Music Production and Mixing Tips for Beginner Producers | Inside The Mix
Inside The Mix is a podcast for beginner and early-career music producers and hobbyist musicians. Hosted by Marc Matthews, it offers clear, practical answers to common questions in music production and mixing. Each episode breaks down real-world audio engineering techniques to help improve clarity, balance, and confidence in mixes, even in a home studio. Topics include making mixes sound professional, fixing muddy mixes, understanding mixing vs. mastering, and building a reliable production process with existing tools.
Episodes
#235: Why Inside The Mix Is Taking a Strategic Pause (And What Producers Can Expect Next)
Creative momentum is built on steady habits—but real breakthroughs often require intentional space. In this episode of Inside The Mix, the show takes a purposeful pause to reassess what truly helps music producers grow. The mission remains the same: help producers make better music, finish more tracks, and build skills that compound over time. The format, however, is being refined for greater clar
#234: How to Prevent Over Mixing & Finish Tracks Faster with Lij Shaw
How to prevent overmixing and finish tracks faster is one of the biggest challenges facing independent producers. In this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews sits down with producer and Recording Studio Rockstars host Lij Shaw to unpack a powerful truth: the fix for overmixing isn’t another plugin, it’s a process.Why do producers overmix in the first place? What makes a song feel complete? An
#233: What Is Mastering in Music? A Beginner’s Guide with Ben Holmes
What is mastering in music, and what does mastering a song really mean for independent producers? In this episode of Inside The Mix, host Marc Matthews sits down with mastering engineer Ben Holmes to break down what mastering is, how it differs from mixing and mastering as a combined process, and why it’s the final step that makes a track translate everywhere—from phones and cars to clubs, streami
#232: Fix Muddy Mixes With Arrangement, Not Plugins
Clearer mixes don’t come from buying more plugins, they come from making better decisions. In this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews sits down with returning guest Tim Benson (Aisle9) to show beginner and intermediate producers how to get clearer mixes using arrangement, sound selection, and simple processing choices that actually translate.This episode is for independent producers struggli
#231: Free Synth Plugin Tutorial - Surge XT Strings from Scratch
Free synth plugins can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re staring at an empty patch and just want results. In this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews walks beginner and intermediate producers through a practical Surge XT tutorial, showing how to design mix-ready high strings from an init patch using this powerful free synth plugin.Surge XT is a free, open-source synthesizer packed wit
#230: What Is a Null Test? Stop Guessing Your Mix Changes with Eric Mitchell
Null testing is one of the fastest ways to prove what actually changes in a mix. In this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews sits down with mastering engineer Eric Mitchell to explain what a null test is, how phase cancellation works, and how producers can use null testing to stop guessing and start making confident decisions.Built for beginner to intermediate music producers, this conversati
#229: Finish Songs Faster with These Logic Pro Workflow Tips
Logic Pro workflow tips can dramatically speed up music production, and in this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews breaks down seven practical Logic Pro tweaks that remove friction and help producers finish more music, faster.Designed for beginner to intermediate Logic Pro users, this episode tackles a common frustration: slow sessions that kill creativity. Marc explains why workflow, not pl
#228: Networking for Beginners: How to Build Real Connections Without Being Awkward
A single Spotify comment sparked a bigger question: Does networking actually help musicians, or are you on your own? In this episode, Marc breaks down networking tips for beginners who want real results without feeling fake, awkward, or salesy. If you’ve ever wondered how to network as a beginner, or asked yourself “what is not an example of professional networking?”, this conversation offers a cl
#227: Your 2025 Music Wins: The Community Highlights Episode
Year-end victory laps are more fun when they belong to all of us. We gathered standout wins from the Inside the Mix community and stitched them into a guided tour of what real progress looks like in music: narrative albums released one single at a time, a premiere on a tastemaking YouTube channel, the first vinyl in decades, live shows rebooted, and a charity compilation that rallied more than 56
#226: How AI Is Changing Voices, Studios, And The Value Of Human Performance (Face Your Ears Podcast)
A single take can now become a gospel run, a country croon, or even a convincing female lead, and it happens in seconds. Justin and Rich of the Face Your Ears podcast unpack how AI jumped from pitch correction to “auto-sing,” the cost breakthroughs behind engines like DeepSeek, and what tools such as ACE Studio mean when 80-plus virtual singers sit inside your DAW. It’s a fascinating leap for prod
#225: Why Getting It Right At The Source Makes Mixing Easy with Will Purton (Master Your Mix Podcast)
If your mixes keep fighting you, the problem likely started before the DAW ever opened. In this podcast takeover, Mike Indovina (Master Your Mix) digs into a source‑first mindset with London engineer and mixer Will Purton (RAK Studios), unpacking the practical decisions that make recording faster, mixing smoother, and translation far more reliable. From choosing the right instrument and tuning it
#224: Why Imperfect Recordings Feel More Alive | Abby Griffin on Creative Truth (Recording Studio Rockstars)
What if the best mix isn’t the cleanest, but the truest? In this podcast takeover, Lij Shaw (Recording Studio Rockstars) dives into a standout conversation with engineer, songwriter, and producer-in-the-making Abby Griffin to explore how “being the weird girl” can be a creative superpower, and why the moments you capture now may matter more than perfection later. From choir training and vocal anat
#223: How A New York Intern Became A Grammy-Winning Mastering Engineer with Dan Millice (Sound Discussion Podcast)
What does it really take to go from invisible intern to trusted, Grammy-winning mastering engineer? The Sound Discussion Podcast sit down with Dan Millice to unpack the habits, choices, and honest work that shaped his journey, from cleaning bathrooms and taking cheques to the bank at MasterDisc, to building a client list one late-night venue at a time, to mastering records for artists across genre
#222: From Vocal Prep to Mastering — 7 Standout Moments of 2025 (Part 2)
What if the fastest way to a better mix is caring more about the human, the song, and the signal path than the plugin chain? We pulled seven moments from our 2025 conversations that changed how we write, record, mix, and master, and stitched them into one practical, heart-first guide you can use on your next session.We start where great records begin: with the singer. Rich Bozic, a professional vo
#221: Finish Songs Faster, Mix Smarter — 7 Standout Moments of 2025 (Part 1)
Ready to trade plugin FOMO and meter anxiety for moves that actually make your tracks better? Marc pulls seven stand-out moments from a huge year of conversations with producers, engineers and artists to help you finish faster, mix with confidence and stay creatively sharp.We kick off with a surprising angle on depth: shaping contrast with bit depth instead of defaulting to saturation. You’ll hear
#220: The One Thing We’ll Do Differently in 2026 (and Why It Matters)
Stop counting playlist streams and start building momentum where it matters. Marc Matthews and Tim Benson unpack a year of wins and lessons that took monthly listeners from modest to meaningful, and the theme is simple. When you optimise for saves, repeats and fast post-release engagement, Spotify’s algorithm does the heavy lifting. That means Radio, Discover Weekly, and personalised mixes begin t
#219: How Wave Observer Reveals What Softube Saturation Knob Really Does
Ever twist a saturation knob and wonder if you’re hearing compression, distortion, or something in between? In this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews puts that question to the test with a clean, scientific setup, a 440 Hz sine wave, the Softube Saturation Knob, and Wave Observer, a free oscilloscope plugin by Press Play.By placing Wave Observer last in the signal chain, Marc visually shows
#218: What Would A Better Music Production Podcast Look Like To You?
Tired of guessing what kind of podcast content actually helps you make better music and grow as a producer or artist? In this special listener-driven episode of Inside The Mix, host Marc Matthews flips the script — and puts you in charge of shaping the show’s next chapter.Marc is designing the 2026 Inside The Mix editorial calendar, and your feedback will decide what the podcast covers next: from
#217: How to Use Reference Tracks to Finish Songs FASTER
Staring at a blank DAW is exhausting; staring at a mapped-out arrangement from a reference track is energising. Marc walks through a clear, repeatable reference track arrangement blueprint workflow that turns a single reference track into a full song structure, so you can stop looping and start finishing. From matching tempo and key to placing eight-bar markers, Marc shows how to label intros, ver
#216: I Tried Top-Down Mixing — Here’s What Actually Happened
What if a better‑translating mix starts before you touch a single channel plugin? I put top‑down mixing under the microscope and share a candid, first‑hand evaluation: what worked, what didn’t, and how a few smart moves on the mix bus reshaped the entire project in less time and with fewer plugins. Rather than a tutorial, this is a field report packed with practical takeaways you can try on your n
#215: How to Mix a Wall of Sound That Still Breathes with DRUMxWAVE and Brian Skeel
What does a true wall of sound feel like when the vocal still breathes? We sit down with vocalist‑producer Jay Cali (DRUMxWAVE) and mixer‑producer Brian Skeel to unpack the craft behind Severed, big drums, widescreen synths, supportive guitars, and why clarity starts with a shared vision before a single plug‑in loads.We trace the journey from demo to master, beginning with an hour of alignment on
#214: The Best FREE Plugins Every Producer Should Use
Free plugins often get overlooked in the endless pursuit of premium software, but professional producers know that some of the most powerful tools cost absolutely nothing. In this illuminating conversation, Marc Matthews and Tim Benson (Aisle9) unpack their go-to free plugins that consistently deliver exceptional results across various production scenarios.The discussion begins with TAL Chorus LX,
#213: Finish Tracks Faster - Workflow Hacks Every Producer Needs (feat. John Kunkel)
Have you ever felt stuck in an endless cycle of tweaking, adjusting, and second-guessing your music production decisions? Producer John Kunkel (aka John Grand) reveals the counterintuitive truth that many of us miss: working smarter, not harder, is often the key to finishing more tracks and creating better music.John shares his game-changing approach to using reference tracks as structural bluepri
#212: Streamlining Music Collaboration - How Mixup Changed My Feedback Workflow
Frustrated by endless email chains, confusing file links, and clients commenting on the wrong version of a mix? In this episode of Inside the Mix, Marc Matthews explores how Mixup.audio is transforming the mix revision process for producers, mixers, and collaborators.Marc breaks down the platform’s most powerful features, including timestamped comments, version comparison, and normalised level mat
#211: Creating Authentic Remote Vocal Collaborations When Miles Apart (feat. INDIGO)
Ever wondered how singers record vocals remotely and make them sound professional? In this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews is joined by New Zealand synthwave vocalist INDIGO to explore the art of remote vocal collaboration and the songwriting process behind her unique sound.From her unexpected start in the synthwave scene to collaborations with artists like Wolf Club and Turbo Knight, IND
#210: Should You Record With Compression or Wait Until Mixing?
Should you record vocals with compression or save it for mixing? It’s one of the most debated questions in music production, and in this episode of Inside The Mix, we break it down with practical advice for producers at every level.Guest Tim Benson shares why he often tracked vocals with hardware compressors in the studio, not just for sound quality, but because hearing compressed vocals in headph
#209: What Can a Free Wavetable Synth Like Vital Do in the Hands of a First-Time User?
Curious what happens when a producer opens Vital Spectral Warping Wavetable synth for the very first time? In this episode, I explore the free wavetable synthesizer from scratch, answering common questions like: Is Vital really free? Is the free version powerful enough for professional music production?With zero prior experience in the plugin, I start from an initialised preset and build a 90s-ins
#208: How to Avoid Burnout in Music Production (Do Less, Achieve More)
Are you feeling drained from endless hours in the studio? Wondering how music producers can avoid burnout or what strategies actually work to recover from creative exhaustion? You’re not alone; burnout is one of the biggest creativity killers for producers and indie artists today.In this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews dives into proven techniques that helped him rebuild his workflow and
#207: How Many Drafts Does It Take to Finish a Track? (feat. Michael Oakley)
Have you ever abandoned a promising track because it suddenly "didn't feel right" the next day? Why does your track feel wrong the next day? Is Overthinking Killing Your Songwriting Process? In this eye-opening episode of Inside the Mix, synth-pop artist Michael Oakley unpacks the creative psychology behind overthinking songwriting and how our emotional state can sabotage musical mo
#206: Why Your Vocal Comping Workflow Is Slowing You Down
Struggling with too many vocal takes? You nailed the perfect take, then recorded five more “just in case.” Now you’re lost in a sea of options, wondering how to create the perfect comp without losing your mind.In this episode of Inside the Mix, Marc Matthews and Tim Benson (Aisle9) reveal their proven strategies for organising takes and building seamless vocal comps. Learn how to avoid over-record
#205: Why Artists Need Strategy Over Followers in 2025 (feat. Jesse Kirshbaum)
The music industry is shifting fast—are you ready for it? In this episode, Jesse Kirshbaum returns to Inside the Mix to break down how independent artists can build sustainable music careers in 2025. From strategic content creation to authentic brand deals, Jesse shares how “selling in” (not selling out) can help you monetize without compromising your creativity.We dive into why follower count no
#204: What Is Dither in Audio? When and Why to Use It (feat. Ian Stewart)
Ever wondered why engineers intentionally add noise to audio? In this episode of Inside the Mix, returning guest, mastering engineer and Berklee professor Ian Stewart, breaks down what dither is, why it’s used, and when to apply it in your music production workflow.Through clear explanations and real audio demos, Ian demonstrates how dither replaces digital artefacts with smooth, barely noticeable
#203: What Actually Happens When You Choose a Sample Rate? (feat. Ian Stewart)
Confused about which audio sample rate to choose for your music? Whether you're recording your first track or mastering for Dolby Atmos, knowing the difference between 44.1kHz, 48kHz, and 96kHz is more than technical—it’s essential to how your music sounds and where it ends up.In this episode of Inside the Mix, mastering engineer and Berklee professor Ian Stewart returns to demystify one of t
#202: I Gamified My Music Production - It Changed Everything
Ever wondered if you're tracking the right metrics in your music production journey? That nagging question—"Am I measuring what truly drives growth or just staying busy?"—led me to create something that transformed my creative process completely.In this episode of Inside the Mix, I introduce the Producer Growth Scorecard—a free, gamified tool designed to help you track what actually
#201: What If Your De-esser Plugin Could Do More Than Fix Sibilance?
What if your go-to vocal de-esser plugin could do so much more?In this episode, Marc Matthews and Tim Benson break down the creative power of de-essers and why they might be the secret weapon missing from your mix.We kick things off with how de-essers work (spoiler: it’s more than just “s” sounds), before diving into smart, non-traditional de-esser techniques—like taming harsh cymbals, controlling
#200: How I 10x’d My Spotify Monthly Listeners as an Independent Artist
Wondering how to grow monthly listeners on Spotify as an independent artist, without gimmicks or burnout? In this episode, I break down my journey from 300 to nearly 3,000 Spotify listeners in just six months using real-world strategies.Learn why reducing SubmitHub costs led to more playlist features, how extending Facebook ads to three weeks boosted algorithmic reach, and why static images outper
#199: The Hidden Production Habits You’re Probably Ignoring (At Your Own Risk)
Ever wondered why your mixes don’t sound professional, even with decent gear and endless YouTube tutorials? In this episode, Marc Matthews and Tim Benson, AKA Aisle9, reveal the overlooked production habits that separate amateur mixes from polished tracks.Discover how using reference tracks, including your own successful work, can instantly level up your sound. The duo also expose their most cring
#198: Why I Never Release Music Without This Promotion Calendar
Struggling to promote your music on social media without burning out? You’re not alone. In this episode, Marc Matthews introduces his 30-day music release promotion calendar for indie musicians, a practical tool designed to eliminate guesswork, boost engagement, and help you post purposefully.You’ll learn what a social media content calendar for musicians is, how a content calendar can improve mus
#197: Why I Don’t Touch Plugins Before Doing This - The Art of Static Mixing (feat. Nate Kelmes)
Why do some mixes, even with top plugins and techniques, still sound off? The answer might lie in a step you’re overlooking: the static mix.In this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews talks with mix engineer Nate Kelmes to explore: What is a static mix in audio mixing? And why is a static mix important before adding effects? Nate explains how balancing levels and panning, before any processin
#196: What Gear Do I Need to Produce Music at Home? Our Essential Home Studio Setup Tools
Starting music production at home? This episode of Inside The Mix is your step-by-step guide to building the best home studio setup for beginner music producers. Marc Matthews and Tim Benson unpack exactly what gear you need to produce music at home, without breaking the bank.They walk through a basic home studio equipment list for new producers, including affordable equipment for starting a home
#195: How I Fixed My Mix with One Simple Move... EQ Automation
Having trouble getting your build-ups and drops to land with real impact? In this episode of Inside The Mix, host Marc Matthews reveals how he tackled that exact issue in his latest single, “Half-Life”, using a simple but powerful technique—EQ automation.Marc walks listeners through when to use EQ automation instead of static EQ, explaining how dynamic frequency changes can bring more contrast and
#194: I Asked a Pro Vocal Coach How to Prepare a Singer for a Recording Session (ft. Rich Bozic)
Capturing great vocal takes starts long before hitting record. In this episode, vocal coach and recording expert Rich Bozic shares how to record professional vocals in a home studio, with practical tips that work whether you’re using high-end gear or a modest setup.We cover how to prepare a singer for a vocal session, from effective pre-session communication to creating a stress-free environment.
#193: I Asked a Pro If You Really Need a Mastering Engineer - And If You Can DIY (feat. Mike Marsh)
Acclaimed mastering engineer Mike Marsh demystifies the final stage of music production in this insightful episode. With a career spanning over three decades, working with artists like Björk, The Chemical Brothers, and Depeche Mode, Mike offers unparalleled expertise on what music mastering is and why it's important.He addresses the common misconception of the "fix it in mastering"
#192: The Three C’s That Helped Us Grow as Independent Music Producers
How do you market yourself effectively as an independent music producer, especially when working across multiple genres? In this episode, Marc Matthews and Tim Benson (Aisle9) unpack this challenge with real-world advice and music promotion tips for independent producers looking to stand out.They break down “The Three C’s” framework—Collaboration, Community, and Consistency—as the cornerstone of h
#191: Every Logic Pro User Should Know These Hidden Tools—Do You? (ft. Justin Hochella)
Are you underusing the tools you already own in Logic Pro? In this episode of Inside the Mix, Marc Matthews is joined by Justin Hochella, producer and co-host of Face Your Ears, to uncover Logic Pro’s native power that most producers overlook. We answer the questions every independent artist should be asking: What are the essential Logic Pro keyboard shortcuts for beginners? What are the best shor
#190: Ever Wonder Why Your Effects Sound "Off"? Unlocking Pre-Fader and Post-Fader Sends
Ever wondered how the pros achieve those perfectly balanced mixes and immersive effects? Marc Matthews and Tim Benson (Aisle9) explain the difference between pre-fader and post-fader sends, the key to balanced mixes and immersive effects. Many overlook this fundamental signal flow, yet mastering it is the secret to professional sound.Discover when to use pre-fader sends (ideal for independent moni
#189: Could Re-Releasing Music Boost Your Streams? A Guide to the Waterfall Release Strategy
Ever released a song only to watch it vanish into the streaming void after a brief moment in the spotlight? In this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews delves into the waterfall release strategy, a strategic approach to music distribution that aims to revolutionise how artists share their work and maximise their reach.The core concept of the waterfall release strategy is explained: instead of
#188: ALL THE DAMN VAMPIRES | Davey Oberlin: What Makes an '80s Synthwave Cover Truly Authentic?
What happens when a keyboard player for Korn and Five Finger Death Punch dives headfirst into the neon-soaked synthwave world? Davey Oberlin joins Marc Matthews to reveal how he transforms classic rock anthems into synthwave masterpieces through his project, All The Damn Vampires.Davey breaks down his cover of Whitesnake's Is This Love, uncovering the creative process behind reinterpreting ro
#187: THE MIDNIGHT | Tyler Lyle: Unlocking the Secrets of Synthwave Songwriting
In this episode of Inside The Mix, host Marc Matthews engages in a profound conversation with Tyler Lyle, the singer-songwriter and one-half of the synthwave duo, The Midnight. Tyler delves into the enigmatic nature of songwriting, describing it as "a well-narrated hallucination," and likens the creative process to "trying to start a truck sitting on a block of ice." Drawing fr
#186: Why LUFS Don't Matter As Much As You Think with Ian Shepherd
In this episode of Inside The Mix, mastering engineer Ian Shepherd demystifies loudness metrics and debunks common mastering misconceptions while offering practical advice for producers looking to improve their masters without chasing arbitrary targets. Ian explains the role of LUFS in mastering, why normalization matters, and how focusing on musicality and dynamics leads to better results than si
#185: My Journey to 10,000 Monthly Listeners - What Actually Works?
In this episode of Inside The Mix, host Marc Matthews takes listeners behind the scenes on his journey to reaching 10,000 monthly Spotify listeners in 2025. Reflecting on his experiences as an independent artist, Marc shares both the wins and the challenges of learning what is music marketing and how to release music independently while maintaining creative authenticity.Starting with just 300 list
#184: Why Are So Many Songs Just 'Okay'?
What makes a song truly resonate with listeners? In this episode, Marc Matthews and Aisle9 approach this question head-on by exploring a listener's struggle with finishing their song—feeling that while it’s good, it lacks that captivating quality that makes music unforgettable. Their conversation dives deep into understanding song engagement, examining why some tracks may feel uninspired desp
#183: How Do Producers Make Bass Sound So Good?
Achieving a powerful, well-balanced bass is essential for any great mix. In this episode, Marc Matthews takes you behind the scenes of his latest track, breaking down his process for designing and mixing bass sounds. Whether you're working in Logic Pro or another DAW, these insights will help you create a deep, punchy low-end that enhances your overall production.What You'll Learn:How to
#182: Are You Using Digital Distortion Wrong in Mastering? With Eric Mitchell
Achieving a polished, professional sound in mastering requires a deep understanding of digital distortion and saturation—but how do you use them effectively without compromising clarity? In this episode of Inside The Mix, I’m joined by mastering engineer Eric Mitchell to explore the fine balance between intentional and unintentional distortion, the role of saturation in mastering, and essential te
#181: Can AI Really Revolutionise Music Production? Music Industry Insights and Tips with Dan Giffin
In episode 181 of Inside The Mix, I’m joined by Ableton Live expert and music production mentor Dan Giffin to discuss the key elements that take a producer from hobbyist to professional. We dive into the emotional side of mixing, the power of mentorship, and how evolving technology—including AI—is shaping the future of music creation. Whether you're perfecting your productions or preparing fo
#180: Unlocking the Iconic 80s Hard Rock Sound: Music Production Techniques and Stories
Ever wondered how did people produce music in the 80s or how to produce 80s music with authenticity? In this episode of Inside The Mix, hosts Marc and Aisle9 break down the essential 80s music production techniques, from analyzing reference tracks to choosing the right instruments and effects. Whether you're crafting synthwave, pop, or rock, this episode will help you capture the nostalgic ma
#179: Mix or Master First? Secrets to Better Audio Production with Shane Slack
In this episode of Inside The Mix, I sit down with Shane Slack, an acclaimed audio professional celebrated for his innovative approach to music production. Shane dives deep into the philosophy behind audio production, emphasising the importance of understanding the source material before processing and mastering the techniques that truly elevate your mixes. This conversation is packed with actiona
#178: Breaking the Starving Artist Myth | Thriving in Music Mixing and Mastering with Eliott Glinn
This episode of Inside The Mix breaks down the myths surrounding financial success in the music industry and reveals how aspiring audio professionals can thrive. My guest, Eliott Glinn, shares invaluable insights on how to start your own music business with a focus on developing a success-driven mindset, mastering content creation, and using smart strategies for client retention. Together, we expl
#177: What’s the Best Plugin to Remove Reverb? Let’s Find Out!
In this episode of Inside The Mix, we tackle the challenge of managing unwanted reverb baked into audio samples. If you've ever struggled with excessive room sound or reverberation in your recordings, this episode offers practical solutions and expert insights to help you clean up your mixes.I dive into the challenge of managing unwanted reverb baked into audio samples and explore whether it&
#176: What Makes a Kick Drum Punchy? Try This Free Plugin!
In this episode of Inside The Mix, we dive deep into enhancing your kick drum for maximum impact using the free Plugin Alliance bx_Subfilter plugin. Discover how to make your kicks sound fatter, punchier, and more powerful in your mixes with professional tips and techniques. Whether you're working on electronic beats or rock tracks, mastering your low end is essential for a polished sound.Wha
#175: What's the Secret to Mixing Without Muddiness? Achieving Clarity and Dynamics in a Mix
As we bid farewell to 2024, this special episode of Inside The Mix celebrates your incredible musical wins while providing actionable tips to elevate your music production journey. My co-host, Aisle9, and I reflect on the year’s highlights, share listener achievements, and answer your burning questions about mixing, mastering, and making meaningful progress as a musician.Whether you're wonder
#174: The Art of DIY Mastering: Tips and Strategies to Master Your Own Music with Eric Mitchell
In this episode of Inside the Mix, we dive into the world of DIY mastering. Whether you're curious about mastering music fundamentals, the basic steps of mastering, or simply want to understand what mastering a song really is, this episode has you covered. Join me as I sit down with mastering engineer Eric Mitchell to uncover the techniques, tools, and insights needed to achieve professional-
#173: Unlock the Secret to Creating Perfect Risers in any VST Synthesizer
Ever wondered how to create a simple riser that adds excitement and anticipation to your tracks? Or maybe you’re curious about how to create a riser in Serum for that professional, polished sound? Tune into this episode of Inside The Mix as we dive into the art of crafting the perfect riser to elevate your music production.In this episode, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to create cus
#172: How Pink Noise Can Transform Your Sound Setup and Speaker Calibration with Mike Dow
Ever wondered how to calibrate your speakers or if speaker calibration is even worth it? Curious about pink noise, how to use it, or whether a subwoofer can truly improve sound quality? Then this episode of Inside The Mix is for you!Join me as I sit down with audio expert Mike Dow, whose nearly 40 years of experience in the industry shine through in our conversation about speaker calibration, room
#171: How to Balance Low-End in a Mix: Trusting Your Instincts with Mike Exeter
Ever wondered how to mix good low-end, how to balance low-end in a mix, which frequencies to cut when mixing, or even how should you EQ a high-hat? Join me for an inspiring conversation with legendary producer and engineer Mike Exeter, known for his iconic work with Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, in this must-listen episode of Inside the Mix.Mike reveals the secrets to crafting a balanced, powerf
#170: Unlocking Immersive Audio: Mastering Dolby Atmos with Matt Boudreau | Working Class Audio
Ever wondered how to learn Dolby Atmos mixing, what software is used for Dolby Atmos mixing, or even what is Dolby Atmos? In this exciting episode of the Inside The Mix podcast, I sit down with acclaimed audio engineer Matt Boudreau to explore the fascinating world of immersive audio.With years of experience working alongside icons like Alanis Morissette and Green Day, Matt unpacks the transformat
#169: Mastering Vocal Dynamics with Gain Automation and Why You Need This One Mixing Technique
Ever wondered what gain automation is? Or how clip gain differs from volume automation? Join me in Episode 169 of the Inside The Mix podcast, where we dive deep into these vocal mixing techniques and explore how to optimize your vocal mixing workflow. If you've been curious about how to get smoother, more balanced vocals without relying solely on automated tools, this episode is for you!Respo
#168: Mastering Music Production: Insights and Strategies with Lij Shaw (Recording Studio Rockstars)
Curious about mixing music or want to level up your music production skills? Join me in EP 168 of the Inside The Mix podcast as I sit down with Lij Shaw, award-winning producer and owner of the Grammy-awarded Toy Box Studio. Lij brings a wealth of experience and shares his practical approach to balancing the simplicity and complexity of music mixing. From gear discoveries on eBay to his insights a
#167: AI Meets Music: Revolutionising Production and Empowering Artists with David Lucius King
Curious about how AI is reshaping the music industry? From enhancing creativity to streamlining production, artificial intelligence is sparking a new era in music. In Episode 167 of the Inside The Mix podcast, I sit down with platinum-selling producer David Lucius King to uncover how AI in the music industry is transforming the way artists create, produce, and perfect their tracks. If you've
#166: How Do You Know When Your Mix Is Done? Free Logic Pro Mixing Course
Ever asked yourself, how do you know if a mix is finished? If you’re wondering how to finish mixing a song or looking for tips on how to mix in Logic Pro, then this episode is for you. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, EP 166 of the Inside The Mix podcast will help you elevate your synthpop tracks and finish your mixes with confidence.In this episode, I break down the essential tec
#165: What is Mid-Side EQ? Enhance Your Stereo Image with Ian Stewart
Ever wondered what is mid-side EQ or how does mid-side EQ work? Is mid-side EQ essential for a professional-sounding mix? Tune in to EP 165 of the Inside The Mix podcast, where I sit down with distinguished mastering engineer and educator Ian Stewart to explore the ins and outs of mid-side EQ. Together, we unravel the techniques that can add width and clarity to your mix and transform your audio p
#164: Mastering Vocal Compression: Unleashing the Power of 1176 and LA-2A Compressors
Ever wondered how to make a super compressed vocal stand out? Tune in to EP 164 of the Inside The Mix podcast, where I dive into everything from vocal compression settings to mastering the 1176 and LA-2A compressors. In this episode, I break down the secrets behind compressing vocals effectively—whether you're looking for optimal vocal compression settings, tips on how to compress vocals, or
#163: How to Create Powerful Sub-Bass in Any DAW: Step-by-Step Guide
Struggling to create a good sub-bass? Whether you’re wondering how to create sub-bass in Logic Pro, what the sub-bass frequency range is, or which sub-bass VST to use, EP 163 of the Inside The Mix podcast has you covered.In this episode, I break down the essentials of crafting a rich, powerful sub-bass in Logic Pro, drawing from my recent guest appearance on the Let's Talk Synth... Seriously!
#162: 5 Essential Logic Pro X Tips to Boost Your Workflow and Creativity in Music Production
Struggling to improve your workflow in Logic Pro? Whether you want to speed up your music production workflow or learn essential Logic Pro tips for beginners, EP 162 of the Inside The Mix podcast has you covered. Discover the game-changing techniques that can revolutionise your music production!If you're passionate about music production, this episode is an absolute must-listen. Join me as we
#161: Vocal Mixing Techniques: How to Create a Vocal Double Without Expensive Plugins
Struggling to make your vocals stand out in a mix? Whether you're wondering how to mix vocals or how to get them upfront with clarity and punch, EP 161 of the Inside The Mix podcast has you covered. In this episode, I’m diving deep into vocal mixing techniques that will help you transform your tracks. I’ll show you how to create a natural vocal double using simple timing adjustments in Logic
#160: De-Essing Techniques for Cleaner Mixes - How to Create a Smooth Vocal Reverb
Struggling with how to apply reverb on vocals or tame harsh sibilance? In EP 160 of the Inside The Mix podcast, I reveal how to elevate a vocal mixe using a de-esser on a reverb send. If you’ve ever battled those sharp 'tss' and 'sss' sounds ruining an otherwise smooth vocal, this episode is for you. Learn how to make your vocal reverb sound polished and natural, as I walk thro
#159: Vocal Production Secrets - How to Make Vocals Stand Out in a Mix
Struggling to make your vocals stand out in a mix? Wondering about the best vocal mixing workflow practices or how to get vocals upfront with clarity and punch? In EP 159 of the Inside The Mix podcast, I dive deep into vocal mixing techniques that will transform your tracks. If you're curious about modern vocal mixing, making vocals sit perfectly in your mix, or exploring tools like the Waves
#158: Which is the Best AI Stem Splitter | Logic Pro vs. RipX DAW PRO Track Separator Showdown
Have you ever wondered: what is the best song instrument Splitter? Maybe you're seeking answers to the questions: what is the difference between Logic Pro and RipX DAW, how do you separate songs into stems, how do you extract stems from Logic, what is an AI stem splitter or maybe just what is a song stem splitter? Then check out EP 158 of the Inside The Mix podcast.Can stem separation tools
#157: How to Create a Stutter Effect for Synths (Logic Pro Tips)
Ever wondered how synth music is made or looking to enhance your music production skills? In EP 157 of the Inside The Mix podcast, I dive deep into the art of creating mesmerising stutter synth effects using Logic Pro.Join me as I guide you step-by-step through setting up a new software instrument track, programming hi-hats, and mastering sidechain techniques to achieve that iconic stutter sound.
#156: How to Quickly Create a Chart-Topping Beat | Make a Sampler Instrument (Logic Pro Tips)
Have you ever wondered how to start off making a beat? Or maybe you seek answers to the topics: how to create a Martin Garrix beat, how to create a beat in Logic Pro, how to reproducer a beat, or maybe just how is a beat produced? Then check out EP 156 of the Inside The Mix podcast.Unlock the secrets to producing chart-topping beats with my latest Inside the Mix episode! Ever wondered how Martin G
