The SonicScoop Podcast | Mixing, Mastering, Audio Engineering and Music Production (SonicScoop)

Producers, engineers, freelancers: How much should you charge?? Justin Colletti dives deep into this topic in the very first episode in SonicScoop's new weekly podcast/videocast series.

Have questions? Requests for future podcast topics or guests? Email us at podcast@sonicscoop.com

Remember to subscribe, rate and review! Many thanks to our sponsors, Soundtoys, Focusrite and GIK Acoustics.

For more, visit SonicScoop.com.

For more on this topic, see the article mentioned in the episode:

https://sonicscoop.com/2017/02/05/should-recording-studios-advertise-their-rates-and-how-much-should-they-charge/3/

Can you get better at audio in 30 minutes or less? Justin Colletti thinks you can. Glean some production wisdom from these 3 breakthrough tips that will give you better frameworks for mixing.

Should you mix your own music? Probably not, in many cases. But if you're committed to doing so, here are some of the keys to really making it work.

Dennis Jones, aka ROC.am, answers questions about his MixCon masterclass and approach to mixing. Check out the main presentation here: https://youtu.be/hIHvJvJ0b1o

Big thanks to Kali Audio for helping make this free to the public. Check them out at https://kaliaudio.com

►🎚Mixing Breakthroughs: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►🎛Compression Breakthroughs: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►🎧 EQ Breakthroughs: https://EQBreakthroughs.com
►🔊Mastering Demystified: https://MasteringDemystified.com

►✅Become a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqEKv3KIZoZrjv2LymD3iMg/join

Is there a right and wrong way to produce albums? Justin Colletti says yes. Here's why.
SALE ON COURSES:
►🎚Mixing Breakthroughs: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►🎛Compression Breakthroughs: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►🎧 EQ Breakthroughs: https://EQBreakthroughs.com
►🔊Mastering Demystified: https://MasteringDemystified.com

Mix revisions can be a real pain. Or, they can be the best thing to happen to your mix. How can you make them less frequent, more seamless and more productive? Justin Colletti gives you all the secrets.

In this episode, Justin Colletti talks about what might just be a contender for the #1 reason most albums fail.

In order to have a successful music release, you've got to treat every release like a beginning, not an end. Here's what that means.

Cameron of ​ VenusTheory visits the SonicScoop Podcast to talk to Justin Colletti about the realities of producing and releasing music today.

Join for a wide ranging discussion on everything from A.I. to music discovery algorithms and new tools and strategies to leading a creative life. 
►Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Compression Breakthroughs: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com

Justin Colletti shares his key insights from a masterclass from music producer and electronic artist TAETRO, who recently appeared at MixCon 2021.

See the full presentation here: https://youtu.be/EitAlJLoHFs

Big thanks to Bandlab for helping make that video free to the public. Check out their totally free DAW at https://bandlab.com

See more from Taetro at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNRFvq0JOm5VqHIBDDQgkMA

Enter the MixCon Mega Giveaway at https://sonicscoop.com/micongiveaway

►Get the free mastering workshop: https://sonicscoop.com/Mastering101

►Get the free mixing workshop: https://sonicscoop.com/MixHabits

►Win free stuff at https://sonicscoop.com/contest

►Subscribe to the podcast or leave a rating and review here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sonicscoop-podcast/id1448330690

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gEpIPfGsScZPowycksAY5

As audio professionals, we need to trust our ears. But can we? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Justin Colletti shares what we can do to help us trust what we hear.

​Joel Wanasek of  URM Academy  and Nail The Mix visits the SonicScoop Podcast to talk to Justin Colletti this week.

Joel is a high caliber mixing engineer with major credits from metal to pop. In recent years, Joel has rediscovered the allure of analog after years of doing great work on primarily digital platforms.

We’ll also talk also talk about his evolving view on mastering your own mixes, how to ignore bad advice and where to find the good stuff, and so much more.

Big thanks to UltimateSupport stands for sponsoring this episode! Check out the Deluxe Broadcast Mic Stand used in the episode.

Thanks also to Soundtoys. Check out anything they make for free at Soundtoys.com

"The client wants my mix to sound just like their demo! What do I do?" Justin Colletti tackles the question of what to do when your mixing clients won't seem to give you the freedom to really improve their sounds.

Prolific rock and metal producer Eyal Levi of Unstoppable Recording Machine joins Justin Colletti to talk all about advancing your career in audio or music by making networking work for you, and discusses strategies for landing new clients.

These insights apply to any genre, whether it be rock or hip hop or jazz or classical.

Thanks to Sonarworks, Soundtoys and Gear Club for sponsoring this podcast. Check them out at:

http://Sonarworks.com
http://Soundtoys.com
http://Gear-Club.net

See more from Eyal at http://urm.academy

Should you upgrade your speakers? Justin Colletti gives you all you need to know to make the right decisions in upgrading your studio's monitors.

►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com

►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com

►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com

►Become a Member! Join the channel for access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqEKv3KIZoZrjv2LymD3iMg/join

These days, top mixers don't always mix from scratch. And they don't always try to reinvent the mix either. Here's a more modern high-level approach for better mixes.

Justin Colletti gives you his master list of the very best places to learn audio and music production. And #1 might not be what you expect.

Thanks to Gear Club, Soundtoys and Focusrite for sponsoring this episode.

Spotify! Is the audio quality a problem? Can you evaluate mixes through it? And, is the pay structure harmful to artists? Do playlists make music worse?

Justin Colletti gives answers.

►🎚Mixing Breakthroughs: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►🎛Compression Breakthroughs: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►🎧 EQ Breakthroughs: https://EQBreakthroughs.com
►🔊Mastering Demystified: https://MasteringDemystified.com
►✅Become a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqEKv3KIZoZrjv2LymD3iMg/join

What kinds of files should you be sending to your mastering engineer? Should you be leaving your buss processing on or off? How loud should your mixes be. Justin Colletti answers all this and more in today's episode.

How long can you spend in the studio before you hit the point of diminishing returns?

Justin Colletti recommends asking yourself this question and monitoring your productive studio time in this episode. He offers a few insights into how long you can expect to remain productive in any given session, and a few strategies on how to keep your longevity in the music business.

Thanks to Gear Club, Soundtoys and YOU for sponsoring this episode.

Justin Colletti shares the top 10 ways you can dramatically speed up your progress in mixing.

►Get the Lauten LS-208 Mic used in this video for $50 off here: https://bit.ly/lauten208-50off

►Get FREE plugins that run on your GPU: https://gpu.audio/sonic-scoop

►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com

►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com

►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com

Justin Colletti shares his picks for the best new pro audio and music gear for the studio from NAMM 2024. Includes headphones, microphones, plugins, hardware and more. 

Check out all courses here:
►Mixing Breakthroughs: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►EQ Breakthroughs: https://EQBreakthroughs.com
►Compression Breakthroughs: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►Mastering Demystified: https://MasteringDemystified.com

How much do audio engineers make? Justin Colletti dives into the statistics on income in the audio and sound fields to break it down, and examine some fo the latest trends.

Some of key takeaways this year? After migrating from New York to California earlier this decade, some of the audio jobs may be migrating back OUT of California, now to smaller, even more affordable locales.

Thanks to iZotope, Soundtoys and Gear Club for sponsoring this podcast.

Want to go even deeper? Read the article version here: https://sonicscoop.com/2019/05/20/2019-audio-engineer-salary-jobs-report

Should you compress, EQ or limit your mix bus? And if so, HOW? Here are the Pros and Cons of mix bus processing from Justin Colletti.

►See free audio tutorial videos with Justin here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3yghKGBjggTkBYyc-1_larMT6K4rGwmr

►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com

►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com

►Get the free mastering workshop: https://sonicscoop.com/Mastering101

►Get the free mixing workshop: https://sonicscoop.com/MixHabits ►Win free stuff at https://sonicscoop.com/contest

►Subscribe to the podcast or leave a rating and review here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sonicscoop-podcast/id1448330690

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gEpIPfGsScZPowycksAY5 

What holds you back in music, production or in mixing?

This week, Justin Colletti talks to Ian Temple of Soundfly about some of the most common hangups and stumbling blocks for new musicians, producers and engineers and how to surmount them.

Tune in for 5 of the most important principles for learning anything related to music and audio much faster, and for becoming much more productive in your pursuits.

Thanks to Soundtoys, Gear Club and Mixing Breakthroughs for sponsoring this podcast.

See more from Ian at
http://Soundfly.com and
http://flypaper.Soundfly.com

Want to have a sustainable career in music?

Ultimately, there are only 5 ways to make an income in music production. (And honestly, any other art form you love.)

Justin Colletti details all of the major approaches, with several specific examples in each.

Thanks to GPU Audio for sponsoring this podcast. Get free Early Access to their convolution reverb at https://gpu.audio/sonicscoop

►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com

►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here:
https://mixingbreakthroughs.com

►Get Mastering Demystified here:
https://MasteringDemystified.com

In this week's episode, Justin Colletti shares the top 3 mixing strategies revealed by 3x GRAMMY-winner Jacquire King in his MixCon 2020 Masterclass

Justin Colletti goes over his favorite new gear from NAMM 2023, and some key insights on how the show has changed.

►Get FREE plugins that run on your GPU: https://gpu.audio/sonic-scoop

 ►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com

►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com

►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com

Should you compress, EQ, or otherwise process your mix? How much headroom should you leave for mastering? Justin Colletti explores!

Nic Hard has been fearlessly recording his effects and audio processing for decades, and talks to Justin Colletti about how you can do the same.

This industry veteran has worked with artists including Snarky Puppy, The Bravery, Ghost Beach and routinely commits to audio processing choices while tracking, from compression to EQ to distortion to pitch vending, sometimes to an extreme degree, all in his pursuit of getting as finished of a sound as possible while going in.

Thanks to Soundtoys, Gear Club and Mixing Breakthroughs for sponsoring this episode.

See Nic's MixCon 2016 presentation, The Mix Starts With the Mics here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bR1n88OIDg

Should your EQ come before your compressor or after? Should your compressor go after your saturator or before?

There are so many different orders you could put your effects in. Which are best and why? And how are you supposed to remember them all?

Justin Colletti gives you the principles and concepts you need to get this right every time.

Thanks to GPU Audio for sponsoring this podcast. Get free Early Access to their convolution reverb at https://gpu.audio/sonicscoop

►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com

►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com

►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com

Justin Colletti shares his top 3 takeaways from Michael Brauer's masterclass at MixCon 2020.

Do you need to come from money to make it in the music world? Some people tell themselves it's a big factor. But how much does it really matter?

What are the most important pieces of gear in the studio? Justin Colletti offers a way to filter through noise and answer this question.

In short: Gear generally gets more important the closer you get to the beginning of the chain. This concept has some profound implications.

Thanks to Soundtoys, Eventide and YOU for sponsoring this podcast.

► Sign up to learn the Top 5 Habits of Truly Great Mixers here: https://sonicscoop.com/MixHabits

How do you get the low end to sit right in your recordings and mixes? Justin Colletti has answers. Join him for this deep dive into the bottom end of record production in this, episode 47 of the SonicScoop Podcast.

Don't forget to sign up for the free workshop at https://sonicscoop.com/MixHabits

Thanks to Soundtoys, Eventide and Mixing Breakthroughs for sponsoring this episode.

There's no such thing as a pair of studio monitors that are absolutely perfect. So, choosing the right speakers for your studio requires that you know your own biases inside and out, and that you pick a set that complements your strengths and weaknesses. Justin Colletti discusses in this episode of the podcast. Thanks to Eventide, Soundtoys and Mixing Breakthroughs for sponsoring this episode.

Do you need 16 mics to record drums well? Can you get away with 1, 2 or 4? If you had 8 mics to use, what would you record and what would you leave out?

Justin Colletti answers these questions and more in this week's episode of the podcast.

►Get the free mixing workshop: https://sonicscoop.com/MixHabits

►Get the free mastering workshop: https://sonicscoop.com/Mastering101

Snake oil. It exists in the world of audio. Oh boy does it ever. But so do small changes that can make a real difference.

How do you differentiate between the two, to get the best sound quality you can, while getting the most bang for your buck?

Justin Colletti gives you the process for finding out.

Justin Colletti and special guest Jack Rubinacci talk about how to overcome tinnitus and hearing loss so that you can thrive as a musician, producer or engineer in the studio and on stage.
►Get FREE plugins that run on your GPU: https://gpu.audio/sonic-scoop
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com

Justin Colletti is back with another look at the top 3 takeaways from one of our MixCon Masterclass presenters, this time, Maria Elisa Ayerbe, a woman who has worked with Mary J Blige, Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, JLo, Laura Pausini, Juanes, Kronos Quartet, Nashville Symphony, Bogota Philharmonic Orchestra, New World Symphony, and many more.

Justin Colletti shares the 10 bad habits that are holding you back, and keeping you from "going pro" in music and sound.

Borrowing from insights from the field of neuroscience, as well as age-old wisdom, get ready for a podcast episode that will shake you to your bones, break you down and build you back up. For 2023, this podcast is switching to a livestreaming format.

Love what you're hearing? Let us know the timestamp of your favorite moments in the episode and we'll make them into a short clip.

What makes Chris Lord-Alge one of the most famous mixers in history? It's not the gear.

►🎚Mixing Breakthroughs: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►🎛Compression Breakthroughs: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►🎧 EQ Breakthroughs: https://EQBreakthroughs.com
►🔊Mastering Demystified: https://MasteringDemystified.com
►✅Become a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqEKv3KIZoZrjv2LymD3iMg/join

Chris Lord-Alge or "CLA", is one of the most famous mixers on the planet. Almost everyone in music production has heard his name. Or at least his initials!

But what makes his work special?

And is he really a cut above other mixers?

Here's a link to the CLA comparison playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5SVHTjDdQNgUPouomuEyFj?si=2aed4bbeeac54150

Check out some of my own work at the link below: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7oTw7efd6U5117UPorYjN1?si=214a9757f4eb48b4 Big thanks to Soundtoys, ADAM and Focusrite for making this episode possible.

The best mixers and mastering engineers on the planet usually have systematic approach to mixing. This doesn't hamper their creativity. It enhances it. Justin Colletti gives you all you need to know to create a great mixing system for yourself.

Justin Colletti offers his tips on how to use parallel compression and processing on practically everything, from drums to bass to vocals, pianos, 808, mix bus and more.

Justin Colletti shares his 3 favorite takeaways from Jimmy Douglass' MixCon Masterclass.

Catch the full presentation here: https://sonicscoop.com/2020/09/16/mixing-remixing-masterclass-w-jimmy-douglass/

Justin Colletti talks about how to use an often-misunderstood mode found in an increasing number of plugins and hardware devices: Mid-Side processing.

What does it mean, and what can it do for your productions? Justin discusses this, and more importantly the "why" of mid-side processing, especially in mastering, but also in special mixing circumstances.

Thanks to Gear Club, Soundtoys and YOU for sponsoring this episode.

Justin Colletti goes on a rant about some of the worst experiences he had in getting his own mixes mastered early on in his career. 

What makes this mix great? Justin Colletti analyzes the mix, production and arrangement for Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun".

Check out all courses here:
►Mixing Breakthroughs: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►EQ Breakthroughs: https://EQBreakthroughs.com
►Compression Breakthroughs: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►Mastering Demystified: https://MasteringDemystified.com

►Become a Member! Join this channel for access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqEKv3KIZoZrjv2LymD3iMg/join Soundgarden's

Superunknown stands the test of time with some S-Tier rock mixes that sound amazing on any good system. Mixed by Brendan O'Brien and produced with Michael Beinhorn, songs like "Black Hole Sun" and "Fell On Black Days" get just about everything right that a rock mix can get right. There are a ton of lessons to be learned here about relative levels between vocals, kick, snare, tom and guitars in the genre, exactly how to use panning to enhance the stereo filed and a lot more. Big thanks to Soundtoys, Lewitt Audio and Ultimate Support for making this episode possible.

►See free audio tutorial videos with Justin here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3yghKGBjggTkBYyc-1_larMT6K4rGwmr

►Get the free mastering workshop: https://sonicscoop.com/Mastering101

Why does your mix sound OK in the studio, but terrible in the car? 

►🎚Mixing Breakthroughs: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►🎛Compression Breakthroughs: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►🎧 EQ Breakthroughs: https://EQBreakthroughs.com
►🔊Mastering Demystified: https://MasteringDemystified.com
►✅Become a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqEKv3KIZoZrjv2LymD3iMg/join 

Justin Colletti looks through the lens of the "Car Check" to help you figure out why your mixes won't translate to other systems, and what you can do about it.


►Get the free mastering workshop: https://sonicscoop.com/Mastering101
►Get the free mixing workshop: https://sonicscoop.com/MixHabits ►Win free stuff at https://sonicscoop.com/contest

Why do some people seem to be able to make a living in music and audio, while so many people who are equally passionate, and even talented, can never quite get their careers off the ground?

There are many factors in this equation, but one of the most important revolves on what KINDS of plans you are making. Here's how to live a life full of great music and great work without settling for an uninspiring "Plan B".

Thanks to Focusrite, Soundtoys and Gear Club for sponsoring this podcast.

Producer/engineer/mixer Dana Nielsen has worked with the likes of Rick Rubin, Rihanna, Neil Young, Adele, Metallica, Bob Dylan, Slayer, Weezer and so many more.

He talks to Justin Colletti about making the most of compromised mix rooms, his favorite microphones, and recording remotely with the band Endless Field.

Learn more about Dana at http://DanaNielsen.com

Get a HUGE discount on the mics used in this video at http://jzmic.com with the discount code SONICSCOOP for free shipping on top of your 50% off for a limited time.

Learn more about Endless Field and see the videos discussed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOGmv0NRPfY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLqwExRXmUY https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAuv-ws9zdGenxhJ_PnEcNw

Get the FREE Music Pre-Production Checklist here: https://sonicscoop.com/checklist/

Pre-production is arguably the most important part of the record making process. It's also the most neglected. Justin Colletti give you the strategies you need to succeed in any type of music release.

Thanks to Soundtoys, Eventide and Mixing Breakthroughs for sponsoring this podcast episode.

In this episode, Justin Colletti tries to talk you out of all your hopes and dreams of being an audio engineer or music producer. He hopes he succeeds! (Really but not really.)

Legendary music mixer Michael Brauer joins Justin Colletti to talk all about the art of mixing, and how to overcome the fears that have kept so many mixers—including him—from doing their best work early on in their careers.

From Coldplay to John Mayer to Grizzly Bear, Brauer's body of work, spanning more than 40 years, has made him one of the most respected and influential audio engineers on the scene today.

Filled with his incomparable wit and wisdom, this 90 minute journey with Michael Brauer just flies by. From the art and mindset of mixing, to some of Brauer's trademark tools and techniques, Justin and Michael cover a tremendous amount of ground, including how Brauer learned to hear compression, and how he integrates it into his multi-bus mixing setup, now in a new hybrid studio without an analog desk.

Thanks to iZotope, Eventide and Soundtoys for Sponsoring this podcast.

For more from Michael Brauer, visit https://www.mbrauer.com or https://MixWithTheMasters.com

Justin Colletti reveals the secret science of stacking compressors in the mix in the latest episode of the SonicScoop podcast. Learn how to set attack, release, ratio and more in layered compression and limiting.

16 bit? 24 bit? 32 bit?? How much of a difference does bit depth really make? And are these differences you can hear for yourself?

Justin Colletti dives deep into this topic to clear up the common misunderstandings around bit depth in audio and helps make you make the best choices for your productions, whatever DAW or interface you may be using.

Thanks to Soundtoys, Focusrite and Eventide for sponsoring this podcast.

This week, Justin Colletti shares some evidence-tested ways to get much better, much faster, at what you do—whether that's playing an instrument, writing songs, mixing records, running a business, or anything else.

Research shows that there are better and worse ways to go about improving at your craft—and that talent isn't all that it's chalked up to be.

For more on this topic, try:

https://sonicscoop.com/2016/09/09/become-best-music-sound-anything-else/

https://sonicscoop.com/2016/09/25/practice-musicians-producers-audio-engineers-entrepreneurs-can-improve-craft

http://mixingbreakthroughs.com

Thanks to Eventide and Soundtoys for sponsoring this podcast.

There's a big misconception about how sampling rate works in audio. And we're going to put it to rest.

Justin Colletti exposes the most pernicious myth about sample rate: That with too few samples, the shape of the original waveform can be misrepresented.

Sine waves could turn into triangle or sawtooth waves if you tried to "draw" them using too few "dots". That this could happen seems logical, and intuitive... but is 100% wrong!

Almost all of us assume this is what would happen at one point or another. But today Justin proves why it's wrong in three ways., and give advice on choosing the best sample rate for you.

Check out all courses here:

►Mixing Breakthroughs: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com

►EQ Breakthroughs: https://EQBreakthroughs.com

►Compression Breakthroughs: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com

►Mastering Demystified: https://MasteringDemystified.com

In this episode of the SonicScoop Podcast, Justin Colletti gives some key principles on how to approach the prospect of "working for free" in the studio and audio world.

Whether its "spec work" or the unpaid studio internship, or sample work, there are ways to make real progress, and ways to be sure to waste your time.

Thanks to Gear Club, Soundtoys and Mixing Breakthroughs for sponsoring this episode.

Does the demo still matter? Or did the DAW kill it? And what should music pre-production look like in the 21st century?

►🎚Mixing Breakthroughs: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►🎛Compression Breakthroughs: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►🎧 EQ Breakthroughs: https://EQBreakthroughs.com
►🔊Mastering Demystified: https://MasteringDemystified.com
►✅Become a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqEKv3KIZoZrjv2LymD3iMg/join

Big thanks to Soundtoys, Baby Audio and Focusrite for making this episode possible.

15% off Baby Audio plugins at https://babyaud.io/sonicscoop with code SONICSCOOP at checkout!

This week, Justin Colletti gives an overview of 3 of the most useful advanced compression strategies, and details how to implement them on a variety of instruments.

From parallel compression for drums, bass and vocals, serial compression for instruments and buses, and sidechain compression for making space, these are skills that should be in every producer or engineer's toolkit.

Thanks to Eventide, Soundtoys and Mixing Breakthroughs for sponsoring this episode. For more on this topic, try:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnKgDAImZtg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQmQ5uzwNmM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwrRF2SrP3U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i-cY4EQMoU

For even more depth with Justin try http://mixingbreakthroughs.com and http://masteringdemystified.com

In this week's podcast, veteran mixer Mike Major [At The Drive In, Coheed and Cambria, Tall as Lions] joins Justin Colletti to talk all about enhancing drum sounds in the mix.

He breaks down his process and workflow in detail, offering a repeatable framework for getting the most out of real drum kits, whether you're looking to add size and ambience, or get tighter, cleaner sounds.

Thanks to Soundtoys, Gear Club and Sonarworks for sponsoring this podcast.

http://Sonarworks.com
http://Soundtoys.com
http://Gear-Club.net

See more from Mike at

https://Mike Major Mix.com
https://MixingDrums.com

Fine the article mentioned in the episode at: https://sonicscoop.com/2017/01/31/advanced-drum-mixing-time-aligning-drum-tracks-better-phase-coherence/

Find more of Mike's free articles at: https://sonicscoop.com/author/mike-major/

Justin Colletti offers one big tip to dramatically improve your masters and your mixes. And it has to do with not just where, but WHEN you put in your limiter.

Coverage of Dolby Atmos has be characterized by one of two things: Hype or Hatred. Are there real benefits to the format? Is it just a fad? Or is it a danger to independent musicians and producers? Justin Colletti dives deep.
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get FREE plugins that run on your GPU: https://gpu.audio/sonic-scoop
►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com

Is there a better way to EQ? Justin Colletti thinks so. This easy to implement approach beats aimlessly sweeping through your EQ any day of the week. You can get better sounds with this simple 3-step trick immediately....and take a lifetime to master all the potential it has to offer.

We asked your questions of producer, engineer and mixer Catherine Marks following her MixCon masterclass.

Catherine’s credits include Manchester Orchestra, Alanis Morrisette, Wolf Alice, St. Vincent, Local Natives, Interpol, PJ Harvey, Kanye West and many more.

Check out her full masterclass here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0GEKw9cf-8

Big thanks to Soundtoys for helping make this one free to the public. Visit them at https://soundtoys.com where you can try any of their plugins for free for 30 days. 

Learn more about mixing with Justin's full length course https://mixingbreakthroughs.com

During mastering, you sometimes have to fit very different sounding productions onto the same record. Some songs might have been recorded with a full rock band, some might have a more EDM or electronic treatment, while others might be acoustic or have a hip hop feel.

How should a mastering engineer make such a disparate and eclectic selection of songs fit all together on one album? Justin Colletti shares his process and best practices.

See free audio tutorial videos with Justin here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3yghKGBjggTkBYyc-1_larMT6K4rGwmr

►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com

►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com

►Get the free mastering workshop: https://sonicscoop.com/Mastering101

►Get the free mixing workshop: https://sonicscoop.com/MixHabits ►Win free stuff at https://sonicscoop.com/contest

►Subscribe to the podcast or leave a rating and review here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sonicscoop-podcast/id1448330690

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gEpIPfGsScZPowycksAY5

#musicmastering #masteringengineer #musicproduction #audioengineer #musicproducer #musicmixing #audioengineer #musicproducer #audiomixing #mixingengineer #JustinColletti #SonicScoop

In the world of audio or music you're either an amateur or a professional. Which are you?

Sometimes we're not clear and honest with ourselves about what role we're currently in—and which one is really best for us. That can lead to heartache and headaches, no matter which goals you pursue.

In this episode of the podcast, Justin Colletti offers his standard for telling the difference between amateurs and professionals, and for deciding which path is best for you.

He also offers a robust defense of the amateur musician, and drives the point home by talking about a few of the hobbies where he is happy to be a committed amateur.

If you're an amateur, be happy to be one! And if you are a professional musician (or want to be one) be clear about what it means to pursue that goal. Also know that chances are you'll live a happier, healthier life if you find some other area where you can happily be and act like an amateur.

Is the demo dead in the age of the DAW? Never! This week, Justin Colletti shares why pre-production is still crucially important for music releases that make a dent in the universe.

Rick Rubin is one of the most successful music producers in the history of modern music. He's been talking a lot about his approach in recent interviews, and his book The Creative Act. But there's a LOT he leaves out.

Justin Colletti has gone through the book and tens of hours of interviews to read between the lines and share the advice that Rubin is really trying to get across.

►Get the Lauten LS-208 Mic used in this video for $50 off here: https://bit.ly/lauten208-50off

►Get free plugins: https://gpu.audio/sonicscoop

►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com

►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com

►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com

Justin Colletti shares his top 3 takeaways from Tom Holkenborg (AKA Junkie XL)'s MixCon Masterclass.

Steve Albini earned a lifelong cult following of music fans and music producers after his work on Nirvana’s In Utero.

But what made his mixes and productions unique?

And what can we learn from his approach in the studio, and in the mix?

That’s what we’ll analyze today.

Join Justin Colletti as we take a closer look at the late, great Albini’s work with artists like Nirvana, Pixies, PJ Harvey, Breeders, Joanna Newsome and more.

►🎚Mixing Breakthroughs: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com ►🎛Compression Breakthroughs: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com ►🎧 EQ Breakthroughs: https://EQBreakthroughs.com ►🔊Mastering Demystified: https://MasteringDemystified.com ►✅Become a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqEKv3KIZoZrjv2LymD3iMg/join

►Get the free mixing workshop: https://sonicscoop.com/MixHabits

►Get the free mastering workshop: https://sonicscoop.com/Mastering101

How long should you take to mix a song? Justin Colletti offers some clear guidelines in this week's episode of the SonicScoop Podcast. He also goes over best practices for managing your time when it comes to mastering and recording.

Chances are that unless you’re an in-demand mixer at the top of your craft, you’re not using enough automation in you mixes.

Great automation is not just optional. It’s required for mix balances that work throughout the entire song, and enhance the emotional impact of the whole production.

But it’s not just levels that can and should be automated. It’s pans, EQs and effects too. Discover some of the most commonly neglected instruments you’ll want to start doing level rides on right away, and some special automation tricks for both mixing and mastering.

Thanks to Soundtoys, Fab Filter and JZ microphones for sponsoring this episode. Remember to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Luca Pretolesi just kicked off MixCon 2020 with an awesome masterclass on mixing electronic music. 

Justin Colletti shares his top takeaways from Luca's presentation.

Get the full free masterclass here: https://youtu.be/cahztwJBn7c

Are you about to send your music in for mastering? Veteran GRAMMY-nominated mastering engineer Joe Lambert joins Justin Colletti on this week's podcast to answer some of the most common questions mastering engineers get, and to give some tips on avoiding the biggest mistakes artists and mixers make.

Thanks to Sonarworks, Soundtoys and Eventide for sponsoring.

Reach Joe at http://joelambertmastering.com

Check out Justin's course at http://MasteringDemystified for more great tips or his "Mixing Tips from Your Mastering Engineer" series on the Joe Lambert Mastering blog:

https://sonicscoop.com/2015/11/12/mix-tips-from-your-mastering-engineer/

See Joe's video masterclass with SonicScoop here: https://sonicscoop.com/2017/09/28/music-mastering-masterclass-joe-lambert/

Or, check out SonicScoop's best ever posts on mastering at: https://sonicscoop.com/2018/05/13/sonicscoops-top-10-best-posts-mastering/

What makes Serban Ghenea a great mixer? It's not the gear.

►🎚Mixing Breakthroughs: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►🎛Compression Breakthroughs: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►🎧 EQ Breakthroughs: https://EQBreakthroughs.com
►🔊Mastering Demystified: https://MasteringDemystified.com
►✅Become a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqEKv3KIZoZrjv2LymD3iMg/join

Serban Ghenea is probably the most critically acclaimed pop mixer of this generation. It's not just that he's worked on some of the most streamed releases of all time. It's also that he's the kind of mixer that other mixers credit as being their favorite mixer!

Unfortunately, he's notorious for not doing interviews. But in the few he has given, he and his assistant have been open books as far as revealing exactly what tools they use. And they are all well within reach for the average producer.

So, why do his mixes sound so far above the average? That's what today's livestream is all about. We'll be analyzing Serban's mixes to figure out exactly what make them tick.

Here's a link to the Serban comparison playlist. Odd number tracks are Serban mixes. Even number tracks are another mixer on the same album: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2jG4HMtDuaXJIRINX24Y9w?si=4818cbc8c26b4fc8

Want to know how to EQ Drums? And Bass? And Vocals? And Guitars? And Pianos? And, well... EVERYTHING? Justin Colletti gives the answers in this episode.

Discover a groundbreaking new EQ system, designed to elevate your entire mix—even if you have no experience! Learn more: https://EQBreakthroughs.com

Check out the plugin giveaway mentioned in the video here: https://us.pluginsmasters.com/giveaway-1st-anniversary/?v=ba43077c0ac9

Check out all courses here:

►Mixing Breakthroughs: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com

►Compression Breakthroughs: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com

►Mastering Demystified: https://MasteringDemystified.com

Is it a good idea to mix your own recordings or master your own mixes?

Justin Colletti discusses the pros and cons of each of these approaches. He offers some advice on how to do it right, as well as ways of thinking through when and why you might want to seek help, and when to go it alone.

Enter the Focusrite giveaway here: https://bit.ly/PSM_SonicScoop

Get 7% off DistroKid here: https://Distrokid.com/SonicScoop

Joe Chiccarelli is a ten-time Grammy-winning producer/engineer/mixer whose credits include Beck, U2, The White Stripes, The Strokes, The Killers, Elton John, Morrissey, Jason Mraz and more.

In this week's podcast episode, Hear the live Q&A from Joe's MixCon Masterclass, where he walks us through his approach to mixing, with a special emphasis on tasteful use of drum samples, guitar treatments, and processing vocals in parallel. You'll also get some insights into how he uses his own custom Vocal Strip plugin, made by IK Multimedia.

See the full masterclass for free here: https://youtu.be/DeCDJvXmU7Q

Big thanks to IK Multimedia for helping make this presentation free to the public! Check out everything they make at https://ikmultimedia.com

How can you tell when your mix is finished? How do you know it's good enough? Justin Colletti shares his take.
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get FREE plugins that run on your GPU: https://gpu.audio/sonic-scoop
►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com

Justin Colletti gives a recap of the extremely detailed, 2 hour long mixing masterclass from Brian Vibberts at MixCon 2021.

Check out the full masterclass here: https://youtu.be/1t6LwP56-60

Taxes? Yes, taxes. SonicScoop's Justin Colletti can make even this topic fun, interesting and useful! 

If you're in business for yourself as a producer, engineer or musician, taxes are a big and unavoidable part of your business. And if you're not doing them right, it could be needlessly costing you thousands of dollars per year.

In this primer, learn all the things you never learned in school, and get a great framework and tons of useful tips, tactics and strategies for making sure you can keep more of your heard-earned money each year, and continue to grow your creative business.

Thanks to Focusrite, Soundtoys and Eventide for sponsoring this podcast.

For more detail on this topic, try:

https://sonicscoop.com/2018/03/22/independent-musicians-guide-not-overpaying-thousands-taxes/

In this episode, Justin Colletti details the positive effects on the brain and general health and well-being that come from learning music. This is why music education really matters.

For more on this topic, try:

https://sonicscoop.com/2016/02/27/why-music-education-actually-matters/

Thanks to Gear Club, Soundtoys and Mixing Breakthroughs for sponsoring this podcast.

Justin Colletti talks with Paul "Willie Green" Womack about wearing the many different hats a modern producer/engineer must don in the studio.

How do you keep it all together, shifting between the roles of technician, coach, arranger, craftsman, collaborator, and when should you farm some of the tasks to assistants and others?

This podcast is sponsored by Novation, Gear Club and Soundtoys.

Find Paul at http://www.williegreenmusic.com

Follow Paul on Twitter at https://twitter.com/williegreen1

Read his articles on SonicScoop at: https://sonicscoop.com/author/willie-green/

Your technical skills as a producer or engineer are only half the equation... Or maybe less than that!
►Get the book mentioned in the video: https://amz.run/6lHq
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get FREE plugins that run on your GPU: https://gpu.audio/sonic-scoop
►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com

Recently on the SonicScoop YouTube channel, Justin Colletti did a mix shootout with a platinum-selling, Grammy-winning mixer to see if he could do just as well using nothing but stock plugins in his DAW!

A crazy experiment? Maybe, but the results were revealing, and not what everyone expected.

After the session Justin hosted a live Q&A as part of MixCon. Here are the questions and answers.

Thanks to GPU Audio for sponsoring this podcast. Get free Early Access to their convolution reverb at https://gpu.audio/sonicscoop

►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com

►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com

►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com

Thanks also to Soundtoys! Try their plugins for free at https://soundtoys.com

How long does it take to get really GOOD at mixing music? How about producing or recording? Justin Colletti gives his take.
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get FREE plugins that run on your GPU: https://gpu.audio/sonic-scoop
►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com

Justin Colletti reviews the top pro level headphones for mixing, focusing on open back models for $400 and under from brands like Audeze, Avantone, Hifiman, Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser, Sony, Steven Slate, Shure, AKG, Neumann, Focal, Audio Technica and more.

Article Version: https://sonicscoop.com/best-headphones-for-mixing-400-under-2024/

Headphone Links:

Audeze MM-100: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N=0&InitialSearch=yes&Ntt=Audeze%20mm%20100&BI=20084&KBID=13882&SID=DFF

Avantone Planar the II: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/c/3177824/794166/11319?u=https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=Avantone%20Planar%20II

Hifiman Edition XS: https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&tag=sonicscoop08-20&linkCode=index=mi&keywords=Hifiman%20Edition%20XS

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/c/3177824/794166/11319?u=https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=sennheiser%20HD%20490%20pro

Slate VSX: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/c/3177824/794166/11319?u=https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=Slate%20VSX

Sony MDR MV1: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/c/3177824/794166/11319?u=https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=Sony%20MDR%20MV1

Austrian Audio Hi-X: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=Austrian+Audio+Hi-X&irclickid=UiKUjiwdAxyNRaZ0i2WejQ8cUkF1q83EN2%3AHS40&irgwc=1&utm+medium=SonicScoop&utm+source=Impact

Beyerdynamic DT Series: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=Beyerdynamic+DT&irclickid=UiKUjiwdAxyNRaZ0i2WejQ8cUkF1qaSIN2%3AHS40&irgwc=1&utm+medium=SonicScoop&utm+source=Impact

►Mixing Breakthroughs: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com

►Compression Breakthroughs: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com

►Mastering Demystified: https://MasteringDemystified.com

►Become a Member! Join this channel for access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqEKv3KIZoZrjv2LymD3iMg/join

In this episode Justin Colletti talks to Manny Marroquin, one of the biggest mixers of the 21st century about music production and the studio business.

Manny is a multiple GRAMMY winner who has worked with the likes of Post Malone, John Mayer, Imagine Dragons, Lizzo, Whitney Houston, 2Pac, Pink, Shakira, Maroon 5, Rihanna, Ludacris, and many more.

In a conversation that jumps seamlessly from right brain to left brain, Manny and Justin talk about how to run a successful business in the contemporary music industry, Manny's approach to mixing and a whole lot more.

Thanks to Plugin Alliance, Eventide and Soundtoys for sponsoring this podcast. For more, subscribe at SonicScoop.com, and be sure not to miss the MixCon even coming up in NYC, weekend of July 27.

There are secret norms and unwritten rules to making rock records sound like rock records.

If you want powerful, impressive, inspiring rock sounds, Justin Colletti has the answers...and the pitfalls to avoid.

Whether it's hard rock, punk, metal, grunge, thrash, classic rock, grindcore, post-rock, post-punk, garage rock revival or just heavy music in general, here are the top 10 mixing mistakes to avoid... and what to do instead.

Thanks to GPU Audio for sponsoring this podcast. Get free Early Access to their convolution reverb at https://gpu.audio/sonicscoop

►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com

►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com

►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com

To become successful in music and audio production, should you diversify your skillset, or niche down and specialize in a key area?

Justin Colletti gives you the best practices on whether and when each strategy is your best bet.

Ready to record a full length album? How much should you budget? Justin Colletti explores.

Thanks to Eventide, Soundtys and Novation for sponsoring this podcast.

For more on this subject see:

https://sonicscoop.com/2016/05/21/how-long-is-this-gonna-take-the-time-and-cost-of-recording-a-full-length-album/

https://sonicscoop.com/2016/06/09/time-cost-making-album-case-study-nirvana/

https://sonicscoop.com/2012/08/16/producers-weigh-in-on-kickstarter-recording-budgets/

Why do your mixes sound OK in your studio, and fall flat everywhere else? Can you get great mixes, even in compromised rooms, or if you're mixing on headphones? Here are the answers.

Justin Colletti distills down into the major keys to making your mixes work, no matter where you mix, or where your mixes go.

►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com

GRAMMY-Winning mixer Jeff Ellis has worked with the likes of Doja Cat, d4vd, Frank Ocean, The Neighbourhood and many more.

In today's MixCon Masterclass he'll talk about his approach to mixing, and especially how to avoid what he calls "Mixer Brain" and the "Mixing Death Spiral".

Big thanks to Kali Audio for helping make this one free to the public. check them out at https://kaliaudio.com 

 ►EQ Breakthroughs: https://EQBreakthroughs.com
►Mixing Breakthroughs: https://MixingBreakthroughs.com
►Compression Breakthroughs: https://CompressionVreakthroughs.com
►Mastering Demystified: https://MasteringDemystified.co
►Become a Member! Join this channel for access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqEKv3KIZoZrjv2LymD3iMg/join

Follow Jeff at https://instagram.com/jeffellisworldwide

Dialing in your effects before you even start your mix may seem "backwards" to some. But it's actually the way a lot of the best mixers work.

Surprising? Here's the how, the why and the best practices.