With over 16 years supporting award-winning games and culturally-recognized franchises, Steve Pardo composes and directs emotional and expansive music and audio for linear and interactive media. He is co-founder of game music & audio production house SkewSound, Composer/Music Manager at ProbablyMonsters, founder/game developer at The Pardo Brothers, and an active saxophone/woodwind recording and performing artist in Nashville, TN. With a background in jazz, and a professional career that began at legendary music-game studio Harmonix Music Systems, Steve brings his professional background in generative audio to his love for rich and inventive soundtracks for games.

In addition to his creative and audio direction contributions to the world’s most recognizable music gaming titles, such as Rock Band VR, Dance Central, Fantasia: Music Evolved, and Fortnite Festival, Steve has composed the interactive soundtrack for games such as Cypher 007, Moonbreaker, Gigantic, Signs of the Sojourner, Farthest Frontier, Grim Dawn, Chariot, Fated, Beat Sports, and The Magic Circle, and has scored music for networks such as Netflix, Adult Swim, and IFC. He has collaborated on generative and/or AI-driven projects for partners such as Mastercard, Warner Music, Youtube, Tribeca Film Festival, Lollapalooza, and Universal Music Group. As a game developer, Steve released the music-album-platformer DOS and is developing the VR comedy-simulator game SAXOPHONE.

Steve studied at the University of Miami, FL, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Studio Music and Jazz, and master’s degree in Studio Jazz Writing.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• How to get into the gaming music industry
• The different jobs available in gaming music
• Understanding how audio is programmed for games
• The revision process
• Interactive vs. generative music systems
• AI’s role in game audio production
• When and where to use real vs programmed instruments
• File organization

To learn more about Steve Pardo, visit: https://www.stevepardo.com/

Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

Want additional help with your music productions?

For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

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/

Check out our Sponsors:

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Subscribe to the show:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
• Spotify:

Craig Alvin is an award-winning audio engineer based in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. With a career spanning three decades, Alvin has worked with a roster of well-known artists spanning various genres. His recording credits include Hanson, Little Big Town, Amy Grant, Vanessa Carlton, Will Hoge, Andrew Belle, Brittany Howard and many more. Alvin won two Grammys for his engineering on Kacey Musgraves‘ Golden Hour album in 2019, and has contributed to Musgraves’ follow-up albums Star-Crossed and Deeper Well. Alvin's extensive work has earned him a stellar reputation around the country for his unfailing ability to capture compelling sounds live in-studio and his sonic aptitude as a mix engineer.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why you should go to garage sales
• How to never have to change your plugin/outboard gear settings, but still get a great mix
• The importance of clip gain
• Why it’s ok to suck at mixing
• The journey of becoming a good mix engineer
• Why compression is much more than a tool just for dynamic range
• Using automation to create dynamics
• The only three things engineers have control of in a mix
• Using automation with effects
• Mixing over multiple days
• Leaning into experimentation to help differentiate artists

To learn more about Craig Alvin, visit: https://www.craigalvin.com/

Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

Want additional help with your music productions?

For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

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/

Check out our Sponsors:

Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

Subscribe to the show:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix

Have questions you’d like answered on the show?

Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com

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David Glasser is the founder and chief engineer of Airshow Mastering in Boulder, CO. He is a 3 time Grammy nominee and two-time Grammy winner, and has mastered around 100 Grammy-nominated and winning projects. Recent projects and clients include Grateful Dead (Blues For

Allah 50th Anniversary, Enjoying the Ride box set), Jim Lauderdale, Sturgill Simpson, Del McCoury, The Third Mind, Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Darrell Scott, Terrell Stafford, Otis Taylor. He got his start at the Boston Symphony Transcription Trust, duplicating tapes and recording at Boston Symphony Hall, followed by 8 years at National Public Radio in Washington, DC, recording jazz and classical concerts. He started mastering in 1990, and in 1997, built a multi-room mastering facility in Boulder, CO. In 2016, he built his current studio, located in the

foothills above Boulder.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• From working in radio to mastering
• Keeping your mastering chain simple
• Audio restoration/archival work
• Working with the Grateful Dead
• Using the Plangent system to clean up old recordings
• Understanding tape noise
• How to prevent clicks, pops, and hiss before mastering
• The challenges of mastering live albums
• What does “loud” really mean in mastering
• Being organized as a mastering engineer

To learn more about David Glasser, visit: https://airshowmastering.com/

Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

Want additional help with your music productions?

For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

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/

Check out our Sponsors:

Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

Subscribe to the show:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix

Have questions you’d like answered on the show?

Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com

Please leave a rating and review:

https://masteryourmix.com/review/...

Ryan Williams began his recording journey playing guitar in bands and pursuing formal studies in recording at Georgia State University. After school, he earned a position at Southern Tracks Recording Studio in Atlanta, where he contributed to major projects for artists like Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Rage Against the Machine, and Outkast. In 2001, he relocated to Los Angeles and expanded his portfolio, working with Velvet Revolver, 30 Seconds to Mars, Deftones, Slayer, Kelly Clarkson, and others.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Working with Brendan O’Brien
• Why interpersonal skills are more important than technical skills
• Making the production process seem “invisible”
• Keeping the process moving
• Creating consistency between albums
• Working with bands like Rage Against The Machine and Velvet Revolver
• Capturing the tone of legendary guitarists
• Why major artists actually prefer small, home studios these days
• Mixing while tracking
• “Zooming out” while mixing

To learn more about Ryan Williams, visit: https://www.ryanwilliamsmusic.com/

Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

Want additional help with your music productions?

For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

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/

Check out our Sponsors:

Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

Subscribe to the show:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix

Have questions you’d like answered on the show?

Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com

Please leave a rating and review:

https://masteryourmix.com/review/

Thanks for listening!

Ronan Chris Murphy is a multi-genre record producer and engineer that works around the world and splits his time between the United States and Italy. His diverse album credits include Gwar, King Crimson (several albums), Aurora, Terry Bozzio, Steve Morse, Ulver, Pete Teo, Jamie Walters and hundreds more. Some of his video game credits include Assasin’s Creed Brotherhood, Yoku’s Island Express and Mafia III. He mastered the score album for Jordan Peele’s hit film “Get Out”. He works in studios around the world as well as his own studio, Veneto West, in The Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.

Ronan pioneered many concepts in alternative recording education with his recording education business, Recording Boot Camp, which offers workshops and consulting for studios and academic institutions, and he created the worlds first audio blog/podcast with Ronan’s Recording Show. Ronan has lectured internationally including at The Berklee College of Music, SXSW, and The International Organ Festival. We was a producer of the International Computer Music Conference, and founder of many cultural and education events including The Cacapehon Recording and Songwriting Retreat, Recording Fest, The PMC Songwriting Festival, Game Audio Retreat and Audio Bloggers Live.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why niching down isn’t always the best idea for your career
• Pushing outside of your comfort zone
• The challenges of working on music for video games
• How to get into the game music industry
• Recording Terry Bozzio’s mega kit
• Deciding when to use minimal micing techniques vs complicated multi-mic setups
• Should you gate toms?
• Tuning drums to specific notes
• Why sustain can be bad for drums
• The importance of space between notes
• How to prevent mixes from sounding smeared
• Working with GWAR
• Preserving the magic of a performance
• The challenges of mixing live albums
• Taking the time to learn your gear
• Finding creative solutions to solve problems

To learn more about Ronan Chris Murphy, visit: https://ronanchrismurphy.com/

Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

Want additional help with your music productions?

For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

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/

Check out our Sponsors:

Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

Subscribe to the show:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
• Spotify:

Spencer Hoad is a versatile songwriter, producer, and engineer whose work spans pop, rock, and alternative genres. With a career rooted in both major-label and independent projects, Spencer has collaborated with an impressive roster of artists, including Avril Lavigne, Sia, Blink-182, Korn, Neon Trees, The Used, and Fifth Harmony. Known for his ability to take songs from concept to final master, Spencer often handles vocal production, engineering, mixing, and mastering himself—demonstrating a rare blend of creative and technical skills. His credits include engineering on Sia’s breakout track “I’m In Here,” assisting on D.R.U.G.S.’ debut album, and contributing to projects by I Prevail and Black Veil Brides. Whether working in top-tier studios or remotely from his own setup, Spencer brings a polished, emotionally resonant sound to every project he touches.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Audio school vs internships
• Working on being a “good hang”
• Assisting John Feldman
• Making records with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and The Used
• Driving preamps
• Leaning into saturation
• Focusing on cohesiveness
• The importance of creating contrast in a production
• How to approach mixing when working on genre-bending music

To learn more about Spencer Hoad, visit: https://www.spencerhoad.com/

Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

Want additional help with your music productions?

For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/

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/

Check out our Sponsors:

Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

Subscribe to the show:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix

Have questions you’d like answered on the show?

Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com

Please leave a rating and review:

https://masteryourmix.com/review/

Thanks for listening!

Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to...

Chris Selim is the musician, music producer, and mixing/mastering engineer behind Mixdown Online. With a passion for music that knows no bounds, Chris has dedicated himself to helping home studio owners and musicians worldwide enhance their music production, recording, and mixing skills.

As the creator of Mixdown Online, Chris has built a thriving community of over 129K subscribers on YouTube, with more than 15 million views across his videos. Through his engaging tutorial, he empowers aspiring musicians and studio enthusiasts to create better music from their own home studios.

Driven by a desire to share the knowledge and tools he wished he had when starting out, Chris brings a unique blend of expertise and accessibility to his teachings.

Renowned for his work in the French Christian music industry, Chris has produced and mixed artists globally for over 20 years in Canada, USA, France, Belgium, and Switzerland. With more than 80 albums to his credit, he often collaborates remotely from his home recording studio in Canada.

Working primarily "In The Box" using CUBASE, Chris serves as a valuable resource for home studio owners and musicians, providing expert insights into recording and mixing techniques.

Through his dedication to his craft and his commitment to sharing knowledge, Chris Selim continues to inspire and empower musicians worldwide to realize their full potential.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Building a team to make your sound better
• Getting started in a small niche
• Picking a DAW
• Do different DAWs sound different?
• When is it worth buying third-party plugins?
• Recording drums in small rooms
• The importance of character mics
• Overheads: When to treat them as kit mics vs. cymbal mics
• Applying saturation to drums
• Cheap vs expensive mics
• Why routing is so important to get right before you mix.

To learn more about Chris Selim, visit: https://www.mixdownonline.com/

Check out Chris’ free guide for 5 Pro Reverb Techniques To Make Your Drums Stand Out: https://www.mixdownonline.com/pl/2148693564

Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

Want additional help with your music productions?

For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

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/

Check out our Sponsors:

Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

Subscribe to the show:

• Apple Podcasts:

Jonathan O’Brien is a producer, mix engineer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Idyllwild, California, where he operates The Music Box—a hybrid recording studio and creative retreat tucked in the San Jacinto Mountains. Known for his immersive, emotionally rich mixes and collaborative approach, Jonathan has worked with artists including Gal Musette, Young the Giant, Coma Culture, and Andrew Goldring, often wearing multiple hats as producer, engineer, and musician. His productions span genres from indie rock to experimental pop, always rooted in a meticulous attention to tone, space, and sonic storytelling.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Owning a “retreat-style” studio
• Setting working hours
• Do you need to live in a major music city?
• Thinking with a mastering perspective while mixing
• Mixing on busses
• Using minimalist processing
• The power of reducing your options
• Leaning on tape saturation instead of EQ
• Creating contrast between instruments
• How to make mixes feel balanced in the stereo field
• Tracking with reverb

To learn more about Jonathan O’Brien, visit: https://www.jonobrienrecording.com/

Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

Want additional help with your music productions?

For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

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/

Check out our Sponsors:

Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

Subscribe to the show:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix

Have questions you’d like answered on the show?

Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com

Please leave a rating and review:

https://masteryourmix.com/review/

Thanks for listening!