Mike Plotnikoff: The Pursuit of Perfection

Jun 14, 2023

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Starting out, Mike assisted on major records for artists such as AC/DC, Cher, and Aerosmith. He also got to work with some of the biggest producers and engineers in the business such as; Bob Rock, Mutt Lange, Chris Thomas, Mike Fraser, Randy Staub, Bob Clearmountian, Tom Lorde, Chris Lord-Alge, and Bruce Fairbairn.

Halfway through the recording of Aerosmith’s “Get a Grip” record, Mike was promoted to head engineer for the album. For the next eight years, Mike then went on to be Bruce Fairbairn’s main engineer, recording and mixing records for some of the top artists, including Van Halen, Aerosmith, The Cranberries, INXS, Kiss, Yes, Bryan Adams, Sarah McLachlan, Theory of a Deadman, and Three Days Grace.

In 2001, after the passing of Bruce Fairbairn, Mike Plotnikoff moved to Los Angeles and teamed up with producer Howard Benson. Together they went on to record and mix some of the biggest records of the 2000’s including; Flyleaf, Daughtry, Papa Roach, Three Days Grace, Hoobastank, Buckcherry, Halestorm, Like A Storm, and Kelly Clarkson, to name a few.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

Working his way up the ladder
Copying other engineer’s settings
Reverse engineering sounds with references
Why you shouldn’t just focus on close mics when EQing drums
Having your own sound
Working with In Flames
Blending plugins with real amps
The pursuit of perfection
Knowing when your project is finished
How he layers guitars
Recording chord by chord
Mike’s white-noise trick for perfect mic placement
Why he records bass tracks in 5 layers

To learn more about Mike Plotnikoff, visit: http://mikeplotnikoff.net/

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

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!