In this episode of Inside the Mix, we dive into the world of DIY mastering. Whether you're curious about mastering music fundamentals, the basic steps of mastering, or simply want to understand what mastering a song really is, this episode has you covered.

Join me as I sit down with mastering engineer Eric Mitchell to uncover the techniques, tools, and insights needed to achieve professional-quality results, even in a home studio. Learn about gain staging, overcoming the limitations of home mastering setups, and why experience plays a critical role in achieving the perfect sound.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Understanding the feasibility of DIY mastering in home studios
- Importance of ear training and room acoustics
- Common pitfalls, such as poor gain staging
- Mastering workflow tips and essential tools
- The significance of reference tracks in mastering
- Addressing misconceptions about loudness and streaming
- Eric’s approach of using project files instead of stereo mixes
- Advice for those wanting to pursue a career in mastering
- The need for patience and dedication in developing mastering skills

Got feedback? I’d love to hear from you! Click here to leave a review, share your social media handles or website, and get featured in a future episode.

Plus, one lucky reviewer will win a Starbucks voucher each month!

Support the show

Wanna release more music in just 28 days? Click here

Follow Marc Matthew's Socials:
Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering

Ever wondered how to create a simple riser that adds excitement and anticipation to your tracks? Or maybe you’re curious about how to create a riser in Serum for that professional, polished sound? Tune into this episode of Inside The Mix as we dive into the art of crafting the perfect riser to elevate your music production.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to create custom risers using tools like Serum and other accessible methods. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned producer, this episode provides actionable tips to make your transitions more impactful and dynamic.

You’ll also gain insights into the creative possibilities of riser design, from basic sound shaping to advanced modulation techniques, ensuring your productions stand out.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to create a simple riser to enhance transitions.
• Step-by-step instructions for how to create a riser in Serum.
• Essential sound design tips for crafting risers that match your track's vibe.
• The importance of layering and automation in riser design.
• Creative techniques to make your risers unique and memorable.

Perfect for producers of all levels, this episode will inspire you to take your sound design skills to new heights.

Don’t miss this deep dive into the exciting world of riser creation!

Got feedback? I’d love to hear from you! Click here to leave a review, share your social media handles or website, and get featured in a future episode.

Plus, one lucky reviewer will win a Starbucks voucher each month!

Do you want to listen to Waves? Click here.

Support the show

Wanna release more music in just 28 days? Click here

Follow Marc Matthew's Socials:
Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering

Ever wondered how to calibrate your speakers or if speaker calibration is even worth it? Curious about pink noise, how to use it, or whether a subwoofer can truly improve sound quality? Then this episode of Inside The Mix is for you!

Join me as I sit down with audio expert Mike Dow, whose nearly 40 years of experience in the industry shine through in our conversation about speaker calibration, room acoustics, and achieving studio-level sound quality at home. Together, we delve into the importance of every link in the audio chain and uncover how the right setup can elevate your listening and mixing experience.

Discover practical techniques for optimizing your audio setup, from using pink noise to verifying calibration sources like Dolby’s tools. Learn how room dimensions, symmetry, and monitor placement can significantly impact your sound. Plus, we dive into the fascinating benefits of using multiple subwoofers to achieve a perfectly balanced frequency response, a game-changing technique inspired by live sound engineering.

Finally, Mike shares his passion for vintage synthesizers with insights from his popular YouTube series, Mike’s on Mics. It’s a mix of nostalgia, tech, and practical wisdom you won’t want to miss!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to calibrate your speakers for optimal sound accuracy.
• The role of pink noise and how to use it in calibration.
• Why room dimensions and symmetry are crucial for frequency balance.
• The benefits of using multiple subwoofers for better sound quality.
• Tips on verifying calibration sources for reliable results.
• Insights into vintage synthesizers and the magic of Mike's YouTube series, Mike’s on Mics.

Listen to the Mikes on Mics podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs0sDCKjTy4&t=135s

Got feedback? I’d love to hear from you! Click the SpeakPipe link to leave a review, share your social media handles or website, and get featured in a future episode:

https://www.speakpipe.com/InsideTheMixPodcast

Plus, one lucky reviewer will win a Starbucks voucher each month!

Support the show

Wanna release more music in just 28 days? Click here

Follow Marc Matthew's Socials:
Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering

Ever wondered how to mix good low-end, how to balance low-end in a mix, which frequencies to cut when mixing, or even how should you EQ a high-hat? Join me for an inspiring conversation with legendary producer and engineer Mike Exeter, known for his iconic work with Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, in this must-listen episode of Inside the Mix.

Mike reveals the secrets to crafting a balanced, powerful mix with a rock-solid foundation:

• Mastering Low-End Frequencies: Learn how to balance the interplay between kick drum and bass to create a cohesive, impactful mix.
• Tools of the Trade: Explore visual mixing aids like Sonox Claro and FabFilter Pro Q3 to identify and resolve frequency conflicts.
• Reference and Genre Matching: Discover how reference tracks and frequency analysers fine-tune your mix to genre-specific standards.
• Drum Mixing Excellence: Dive into dynamic mic placement, phase alignment, and using multiple snare mics for fuller drum sounds.
• Striking the Balance: Uncover why less is often more when it comes to plugins and why strong arrangements make all the difference.

Whether you're tackling dense rock mixes or refining your EQ strategies, Mike's insights and decades of experience will transform your production workflow.

🎧 Don’t miss this episode packed with expert tips, real-world applications, and inspiration to elevate your craft!

Click here to follow Mike Exeter: https://www.mikeexeter.com/

Got feedback? I’d love to hear from you! Click the SpeakPipe link to leave a review, share your social media handles or website, and get featured in a future episode:

https://www.speakpipe.com/InsideTheMixPodcast

Plus, one lucky reviewer will win a Starbucks voucher each month!

Support the show

Wanna release more music in just 28 days? Click here

Follow Marc Matthew's Socials:
Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering

Ever wondered how to learn Dolby Atmos mixing, what software is used for Dolby Atmos mixing, or even what is Dolby Atmos? In this exciting episode of the Inside The Mix podcast, I sit down with acclaimed audio engineer Matt Boudreau to explore the fascinating world of immersive audio.

With years of experience working alongside icons like Alanis Morissette and Green Day, Matt unpacks the transformative power of Dolby Atmos. Discover how this cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing the audio experience, offering listeners unparalleled depth and dimension—from earbuds to home theatres.

We delve into the essentials for anyone curious about diving into Dolby Atmos mixing:

• Understanding Dolby Atmos: Learn the basics of how this object-based format redefines audio, surpassing traditional stereo and surround sound.
• Setting Up for Success: Explore the tools you’ll need, from essential software to the ideal 7.1.4 speaker configuration.
• Industry Insights: Hear firsthand stories from Matt’s collaborations with industry legends like Steve Genewick and Andrew Scheps.
• Immersive Mixing Techniques: Get tips on using Dolby Atmos to create captivating mixes that translate across different playback systems.
• A Podcasting Pioneer: Learn about Matt’s journey in launching the Working Class Audio podcast and his commitment to mentoring audio professionals.

Whether you're a seasoned audio professional or a curious enthusiast, this episode is your guide to unlocking the full potential of Dolby Atmos.

Click here to follow Matt: https://www.workingclassaudio.com/
Click here to listen to WCA #200 with Tchad Blake: https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-200-with-tchad-blake/
Click here to listen to WCA #300 with Andrew Scheps: https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-300-with-andrew-scheps/

Got feedback? I’d love to hear from you! Click the SpeakPipe link to leave a review, share your social media handles or website, and get featured in a future episode:

https://www.speakpipe.com/InsideTheMixPodcast

Plus, one lucky reviewer will win a Starbucks voucher each month!

Support the show

Wanna release more music in just 28 days? Click here

Follow Marc Matthew's Socials:
Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering

Ever wondered what gain automation is? Or how clip gain differs from volume automation? Join me in Episode 169 of the Inside The Mix podcast, where we dive deep into these vocal mixing techniques and explore how to optimize your vocal mixing workflow. If you've been curious about how to get smoother, more balanced vocals without relying solely on automated tools, this episode is for you!

Responding to the overwhelming feedback from episode 164, we’ll uncover the secrets of managing vocal levels using manual clip gain adjustments and gain automation. You’ll learn practical, hands-on techniques, including when to reach for Logic Pro’s gain tool and how to refine vocal tracks before introducing compression. By applying these techniques, you’ll have better control over vocal dynamics, giving your mixes a polished, professional sound.

Tune in and discover best practices that can elevate your vocal mixing game!

Episode Highlights:

• What Gain Automation Is: Understanding gain automation and how it impacts vocal mixing.
• Using Logic Clip Gain: Step-by-step guide on adjusting clip gain for dynamic control.
• Using the Gain Tool in Logic Pro: Practical advice on maximising this tool’s potential for refined vocal tracks.
• Mixing Vocals: Discover the essentials of a solid vocal mixing workflow to improve your sound.
• Manual vs. Automated Tools: Why manual gain adjustments can sometimes outperform automated options like Waves Vocal Rider.

Got feedback? I’d love to hear from you! Click the SpeakPipe link to leave a review, share your social media handles or website, and get featured in a future episode:

https://www.speakpipe.com/InsideTheMixPodcast

Plus, one lucky reviewer will win a Starbucks voucher each month!

Support the show

Wanna release more music in just 28 days? Click here

Follow Marc Matthew's Socials:
Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering

Curious about mixing music or want to level up your music production skills? Join me in EP 168 of the Inside The Mix podcast as I sit down with Lij Shaw, award-winning producer and owner of the Grammy-awarded Toy Box Studio. Lij brings a wealth of experience and shares his practical approach to balancing the simplicity and complexity of music mixing. From gear discoveries on eBay to his insights as a longtime podcaster, Lij’s journey provides a unique perspective on dedication, community, and artistry in music.

In this episode, we tackle practical techniques to streamline your music production workflow, inspired by a listener's challenge to manage track organization and MIDI conversion. Lij and I explore how mix templates, separated technical tasks, and effective session setups can make mixing a smooth, enjoyable process. Plus, you’ll learn how tools like poetry scores can inspire lyrics, helping you produce creatively while staying efficient. Whether you're an aspiring producer or a pro, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and real-world advice.

In This Episode, you’ll Learn:

• Mixing Essentials: How to simplify your mixing workflow by rendering MIDI to WAV files and organising tracks for easy access
• Mix Templates: The benefits of using mix templates for a consistent, professional sound across your projects
• Creative Lyric Writing: Transforming poetry scores into lyrics and enhancing songwriting
• Effective Workflow Tips: Separating creative mixing from technical tasks to avoid burnout
• Stress-Free Recording: Setting up a comfortable recording environment for seamless production

Tune in and discover strategies to make mixing music and music production not only manageable but rewarding.

Click here to follow Lij Shaw: https://recordingstudiorockstars.com/
Enrol for free: https://recording-studio-rockstars-academy.thinkific.com/courses/mix-master-bundle/

Got feedback? I’d love to hear from you! Click the SpeakPipe link to leave a review, share your social media handles or website, and get featured in a future episode:

https://www.speakpipe.com/InsideTheMixPodcast

Plus, one lucky reviewer will win a Starbucks voucher each month!

Support the show

Wanna release more music in just 28 days? Click here

Follow Marc Matthew's Socials:
Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering

Curious about how AI is reshaping the music industry? From enhancing creativity to streamlining production, artificial intelligence is sparking a new era in music. In Episode 167 of the Inside The Mix podcast, I sit down with platinum-selling producer David Lucius King to uncover how AI in the music industry is transforming the way artists create, produce, and perfect their tracks. If you've been asking questions like how is AI used in music? or which music artists use AI? —this episode is for you.

David shares his firsthand experiences with AI-powered tools, explaining how these innovations give artists unprecedented control while keeping the human touch that makes music memorable. Whether using AI to manage preliminary mixes or enhance creativity, David provides invaluable insights into combining innovation with tradition in the studio.

Imagine having a demo ready for A&R that’s both polished and professional—all without sacrificing creative energy. We dive into the benefits of pseudo-mixing and why outsourcing a preliminary mix to expert engineers can streamline the entire production process, especially for trap, hip-hop, and electronic genres. With AI tools on the rise, balancing efficiency and authenticity in music production has never been more possible.

Finally, we tackle the broader implications of AI, discussing its potential impact on jobs, workflows, and the timeless appeal of music. While AI might refine production, David and I agree—the heart of iconic music will always be human. Plus, tune in to hear our thoughts on how AI is opening new doors in podcasting, letting creators push boundaries in ways never before imagined.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• AI in Music Production: How AI tools like loop creators and audio processors are changing the creative landscape.
• Pseudo Mixing Explained: Benefits of outsourcing preliminary mixes for high-quality demos and reduced revision times.
• Balancing Speed and Quality: How to refine elements like low-end and vocals for commission-worthy tracks.
• The Future of AI in Music: Will AI ever match the timelessness of classics? Exploring what AI means for artists and listeners alike.
• AI’s Broader Impact: From potential job threats to creative freedom, examining AI’s role beyond the studio.

This episode will leave you excited for the future while grounded in the belief that music’s heart will always be human.

Click here to follow David Lucius King: https://www.instagram.com/davidluciusking/

Click here to listen to The Script 'Run Through Walls'

Got feedback? I’d love to hear from you! Click the SpeakPipe link to leave a review, share your social media handles or website, and get featured in a future episode:

https://www.speakpipe.com/InsideTheMixPodcast

Plus, one lucky reviewer will win a Starbucks voucher each month!

Support the show

Wanna release more music in just 28 days? Click here

Follow Marc Matthew's Socials:
Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering