Episodes

  • Brad Boatright: The Challenges of Mastering Albums
    May 15 2024

    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
    • Brainworks AMEK EQ 250 Plugin: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/XYkR73
    • 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!

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Max Morton: Having a Musician’s Mindset as a Producer
    May 8 2024

    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!

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Carl Bahner: How to Get Your First Studio Clients
    May 1 2024

    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!

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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Toby Campen: From Working In Film & TV To Mastering
    Apr 24 2024

    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!

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    54 mins
  • Marc Matthews: Mastering Synth-Based Music
    Apr 17 2024

    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!

    Show more Show less
    1 hr
  • Adam Bentley: Making Immersive Prog Tones
    Apr 10 2024

    Adam Bentley has been deeply entrenched in the world of guitar playing and music production for the better part of his life. With nearly a decade of focused study in music production, he earned his Bachelor’s degree from Berklee College, setting the stage for his professional journey. Upon graduation, he swiftly secured a position as a mix engineer in Nashville, immersing himself in the city's bustling music scene.

    In addition to his role as a mix engineer, Adam is a formidable force in his own right. Under the alias "Absently," his solo project has garnered significant acclaim, lauded for its exceptional musicianship and polished production. Concurrently, Adam continues to make his mark in the studio as a mixer and producer, boasting credits on numerous albums spanning the progressive and metal genres.

    Presently based in Nashville, Adam Bentley remains deeply committed to his craft. Beyond his studio endeavors and guitar duties with the band Arch Echo, he actively shares his expertise through his burgeoning YouTube channel, where he offers valuable audio tutorials. With his steadfast dedication and notable contributions to the music industry, Adam continues to leave an indelible imprint on the world of music production and performance.

    IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

    • How to record technical guitar parts for clarity
    • Creating space in the arrangement for instruments to shine
    • Punching in vs. recording single takes
    • Reducing noise in a performance
    • Making tracks sound and feel tight
    • Getting solid bass tones
    • Capturing the articulation of a bass
    • Using dynamic EQ for low-end control
    • Programming bass and drum tracks with MIDI
    • How to make your programmed tracks sound human
    • Retaining dynamics with programmed tracks
    • Making mixes feel immersive

    To learn more about Adam Bentley, visit: https://www.adambentleymusic.com/

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

    Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

    Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/

    Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:

    • The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com
    • The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/

    Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community

    To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.

    Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com

    Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!

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    54 mins
  • Will Beasley: Achieving a Full Sounding Mix
    Apr 3 2024

    Will Beasley is an American producer/engineer, and musician from Richmond, Virginia. His credits include artists such as Turnstile, The Dangerous Summer, Emarosa, and Asking Alexandria. Will's love for music was developed at an early age and he spent his teenage years playing live shows with various bands and learning the mechanics of recording. At 18, Will moved to Baltimore, Maryland, and began working alongside legendary producers Paul Leavitt and Brian McTernan. After years of gaining invaluable experience, he moved to Richmond, where he currently resides and operates Studio A at the Bakery Recording Studios, a beautiful, newly developed facility in the heart of the city.

    IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

    • Starting with solid recordings
    • Why you need to put so much value in getting the performance right
    • Workshopping songs in pre-production
    • Treating vocals as an afterthought
    • How to prevent your songs from sounding “over-produced”
    • Creating space around instruments in your mix
    • Double-tracking tips to get more width out of your mix
    • Keeping your signal chain simple
    • Getting big drum sounds
    • Why ring is a good thing with snares
    • Automating ambiance throughout a song
    • Why tempo makes a big impact on your reverb settings
    • Using room samples

    To learn more about Wil Beasley, visit: https://www.willbeasleyrecording.com/

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

    Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

    Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/

    Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/

    Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community

    To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.

    Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com

    Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 3 mins
  • George Perks: Making Exciting Mixes
    Mar 27 2024

    George Perks is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, engineer, and mixer with over 10 years of experience working across genres, with artists like Enter Shikari, The Darkness, Skindred, and You Me At Six. His portfolio has totaled over one billion streams worldwide, including 3 UK-chart topping albums.

    George specializes in helping rock, metal, punk, and alternative artists craft powerful and exciting records - from developing and producing young acts to creative engineering for self-producing artists.

    Now the resident engineer at VADA Recording Studios in Worcestershire, George has also recorded in some of the UK’s premier studios including Abbey Road and RAK in London, and built temporary recording spaces in remote locations. He has engineered for a wealth of producers including Adrian Bushby, Dan Weller, and Julian Emery.

    IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

    • How to keep busy with work when working in a small, remote town
    • Getting repeat clients
    • Being adaptable with your production approach
    • How to work fast
    • Committing to your sounds
    • Tracking to a “mixed” sound
    • Fulfilling an artist’s vision
    • Creating movement in a mix
    • The importance of contrast in a mix
    • How to make vocals sound interesting
    • Using modulation
    • His go-to tools for mixing vocals
    • Double-tracking vs. modulation

    To learn more about George Perks, visit: https://www.georgeperks.com/

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

    Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

    Get your copy of The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide To Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio by visiting: https://therecordingmindset.com

    Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/

    Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/

    Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community

    To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.

    Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com

    Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 6 mins