Join SonicScoop's Justin Colletti and guests to explore best practices for running a creative business in audio, music and other creative fields.
From tips and tutorials on music production and audio engineering, to business masterclasses, interviews with heavy hitting producers, engineers, researchers, journalists, creative entrepreneurs and more, the weekly SonicScoop podcast is unlike any other.
To clip or to limit? That is the question today. Where, why and how would you use a clipper rather than a limiter, and vice versa? Justin Colletti explores. ►🎚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!
Andy Wallace is one of the most revered rock and rap mixing engineers of all time. What makes him so great? We'll cover his work with artists like Nirvana, System of a Down, Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine, Slayer, Coldplay, Aersosmith, Run DMC, Linkin Park, Jeff Buckley and more. We'll even compare his work back to back with that of other mixers, often on the same album—or even the same song. This week’s episode of the SonicScoop Podcast is sponsored by Soundtoys, Focusrite, and Baby Audio. Enter code SCOOP15 for 15% off Baby Audio plugins at checkout!
What are the best modeling microphones for the studio? Justin Colletti shoots out the top options from Universal Audio, Antelope and Slate, including the LX, Edge, M1 and more Article Version: https://sonicscoop.com/what-is-the-best-modeling-mic-top-models-compared-uad-antelope-slate/ Microphone Links: Universal Audio Sphere: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/c/3177824/794166/11319?u=https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=Universal%20Audio%20Sphere Universal Audio Standard: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/c/3177824/794166/11319?u=https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=Universal%20audio%20standard Antelope Audio Edge: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N=0&InitialSearch=yes&Ntt=Antelope%20Edge&BI=20084&KBID=13882&SID=DFF Antelope Audio Axino: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N=0&InitialSearch=yes&Ntt=Antelope%20axino&BI=20084&KBID=13882&SID=DFF Slate VSM: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/c/3177824/794166/11319?u=https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=Universal%20audio%20standard ►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
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!
Michael Brauer is one of the most critically acclaimed and influential mixing engineers of all time. But why? ►🎚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 W Join Justin Colletti as we take a closer look at the great Michael Brauer's work with artists like Coldplay, John Mayer, Grizzly Bear, James Bay, Aerosmith, James Brown and many more. Here's a link to the Michael Brauer comparison playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3MKVHwmAtZhztmnUJ1OC1G?si=bc154f1d18744024 Here's my mixing shootout against Michael Brauer from MixCon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-pFNcMKZDc Check out some of my own work at the link below: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7oTw7efd6U5117UPorYjN1?si=214a9757f4eb48b4 Here's Michael's MixCon Masterclass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS7f_Jsln04 Here's one of my popular Michael Brauer Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZWbxwgkpfA Big thanks to Soundtoys, Baby Audio and Focusrite for making this episode possible.
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
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 makes a rock mix great? There are countless lessons to learn in Audioslave's self-titled debut, mixed by Rich Costey and produced by Rick Rubin. ►🎚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 Audioslave is a rock supergroup featuring Soundgarden's lead singer and rhythm guitarist Chris Cornell with Rage Against the Machine members Tom Morello, Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk. Produced by Rick Rubin and mixed by Rich Costey, it helps define the sound of good modern rock mixing.
What makes the mix and production for "Heat Waves" by Glass Animals so successful? Justin Colletti analyzes it in real time in this mixing breakdown. ►🎚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 "Heat Waves" spent a longer time on the Billboard Hot 100 than any other song in history: 91 weeks. It also took longer to hit #1 than any other song at 59 weeks—more than a full year. Mixed by Manny Marroquin and Chris Galland.
What makes this mix great? Justin Colletti analyzes the mix, production and arrangement for Blink 182's "All The Small Things". ►🎚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 "All the Small Things" by Blink 182 is an enduring hit that has been streamed over 1.1 BILLION times. What makes it so popular after more than 2 decades? And what can we learn about what the mix gets right?
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
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.
In order to mix well you need a roadmap. A system. A repeatable process that reminds you where you are in the mix, where you want to go, and how to get there. Here's how to build your own. ►🎚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 shares his own system for mixing in Mixing Breakthroughs https://mixingbreakthroughs.com If you want to learn to build your own, for free, that's what this episode is for. Big thanks to Soundtoys, ADAM and Focusrite for making this episode possible.
What makes Tchad Blake one of the most acclaimed 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 Tchad Blake is one of the most inventive, critically acclaimed, and influential mixers of his generation. Like many in this series, he's the kind of mixer that other mixers credit as being their favorite mixer! Tchad's mixes are known for sounding incredibly "analog", but he works exclusively in the box. Why do his mixes sound so fat and so organic using all digital tools? That's what we'll take a look at today. Here's a link to the Tchad Blake comparison playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4Hsis936dQBmi2VslZ9XPc?si=c5173e642ee546c7 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.
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
What are the best reference mixes? Justin Colletti shares his favorite reference mixes, WHY they work, and how you can choose your own. ►🎚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
Jerry Hammack joins Justin Colletti to talk about what made The Beatles sound the way they did, and what we can learn from them in the studio today. Jerry's Book: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=beatles+jerry+hammack&i=deals-intl-ship&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&crid=ZKGT8L090K2I&linkCode=ur2&linkId=e7be06f9fe71378026cd0cadd5634282&sprefix=studio+microphone%252Cdeals-intl-ship%252C53&tag=sonicscoop08-20&ref=nb_sb_noss
►🎚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
Jerry Hammack joins Justin Colletti to talk about what made The Beatles sound the way they did, and what we can learn from them in the studio today. Jerry's Book: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=beatles+jerry+hammack&i=deals-intl-ship&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&crid=ZKGT8L090K2I&linkCode=ur2&linkId=e7be06f9fe71378026cd0cadd5634282&sprefix=studio+microphone%252Cdeals-intl-ship%252C53&tag=sonicscoop08-20&ref=nb_sb_noss
►🎚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
There's a right and wrong way to use references when mixing or mastering. Justin Colletti shares the best and worst approaches. ►🎚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
It’s common to talk about “talent” when it comes to music. But how much difference does talent really make? ►🎚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 makes this mix great? Justin Colletti analyzes the mix, production and arrangement for The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" ►🎚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 The Weeknd's Abel Tesfaye is one of the biggest pop stars of the past decade, with the most streamed song in the history of Spotify with nearly 4.5 billion listens. Why has the song "Blinding Lights" and the album "After Hours" captivated so many, and what can we learn from what it gets right? Big thanks to Soundtoys and JZ Microphones for making this episode possible.
Justin Colletti is joined by Gregg Lehrman, CEO of the music-making software company Output, to talk about artificial intelligence in the music industry. ►🎚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 Will A.I. compete with musicians? Can we benefit from us? How it will shape the realities of making a living in music in the future? Check out Output at https://output.com Try Co-Producer for free at https://coproducer.output.com
Mastering engineer Justin Colletti answers your questions about mixing and music production in this livestream Q&A. ►🎚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 makes this mix great? Justin Colletti analyzes the mix, production and arrangement for Tame Impala's "The Less I Know The Better". ►🎚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 Tame Impala's Kevin Parker has had a huge influence on indie pop and rock, and just how far sounds can be pushed toward their breaking point while still sounding impressive, musical and satisfying.
Take a deep dive into the sounds of "Currents" and "The Less I Know The Better" in this episode. Big thanks to Soundtoys for making this episode possible.
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
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
Justin Colletti analyzes the mix, production and arrangement for Britney Spears' smash hit "Toxic" to show what makes it work so brilliantly well. 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
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
Justin Colletti analyzes the "bad" mix for Pharrell Williams "Happy" to show what makes it great. 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
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
How good your mix "sounds" doesn't matter if it doesn't FEEL right. The #1 way to get mixes to feel better is to correctly identify the rhythmic "micro hooks" in any given section.
The word "hook" can mean a lot of things in music. Here, we are not necessarily talking about the "hook" in the sense of the "chorus" of the song. We're talking about "microhooks" found throughout the song.
Learn all about them, and other ways to make your mix FEEL right and hook listeners... Regardless of how "good" it sounds. 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
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
We asked your questions of producer and mix engineer Joel Hamilton after his MixCon masterclass. Check out the main presentation here: https://youtu.be/ysaqkNmMgSc Big thanks to Plugin Alliance for helping make this one free to the public. Try out anything they make for free at https://plugin-alliance.com Enter to win more than $10k in free gear in the MixCon Mega Giveaway here: https://delicious-audio.com/mixcon-mega-giveaway/
Nic Hard answers your questions about his MixCon masterclass and approach to mixing. Check out the main presentation here: https://youtu.be/bNQkbY7A9XY Big thanks to Sonarworks for helping make this one free to the public. Try out anything they make for free at https://sonarworks.com Enter to win more than $10k in free gear in the MixCon Mega Giveaway here: https://delicious-audio.com/mixcon-mega-giveaway/ Thanks also to Lewitt Audio, Soundtoys and Ultimate Support for supporting the podcast.
We asked questions of Gavin Lurssen and Reuben Cohen about their MixCon masterclass and approach to mastering Catch the full masterclass here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xzjLjXlcCo Big thanks to Audeze for helping make this one free to the public. Try out anything they make for free at https://audeze.com Enter to win more than $10k in free gear in the MixCon Mega Giveaway here: https://delicious-audio.com/mixcon-mega-giveaway/
Thanks also to Lewitt Audio, Soundtoys and Ultimate Support for supporting the podcast. ►EQ Breakthroughs: https://EQBreakthroughs.com ►Mixing Breakthroughs: https://MixingBreakthroughs.com
►Compression Breakthroughs: https://CompressionVreakthroughs.com ►Mastering Demystified: https://MasteringDemystified.co
We asked Sylvia Massy your questions after her MixCon Masterclass. Sylvia has worked with Tool, System of a Down, RHCP, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Jason Isbell an more. Catch the full masterclass here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1Ai-4SoIIg Thanks to Soundtoys https://Soundtoys.com
Enter the MixCon Mega Giveaway here: https://delicious-audio.com/mixcon-mega-giveaway/
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
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
Chris Selim of @mixdownonline visits the SonicScoop Podcast to talk to Justin Colletti about scaling down his studio intentionally, creative ways of making an income in music and sound, and the intersection of music and faith. ►Mixing Breakthroughs: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Compression Breakthroughs: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►Mastering Demystified: https://MasteringDemystified.com
Justin Colletti reviews the top pro level headphones for mixing and mastering, focusing on open back models from brands like Audeze, Neumann, Focal, Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser, Sony, Focal, Steven Slate, Shure, Audio Technica and more.
Article Version with links to all headphones : https://sonicscoop.com/best-headphones-for-mixing-and-mastering-the-ultimate-buyers-guide-2023/
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
What are the best places to learn mixing and music production...or just to be entertained? Justin Colletti ranks his favorites and takes your nominees.
►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
What's the best way to go about soundproofing a room? It is more involved than some realize. The principles are simple. But the reality isn't always easy to hear. Justin Colletti dives into the details.
►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
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
Are you a producer? I mean, REALLY a producer? If you're looking to hire one, what should you look for? Here's what a producer is and does... and who's just faking.
►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
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
How much do audio engineers and music producers earn in 2023? Where are the jobs and how much do they pay? Justin Colletti dives into the data.
►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
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
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 share how you can avoid the pitfalls of buying the wrong gear and falling for awful, awful gear advice. ►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 ►Become a Member and get custom feedback on your mixes, music and channel! Join this channel for access to awesome perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqEKv3KIZoZrjv2LymD3iMg/join
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
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 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 the top 10 items you need in our studio that you might not have thought of. ►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/sonicscoop ►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com ►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com ►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com
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
Want to get your music discovered and actually heard on YouTube? Justin Colletti shares the top 4 tips that will get the algorithm to pick up your music so you can gain real world fans. ►Become a Member and get custom feedback on your mixes, music and channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqEKv3KIZoZrjv2LymD3iMg/join ►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com ►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com ►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com
Do you REALLY know what your Knee control does and how you should use it? How about Compressor Link, Feed Forward, Key, Sidechain & Release Hysteresis? Want to go deeper? 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 this channel for access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqEKv3KIZoZrjv2LymD3iMg/join
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
A masterclass in meters! What can your meters tell you about your mix and how to improve it? Can they guide you to better sounds? Justin Colletti tells you everything you need to know. ►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 this channel for access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqEKv3KIZoZrjv2LymD3iMg/join
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
Let's face it: We're all lazy sometimes. But Justin Colletti wants you to harness your lazy instincts for good instead of getting your mixes quietly killed by them. When you put first things first, and front load some of your effort, the whole mixing process becomes so much faster, easier, more effective, and more FUN. Thanks to GPU Audio for sponsoring this episode. Visit GPU.audio/SonicScoop to get a FREE convolution reverb and modulation bundle. ►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com ►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com ►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com
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.
Chris Tabron is a 2 x GRAMMY award-winning and multi-platinum record producer and mixer known for his work with Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Mary J. Blige, The Strokes, Battles and Erykah Badu. More recently, his work as an additional producer and mixer was recognized at the 63rd GRAMMY awards for The Strokes recording, The New Abnormal, which won Best Rock Album, produced by Rick Rubin. Join us for this Q&A from his MixCon Masterclass. See his full masterclass here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-HQPE7AcCg
Ronald Prent is an accomplished and innovative mixer with over 40 years of experience. He has worked in rock, pop, metal and classical, and has been a pioneer of multi-channel formats. His long list of clients includes Celine Dion, Simple Minds, Freddie Mercury, Dire Straits, The Police, Rammstein, The Scorpions, Elton John, Tina Turner, Queensryche, Def Leppard, David Garret, Manowar, Depeche Mode and many more. Join us for this conversation with Ronald from MixCon 2022. Learn more about mixing at https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
Diamond-selling mix engineer Richard Furch walked us through an international pop mix in this MixCon Masterclass. First, he showed off his approach to pop vocals, drums and more in stereo before diving into Atmos. Now, hear his answers to the most popular questions asked of him. At the start of his career, Richard Furch was part of some of the seminal albums of the 2000’s such as Outkast’s “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” and Usher’s “Confessions” and critical darlings such as Fountains Of Wayne’s “Stacy’s Mom”. As a mixer, his credits have grown to include the likes of Prince, Frank Ocean, Jay-Z, Tyrese, Snoop Dogg, The Game, The Weeknd, Chaka Khan, JJ Lin and GEM, adding up to 6 Grammy winning albums out of 23 nominated albums.
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
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
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
Fix your bottom end! The low end in your mix is both the hardest part to get right, AND the most important part to get right.
Here's what's holding you back. And what you can do about it.
In this episode of the podcast Justin Colletti offers his take on the three things that mess up low end on mixes and what you can do differently for powerful, coherent kicks and basses.
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
Fix your bottom end! The low end in your mix is both the hardest part to get right, AND the most important part to get right. Here's what's holding you back, and what you can do about it.
In this episode of the podcast Justin Colletti offers his take on the three things that mess up low end on mixes and what you can do differently for powerful, coherent kicks and basses.
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
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
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
What's the most important thing in all of music mixing?
Contrary to popular belief, it's NOT making everything equally audible at all times.
Being able to get a "well balanced" mix is a useful skill. But when you're ready to go beyond merely competent mixing and into the world of truly memorable, world-class mixing, that touches and impresses end listeners...
...Then the key to this crucial mindset shift is finding the crucial "focal points" of the song, and letting them dominate other elements.
This is a core component of the best and most memorable mixes and sounds you'll ever hear.
Justin Colletti details how to find your focal points, and how to evaluate, organize and treat each of the sounds in your mix in order of importance.
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
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
A listener asks: "Justin, what are your pet peeves as a mastering engineer?"
Hear his full response, with the complete list of the "7 deadly sins of mixing".
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
Is there a "right" level for listening? Yes! And it varies, depending on whether you're mixing, mastering, producing or recording.
Learn how your listening level effects what you hear, and what to do about it. Justin Colletti shares the strategies the best pros use to get this part of their process right.
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
Want to get your music heard, by actual people? There are only 4 ways to do it.
The most successful artists employ all four of these major strategies, while those that languish in obscurity for their whole live rarely do more than 1 or 2 with any seriousness.
Justin Colletti shares all four of these approaches, as well as their benefits and pitfalls, in this week's episode.
Thanks to GPU Audio for sponsoring this podcast. Get free Early Access to their convolution reverb at https://gpu.audio/sonicscoop
Thanks to iZotope for sponsoring this episode of the SonicScoop Podcast. Get 10% off their plugins at https://iZotope.com/SonicScoop
►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com
You're wasting your time by trying to learn mastering! ...Or are you?
Justin Colletti shares why you shouldn't bother learning mastering, and focus on other parts of music production instead. (And when you should.)
Thanks to GPU Audio for sponsoring this podcast. Get free Early Access to their convolution reverb at https://gpu.audio/sonicscoop
Thanks to iZotope for sponsoring this episode of the SonicScoop Podcast. Get 10% off their plugins at https://iZotope.com/SonicScoop
►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com
What's the best way to handle mastering revisions? Get this right, and you'll be able to avoid the #1 mistake that plagues all too many mastering sessions.
Justin Colletti shares his approach, and a handful of best practices you can adopt, whether you are a mastering engineer, mixer, producer or artist.
Thanks to GPU Audio for sponsoring this podcast. Get free Early Access to their convolution reverb at https://gpu.audio/sonicscoop
Thanks to iZotope for sponsoring this episode of the SonicScoop Podcast. Get 10% off their plugins at https://iZotope.com/SonicScoop
►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com
Compression and limiting are among the hardest music production skills to learn. Almost everyone makes these 5 mistakes when they first get into mixing audio. And for a long time after as well!
Below, Justin Colletti gives you what you need to know to avoid the most common pitfalls of mixing with compression. Enjoy this free podcast episode, or learn even more at https://CompressionBreakthroughs.com.
Thanks to GPU Audio for sponsoring this podcast. Get free Early Access to their convolution reverb at https://gpu.audio/sonicscoop
Thanks to iZotope for sponsoring this episode of the SonicScoop Podcast. Get 10% off their plugins at https://iZotope.com/SonicScoop
►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com
The biggest thing that will hold back the sound of your mix is the quality of your RECORDING.
Justin Colletti offers up the 5 biggest recording mistakes that practically everyone makes for far too long.
Thanks to iZotope for sponsoring this episode of the SonicScoop Podcast. Get 10% off their plugins at https://iZotope.com/SonicScoop
►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://masteringdemystified.com
"Fix it in the mix!"
We all know it can't be done...
Or CAN it?
Justin Colletti offers advice on what to do when you encounter sounds that you feel need to be "fixed" in the mix.
Thanks to iZotope for sponsoring this episode of the SonicScoop Podcast. Get 10% off their plugins at https://iZotope.com/SonicScoop
►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com
NEWSFLASH: It's not 1995 anymore. If your way of releasing music stuck in the 20th century?
Justin Colletti offers some of the best strategies for putting your music out there in 2022 and getting it noticed.
Record releases simply aren't what they used to be. If you're determined to record and release 12 songs and put them all out at once, before building a fanbase, your chances of having a good time are pretty low.
Here are some creative and PROVEN ways to produce and release music that actually gets heard.
Thanks to iZotope for sponsoring this episode. Get 10% off their plugins at https://iZotope.com/SonicScoop
►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com
Ouch. Does your mix suck? Here are the top 10 reasons why you might feel that way, and what you can do about it.
Justin Colletti has coached thousands of mixers through his online courses, mix coaching calls and mastering services, and has identified the biggest factors that hold them back from realizing their full potential.
Thanks to GPU Audio for sponsoring this podcast. Get free Early Access to their convolution reverb at https://gpu.audio/sonicscoop
Thanks also to iZotope. Get 10% off their plugins at https://iZotope.com/SonicScoop
What is the best way to compress vocals? How about compressing drums?
Compression on bass? Pianos? ...Compressing the mix bus?? Justin Colletti reveals all in this new free episode on how to compress EVERYTHING. Want to go even deeper?
Check out the new full length course Compression Breakthroughs at https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
Thanks to iZotope for sponsorsing this episode. Get anything they make for 10% off at https://izotope.com/sonicscoop
Thanks also to Soundtoys. Try their plugins for free at https://soundtoys.com
Are you trying to find more work in mixing, mastering or music production?
Justin Colletti offers some key concepts for landing more clients and working on more satisfying projects.
►Get Compression Breakthroughs here: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com
Music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music are amazing for listeners. But, are they worthwhile for artists? Justin Colletti dives into the numbers and recommends better ways to use them in your career.
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com
Not all mixing advice is created equal. Some of the most often repeated pieces of bad mix advice have a small kernel of truth in them... and a seed of destruction.
Justin Colletti highlights his favorite (or least favorite) pieces of advice around mixing. What are yours?
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com
Want an honest chance of making a living in music or music production?
You have to stop approaching it with a 20th century mindset.
Music and studio production is a participant sport, not a spectator sport, says Justin Colletti.
Here's what that means, and the 5 ways to make an income off of music.
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com
Is there such a thing as "objectively" good sound quality?
How about "objectively good" mix techniques? Objectively good microphones? H
ow much can we say with certainty about what we do in the studio, and how much of it is just up to taste and preference?
Justin Colletti explores in this week's podcast. ►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com
Across countless mixes that reach his studio for mastering, Justin Colletti has found that practically all of them fit into one of 4 general EQ "Shapes".
What does that mean? What "Shape" are your mixes? And what can you do with that information?
Dive deep in this week's episode of the SonicScoop Podcast.
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com
Is it possible for a great song—or even a great production—to have a "bad mix"?
And what exactly does it mean to have a "bad mix", anyway?
Justin Colletti explores what we can learn from great songs that have "bad mixes"—and why they can succeed anyway.
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com
Singer, songwriter and producer Josh Turner runs a successful YouTube channel with over 150 million lifetime views.
He talks to Justin Colletti about how to grow a fanbase in the 21st century, and make sure your albums get released into a receptive audience.
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com
Justin Colletti is supposed to be a pretty good audio engineer. But he's done a LOT of dumb things in the studio. Learn about some of his biggest mistakes—and what you can do to avoid them yourself.
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com
How loud should your master be? It's a common question, but the best answer depends a lot on your genre, production style and goals.
Streaming services like Spotify would have you believe that shooting for -14 LUFS in your masters should be good enough, once their automatic volume normalization does its job.
But most producers working in popular styles of music find that this target doesn't allow their music to stand up to their favorite releases on playlists. And as they investigate further, they find out that practically none of their favorite records are this quiet.
What are some better real world targets for mastering levels? Justin Colletti advises.
Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com
Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com
It's easy to lose perspective when mixing, start chasing your own tail, and spend hours making things sound WORSE.
Been there? We all have.
Justin Colletti offers 5 surefire keys to make sure you never stray too far down the wrong path in your mixes.
Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com Get Mastering Demystified here: https://MasteringDemystified.com
Have you ever tried "Mix Matching" or "Master Mimicking"? Justin Colletti says they are among the best ways to quickly and radically improve your audio chops. But there are good and bad ways to do it. Find out more.
►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
Frequency analyzers can be a useful tool. But they can also lead you down the wrong path, encouraging you to fix "problems' that aren't really there.
What's the best way to use them in your mixes and masters? Justin Colletti offers three key approaches to using them productively so they don't encourage you to turn your music into bland mush.
►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
Producer Hyperbits has a seemingly controversial take on the quality vs. quantity debate. But the more you think about it, the more his advice makes sense. Hyperbits (aka Serik Slobodskoy), is a producer and artist who has had more than 50 million streams of his music, and now teaches others the craft in the Hyperbits Masterclass. He and Justin Colletti talk about how to improve your chops and your results in music production, composition, sound design and more. For Serik's free toolkit for musicians and producers for SonicScoop listeners just click here: https://bit.ly/HyperbitsScoopVIP
Jack Endino has worked with Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, L7, Mudhoney and so many of the biggest bands in the Seattle Grunge scene.
This week, he releases his latest solo album "Light Myself on Fire".
He talks to Justin Colletti about his approach to recording, mixing and mastering in details.
Check out his new full-length album here: http://capacitorrecords.com/jackendino
Hi Res Audio isn't all it's cracked up to be. That's what all the blind listening tests seem to indicate anyway. But when Justin Colletti says this, he gets pushback from some people.
What are their arguments and what does he have to say about them?
In this episode Justin talks about super high resolution audio, like 24/192k, 24/96, and consumer formats including 320kbps and 256kbps mp3, 16/44.1k WAV files and more, and the most common arguments for and against each.
►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
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
Want a clear path to making money with your music? Today’s guest, Tommy Zee, offers one proven way to earn a real living in music production: Making music for brands.
Major brands spend countless billions each year on marketing and advertising. And music is a big part of that.
Join Justin Colletti and Tommy Zee as they talk about how this side of the music business works.
Like what you hear? Try Tommy’s FREE training here. Or, to get $500 off the full course, enter the code Justin500 at checkout HERE.
There's plenty of advice out there on gain staging. But what IS gain staging, and why should you care?
Justin Colletti goes deep on the fundamentals of gain staging to help you improve your workflow—and your sounds—in the studio.
►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
Originally Episode 145 on Nov 6th or 15th
Studio gear is important. Without it you can't make music. But how important, exactly, is the quality of that gear? What really makes a difference and what's snake oil?
Justin Colletti shares some stories to help make sense of how much our gear really matters... and sometimes doesn't.
►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
Wouldn't it be amazing if you could release your music out into the world and have it find its audience instantly?
Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way.
Making music—even really, really good music—simply sin't enough to have potential listeners and fans find you.
What ELSE are you offering them, asks Justin Colletti in this week's podcast episode.
For more on this subject, try Justin's video "How to Get Your Music Heard (By Actual People)": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38_CtSfrhFA
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
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
Want your mixes to sound HUGE? Or, want a specific instrument to sound huge? Whether you want huge drums, vocals, guitar, or anything else, there are some core principles and secret techniques that will get you there.
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
Kick drum and bass are two of the most important elements in any mix. If they don't sit right, the whole mix doesn't sit right. So what can you do to ensure they have maximum impact when mixing or producing?
Justin Colletti shares the most important frequency ranges to know for EQing kick and bass, and for getting the to sit right in the mix.
►See free audio tutorial videos with Justin here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3yghKGBjggTkBYyc-1_larMT6K4rGwmr
►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https://miingbreakthroughs.com
►Get Mastering Demystified here: https://Mastering Demystified.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
Good mixing is important. Sure. We all know that. But so many new mixers try to fix issues that would be much better solved by spending a little more time and attention in editing your tracks. Here's what to listen for.
►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
You're on 8 plugins deep on the vocal track of "Mix 8 Final FINAL Rev3".
But is it BETTER? Or just different? Here's how to decide and how to keep perspective in the studio.
►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
Justin Colletti gives his picks for the most overrated studio gear for recording, mixing and mastering, as well as the most underrated studio tools.
►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: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sonicscoop-podcast/id1448330690
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.
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 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
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
Justin Colletti offers his top 3 takeaways from Jake Jackson and Christian Henson’s Mixing Masterclass at MixCon 2021.
Justin Colletti shares his key takeaways from Koen Heldens' 2021 MixCon masterclass. Check out Koen's full masterclass here: https://youtu.be/WHfTwWVt5CY
Justin Colletti shares his top 3 takeaways from Tom Holkenborg (AKA Junkie XL)'s MixCon Masterclass.
Justin Colletti shares his top 3 insights from Quentin "Q" Gilkey's recent MiCon presentation. See the full mix walkthrough here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVkcb1P6Q8k
Is it really better to cut than to boost? Is phase shift from EQ really a problem? Justin Colletti answers all these common EQ questions and more.
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.
Many try and few succeed at having sustainable careers in music. It can even be hard to keep it going as a fulfilling hobby, without the right mindset.
To stay in the game and keep moving in the right direction, you need lots of little victories leading up to the big ones. Justin Colletti explores.
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.
Getting a wide, immersive stereo soundscape is one of the key features of mixes that sound impressive and hi-fi. But how to do it?
Justin Colletti shares so key ideas on how to get your mixes to sound wider—with as much width and left to right spread as your favorite commercial releases.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It's been said that talking about music or sound is like dancing about architecture. We often use words to describe what we're hearing without having any luck at getting our point across. Is there a better way?
Justin Colletti says "yes". Here are some better words and ideas for talking about sound. Even with the non-technically minded.
►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: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sonicscoop-podcast/id1448330690
For the original article that inspired the video, try here: https://sonicscoop.com/2011/08/25/dancing-about-architecture-a-dictionary-of-audio-terms/?singlepage=1 #audioengineer
#musicproducer #mixing #musicproduction
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.)
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.
Dithering Demystified! Is Dither as important as it's made out to be? What effect does it have on your audio? When should you do it? And which kind is best? Justin Colletti explores.
How, why, when and where should you use sidechain dynamics processing? Justin Colletti gives you the overview of all the principles and common applications.
Does saturation have a place in mastering or on the mix bus? Absolutely says Justin Colletti. It can increase depth, density and perception of detail, and used properly, can help give you a louder, more pleasant sounding master. Here are some ideas on how to use it in your work.
What's holding your mix back? Justin Colletti shares his picks for the 6 most common mix issues, and how to overcome them in your own mixes.
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.
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.
How much should you charge for a mix? How much should you expect to pay for a mix? How about mastering work—how much should that cost? Justin Colletti explores.
Passion! Should you follow it into a career in music or audio? Or should you play it safe? Justin Colletti gives his take.
What exactly is that "ratio" control on your compressor, and how should you use it? When do you want to use a low ratio, and when should you use a higher one? Justin Colletti gives you the best practices.
Should you be running your effects in pre-fader or post-fader mode? Are there reasons to do one over the other? How about putting your effects right on the inserts? Justin Colletti gives you the best practices.
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.
When it comes to your work in the studio or in music, do you approach it like a job, or like a business? What's the difference? And why can treating your work like a business, rather than a "job" be both more fun and more fruitful? Justin Colletti dives deep.
If you don't have an audience already, releasing a full length album can be a confusing and downright depressing experience. There's a better way. Justin Colletti offers a better release strategy, more suited for the 21st century.
Would you benefit from having alternate versions of your master for streaming services and other platforms? Mastering engineer Justin Colletti gives his take.
Justin Colletti talks about why he stopped stealing music and plugins a long time ago, and how it helped him in his career. ...And how doing it can hold your own career back.
"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.
Justin Colletti offers his two biggest picks for the factors that will make you successful in the studio... and practically anywhere else.
Depth. Immersion. Front to back spatial definition. Here's how to get more of it in your tracks.
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?
Fail your way to success! Justin Colletti offers two prime strategies on how to mix better by failing on purpose.
Justin Colletti gives his vote for the two most commonly overlooked elements of getting great mix balances, that most new mixers neglect.
Justin Colletti goes over the two biggest mistakes new mixers make when it comes to reverb. Find more at SonicScoop.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.
Justin Colletti shares his top 3 takeaways from Michael Brauer's masterclass at MixCon 2020.
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.
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 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/
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
When, where and how should you use low cut (or "high pass") filters?
Should you low cut everything that doesn't need lots of bottom end? Should you always do it? Never do it? Are there some elements you should always do it on? Never do it on? Does it have a place in mastering or recording along with mixing?
Justin Colletti answers all these questions and more.
"Mastering Engineer" is a misleading term says Justin Colletti. It has little to do with the actual service they provide. What's wrong wit the name, and what should we think about calling them instead?
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
►Get the free mixing workshop: https://sonicscoop.com/MixHabits
►Get the free mastering workshop: https://sonicscoop.com/Mastering101
Admit it. You get GAS sometimes. We all get GAS sometimes. But does GAS ever go away for good?
This week, a listener writes in to ask about his GAS. Is it normal? Does it ever go away?
Justin Colletti talks about our obsessions with gear, and how to ensure you have a healthy relationship with yours.
►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.
This week Justin Colletti answers a listeners question about his analog audio envy, and how to deal with it in a digital audio world.
The subtitle of this episode is "Of Apples and Audio". Don't worry. You'll find out why.
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.
The days of huge commercial music studios with dozens of assistants on staff are mostly over. But assistants are still a crucially important part of the music production process for producers and studio owners who are wise.
Whether you're looking to get your first gig in the studio world, or increase your productivity and earnings in your own studio, the role of the assistant is as important as ever.
Justin Colletti explores.
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.
Just what is the difference between multi band compression and dynamic EQ? How do they work, how do they differ, and perhaps most importantly—how should you use them?
Justin Colletti dives deep.
What is music publishing, and how can you leverage it to make more money with your music?
Ben O'Connell of Songtrust joins Justin Colletti of SonicScoop to talk about how music publishing deals can make musicians and artists more money, what they can do to get more streams and more revenue from their creative works, and what they need to know about copyrights for their recordings.
Hear the case studies from this conversation at https://sonicscoop.com/bensongtrust
Find out more about Songtrust at http://songtrust.com
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
What is the role of "talent" in making or breaking your music production career? Can you overcome a lack of talent? Is it possible to cultivate more of it? How do you know if you have enough?
Justin Colletti explores.
How do you know when your mixes are good enough? How do you know if YOU are good enough to keep at it, making music? Justin Colletti answers these questions in his most raw and intimate podcast to date.
Is mixing as important as we make it out to be? Maybe not. Justin Colletti explores.
Enter to WIN the mic featured In this episode at http://sonicscoop.com/contest
Should you compress, EQ, or otherwise process your mix? How much headroom should you leave for mastering? Justin Colletti explores!
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.
Louder is better. At least it sounds that way. There are good reasons to level match your music for truly objective critical listening decisions. And there are also good reasons not to bother it at all. Justin Colletti discusses both sides of this subject.
Koen Heldens is a mixer for some of the most unconventional and cutting edge hip hop and R&B artists of today.
Perhaps best known for his work with XXXTentaction, Koen has worked with the likes of Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Whiz Khalifa, Sizzla, Thutmose, Lil Wayne, Missy Elliot, Dreezy and so many more.
Koen tells Justin Colletti about the philosophy he learned from working with Dr. Dre, which emphasizes making things "feel" right, rather than looking to achieve pristine sounds—something that took a lot of adjustment for this classically-trained musician and conventionally-schooled audio engineer.
Thanks to Sonarworks, Soundtoys and Focusrite 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.
Could short videos on music and audio production be killing your gains in studio skills? Justin Colletti argues that they can. Here's why, what to avoid, and what to try instead.
Thom Russo joins Justin Colletti to talk about his career working with major artists from Johnny Cash, Audioslave and Eric Clapton to Michael Jackson, Paula Abdul and Macy Gray to Latin music superstars like Juanes and Enrique Iglesias.
Thom has received 16 GRAMMYs awards, worked with Rick Rubin, and regularly acts as a co-writer and producer for his clients.
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
There's a lot of uncertainty out there at the moment. Justin Colletti offers some strategies for making a living in audio and music when times are tough. He's been through it before and survived and prospered! You can too.
Is it wise to go to school for the audio, music, or the arts? In some ways, no. Here are 5 key issues with music production education, that any graduate is going to have to overcome—and that every prospective student ought to consider. Thanks to DistroKid for sponsoring this episode. Get 7% off your first year distributing your music through DistroKid at http://distrokid.com/vip/sonicscoop Special thanks to Gear Club and Soundtoys for sponsoring as well.
When should you reach for an EQ boost, and when should you cut? Is one approach better than the other? Justin Colletti offers some principles and concepts on how to think about and approach your EQs in this episode of the podcast. Thanks to DistroKid for sponsoring this episode. Get 7% off your first year distributing your music through DistroKid at http://distrokid.com/vip/sonicscoop Special thanks to Focusrite and Eventide for sponsoring as well.
Room and speaker correction have come a long way. Once hit-or-miss tool employed almost exclusively by larger studios, smart solutions for EQ treatment are now accessible to even the most humble of studios. The most successful of these new solutions is easily Sonarworks, which has become nearly ubiquitous in serious project studios. Justin Colletti talks to Sonarworks co-founder Martins Popelis about how these solutions work, what they can do for your studio—and what they can't. Justin has some uncommon questions for his quest. Such as: Now that the frequency response of your speakers can so easily be smoothed out by adaptive EQ correction, what are the remaining essential qualities to look for in a set of speakers? All that and a lot more inside.
Whether its conventional business loans, 0% store credit cards, even student loans... People have tried all sorts of ways to finance upgrades tp their new and existing studios. Are these strategies wise? Or will they just get you into trouble? Justin Colletti gives a primer on how—and how not—to use debt or credit effectively as part for your studio startup strategy. For a 50% discount on the mic used in this episode click here: https://usashop.jzmic.com/collections/new-models/products/amethyst
Sometimes it's easy to start new music projects. But actually FINISHING them can be the hardest part. Justin Colletti offers some strategies on how to finish your mixes and get moving on to promotion, playing and new projects.
Making high quality recordings requires that you ask the right questions as early on in the process as possible. Here's Justin Colletti's guide to getting your record on the right path from the beginning so you don't find yourself trying to "fix it in the mix", or worse yet, during mastering! Thanks to Focusrite, Soundtoys and Eventide for sponsoring this episode.
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.
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.