Mix & Master Blog
Insights, Tutorials, Reviews, oh my!

Best Music Distribution in 2025: The Good, The Bad & The UGLY!
Introduction Choosing the best music distribution service is critical to your success as an artist. Not all music distributors are created equal—some may take a significant portion of your earnings, others could negatively impact your audio quality, and only a few...

Pro Tools vs Studio One
Pro Tools vs Studio One: My Journey and Comparison (and Back Again) I started using Pro Tools nearly 20 years ago—back when it was the only DAW capable of delivering a truly professional digital audio recording. That’s why it became the industry standard—because for...

Is Auto-Tune Broken?
Introduction Auto-Tune has long been a go-to tool for vocal production, used by engineers and artists worldwide to achieve the signature pitch-corrected sound. However, over the past few months, I’ve encountered significant reliability issues that make it nearly...
How to Master a Song Using Only Waves Plugins
Introduction When it comes to mastering, the goal is simple: take a good mix and make it louder, clearer, and more polished—all while preserving the song’s dynamics and musicality. Many producers think mastering requires expensive, high-end hardware or a collection of...
How to Use Clipping in Mastering for Loudness
Introduction Have you ever listened to a professionally mastered track and wondered how it sounds so loud and polished without sacrificing the punch and dynamics? The secret lies in a technique called clipping. While clipping may seem like a method that could ruin the...
Transform Your Drum Mixes with the Orion Plugin by Jaycen Joshua
Introduction: Elevate Your Mixes with the Orion Plugin by Cradle Audio and Jaycen Joshua In the ever-evolving world of music production, having the right tools can be the difference between a good mix and a great one. Enter Orion, the latest plugin from Cradle Audio...
Master Your Mix with Neutron 5’s New Modules and Features
Introduction In the ever-evolving world of music production, staying ahead of the curve often means equipping yourself with the latest and most innovative tools. Whether you're a seasoned mixing engineer or an aspiring producer, the right plugins can drastically...
The 5 Best Plugins of 2024 (And How I Actually Use Them)
Introduction: When it comes to music production, the right plugins can make a world of difference. As a mix and mastering engineer, I’ve tested countless plugins over the years, but not all of them end up becoming part of my everyday workflow. In 2024, a few standout...
FabFilter Pro-Q4: Everything You Need to Know
When FabFilter releases an update, it’s always exciting—and Pro-Q4 is no exception. For me, FabFilter Pro-Q is like the Steve Jobs-era Apple of EQ plugins: reliable, innovative, and consistently excellent. Without hesitation, I purchased Pro-Q4 before even exploring...
Waves IDX Review
Introduction Black Friday has become synonymous with Waves releasing exciting new plugins for free, and this year is no exception. Meet the Waves IDX Intelligent Dynamics Compressor, a sleek tool designed to enhance your mix with precision dynamics control. For a...
Unveiling the Console 1 MK3 Fader
Introduction The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here—the Console 1 MK3 Fader has arrived, and it’s set to revolutionize your mixing workflow. In this blog post, I'll be walking you through all the features of this powerful new tool and showing you how it...
Why Every Aspiring Artist Needs Music Production Courses
Unleashing Your Artistic Potential Artistry is a journey of self-discovery, a path we embark upon to explore the depths of our creativity. It’s an expression of our innermost thoughts, emotions, and experiences. As an aspiring artist, you have a unique voice...
When to Use Fast Attack Compression
I recently got a great question: "When should I use a fast compressor attack time?" It’s one of those things that might seem simple, but knowing when to dial in a fast attack can make a huge difference in your mixes. So I figured, why not break it all down for you?...
Best UAD Plugins for Beginners
Introduction When you're just getting started with music production, figuring out which plugins to invest in can feel like a daunting task. If you’re using Universal Audio (UAD) gear, you’ve probably noticed there are tons of plugins available, each promising to take...
Understanding Stereo Imaging in Music Production
Introduction What is Stereo Imaging? Stereo imaging is a crucial aspect of music production that deals with the spatial placement of sounds within a stereo field. In simpler terms, it refers to the way audio elements are positioned and perceived in the left, right,...
Mastering FabFilter Pro-Q3: Top 5 Techniques for Pro-Level Mixing
Introduction As a mixing and mastering engineer, I've spent countless hours fine-tuning my workflow and experimenting with various tools to achieve the perfect sound. One plugin that has consistently impressed me with its versatility and precision is FabFilter's...
Choosing the Best Mastering Studio for Your Music
What is Mastering? Definition of Mastering: Mastering is the final step in the audio production process, where the mixed audio is polished and prepared for distribution. This involves enhancing the overall sound quality, ensuring consistency across all tracks, and...
Vinyl Mastering 101: What You Need to Know Before Cutting a Record
1. Introduction Brief Overview of Vinyl Resurgence and Its Significance in Music Culture In recent years, vinyl records have experienced a remarkable resurgence, captivating the hearts of audiophiles and casual listeners alike. This revival can be attributed to the...
Best Music Production Software 2024
Introduction In the dynamic world of music production, choosing the right software is crucial for translating your creative ideas into polished tracks. The right Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) can significantly influence your workflow, creativity, and overall sound...
The Evolution and Art of Music Production: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction to Music Production Music production is the cornerstone of the music industry, shaping the sounds and styles that define our cultural landscape. From the early days of analog recording to today's digital age, music production has undergone a...
How I Started My Mixing and Mastering Business
A Journey Through the Music Industry My story begins over two decades ago, where my passion for music led me to pursue a career in mixing and mastering. I started working in recording studios in Boston, a city known for its vibrant music scene. These early years were...
Professional Music Engineer for Hire: Enhancing Your Sound
Finding a music engineer for hire can make a significant difference in the quality of your music production. In the modern music industry, the role of a music engineer is crucial, offering expertise that transforms raw recordings into polished tracks. This article...
Three New Plugins from Kiive Audio & AudioScape
Introduction In today's blog post, we delve into the exciting world of Kiive Audio and their latest trio of plugins. These plugins stand out because they emulate some of the most revered hardware units originally crafted by Audioscape. Whether you're an audio...
DIY vs. Professional Mixing and Mastering Services: What You Need to Know
DIY vs. Professional Mixing and Mastering Services: What You Need to Know As an independent artist, you might wonder which road to take. Should you handle mastering yourself or hire pros? Doing it yourself lets you dive deep into your music. It also saves money....
Music Mixing and Why It Is Important
Music Mixing and Why It Is Important We're about to explore the fascinating world of music mixing together. I love how mixing can turn a nice song into a hit. It's the key to making your music sound as professional as you dream it could. When it comes to mixing a...
Ultimate Guide to Vocal Presets: Everything You Need to Know
Introduction In the dynamic world of music production, achieving the perfect vocal sound is crucial. Vocal presets have revolutionized this aspect, offering both amateur and professional producers a powerful tool to enhance their work. This guide delves into...
Top 10 Tips for Professional Mixing and Mastering
Introduction In the world of music production, professional mixing and mastering are critical processes that can make or break a track. While songwriting and recording lay the foundation, it’s through mixing and mastering that a song reaches its full potential,...
The Evolution of Professional Mixing and Mastering
The Evolution of Professional Mixing and Mastering As an expert in audio engineering, I've seen the big changes in mixing and mastering for music. From the old days of recording straight to vinyl to the digital world now, a lot has changed. The job of a mastering...
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Mixing and Mastering Book
In the world of audio engineering, mastering the art of mixing and mastering is crucial for creating high-quality music. Whether you're a novice producer or a seasoned audio engineer, having the right resources can make all the difference. This is a guide of some of...
The Basics of Audio Mastering: Elevate Your Sound
Audio mastering is the final step in the music production process, and it is crucial for creating professional-sounding tracks. By understanding the basics of audio mastering, you can enhance your audio production skills and ensure your music is ready for...