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When I first started mixing, I used to think gain was just another word for volume. I’d turn up a knob, things would get louder, and I’d think, “Cool, that’s gain.” But what I didn’t understand is that gain isn’t about how loud you hear something—it’s about how loud...
Setting Up the Session with the Waves Free Plugin Pack A few days ago, I got an email from Waves saying they were releasing a new Waves Free Plugin Pack—nine plugins available to download at no cost. I’ve used Waves plugins for years, so I figured why not see...
As a professional mixing and mastering engineer, I've spent countless hours tweaking knobs and sliders to find the perfect reverb settings for drums. It's a nuanced art, balancing the natural sound of the drum kit with the artificial ambiance created by reverb. In...
In this blog post, we'll delve into the vocal chain of one of the most celebrated mixing and mastering engineers in the industry. Known for his work with chart-topping artists like Katy Perry, Sam Smith, and Sia, he has earned a stellar reputation for his impeccable...
Introduction When it comes to mixing, your mix bus plays a huge role in shaping the final sound of your track. Over the years, I’ve experimented with all kinds of mix bus chains, presets, and setups. But after working across so many genres—everything from acoustic...
Introduction: Why the Pultec EQP-1A Still Reigns Supreme There’s a reason the Pultec EQP-1A has stood the test of time. It’s been on everything from Motown classics to modern pop hits—and for good reason. There’s just something about the way it shapes sound: it...
How to Mix Acoustic Guitar: Real-World Techniques from My Studio to Yours Mixing acoustic guitar can be one of the trickiest—and most satisfying—parts of a mix. It’s an instrument that can sound beautifully rich or painfully thin depending on how it’s recorded...
My 3 Favorite Creative Delay Plugins (And How I Actually Use Them) If there’s one effect I reach for constantly—next to compression—it’s delay. I love delays that don’t just echo but do something. Texture, tone, movement—that’s the good stuff. In this post, I’ll walk...
Introduction As someone who mixes and masters records every single day, the tools I use aren’t just about features—they’re about speed, workflow, and creativity. About eight months ago, I made the switch from Pro Tools to Studio One by PreSonus, and honestly, I...
Introduction If you’re mixing in Studio One and your tracks are sounding too harsh, distorted, or just not sitting right—there’s a good chance your gain staging is off. I’m not here to throw a bunch of technical jargon at you about dBFS vs. VU or the science behind...
Understanding the Difference Between Mixing and Mastering Music Mixing vs Mastering at a Glance Feature Mixing Mastering Purpose Blend and balance multitrack recordings Final polish and prep for distribution Input Type Individual tracks (vocals, drums, etc.) A single...
Unlocking Punch and Precision with the Studio One Splitter In the world of modern mixing, workflow and tone go hand in hand. And if you’re a Studio One user who hasn’t tapped into the full potential of the Studio One Splitter tool, you’re missing out on one of...
There’s something uniquely frustrating about getting a vocal to sit just right in a mix. You’ve nailed the performance, the mic chain is solid, but somehow it still sounds like it’s floating on top of the track—or worse, buried beneath it. We’ve all been there. Over...
Great mixes don’t just come from compressors and EQ curves—they come from perspective. Before you touch a single plugin, there’s a mindset you need to step into. One that focuses on intention, honesty, and emotional connection. Because at the end of the day, mixing...
Introduction: So Your Songs Are Ready for the World You’ve written the lyrics, recorded the parts, and lived with the demo long enough to know it’s finally ready. Whether your song is headed for Spotify, Apple Music, the radio, or just the aux cord at your next...
We’re lucky to live in a time when top-tier music production knowledge is just a click away. When I was getting started, the only way to truly learn how to mix and master was by going to school, interning at a studio (which, in my opinion, is still the best way), or...
Introduction: Why You Might Need to Remove Reverb in the First Place Reverb can be a beautiful thing. When used intentionally, it adds space, dimension, and a sense of realism to a recording. But when it’s baked into a file—whether from a poorly treated room,...
What Is a Mono Track? When we talk about a mono track, we’re talking about a single audio channel — just one stream of audio that gets sent equally to both the left and right speakers. No fancy stereo spread, no panning tricks — just a centered, focused sound....
Understanding the Role of Reverb in a Mix Reverb does more than just make things sound “big.” It shapes the emotional landscape of a track. Whether you’re working on a stripped-back acoustic ballad or a tightly produced trap record, reverb can either glue the...
How to Separate a Drum Loop (The Smart Way) When you’re knee-deep in production and stumble on the perfect drum loop—but wish the kick wasn’t buried under a pile of hi-hats—you’re not alone. I’ve been there. Whether you’re making beats in your bedroom or...
Introduction After over 15 years of mixing records for artists across genres—from major label pop to gritty independent hip-hop—I can tell you this: the flashiest plugins won’t save a mix that doesn’t feel right. And if you’re wondering how to make your mix...
If you’ve ever felt like your kick sounds good solo but disappears once everything else comes in — you’re not alone. Early in my career, especially working on EDM and pop sessions, I ran into that problem all the time. I’d get a killer kick sample, tweak the EQ, maybe...
How to Create a Phone Effect in Any DAW Introduction As a professional mixing and mastering engineer, I’ve used the classic “phone effect” on countless records—whether it’s to add a lo-fi vibe to a vocal, create a transition moment in a track, or give a hook that...
How to Setup Reverb If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the reverb options in your DAW, you’re not alone. Whether you’re producing in Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton, or Studio One, reverb can be set up in a few different ways—and each method serves a different creative...
Introduction A powerful hook can be the difference between a song that lingers in the background and one that captivates listeners from the first note. A hook is the catchy, memorable element of a song that grabs the audience's attention and makes them want to hear it...
Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with many major labels and contributing to numerous #1 records. Some of the artists I've worked with include Kelly Clarkson, Travis Barker, and Sammy Adams.
My extensive experience in the industry has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to help musicians elevate their sound to a professional level. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, I can provide you with the techniques and insights you need to overcome any challenges in your mixing and mastering journey.