The SonicScoop Podcast | Mixing, Mastering, Audio Engineering and Music Production
Episodes
Soft Skills for Producers, Engineers & Musicians, Or: "How To Win Fans and Influence Gatekeepers"
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Your technical skills as a producer or engineer are only half the equation... Or maybe less than that! ►Get the book mentioned in the video: https:/...
Audio Engineer Salaries & Jobs in 2023: How and Where Do They Make Their Money?
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How much do audio engineers and music producers earn in 2023? Where are the jobs and how much do they pay? Justin Colletti dives into the data. ►Get...
The Ultimate Guide to FINISHING the MIX
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How can you tell when your mix is finished? How do you know it's good enough? Justin Colletti shares his take. ►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here: https...
How Long Does it Take? (To MIX like a Pro?)
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How long does it take to get really GOOD at mixing music? How about producing or recording? Justin Colletti gives his take. ►Get Mixing Breakthrough...
Why Audio Gear Advice SUCKS. (A Buyer's Guide)
07 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Colletti share how you can avoid the pitfalls of buying the wrong gear and falling for awful, awful gear advice. ►Get FREE plugins that run o...
BEST of NAMM 2023 (Audio Nerds ONLY.)
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Colletti goes over his favorite new gear from NAMM 2023, and some key insights on how the show has changed. ►Get FREE plugins that run on you...
Thriving in Music With Hearing Damage: How to Beat Tinnitus & Hearing Loss (w Jack Rubinacci)
09 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Colletti and special guest Jack Rubinacci talk about how to overcome tinnitus and hearing loss so that you can thrive as a musician, producer o...
Top 10 Ways To Get Better at Mixing, Faster
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Colletti shares the top 10 ways you can dramatically speed up your progress in mixing. ►Get the Lauten LS-208 Mic used in this video for $50 ...
10 Weird Things Your Studio Needs
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Colletti shares the top 10 items you need in our studio that you might not have thought of. ►Get the Lauten LS-208 Mic used in this video for...
Rick Rubin's Top 10 Insights for Music Producers (...Read between the lines.)
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rick Rubin is one of the most successful music producers in the history of modern music. He's been talking a lot about his approach in recent intervie...
How to Get Your Music Heard on YouTube
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Want to get your music discovered and actually heard on YouTube? Justin Colletti shares the top 4 tips that will get the algorithm to pick up your mus...
All the WEIRD Compressor Controls You Never Figured Out.
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you REALLY know what your Knee control does and how you should use it? How about Compressor Link, Feed Forward, Key, Sidechain & Release Hyster...
The Ultimate Guide to Studio Monitors (...How to pick the PERFECT speakers for your studio.)
17 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Should you upgrade your speakers? Justin Colletti gives you all you need to know to make the right decisions in upgrading your studio's monitors. ►...
Meters Made Simple (See Your Sound, Better.)
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A masterclass in meters! What can your meters tell you about your mix and how to improve it? Can they guide you to better sounds? Justin Colletti tell...
The Secrets to Getting Your Mixes to Translate, Everywhere, Everytime
20 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why do your mixes sound OK in your studio, and fall flat everywhere else? Can you get great mixes, even in compromised rooms, or if you're mixing on h...
5 Lazy Habits That Are Quietly Killing Your Mixes.
14 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Let's face it: We're all lazy sometimes. But Justin Colletti wants you to harness your lazy instincts for good instead of getting your mixes quietly k...
Top 10 Reasons You Don't Have a Music Career (…Here's What's Holding You Back in Music and Audio.)
07 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Colletti shares the 10 bad habits that are holding you back, and keeping you from "going pro" in music and sound. Borrowing from insights from...
Mixing Q&A with GRAMMY-Winning Mixer Chris Tabron [Beyoncé, The Strokes, Erykah Badu, Rick Rubin]
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Tabron is a 2 x GRAMMY award-winning and multi-platinum record producer and mixer known for his work with Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Mary J. Blige, ...
Mixing Q&A with Multi-Platinum Mixer Ronald Prent [Rammstein, Depeche Mode, Celine Dion, Def Leppard, Manowar]
28 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ronald Prent is an accomplished and innovative mixer with over 40 years of experience. He has worked in rock, pop, metal and classical, and has been a...
Mixing Q&A with Diamond-Selling Mixer Richard Furch [Prince, Jay-Z, Frank Ocean, The Weeknd]
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Diamond-selling mix engineer Richard Furch walked us through an international pop mix in this MixCon Masterclass. First, he showed off his approach to...
Mixing Masterclass with Joe Chiccarelli [Beck, U2, The White Stripes, The Killers, Morrissey]
16 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Chiccarelli is a ten-time Grammy-winning producer/engineer/mixer whose credits include Beck, U2, The White Stripes, The Strokes, The Killers, Elto...
Mixing Q&A with Catherine Marks [St. Vincent, Foals, The Killers, Interpol, Wolf Alice]
04 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We asked your questions of producer, engineer and mixer Catherine Marks following her MixCon masterclass. Catherine’s credits include Manchester Or...
"Beat a Grammy-Winning Mixer with Stock Plugins??" Ask Me Anything! MixCon Q&A Episode with Justin Colletti
28 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Recently on the SonicScoop YouTube channel, Justin Colletti did a mix shootout with a platinum-selling, Grammy-winning mixer to see if he could do jus...
Top 3 Reasons Your Low End SUCKS (...And what to do about it.)
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fix your bottom end! The low end in your mix is both the hardest part to get right, AND the most important part to get right. Here's what's holding y...
Top 5 Hip Hop Mixing Mistakes (...This is why your beats don't bang.)
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fix your bottom end! The low end in your mix is both the hardest part to get right, AND the most important part to get right. Here's what's holding yo...
Top 10 Rock Mixing Mistakes (...Why your tracks don't sound badass.)
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are secret norms and unwritten rules to making rock records sound like rock records. If you want powerful, impressive, inspiring rock sounds, J...
Which Effects Should Come FIRST in Mixing?
05 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Should your EQ come before your compressor or after? Should your compressor go after your saturator or before? There are so many different orders you...
The MOST IMPORTANT thing in Mixing (isn't what you think it is...)
27 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What's the most important thing in all of music mixing? Contrary to popular belief, it's NOT making everything equally audible at all times. Being a...
There Are ONLY 5 Ways to Make Money in Music
14 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Want to have a sustainable career in music? Ultimately, there are only 5 ways to make an income in music production. (And honestly, any other art for...
The 7 Deadly Sins of Mixing ("The mastering engineer's pet peeves")
01 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A listener asks: "Justin, what are your pet peeves as a mastering engineer?" Hear his full response, with the complete list of the "7 deadly sins of ...
How LOUD You Listen To Your Mix Matters! (The "magic" number?)
23 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is there a "right" level for listening? Yes! And it varies, depending on whether you're mixing, mastering, producing or recording. Learn how your lis...
The ONLY 4 Ways to Get Your Music Heard (...Or: how real artists actually get fans and listeners)
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Want to get your music heard, by actual people? There are only 4 ways to do it. The most successful artists employ all four of these major strategies...
Why You SHOULDN'T Learn Mastering
10 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You're wasting your time by trying to learn mastering! ...Or are you? Justin Colletti shares why you shouldn't bother learning mastering, and focus o...
Avoid The #1 Mastering Mistake (How Revisions SHOULD Work.)
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What's the best way to handle mastering revisions? Get this right, and you'll be able to avoid the #1 mistake that plagues all too many mastering sess...
The 5 Most Common Compression Mistakes You’ll Make
17 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Compression and limiting are among the hardest music production skills to learn. Almost everyone makes these 5 mistakes when they first get into mixin...
Top 5 Recording Mistakes You Will Definitely Make
11 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The biggest thing that will hold back the sound of your mix is the quality of your RECORDING. Justin Colletti offers up the 5 biggest recording mista...
“Fixing It In The Mix”. If you’re gonna try, here’s how to do it.
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"Fix it in the mix!" We all know it can't be done... Or CAN it? Justin Colletti offers advice on what to do when you encounter sounds that you feel...
Best 21st Century Record Release Strategies For Getting Your Music Heard
20 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
NEWSFLASH: It's not 1995 anymore. If your way of releasing music stuck in the 20th century? Justin Colletti offers some of the best strategies for pu...
Top 10 Reasons Your Mix SUCKS.
05 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ouch. Does your mix suck? Here are the top 10 reasons why you might feel that way, and what you can do about it. Justin Colletti has coached thousand...
How to Compress EVERYTHING: A FREE Comprehensive Guide
30 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What is the best way to compress vocals? How about compressing drums? Compression on bass? Pianos? ...Compressing the mix bus?? Justin Colletti revea...
How to Get More Work in Mixing and Music Production
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are you trying to find more work in mixing, mastering or music production? Justin Colletti offers some key concepts for landing more clients and work...
Is Music Streaming Worth it for Musicians?
10 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music are amazing for listeners. But, are they worthwhile for artists? Justin Colletti dives into the ...
10 Worst Pieces of Common Mixing Advice
28 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Not all mixing advice is created equal. Some of the most often repeated pieces of bad mix advice have a small kernel of truth in them... and a seed of...
Why it's so hard to make money in music. (And what to do about it.)
20 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Want an honest chance of making a living in music or music production? You have to stop approaching it with a 20th century mindset. Music and studio...
Are There Objectively Good Mixing Techniques?
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is there such a thing as "objectively" good sound quality? How about "objectively good" mix techniques? Objectively good microphones? H ow much can ...
The 4 Main Mix "Shapes" (...what's the frequency curve of your mixes?)
03 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Across countless mixes that reach his studio for mastering, Justin Colletti has found that practically all of them fit into one of 4 general EQ "Shape...
Great Songs with Bad Mixes?
17 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is it possible for a great song—or even a great production—to have a "bad mix"? And what exactly does it mean to have a "bad mix", anyway? Justi...
A Much Better Way to Release Albums in 2022. Plus: Using YouTube as a Musician (with Josh Turner)
10 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Singer, songwriter and producer Josh Turner runs a successful YouTube channel with over 150 million lifetime views. He talks to Justin Colletti about...
My Biggest Mistakes in the Studio
03 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Colletti is supposed to be a pretty good audio engineer. But he's done a LOT of dumb things in the studio. Learn about some of his biggest mist...
Loudness Targets for Mastering (...It's not what the streaming services tell you.) FIXED AUDIO
29 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How loud should your master be? It's a common question, but the best answer depends a lot on your genre, production style and goals. Streaming servic...
The 5 Keys to Keeping Perspective in Your Mix
21 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's easy to lose perspective when mixing, start chasing your own tail, and spend hours making things sound WORSE. Been there? We all have. Justin C...
"Mix Matching" and "Master Mimicking" (The best ways to get better, fast)
09 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever tried "Mix Matching" or "Master Mimicking"? Justin Colletti says they are among the best ways to quickly and radically improve your audi...
How to Use Frequency Analyzers (The Right Way)
30 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Frequency analyzers can be a useful tool. But they can also lead you down the wrong path, encouraging you to fix "problems' that aren't really there. ...
Is Quantity Better than Quality in Music Production? Producer Hyperbits on his Path to 50M+ Streams
17 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Producer Hyperbits has a seemingly controversial take on the quality vs. quantity debate. But the more you think about it, the more his advice makes s...
Legendary Grunge Producer Jack Endino on Recording, Mixing, Mastering and "Setting Himself on Fire"
10 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Jack Endino has worked with Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, L7, Mudhoney and so many of the biggest bands in the Seattle Grunge scene. This week, he...
Bad Arguments for Super High Resolution Audio, Rebutted!
04 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Hi Res Audio isn't all it's cracked up to be. That's what all the blind listening tests seem to indicate anyway. But when Justin Colletti says this, h...
Mix Bus Processing: How to Compress, EQ, Limit and More (...Without Destroying Your Mix)
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Should you compress, EQ or limit your mix bus? And if so, HOW? Here are the Pros and Cons of mix bus processing from Justin Colletti. ►See free audi...
Making Money in Music with Brands (ft. Tommy Zee)
27 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Want a clear path to making money with your music? Today’s guest, Tommy Zee, offers one proven way to earn a real living in music production: M...
Gain Staging Demystified (...How To Set Ideal Levels for Recording and Mixing)
15 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There's plenty of advice out there on gain staging. But what IS gain staging, and why should you care? Justin Colletti goes deep on the fundamentals ...
How Much Does Gear Matter in the Studio?
02 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Studio gear is important. Without it you can't make music. But how important, exactly, is the quality of that gear? What really makes a difference and...
Releasing Good Music Isn't Enough (To Get You Noticed)
26 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Wouldn't it be amazing if you could release your music out into the world and have it find its audience instantly? Unfortunately, it doesn't work tha...
How To Master Albums (...Full of Very Different Sounding Tracks)
21 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
During mastering, you sometimes have to fit very different sounding productions onto the same record. Some songs might have been recorded with a full ...
Two Secrets for HUGE Sounding Mixes
11 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Want your mixes to sound HUGE? Or, want a specific instrument to sound huge? Whether you want huge drums, vocals, guitar, or anything else, there are ...
The Most Important Frequency Ranges for EQing Kick and Bass
02 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kick drum and bass are two of the most important elements in any mix. If they don't sit right, the whole mix doesn't sit right. So what can you do to ...
Better Editing Can Improve Your Mixes More Than Compression or EQ
25 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Good mixing is important. Sure. We all know that. But so many new mixers try to fix issues that would be much better solved by spending a little more ...
Is Your Mix Just Different, or Actually Better? Here's How to Tell
16 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
You're on 8 plugins deep on the vocal track of "Mix 8 Final FINAL Rev3". But is it BETTER? Or just different? Here's how to decide and how to keep pe...
The Most Overrated Studio Gear (and the Most Underrated)
08 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Colletti gives his picks for the most overrated studio gear for recording, mixing and mastering, as well as the most underrated studio tools. ...
The Secret Science of Stacking Compressors
28 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Colletti reveals the secret science of stacking compressors in the mix in the latest episode of the SonicScoop podcast. Learn how to set attack...
How to Parallel Compress EVERYTHING: A Comprehensive Guide
23 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Colletti offers his tips on how to use parallel compression and processing on practically everything, from drums to bass to vocals, pianos, 808...
3 Key Takeaways from Producer and Electronic Artist TAETRO
12 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Colletti shares his key insights from a masterclass from music producer and electronic artist TAETRO, who recently appeared at MixCon 2021. Se...
3 Key Mixing Takeaways from 7X GRAMMY-Winner Brian Vibberts
09 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Colletti gives a recap of the extremely detailed, 2 hour long mixing masterclass from Brian Vibberts at MixCon 2021. Check out the full master...
3 Key Takeaways from Award-Winning Mixer on Mixing Soundtracks and Orchestral Elements
30 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Colletti offers his top 3 takeaways from Jake Jackson and Christian Henson’s Mixing Masterclass at MixCon 2021.
Top 3 Insights from Multi-Platinum Mixer Koen Heldens
22 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Colletti shares his key takeaways from Koen Heldens' 2021 MixCon masterclass. Check out Koen's full masterclass here: https://youtu.be/WHfTwWVt...
Top 3 Music Production Insights from Tom Holkenborg (aka Junkie XL)
16 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Colletti shares his top 3 takeaways from Tom Holkenborg (AKA Junkie XL)'s MixCon Masterclass.
Top 3 Takeaways from Grammy-Winning Mixer Quentin "Q" Gilkey
08 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Colletti shares his top 3 insights from Quentin "Q" Gilkey's recent MiCon presentation. See the full mix walkthrough here: https://www.youtube....
The Top 5 EQ Myths, Busted!
06 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Is it really better to cut than to boost? Is phase shift from EQ really a problem? Justin Colletti answers all these common EQ questions and...
You’re Not Automating Your Mix Enough!
17 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Chances are that unless you’re an in-demand mixer at the top of your craft, you’re not using enough automation in you mixes. Great automation...
For a Career in Music, You Need Lots of Little Victories
10 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Many try and few succeed at having sustainable careers in music. It can even be hard to keep it going as a fulfilling hobby, without the right mi...
Dial In Your Effects BEFORE You Mix?
03 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dialing in your effects before you even start your mix may seem "backwards" to some. But it's actually the way a lot of the best mixers work. Surpris...
How to Get More Stereo WIDTH in Your Mixes
27 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Getting a wide, immersive stereo soundscape is one of the key features of mixes that sound impressive and hi-fi. But how to do it? Justin Colletti sh...
How Your Ears Will Lie To You (And What to Do About It)
20 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As audio professionals, we need to trust our ears. But can we? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Justin Colletti shares what we can do to help us trust wha...
Why Pre-Production is the Key to Great Records
13 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Is the demo dead in the age of the DAW? Never! This week, Justin Colletti shares why pre-production is still crucially important for music releas...
How to Mix Your Own Tracks (And Why You Maybe Shouldn't)
07 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Should you mix your own music? Probably not, in many cases. But if you're committed to doing so, here are some of the keys to really making it work.
Mixing From Scratch Isn't the Only Way (A More Modern Approach to Mixing)
30 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
These days, top mixers don't always mix from scratch. And they don't always try to reinvent the mix either. Here's a more modern high-level approach f...
A Much Better Way to Talk About Sound (What do "Warm" and "Punchy" Really Mean??)
22 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's been said that talking about music or sound is like dancing about architecture. We often use words to describe what we're hearing without having ...
Top 10 Reasons Not to Become an Audio Engineer
16 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Justin Colletti tries to talk you out of all your hopes and dreams of being an audio engineer or music producer. He hopes he succeeds...
Why Super High Resolution Audio Makes No Sense
08 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Is there any point to super high resolution audio? Probably not. Here's why.
How to Deal with Mix Revisions (Should They Cost Extra?)
26 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mix revisions can be a real pain. Or, they can be the best thing to happen to your mix. How can you make them less frequent, more seamless and more pr...
Does Dither Really Matter?
18 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dithering Demystified! Is Dither as important as it's made out to be? What effect does it have on your audio? When should you do it? And which kind is...
Everything You Wanted to Know About Sidechain Compression (...but were afraid to ask)
11 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How, why, when and where should you use sidechain dynamics processing? Justin Colletti gives you the overview of all the principles and common applica...
How to Use Saturation on the Mix & Master Bus
04 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Does saturation have a place in mastering or on the mix bus? Absolutely says Justin Colletti. It can increase depth, density and perception of detail,...
The 6 Most Common Mix Problems (And How to Fix Them)
25 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What's holding your mix back? Justin Colletti shares his picks for the 6 most common mix issues, and how to overcome them in your own mixes.
1 Big Tip for Much Better EQing
18 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Is there a better way to EQ? Justin Colletti thinks so. This easy to implement approach beats aimlessly sweeping through your EQ any day of the week. ...
1 Big Tip for Much Better Masters (...And Mixes!)
11 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Colletti offers one big tip to dramatically improve your masters and your mixes. And it has to do with not just where, but WHEN you put in your...
How Much Should a Mix Cost?
04 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How much should you charge for a mix? How much should you expect to pay for a mix? How about mastering work—how much should that cost? Justin Collet...
Should You Pursue Your Passion into a Music or Audio Career?
28 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Passion! Should you follow it into a career in music or audio? Or should you play it safe? Justin Colletti gives his take.
How & Why to Use the RATIO Control on Your Compressor
21 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What exactly is that "ratio" control on your compressor, and how should you use it? When do you want to use a low ratio, and when should you use a hig...
Pre-Fader vs Post-Fader Reverb and Effects
14 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Should you be running your effects in pre-fader or post-fader mode? Are there reasons to do one over the other? How about putting your effects right o...
Preparing for Mastering: What Files (And Levels) Do I Need to Send to the Mastering Engineer?
07 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What kinds of files should you be sending to your mastering engineer? Should you be leaving your buss processing on or off? How loud should your mixes...
How to Make Your Studio or Music Work into a Real Business (Not a "Job")
31 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to your work in the studio or in music, do you approach it like a job, or like a business? What's the difference? And why can treating y...