Master Your Mix Podcast

Bobbi Giel is a mastering engineer based in Nashville, Tennessee. She relocated to Nashville in October 2017 and spent four years at Georgetown Masters, where she trained under Chief Mastering Engineer Andrew Mendelson. In 2022, she was named Head Mastering Engineer at Welcome to 1979, a multi-faceted, analog-centric studio offering both digital and vinyl mastering services. Bobbi began her career at The Hartt School at the University of Hartford, where she earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Production and Technology in 2015 with a concentration in Classical Piano and a minor in Business Administration. She then spent two years working across a range of recording and post-production studios in New York City, including MSR Studios (now Sound on Sound Studios in Montclair, New Jersey), Atlantic Records’ Atlantic Studios, and LVLY Studios. In addition to her mastering work, Bobbi is a member of the Audio Engineering Society and the Producers & Engineers Wing of the Recording Academy. Her mastering credits - spanning both digital and vinyl formats - include artists such as Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Paramore, Kehlani, Tinashe, Zac Brown Band, and Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Finding niche industries in audioLearning production before masteringFixing mastering issues in the tracking stage vs later stagesDo your mix levels matter?Boosting vs cutting with EQFinding the input gain sweetspot with gear/pluginsWhen to use analog vs digital gear in a hybrid mastering setupHow the level you listen at affects how you hear your mixFinding reference tracks to compare your mix toPrepping for vinyl cuttingThe differences between digital and vinyl mastersRecording directly to vinylTo learn more about Bobbi Giel, visit: https://welcometo1979.com/mastering/Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions?For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to [email protected] leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/Thanks for listening!

Barrett Jones is a veteran producer, engineer, Musician and studio owner whose work helped shape the sound of modern alternative rock. A native of Arlington, Virginia, Jones founded Laundry Room Studio in 1984 — originally built in the laundry room of his childhood home — and established the studio as a creative hub for D.C. punk and indie acts before relocating to Seattle in the early 1990s. Jones recorded early sessions with a young Dave Grohl and went on to produce three Nirvana tracks and to produce and engineer the Foo Fighters’ self-titled debut, an LP recorded over an intense five-day run in 1994. That debut later sold more than 1.5 million copies.Across four decades, Jones has combined technical curiosity with a musician’s sensibility, moving seamlessly between tape-era tracking and modern production workflows. His credits span influential artists and scenes: Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Melvins, Jimmy Eat World, Presidents of the United States of America, and contributions from members of Pearl Jam and Red Hot Chili Peppers, among others. Jones has also toured as a live and studio engineer and served as drum tech and sound engineer on major tours early in his career.Laundry Room Studio — the recording studio Jones has operated since the 1980s in multiple homes and locations between Arlington and Seattle — remains central to his work. Since 2007, Laundry Room studio has been located in a custom-built area in Barrett’s home in Seattle, featuring multiple live rooms, iso booths, and a large control room that attracts both established artists and rising acts. Recent and ongoing projects include work with musicians across rock, folk, and indie genres; Jones is known for his ability to capture raw performances while bringing clarity and musical balance to recordings.With a lifelong commitment to hands-on recording, Jones blends old-school tape-era techniques with modern mixing and production tools, prioritizing performance, tone, and emotional immediacy. He remains active as a producer, mixer, and session musician, and continues to run Laundry Room Studio as a creative home for artists looking for an organic, performance-first approach to recording.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Being a self-taught engineerRecording the first Foo Fighters recordBeing set up for efficienciesGetting the mix sound at the tracking stageHis go-to approach for guitars and drumsHow to get fuzzy, yet articulate guitar tonesThe Can: The mysterious, rare amp used on the first Foo Fighters record, made out of a gas canThe importance of room sounds for drumsThe mic trick he uses for getting small drum rooms to feel biggerTo learn more about Barrett Jones, visit: https://www.laundryroomstudio.com/Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions?For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to [email protected] leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/Thanks for listening!

Monte Vallier is a San Francisco–based producer, mixer, and audio engineer known for his adventurous approach to sound and his ability to bring out the character and identity of the artists he works with. His career began as a bassist in the early post-punk/indie scene, first touring with his band Half Church before joining the acclaimed 1990s group Swell. After years of recording and performing internationally, Vallier shifted his focus behind the console, developing a reputation for creative recording techniques, unconventional mic placements, and a deep commitment to capturing emotion and uniqueness in every project.Today, Vallier operates Ruminator Audio, where he continues to collaborate with an eclectic range of artists, including Wax Idols, Weekend, The Soft Moon, Tommy Guerrero, Los Days, and Oxbow. His work spans production, recording, mixing, and mastering—reflecting a holistic understanding of the craft shaped by decades of experience both onstage and in the studio. Known for blending experimentation with meticulous sonic detail, Vallier is recognized as a versatile, artist-focused collaborator whose mixes and productions consistently elevate the musical vision at hand.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Running a studio on your own terms vs working for someone elseUsing commercial work to cover the bills so you can afford to work with smaller bandsThe impact of AI in music licensingHow to differentiate yourself from AIEmbracing imperfections/uniquenessUsing reamping as a creative toolCreating ambience in a mixUsing contrast to evoke a 3D feel to a mixCreative ways to experiment with a trackTo learn more about Monte Vallier, visit: https://ruminatoraudio.com/Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions?For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to [email protected] leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/Thanks for listening!

Brian Rajaratnam is an American audio engineer best known for his Grammy-winning work on Flowers by Miley Cyrus. He won a Grammy Award at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for his contributions to the global hit, collaborating alongside Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson, Michael Pollack, Spike Stent, and Joe LaPorta. The song became one of the most commercially successful releases of 2023, surpassing one billion streams on Spotify and earning six Grammy nominations. Rajaratnam received two nominations connected to the project and was ultimately recognized in the Best Engineer/Mixer category for his role in shaping the record’s polished, radio-dominant sound.Born and raised in New Jersey to Sri Lankan parents who immigrated to the United States, Rajaratnam initially pursued a pre-med track in New York with aspirations of becoming a doctor, following a traditional path often encouraged within South Asian families. However, midway through his studies, he made the pivotal decision to leave medicine behind and commit fully to music—a passion rooted in childhood visits to Sri Lanka, where he first learned piano at his aunt’s home before expanding to multiple instruments. Determined to build a career in the music industry, he enrolled at Berklee College of Music, earning a degree in audio engineering in 2017. After graduation, he worked his way up through studio roles, eventually becoming an assistant to Kid Harpoon and contributing to major projects, culminating in his breakthrough success as an award-winning engineer on “Flowers.”IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Why “nothing really matters” when trackingTransitioning from pre-med studies to audio engineeringBeing open to diverse projectsBuilding confidence in your skillsHaving flexibility with your workflowAnticipating the next moveWorking on Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers”Making revisions to your songsCompartmentalizing the stages of your workflowWhat great vocal engineering consists ofSetting up your sessions for speedRecording Kings Of LeonGetting solid bass tonesTracking with compressionTo learn more about Brian Rajaratnam, visit: https://www.soundbetter.com/profiles/278196-brian-rajaratnamLooking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions?For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to [email protected] leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/Thanks for listening!

Nathan Yarborough is a Grammy-nominated recording engineer based in Nashville, TN. His credits include albums from Deftones, Korn, Code Orange, Mastodon, Alice In Chains, and Halestorm. Nathan began his career as a musician who eventually realized he loved the craft of recording more than playing and performing. After attending recording school in North Carolina, he moved to Nashville to look for work in a recording studio. An internship at Blackbird Studio opened the door to a 20-year career and allowed him to learn from some of the best engineers and producers in the industry.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:How Nashville studios record 5 full songs in under 3 hoursTracking live off the floor vs. recording instruments separatelyAdapting your engineering to the production styles of different producersPreserving the signature sound of artists like Deftones, Korn, and Alice In ChainsHow to track drums with a focus on clarity, separation, and body.Finding weird places to put micsSpot-micing cymbalsThe challenge of maintaining phase relationships between multiple micsCapturing heavy guitar tonesTo learn more about Nathan Yarborough, visit: http://nathanyarborough.com/Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions?For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to [email protected] leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/Thanks for listening!

Jason Livermore received his first snare drum at the age of three. Years later, Jason took up bass and guitar, but returned to drums because he liked them better. In junior high, Jason discovered punk rock. His first vinyl purchase was the infamous “Milo Goes to College”. He played in various bands throughout high school and college, recording some of these himself. After college, he decided that recording was probably going to be cooler than selling beer for Miller, his job at the time. Upon hearing that ALL was opening the Blasting Room in 1994, he moved to Fort Collins to land the job of a lifetime. Jason has been working at the studio ever since, and in 2015 he became co-owner alongside Bill Stevenson. He has worked on about 95% of the albums that have come out of the studio. Jason has also played drums for Wretch Like Me, Drag the River, Bill The Welder, Soul City Missionaries, and The Virginia Sisters.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Finding trust in yourself that you know what you are doingMixing punk drumsHow a drummer’s technique will change your approach to micing and tuningHow to tune drumsTo polish your tracks or keep them raw? How to know when to editCreating tempo mapsHow a particular type of guitar bridge cut his recording time in halfChoosing string gauges for getting the most clarity with your guitarsHow to set up multi-amp blendsUsing phase alignment toolsTo learn more about Jason Livermore, visit: https://theblastingroom.com/mastering/Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions?For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to [email protected] leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/Thanks for listening!

Ryan Ellery is a recording and mixing engineer based in Oakland, California, known for her work in the emo, punk, indie, and hardcore scenes. With over a decade of experience and credits on well over 100 releases, Ryan has worked with artists such as Mom Jeans, Self Defense Family, Graduating Life, Snooze, and many others. She operates primarily out of Sharkbite Studios, where she combines classic analog tools—like a Daking MKII Console—with modern digital workflows to capture performances that feel energetic, honest, and emotionally direct.Ryan’s approach centers on collaboration and communication, adapting her recording and mixing methods to serve each artist’s vision rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all sound. Whether tracking bands live to preserve raw energy or taking a more detailed, layered approach, her goal is to balance clarity with character—especially in genres where authenticity and feel matter more than polish. As both an engineer and a musician, Ryan brings a performer’s perspective into the studio, helping artists translate their ideas into recordings that connect with listeners while still standing up sonically.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:You don’t know what you don’t knowWorking with Sam PuraFiguring out our personal workflowWorking on genres you aren’t familiar withAdjusting your tracking approach to get the best out of an artistQuestions to ask clients before entering the studio so that everyone is on the same pageCapturing a live feel in recordingsKnowing when/when not to use drum samplesWorking on multiple songs inside a single sessionMixing fast and not sweating the small stuffTo learn more about Ryan Ellery, visit: https://www.ryanellery.com/Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions?For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to [email protected] leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/Thanks for listening!

Dan Malsch is a highly respected mixer and audio engineer with over two decades of experience helping artists bring their creative vision to life. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and deep musical sensibility, he has worked with everyone from emerging indie bands to internationally recognized acts.With a strong foundation in both the technical and artistic sides of audio production, Malsch has built a reputation for clean, powerful mixes that preserve the emotion and authenticity of the performance, particularly in rock and metal. His work spans mixing, mastering, sound design, and immersive audio, where he continues to push his craft forward.Throughout his career, he has collaborated with renowned producers and mixers, including Andy Wallace, David Bendeth, Toby Wright, Jim Morris, Ross Hogarth, and many others. In addition to his studio work, Malsch is a mentor to aspiring engineers, sharing his knowledge through workshops and educational programs.His projects have received both critical and commercial acclaim, including two Grammy nominations for his work with Ghost, solidifying his reputation as a go-to engineer in modern music production.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Overcoming self-doubtInvesting in your craft/skillsHow to network properlyLessons learned from working with Andy WallaceCo-mixingWhy he doesn’t use drum bussesHis master bus chainBeing consistent with the gear you useWhy it’s smart not to use extreme panning all the timeCreating movement and excitement with automationThe strategic ways he uses mono and stereo bussesBeing mindful of noise in pluginsThe importance of getting your hearing checkedWhy gear doesn’t matterThe challenges of working with artists who don’t commit to their tonesTo learn more about Dan Malsch, visit: https://www.danmalschmusic.com/Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions?For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to [email protected] leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/Thanks for listening!

Ryan Ordway is a multifaceted artist, songwriter, producer, and audio engineer with over two decades of experience in recording, mixing, music licensing, session playing, and commercial studio management. Having recorded and produced nearly 1,000 songs across various genres, he has worked with internationally recognized artists and designed, built, and operated multiple recording studios. In 2020, he partnered with The Studio Portland in Portland, ME, overseeing an ambitious remodel completed in 2024. Under his direction, The Studio became home to 98.9 WCLZ’s Studio Z series, hosting artists such as Noah Kahan, Grace Potter, Lake Street Dive, Joy Oladokun, and Gregory Alan Isakov.Ordway’s songwriting talents led him to record at the renowned Blackbird Studios in Nashville with legendary producer Ken Scott (The Beatles, Elton John, David Bowie). His song Easy Street was featured in Getting Started with Music Production (Hal Leonard, 2015). His work has been nominated for Producer of the Year at the New England Music Awards (2023) and Song of the Year for Back Again (2022).Beyond the studio, Ordway’s music has been licensed in over 13 countries and featured on major platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Hulu, as well as in TV shows such as The Office, Happy Endings, and Raising Hope.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Studying a producer/engineer’s entire workflows, rather than in bite-sized piecesGetting into music publishingWhat kinds of mixes you need to submit if you want your music to be licensedWhy you should start your own music publishing companySongwriting splits: how to deal with them fairlyWriting music for possible sync dealsEmbracing a “less is more” approach to songwriting and engineeringFinding the right people to get into sync workMaking fans by shaking handsBuilding your team for successTo learn more about Ryan Ordway, visit: https://theordways.com/Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions?For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to [email protected] leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/Thanks for listening!

Duncan Ferguson is a Nashville-based mastering engineer and educator, best known as the founder of The Voltage Exchange, a mastering studio specializing in high-quality masters for digital, CD, and vinyl releases. With a Master’s degree in Sound Recording from McGill University, Duncan combines deep technical knowledge with refined critical listening, helping artists translate their mixes into competitive, release-ready records without sacrificing musical intent. His work spans a wide range of genres, and he’s known for a thoughtful, communicative approach that helps mixers and producers understand why their music sounds the way it does at the final stage.In addition to his mastering work, Duncan teaches audio and mastering at SAE Institute Nashville, where he helps the next generation of engineers develop reliable listening skills, technical confidence, and a strong decision-making mindset. His dual role as a working mastering engineer and educator gives him a unique perspective on the most common mix issues, how small changes upstream can dramatically improve masters, and how home-studio producers can get closer to professional results before the mastering stage even begins.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Continuing to learn new skillsThe future of masteringImmersive masteringNew technologies that are making vinyl cutting more affordable/accessibleNot letting perfection stop youCollaborating on the vision of a projectPrepping for mastering by using Izotope RXWhen to use analog vs digitalSolid state vs tube gearDuncan’s go-to tools for controlling low endTo learn more about Duncan Ferguson, visit: https://thevoltageexchange.com/Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions?For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to [email protected] leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/Thanks for listening!

Pete Lyman is a GRAMMY-nominated mastering engineer, and owner of Infrasonic. Pete’s digital and vinyl mastering career spans thousands of titles over the last two decades. He has mastered Grammy-award winning and Grammy-nominated albums for Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, Halsey, Sturgill Simpson, John Prine, Weezer, Panic! At the Disco and more.In 2005 Lyman opened Infrasonic West, a custom-built mastering facility in Echo Park, CA. Pete, and his 1956 Neumann AM32B Cutting Lathe, moved to Nashville, TN in 2018 and opened Infrasonic East. In 2022, Infrasonic West found its new home in Highland Park, CA. Since then, Pete has curated the Infrasonic roster to include engineers spanning everything from mixing to mastering to vinyl cutting to immersive and so much more.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Why not committing to your mix is doing more harm than goodThe biggest problem people make with their editingUsing room correction tools/softwareWhy the level of your mix doesn’t matter as much as you think it doesWhy stem-mastering is stupid and you should avoid itPassive vs. active listeningPreserving the character of a mix in masteringKnowing when to do nothing as part of your job as a mixing and mastering engineerHow to let go of your personal tastes when working on something that doesn’t connect with youUnderstanding the needs of various genresTo learn more about Pete Lyman, visit: https://infrasonicsound.com/Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions?For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to [email protected] leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/Thanks for listening!

Kevin Antreassian is an American musician, producer, engineer, and studio owner based in New Jersey. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Audio Engineering from William Paterson University and is the founder and operator of Backroom Studios, a multifaceted recording and rehearsal facility established in 2007. Over his career, Antreassian has worked with a wide range of artists across rock and metal genres, providing production, recording, mixing/mastering, and technical services for both emerging and established acts.As a guitarist, he is best known for his tenure with the influential mathcore band The Dillinger Escape Plan, performing with the group through their later period and contributing to their final shows and recordings, as well as other groups like The Sawtooth Grin and Knife the Glitter. In addition to his work in the studio and on stage, Antreassian has served as a touring guitar technician for notable acts, and he teaches music production and guitar tech at William Paterson University.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Choosing between touring, corporate audio, and running a studioWhy multiple income streams matter if you want long-term stabilityThe not-so-glamorous truth about life on the roadAvoiding burnout when you’re obsessed with making recordsHow starting with minimal gear actually sharpens your skillsWhy he keeps outboard gear set to fixed settingsHow he uses templates for speed and consistency rather than toneTuning out the marketing noise around gear so you can stay focusedCreating clarity and focus in chaotic musicHow editing impacts the energy and feel of a performanceWhen live-off-the-floor beats isolated trackingWhy automation is the biggest separator between amateur and pro mixesTo learn more about Kevin Antreassian, visit: https://backroom.studio/Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions?For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to [email protected] leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/Thanks for listening!

Shane Slack is an Emmy-nominated mastering and post-production engineer, and the owner of Mono Theory, Inc., a Florida-based studio specializing in mastering, sound design, and Foley for music, television, and film. With credits spanning Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+, CBS, and Showtime, Shane has helped shape the sound of high-profile projects including Ted Lasso, The Umbrella Academy, NCIS: LA, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. A graduate of Valencia College’s Sound & Music Technology program, he’s also a member of the Recording Academy and the Audio Engineering Society, where he’s active in mastering education and diversity initiatives.Drawing from early influences like Motown, reggae, and classic video game soundtracks, Shane’s work combines deep technical expertise with an ear for emotional storytelling. Whether mastering indie releases or handling sound for major media productions, he’s passionate about translating creative intent into mixes that connect across every playback system. Through Mono Theory, he continues to bridge the gap between art and acoustics—helping artists, producers, and filmmakers bring their sonic visions to life.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Why learning about mastering first is a smart decisionProduction and mixing mistakes that often need to be fixed by a mastering engineerUnderstanding psychoacousticsHow to double-track instruments for better translation and phaseWhy phase correction is so crucial for proper mix translationChecking mixes in monoUsing mid-side EQHow to make mixing easier, simply by being careful with instrument voicingWhy it’s better to use multiple compressors, rather than only oneDeveloping your audio skills faster by taking your timeAsking yourself “why” when you’re making the moves you’re makingTo learn more about Shane Slack, visit: https://www.instagram.com/slackshane/Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions?For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to [email protected] leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/Thanks for listening!

Aaron Rubin is a mix engineer, producer, writer, manager and musician who has worked with some big names in the industry including Ilan Rubin, Angels & Airwaves, Frank Turner and Blink-182.Aaron has worn many hats in the industry and got his start working with his brother Ilan playing in bands and later managing his music career. He has always been interested in the production side of music, which has led to his work with Tom Delonge and his various projects.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Broadening your networkProving your valueWorking with Tom Delong and Blink-182Disagreeing with artistsRecording the new Blink-182 record with an Axe FXHow to get the Tom Delonge guitar toneBlending amp soundsThe challenges of working on a record being made in multiple studiosSession organizationUpdating mixes after an album has been releasedHow AI is going to change the game for mixingThe art of committing to soundsNotable gear mentioned in this episode:Stereo Manley Pultec: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/darLBkTo learn more about Aaron Rubin, visit: http://www.thisiscommand.com/Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions?For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to [email protected] leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/Thanks for listening!