spanning music, film, and television. He has garnered experience at renowned facilities such as Pinewood Studios, Technicolor, and Grand Central Recording Studios. Additionally, Toby has a background in music performance, notably as a guitarist and producer for Searching Alaska, a band recognized for their appearance at Download Festival 2013 and winning the Red Bull Prize.
In 2006, Toby initiated his venture into recording, and mastering records for both personal and collaborative projects. This hands-on experience sparked a deep fascination with the mastering process, leading Toby to offer mastering services professionally, ultimately specializing solely in this field.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Working in audio post-production
Following your passions
The crossover skills that working in audio post-production can bring to mastering
Audio restoration
Knowing when to work in or out of the box
How volume can influence your mixing decisions
Knowing how far to go with processing tracks
Mastering on headphones
Learning to trust your headphones
The two tools Toby can’t live without for mastering on headphones
Why tools like CanOpener Studio are better than Slate VSX
Common mix problems to pay attention to
To learn more about Toby Campen, visit: https://www.tobycampen.com/
Notable gear mentioned in this episode:
DT 990: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DKxBXy
Sonarworks: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/75gd23
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!

Marc Matthews: Mastering Synth-Based Music

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!

Adam Bentley: Making Immersive Prog Tones

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!

Will Beasley: Achieving a Full Sounding Mix

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!

George Perks: Making Exciting Mixes

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!

Vince Ratti: Creating Space for Each Instrument in a Mix

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!

Johan Holmström: Composing For Video Games

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!

Phil Ek: Establishing the Vibe of a Record

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!