Master Your Mix Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Marcela Rada: The Role of Education in Audio Aug 14, 2024

Show notes

Marcela is a talented and accomplished audio engineer with experience both in the studio and the classroom teaching university-level students the skills of becoming professional audio engineers and music producers. She has worked across music genres recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio for independent artists. Marcela also has experience in and a passion for creating immersive audio environments using software and speaker configurations that can be utilized in both live rooms and on recordings.

Marcela has taught music production and audio engineering at Algonquin College, Interlochen Centre for the Arts, Berklee College of Music, and the University of Lethbridge. She is passionate about using the latest audio and video technology to create innovative and immersive projects and is constantly expanding her knowledge through academic research.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

Do you need schooling to get jobs in the music industry?
Approaching education as an investment
Work/life balance
How to strengthen your audio skills
Why you should experiment within different areas of the audio industry
The future of audio education
Embracing AI in music production
Creating standards for immersive audio

To learn more about Marcela Rada, visit: https://marcelarada.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.com

Please leave a rating and review:

https://masteryourmix.com/review/

Thanks for listening!

Piper Payne: Understanding the Vinyl Manufacturing Process Aug 07, 2024

Show notes

Piper Payne, a Mastering Engineer based in Nashville, TN, is known for her dedication to audio quality and equality. After moving her mastering studio to Nashville, she ventured into vinyl manufacturing, opening Physical Music Products, which, through Piper's innovations, has set industry-leading turn times and quality benchmarks. As a former National Trustee of the Recording Academy and Co-Chair of the P&E Wing Steering Committee, Piper actively promotes diversity and inclusion in the industry. With a background in music and a focus on technical excellence, she approaches mastering and manufacturing as a blend of feel and precision. Piper shares her expertise in mastering and recording as an esteemed audio professor and frequent guest lecturer. Her impressive discography includes notable artists like Janis Ian, Madame Gandhi, Dolly Parton, The Go-Go's, and more.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

Working your way into the mastering industry
Building your client base
Focusing on your niche
The power of being accessible
Starting a vinyl pressing company
The process of manufacturing vinyl records
What mastering engineers and artists need to know in order to ensure the highest quality results with vinyl pressing
Should you mono your bass tracks or not?
What frequencies are problematic with volume?
Can you trust the manufacturer to preserve the quality of your masters?
How much time do you need to factor into your album-release schedule for vinyl manufacturing?

To learn more about Piper Payne, visit: https://www.piperpayne.com/ and https://www.physicalmusicproducts.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.com

Please leave a rating and review:

https://masteryourmix.com/review/

Thanks for listening!

Jermaine Hamilton: Working in Niche Audio Services Jul 31, 2024

Show notes

Jermaine Hamilton is a seasoned music engineer-producer who began his career in the early 2000’s. With a rich portfolio that includes projects with iconic bands such as Green Day, U2, and artists like Drake, Ed Sheeran, and Trippie Redd, Jermaine has established himself as a versatile and skilled professional in the music industry. His expertise extends beyond music, having worked on projects for major companies like Disney, the New York Times, NPR, Audible, and the Wall Street Journal. Additionally, his talents have been sought after in the video game industry, showcasing his ability to adapt and excel across various media platforms.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

Working at Green Day’s studio
Splitting guitar signals
Overcoming obstacles throughout his career
Diversifying your services
Balancing feast and famine cycles in your business
Getting into commercial audio
Finding niche audio services
Relying on word of mouth
Maintaining work/life balance
Knowing when to optimize your processes
Preventing burnout
Setting client boundaries
How to find clients in small niches

To learn more about Jermaine Hamilton, visit: https://jermainehamilton.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.com

Please leave a rating and review:

https://masteryourmix.com/review/

Thanks for listening!

Marc Daniel Nelson: The Power of Having Good People Skills Jul 24, 2024

Show notes

Marc Daniel Nelson is a Grammy-winning, French Academy Award nominated mixing engineer, music producer, and creative director. He has been mixing, producing, and managing creative content for over 24 years.

His music credits include Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat, Eric Burdon / Ben Harper, Need To Breathe, Robert Duvall, Ozomotli, Reik and more. As Protégé for both legendary producer/engineer Bill Schnee and Ken Caillat, Marc has carried the torch for impeccable quality sound and production.

His film credits include Solo, Blade Runner, The Vietnam War, Mulan, The Expanse, Wild Horses, Point Break, No Manches Frida, Fractured, Amanda, Father Figures, Ya, Ty, Vin, Vona, and more. His creative management credits include executive producing the 13-episode PBS television series, creating and executive producing the national video campaign for Guitar Center, and creative directing for Alcon Sleeping Giant, ArtistMax, and Warner Chappell.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

The realities of climbing the studio ladder
Having the right attitude
The deception of audio colleges
Finding mentors
Making positive first impressions
Relationship building
His new plugin with Pulsar Modular
How converters impact sound
Making your tracks sound unique

To learn more about Marc Daniel Nelson, visit: https://www.marcdanielnelson.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.com

Please leave a rating and review:

https://masteryourmix.com/review/

Thanks for listening!

Andrew Maury: How to “Feel” Your Mixes Jul 17, 2024

Show notes

Andrew Maury is an American record producer and mixing engineer based in NYC / New Jersey. Andrew started his career in 2008 touring with Ra Ra Riot mixing front-of-house while producing artists between tours. His unique experiences and skills as both a live and studio engineer have influenced a body of work with artists such as Lewis Del Mar, Lizzo, Madi Diaz, Shawn Mendes, Post Malone, Vagabon, Victoria Canal, Jeremy Zucker, Kimbra, Colony House, Tones and I, COIN, Flor, Isaac Dunbar, and CRUISR.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

Taking on opportunities when they come
The challenges of working on the road
Not being married to your gear
Building your interpersonal skills
Taking a top-down approach to mixing
Getting the foundation of the mix right
How to achieve big low-end
Why you shouldn’t always use high-pass filters
Learning to feel your speakers
Mixing at different volumes
How to get bass to translate on small speakers
How the speed of frequencies can be factored into mixing
Using saturation on drums
Hitting the sweet spot on your instruments

To learn more about Andrew Maury, visit: http://andrewmaury.net/

Notable plugins mentioned in this episode:

Renaissance Bass: https://waves.alzt.net/ZQOyDq
API 2500: https://waves.alzt.net/6eOgKK
MaxxBass: https://waves.alzt.net/Gme2VV

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!

Andrew Scheps: Streamlining Your Mixing Workflow (Revisited) Jul 10, 2024

Show notes

A Long Island native who got his start playing jazz trumpet, Andrew Scheps has mixed records for artists such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Adele, Metallica, Jay-Z and many others. After graduating from the Recording Engineering Program at the University of Miami, he spent some time working for New England Digital as a field service technician for the Synclavier, one of the first digital synthesizers/samplers/workstations, then on the road with Stevie Wonder (as a keyboard tech) and Michael Jackson (mixing live sound), before settling in LA.

Having got into mixing a few years before the analog-to-digital revolution, Andrew worked with a collection of vintage gear at his Punkerpad West studio in Van Nuys, California, including a Neve Electronics BCM-10 with ten 1073s that was used for reference during the Waves Audio Scheps 73 plugin modeling process.

In July 2015, he made the switch to working completely “in the box”

Scheps is known for his balanced, modern sounding, and often loud mixes.

He is also the owner and president of Tonequake Records and Punkerpad UK (formerly Punker Pad West).

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

The importance of having skills that go beyond basic audio engineering
Diversifying your skills and musical genres
Being proactive vs reactive in the studio
Why he switched working on analog gear to being 100% in the box
Creating efficiencies in your workflow
How using macros will make you a better engineer
His go-to macros for saving time
Andrew’s new app, Bounce Factory
The various mixes you should be delivering to every client
How he uses his “rear buss” system to make his mixes feel bigger
His approach to creating ambiance in a mix
Various ways you can manipulate your plugins to get a cooler sound

To learn more about Andrew Scheps, visit: http://www.mcdman.com/scheps

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!

Brendan Duffey: Building a Successful Career in Audio Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

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 skillset
Being a “people person”
How to network
Being an extroverted introvert
Why work/life balance is bullshit
Aligning with like-minded people
Working with Sylvia Massy
Being a creature of habit
Engineers who have their own sonic footprint
Establishing client expectations
Having a checklist for your workflow
Using AI in mastering
The value of your personal brand as an audio engineer
Atmos mastering

To 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.com

Please leave a rating and review:

https://masteryourmix.com/review/

Thanks for listening!

Zakk Cervini: Mixing Hit Records on Airpods (Revisited) Jun 26, 2024

Show notes

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 headphones
How to make templates work in multiple genres
Programming drums vs using real kits
How to serve the song
Using rough mixes as inspiration
Creating an inspiring studio environment

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!

Nicky Howard: The Art of Listening Jun 19, 2024

Show notes

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 engineer
The art of listening
Not being fixated on all the technical stuff
Fixing vocal artifacts in mastering
The downsides to using limiters
Switching from an analog studio to going 100% in the box
Why digital mastering can be better
Keeping your clients happy
Mastering low-end

To 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.com

Please leave a rating and review:

https://masteryourmix.com/review/

Thanks for listening!

Ryan Schwabe: Using Clipping to Your Advantage Jun 12, 2024

Show notes

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 career
Choosing between your dreams or opportunities
Teaching yourself vs. having a mentor
Analyzing tracks on an album
Creating the arc of a record
What levels to master to
How Spotify determines the loudness of a record
When digital sounds better than analog
The real reason people pay you to work on their tracks
Using clippers in production and mastering
Clipping vs. limiting
How to use clipping to make your tracks louder
Different flavors of clipping
Hard clipping vs. soft clipping

To learn more about Ryan Schwabe, visit: https://www.ryanschwabe.com/ or https://www.schwabedigital.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: