Master Your Mix Podcast

Brendan Duffey is a Grammy award-winning mixing and mastering engineer. 15 Grammy nominations, multiple certified Multi-Platinum records, and awards in film and advertising are some of the highlights of his 25+ career in music production. Brendan has worked with Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Kendrick Lamar, Sheryl Crow, Devin Townsend, Ella Mai, Mount Westmore (Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Too Short, E-40), Milton Nascimento, Daniela Mercury, Muni Long, Graham Bonnet, Muni Long, Anitta, De La Tierra, Angra and many more.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:Having diversity in your skillsetBeing a “people person”How to networkBeing an extroverted introvertWhy work/life balance is bullshitAligning with like-minded peopleWorking with Sylvia MassyBeing a creature of habitEngineers who have their own sonic footprintEstablishing client expectationsHaving a checklist for your workflowUsing AI in masteringThe value of your personal brand as an audio engineerAtmos masteringTo learn more about Brendan Duffey, visit: http://www.brendanduffeyaudio.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  Have questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to questions@masteryourmix.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!

Zakk Cervini is a Grammy-nominated producer and mixing engineer who has worked with artists like Blink-182, All Time Low, Good Charlotte, 5 Seconds Of Summer, and many more. He is well known for being a very versatile engineer in the studio. His persistence and eagerness to constantly learn and adapt to the changing musical landscape is one of his big strengths that keeps him high in demand.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:Mixing on headphonesHow to make templates work in multiple genresProgramming drums vs using real kitsHow to serve the songUsing rough mixes as inspirationCreating an inspiring studio environmentLooking 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.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!

Nicky Howard is a mastering engineer based in 'sometimes sunny' Yorkshire, UK.He's worked alongside many Grammy-Winning & Nominated artists, producers, and mix engineers, including Rhymefest, Kipper Eldridge (producer for Sting, Gary Numan, and Mary J Blige), and Mikalai Skrobat (Mixing Engineer/Producer for Kanye West, and Pharell Williams). He is credited on Billboard Top 100 and UK Chart hits, and his work has amassed millions of plays. In 2022, he received a nomination for the MPG Mastering Engineer of the Year award.His work within the dance music community is well established, with credits on some of the most coveted labels, including !K7, Anjunadeep, Afterlife (by Tale of Us), WUGD (by Jax Jones), Purified (by Nora En Pure) and Cafe De Anatolia. Nicky has worked with influential artists, including Ewan McVicar, Hannah Laing, Chris Luno, and Franky Wah. His work on the 25th-anniversary of the groundbreaking UKG track RIPGROOVE led to the DJ Mag game-changer award for the artist.Nicky's studio was designed from the ground up as a no-compromise mastering facility. A fully bespoke room with exacting acoustics to create the most natural and precise sonic environment possible, allowing confidence in decisions necessary to make your music sound its best. The centerpiece is a cutting-edge full-range 7000-watt Kii Audio BXT Monitoring System, finished in custom bronze metallic.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:The journey of becoming a mastering engineerThe art of listeningNot being fixated on all the technical stuffFixing vocal artifacts in masteringThe downsides to using limitersSwitching from an analog studio to going 100% in the boxWhy digital mastering can be betterKeeping your clients happyMastering low-endTo learn more about Nicky Howard, visit: https://nickyhoward.co.uk/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.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!

Ryan Schwabe is a platinum-certified mixing and mastering engineer, a former professor of recording arts & music production at Drexel University's Music Industry Program, and a former Vice President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Recording Academy, as well as Co-Chair of the Producer and Engineer's Wing. Currently, he is the Treasurer of the Philadelphia Chapter of the AES and the owner of Xcoustic Sound, a mixing and mastering post-production audio company. Ryan is also the owner and product designer for Schwabe Digital.Ryan received his second Grammy nomination for "Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical" for mixing and mastering the album, Adolescence by BAYNK in 2023. His first nomination was for mixing the "Best Dance/Electronic Album" Planets Mad by Baauer in 2021.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:Taking chances with your careerChoosing between your dreams or opportunitiesTeaching yourself vs. having a mentorAnalyzing tracks on an albumCreating the arc of a recordWhat levels to master toHow Spotify determines the loudness of a recordWhen digital sounds better than analogThe real reason people pay you to work on their tracksUsing clippers in production and masteringClipping vs. limitingHow to use clipping to make your tracks louderDifferent flavors of clippingHard clipping vs. soft clippingTo learn more about Ryan Schwabe, visit: https://www.ryanschwabe.com/ or https://www.schwabedigital.comLooking 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.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!

Inspired by early punk and new wave, Adam Greenspan's journey through the vast soundscapes of the late 80s, to industrial and alt 90s, marked a lifelong immersion in music. With over 25 years in the industry, his career ignited with the engineering of Faith No More's "Album of the Year." Later, a serendipitous connection with fellow producer Nick Launay led to fruitful collaborations, shaping albums for luminaries such as Arcade Fire, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Supergrass, The Cribs, and Refused.Greenspan's recent productions have garnered critical acclaim, notably securing a 2019 Mercury Prize shortlist for IDLES' "Joy as an Act of Resistance" and a 2020 Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album with Thomas Dybdal's "All These Things." His return to IDLES resulted in a UK #1 album with "Ultra Mono," highlighting his enduring impact on contemporary music.Continuing to shape sonic landscapes, Greenspan's recent projects include works with Bloc Party and Flogging Molly. His approach is characterized by close collaboration with artists, aiming to distill a sound and style uniquely theirs while encouraging them to explore new territories. Emphasizing the visceral impact of music and its ability to evoke emotion and movement, Greenspan rejects formulas in favor of capturing genuine artistic expression.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:Working with Nick LaunayGoing backward on the studio ladder to make for more opportunitiesHaving the right attitude to stand out when you’re getting startedWorking from rough mixesPushing the boundaries of an artistLeaning into what makes an artist specialCreative approaches to using poorly recorded tracksCreating a 3D sound using effectsUsing distortion on vocalsPanning effectsHow to use stereo wideners effectivelyCapturing the room and making your tracks sound bigMaking the most out of a small roomEliminating noise on your tracksTo learn more about Adam "Atom" Greenspan, visit: https://www.atomgreenspan.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  Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!

We hit 200 episodes! In celebration of this giant milestone, I recorded a special Q&A episode where I answered questions submitted by our audience about all things production and more.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:Mike’s thoughts on the production of Metallica’s “black” albumHow many layers to record for heavy guitarsMy mic of choice for recording vocalsHow to find time to write a bookWhat to do if you’re working on your music in a non-symmetrical roomThe simple way to gain-stage your tracksHow to add top-end to your mixes without making them sound harshWhere to find Mike’s production portfolioUsing reference tracks: Why you should use them, how to pick the right ones, what to do with them.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.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!

Tony Hoffer is most known for his colorful, gritty productions and mixes that pop out of the speakers. His work over the years spans across alternative, electronic, rock, pop and indie.Hoffer spent his early years in Miami making music on 2 cassette decks and a reel-to-reel machine. As a teenager, he moved to Los Angeles and went ‘hi-tech’ upgrading to a Tascam 4-track cassette deck falling in love with music and the art of production.Tony started off playing guitar in ‘post-punk’ bands and fell in love with sampling his favorite post-punk records (Cure, Chameleons, Bauhaus) into his own songs and productions. His big break was co-producing Beck’s double Grammy nominated album ‘Midnite Vultures’ which was a hybrid of intricate sampling and live playing. That initially led to him to working with Air, Phoenix and Supergrass. Some additional credits include: M83, The Kooks, Belle & Sebastian, Silversun Pickups, The Fratellis, Depeche Mode, Fitz & The Tantrums, Blondie, Metric, Chromeo, Dirty Heads, The Snuts, Rainbow Kitten Surprise and Ziggy Marley.Tony’s productions and mixes have been nominated and/or won 7 Grammy’s (US), 4 Juno’s (Canada), 2 Aria’s (Australia) and the Mercury Prize (UK).IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:Working with BeckWorking fast and being a minimalistRunning organic sounds through synthsGiving tracks character & gritRecording live off the floor vs. tracking individuallyUsing samples in your productionsCreating hooksSeparating production time from mixing timeTo learn more about Tony Hoffer, visit: http://tonyhoffer.com/Notable gear mentioned in this episode:ARP2600 (Plugin Version): https://sweetwater.sjv.io/JzMmkQKorg MS20: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/XYMX45Looking 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.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!

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 masteringHow file names can tell you a lot about a projectUsing meters to guide your decisionsHaving consistency in your levels and workflowMastering albums made of previously mastered songsUsing Metric AB for troubleshooting gear issuesGetting client feedbackMaking sure your gear is calibrated properlyWorking on the Stranger Things soundtrackTo learn more about Brad Boatright, visit: https://audiosiege.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  Have questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to questions@masteryourmix.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!

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 themImproving your own musicianship through recordingMaking musicians comfortable in the studioRecording guitars using DIs and reamping vs capturing live ampsTips for recording with DIsShould you record guitars using gates?How string and pick selection impact the sound of your guitarsRecording metal vocalsControlling screaming vocalsBeing strategic with headphone mixes for singersA simple process for layer vocals and building harmoniesHow to get a solid low end in metal musicUsing tools like compressors and EQs as analyzersTo learn more about Max Morton, visit: https://mortonstudio.com/Notable gear mentioned in this episode:SM7B: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DKLEP5Looking 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.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!

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 portfolioTaking music production “seriously”Getting on the same page as your clientsNot being afraid of muting tracks in a mixQuestions to ask yourself to make sure you aren’t adding too many layers to your productionsHow to get clear, in-your-face vocalsThe argument for using multiple plugins with each doing smaller changes, rather than fewer plugins making big moves.Using de-essers properlyThe downside of using reverbHow HPFs will help you achieve better low-endGetting your first clientsHow to use social media to market yourselfWhat sorts of social media posts to makeDoing cold outreach to attract new clientsTo learn more about Carl Bahner, visit: https://www.carlbahner.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  Have questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to questions@masteryourmix.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!