Mixing and Mastering Blog
Tutorials, tips, and industry insights from a professional mixing and mastering engineer.
Kiive Audio Kstrip Review
Introduction: Classic Console DNA, Modern Plugin Mindset In today’s saturated plugin market, standing out requires more than just emulating vintage gear; it demands innovation that aligns with contemporary mixing workflows. Kiive Audio’s K-Strip achieves this by integrating elements from three…
Best Music Distribution in 2026: 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…
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…
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 unusable in…
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…
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…
Transform Your Drum Mixes with the Orion Plugin by Jaycen Joshua
Orion Plugin Review: Jaycen Joshua’s Complete Drum Bus Solution As a professional mixing and mastering engineer with 20 years in the industry, I was thrilled when Jaycen Joshua and Cradle Audio released their second collaboration – the Orion plugin. After…
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 improve…
The 5 Best Plugins of 2026 (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…
FabFilter Pro-Q4: Everything You Need to Know
FabFilter’s Pro-Q series has been my go-to EQ for years. When Pro-Q4 dropped, I didn’t even read the feature list—I just bought it. That’s the kind of trust I have in this company. But after digging in, there are actually…