Best Plugin Missing Podcasts (2025)

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#209: What Can a Free Wavetable Synth Like Vital Do in the Hands of a First-Time User? 22:32

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2d ago22:32

22:32

Curious what happens when a producer opens Vital Spectral Warping Wavetable synth for the very first time? In this episode, I explore the free wavetable synthesizer from scratch, answering common questions like: Is Vital really free? Is the free version powerful enough for professional music production? With zero prior experience in the plugin, I s…

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#208: How to Avoid Burnout in Music Production (Do Less, Achieve More) 14:39

9d ago14:39

14:39

Are you feeling drained from endless hours in the studio? Wondering how music producers can avoid burnout or what strategies actually work to recover from creative exhaustion? You’re not alone; burnout is one of the biggest creativity killers for producers and indie artists today. In this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews dives into proven t…

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#207: How Many Drafts Does It Take to Finish a Track? (feat. Michael Oakley) 51:33

16d ago51:33

51:33

Have you ever abandoned a promising track because it suddenly "didn't feel right" the next day? Why does your track feel wrong the next day? Is Overthinking Killing Your Songwriting Process? In this eye-opening episode of Inside the Mix, synth-pop artist Michael Oakley unpacks the creative psychology behind overthinking songwriting and how our emot…

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#206: Why Your Vocal Comping Workflow Is Slowing You Down 32:00

23d ago32:00

32:00

Struggling with too many vocal takes? You nailed the perfect take, then recorded five more “just in case.” Now you’re lost in a sea of options, wondering how to create the perfect comp without losing your mind. In this episode of Inside the Mix, Marc Matthews and Tim Benson (Aisle9) reveal their proven strategies for organising takes and building s…

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#205: Why Artists Need Strategy Over Followers in 2025 (feat. Jesse Kirshbaum) 42:26

1M ago42:26

42:26

The music industry is shifting fast—are you ready for it? In this episode, Jesse Kirshbaum returns to Inside the Mix to break down how independent artists can build sustainable music careers in 2025. From strategic content creation to authentic brand deals, Jesse shares how “selling in” (not selling out) can help you monetize without compromising y…

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#204: What Is Dither in Audio? When and Why to Use It (feat. Ian Stewart) 47:39

1M ago47:39

47:39

Ever wondered why engineers intentionally add noise to audio? In this episode of Inside the Mix, returning guest, mastering engineer and Berklee professor Ian Stewart, breaks down what dither is, why it’s used, and when to apply it in your music production workflow. Through clear explanations and real audio demos, Ian demonstrates how dither replac…

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#203: What Actually Happens When You Choose a Sample Rate? (feat. Ian Stewart) 41:01

1M ago41:01

41:01

Confused about which audio sample rate to choose for your music? Whether you're recording your first track or mastering for Dolby Atmos, knowing the difference between 44.1kHz, 48kHz, and 96kHz is more than technical—it’s essential to how your music sounds and where it ends up. In this episode of Inside the Mix, mastering engineer and Berklee profe…

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#202: I Gamified My Music Production - It Changed Everything 7:56

2M ago7:56

7:56

Ever wondered if you're tracking the right metrics in your music production journey? That nagging question—"Am I measuring what truly drives growth or just staying busy?"—led me to create something that transformed my creative process completely. In this episode of Inside the Mix, I introduce the Producer Growth Scorecard—a free, gamified tool desi…

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#201: What If Your De-esser Plugin Could Do More Than Fix Sibilance? 34:53

2M ago34:53

34:53

What if your go-to vocal de-esser plugin could do so much more? In this episode, Marc Matthews and Tim Benson break down the creative power of de-essers and why they might be the secret weapon missing from your mix. We kick things off with how de-essers work (spoiler: it’s more than just “s” sounds), before diving into smart, non-traditional de-ess…

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#200: How I 10x’d My Spotify Monthly Listeners as an Independent Artist 26:43

2M ago26:43

26:43

Wondering how to grow monthly listeners on Spotify as an independent artist, without gimmicks or burnout? In this episode, I break down my journey from 300 to nearly 3,000 Spotify listeners in just six months using real-world strategies. Learn why reducing SubmitHub costs led to more playlist features, how extending Facebook ads to three weeks boos…

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#199: The Hidden Production Habits You’re Probably Ignoring (At Your Own Risk) 37:20

2M ago37:20

37:20

Ever wondered why your mixes don’t sound professional, even with decent gear and endless YouTube tutorials? In this episode, Marc Matthews and Tim Benson, AKA Aisle9, reveal the overlooked production habits that separate amateur mixes from polished tracks. Discover how using reference tracks, including your own successful work, can instantly level …

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#198: Why I Never Release Music Without This Promotion Calendar 12:10

3M ago12:10

12:10

Struggling to promote your music on social media without burning out? You’re not alone. In this episode, Marc Matthews introduces his 30-day music release promotion calendar for indie musicians, a practical tool designed to eliminate guesswork, boost engagement, and help you post purposefully. You’ll learn what a social media content calendar for m…

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#197: Why I Don’t Touch Plugins Before Doing This - The Art of Static Mixing (feat. Nate Kelmes) 44:15

3M ago44:15

44:15

Why do some mixes, even with top plugins and techniques, still sound off? The answer might lie in a step you’re overlooking: the static mix. In this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews talks with mix engineer Nate Kelmes to explore: What is a static mix in audio mixing? And why is a static mix important before adding effects? Nate explains how…

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#196: What Gear Do I Need to Produce Music at Home? Our Essential Home Studio Setup Tools 40:39

3M ago40:39

40:39

Starting music production at home? This episode of Inside The Mix is your step-by-step guide to building the best home studio setup for beginner music producers. Marc Matthews and Tim Benson unpack exactly what gear you need to produce music at home, without breaking the bank. They walk through a basic home studio equipment list for new producers, …

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#195: How I Fixed My Mix with One Simple Move... EQ Automation 9:01

3M ago9:01

9:01

Having trouble getting your build-ups and drops to land with real impact? In this episode of Inside The Mix, host Marc Matthews reveals how he tackled that exact issue in his latest single, “Half-Life”, using a simple but powerful technique—EQ automation. Marc walks listeners through when to use EQ automation instead of static EQ, explaining how dy…

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#194: I Asked a Pro Vocal Coach How to Prepare a Singer for a Recording Session (ft. Rich Bozic) 42:55

4M ago42:55

42:55

Capturing great vocal takes starts long before hitting record. In this episode, vocal coach and recording expert Rich Bozic shares how to record professional vocals in a home studio, with practical tips that work whether you’re using high-end gear or a modest setup. We cover how to prepare a singer for a vocal session, from effective pre-session co…

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#193: I Asked a Pro If You Really Need a Mastering Engineer - And If You Can DIY (feat. Mike Marsh) 39:15

4M ago39:15

39:15

Acclaimed mastering engineer Mike Marsh demystifies the final stage of music production in this insightful episode. With a career spanning over three decades, working with artists like Björk, The Chemical Brothers, and Depeche Mode, Mike offers unparalleled expertise on what music mastering is and why it's important. He addresses the common misconc…

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#192: The Three C’s That Helped Us Grow as Independent Music Producers 31:01

4M ago31:01

31:01

How do you market yourself effectively as an independent music producer, especially when working across multiple genres? In this episode, Marc Matthews and Tim Benson (Aisle9) unpack this challenge with real-world advice and music promotion tips for independent producers looking to stand out. They break down “The Three C’s” framework—Collaboration,…

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#191: Every Logic Pro User Should Know These Hidden Tools—Do You? (ft. Justin Hochella) 36:41

4M ago36:41

36:41

Are you underusing the tools you already own in Logic Pro? In this episode of Inside the Mix, Marc Matthews is joined by Justin Hochella, producer and co-host of Face Your Ears, to uncover Logic Pro’s native power that most producers overlook. We answer the questions every independent artist should be asking: What are the essential Logic Pro keyboa…

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#190: Ever Wonder Why Your Effects Sound "Off"? Unlocking Pre-Fader and Post-Fader Sends 26:14

5M ago26:14

26:14

Ever wondered how the pros achieve those perfectly balanced mixes and immersive effects? Marc Matthews and Tim Benson (Aisle9) explain the difference between pre-fader and post-fader sends, the key to balanced mixes and immersive effects. Many overlook this fundamental signal flow, yet mastering it is the secret to professional sound. Discover when…

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#189: Could Re-Releasing Music Boost Your Streams? A Guide to the Waterfall Release Strategy 14:28

5M ago14:28

14:28

Ever released a song only to watch it vanish into the streaming void after a brief moment in the spotlight? In this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews delves into the waterfall release strategy, a strategic approach to music distribution that aims to revolutionise how artists share their work and maximise their reach. The core concept of the …

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#188: ALL THE DAMN VAMPIRES | Davey Oberlin: What Makes an '80s Synthwave Cover Truly Authentic? 37:16

5M ago37:16

37:16

What happens when a keyboard player for Korn and Five Finger Death Punch dives headfirst into the neon-soaked synthwave world? Davey Oberlin joins Marc Matthews to reveal how he transforms classic rock anthems into synthwave masterpieces through his project, All The Damn Vampires. Davey breaks down his cover of Whitesnake's Is This Love, uncovering…

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#187: THE MIDNIGHT | Tyler Lyle: Unlocking the Secrets of Synthwave Songwriting 42:12

5M ago42:12

42:12

In this episode of Inside The Mix, host Marc Matthews engages in a profound conversation with Tyler Lyle, the singer-songwriter and one-half of the synthwave duo, The Midnight. Tyler delves into the enigmatic nature of songwriting, describing it as "a well-narrated hallucination," and likens the creative process to "trying to start a truck sitting …

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#186: Why LUFS Don't Matter As Much As You Think with Ian Shepherd 1:07:38

5M ago1:07:38

1:07:38

In this episode of Inside The Mix, mastering engineer Ian Shepherd demystifies loudness metrics and debunks common mastering misconceptions while offering practical advice for producers looking to improve their masters without chasing arbitrary targets. Ian explains the role of LUFS in mastering, why normalization matters, and how focusing on music…

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#185: My Journey to 10,000 Monthly Listeners - What Actually Works? 17:41

6M ago17:41

17:41

In this episode of Inside The Mix, host Marc Matthews takes listeners behind the scenes on his journey to reaching 10,000 monthly Spotify listeners in 2025. Reflecting on his experiences as an independent artist, Marc shares both the wins and the challenges of learning what is music marketing and how to release music independently while maintaining…

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#184: Why Are So Many Songs Just 'Okay'? 32:44

6M ago32:44

32:44

What makes a song truly resonate with listeners? In this episode, Marc Matthews and Aisle9 approach this question head-on by exploring a listener's struggle with finishing their song—feeling that while it’s good, it lacks that captivating quality that makes music unforgettable. Their conversation dives deep into understanding song engagement, exami…

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#183: How Do Producers Make Bass Sound So Good? 10:12

6M ago10:12

10:12

Achieving a powerful, well-balanced bass is essential for any great mix. In this episode, Marc Matthews takes you behind the scenes of his latest track, breaking down his process for designing and mixing bass sounds. Whether you're working in Logic Pro or another DAW, these insights will help you create a deep, punchy low-end that enhances your ove…

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#182: Are You Using Digital Distortion Wrong in Mastering? With Eric Mitchell 39:50

6M ago39:50

39:50

Achieving a polished, professional sound in mastering requires a deep understanding of digital distortion and saturation—but how do you use them effectively without compromising clarity? In this episode of Inside The Mix, I’m joined by mastering engineer Eric Mitchell to explore the fine balance between intentional and unintentional distortion, the…

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#181: Can AI Really Revolutionise Music Production? Music Industry Insights and Tips with Dan Giffin 45:24

7M ago45:24

45:24

In episode 181 of Inside The Mix, I’m joined by Ableton Live expert and music production mentor Dan Giffin to discuss the key elements that take a producer from hobbyist to professional. We dive into the emotional side of mixing, the power of mentorship, and how evolving technology—including AI—is shaping the future of music creation. Whether you'r…

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#180: Unlocking the Iconic 80s Hard Rock Sound: Music Production Techniques and Stories 31:35

7M ago31:35

31:35

Ever wondered how did people produce music in the 80s or how to produce 80s music with authenticity? In this episode of Inside The Mix, hosts Marc and Aisle9 break down the essential 80s music production techniques, from analyzing reference tracks to choosing the right instruments and effects. Whether you're crafting synthwave, pop, or rock, this e…

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#179: Mix or Master First? Secrets to Better Audio Production with Shane Slack 44:27

7M ago44:27

44:27

In this episode of Inside The Mix, I sit down with Shane Slack, an acclaimed audio professional celebrated for his innovative approach to music production. Shane dives deep into the philosophy behind audio production, emphasising the importance of understanding the source material before processing and mastering the techniques that truly elevate yo…

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#178: Breaking the Starving Artist Myth | Thriving in Music Mixing and Mastering with Eliott Glinn 40:59

7M ago40:59

40:59

This episode of Inside The Mix breaks down the myths surrounding financial success in the music industry and reveals how aspiring audio professionals can thrive. My guest, Eliott Glinn, shares invaluable insights on how to start your own music business with a focus on developing a success-driven mindset, mastering content creation, and using smart …

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#177: What’s the Best Plugin to Remove Reverb? Let’s Find Out! 14:18

8M ago14:18

14:18

In this episode of Inside The Mix, we tackle the challenge of managing unwanted reverb baked into audio samples. If you've ever struggled with excessive room sound or reverberation in your recordings, this episode offers practical solutions and expert insights to help you clean up your mixes. I dive into the challenge of managing unwanted reverb ba…

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#176: What Makes a Kick Drum Punchy? Try This Free Plugin! 8:05

8M ago8:05

8:05

In this episode of Inside The Mix, we dive deep into enhancing your kick drum for maximum impact using the free Plugin Alliance bx_Subfilter plugin. Discover how to make your kicks sound fatter, punchier, and more powerful in your mixes with professional tips and techniques. Whether you're working on electronic beats or rock tracks, mastering your …

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#175: What's the Secret to Mixing Without Muddiness? Achieving Clarity and Dynamics in a Mix 1:17:48

8M ago1:17:48

1:17:48

As we bid farewell to 2024, this special episode of Inside The Mix celebrates your incredible musical wins while providing actionable tips to elevate your music production journey. My co-host, Aisle9, and I reflect on the year’s highlights, share listener achievements, and answer your burning questions about mixing, mastering, and making meaningful…

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#174: The Art of DIY Mastering: Tips and Strategies to Master Your Own Music with Eric Mitchell 38:27

8M ago38:27

38:27

In this episode of Inside the Mix, we dive into the world of DIY mastering. Whether you're curious about mastering music fundamentals, the basic steps of mastering, or simply want to understand what mastering a song really is, this episode has you covered. Join me as I sit down with mastering engineer Eric Mitchell to uncover the techniques, tools,…

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#173: Unlock the Secret to Creating Perfect Risers in any VST Synthesizer 10:31

8M ago10:31

10:31

Ever wondered how to create a simple riser that adds excitement and anticipation to your tracks? Or maybe you’re curious about how to create a riser in Serum for that professional, polished sound? Tune into this episode of Inside The Mix as we dive into the art of crafting the perfect riser to elevate your music production. In this episode, I’ll wa…

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#172: How Pink Noise Can Transform Your Sound Setup and Speaker Calibration with Mike Dow 45:41

9M ago45:41

45:41

Ever wondered how to calibrate your speakers or if speaker calibration is even worth it? Curious about pink noise, how to use it, or whether a subwoofer can truly improve sound quality? Then this episode of Inside The Mix is for you! Join me as I sit down with audio expert Mike Dow, whose nearly 40 years of experience in the industry shine through …

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#171: How to Balance Low-End in a Mix: Trusting Your Instincts with Mike Exeter 50:05

9M ago50:05

50:05

Ever wondered how to mix good low-end, how to balance low-end in a mix, which frequencies to cut when mixing, or even how should you EQ a high-hat? Join me for an inspiring conversation with legendary producer and engineer Mike Exeter, known for his iconic work with Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, in this must-listen episode of Inside the Mix. Mike…

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#170: Unlocking Immersive Audio: Mastering Dolby Atmos with Matt Boudreau | Working Class Audio 42:35

9M ago42:35

42:35

Ever wondered how to learn Dolby Atmos mixing, what software is used for Dolby Atmos mixing, or even what is Dolby Atmos? In this exciting episode of the Inside The Mix podcast, I sit down with acclaimed audio engineer Matt Boudreau to explore the fascinating world of immersive audio. With years of experience working alongside icons like Alanis Mor…

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#169: Mastering Vocal Dynamics with Gain Automation and Why You Need This One Mixing Technique 13:33

9M ago13:33

13:33

Ever wondered what gain automation is? Or how clip gain differs from volume automation? Join me in Episode 169 of the Inside The Mix podcast, where we dive deep into these vocal mixing techniques and explore how to optimize your vocal mixing workflow. If you've been curious about how to get smoother, more balanced vocals without relying solely on a…

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#168: Mastering Music Production: Insights and Strategies with Lij Shaw (Recording Studio Rockstars) 49:29

10M ago49:29

49:29

Curious about mixing music or want to level up your music production skills? Join me in EP 168 of the Inside The Mix podcast as I sit down with Lij Shaw, award-winning producer and owner of the Grammy-awarded Toy Box Studio. Lij brings a wealth of experience and shares his practical approach to balancing the simplicity and complexity of music mixin…

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#167: AI Meets Music: Revolutionising Production and Empowering Artists with David Lucius King 51:19

10M ago51:19

51:19

Curious about how AI is reshaping the music industry? From enhancing creativity to streamlining production, artificial intelligence is sparking a new era in music. In Episode 167 of the Inside The Mix podcast, I sit down with platinum-selling producer David Lucius King to uncover how AI in the music industry is transforming the way artists create, …

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#166: How Do You Know When Your Mix Is Done? Free Logic Pro Mixing Course 14:23

10M ago14:23

14:23

Ever asked yourself, how do you know if a mix is finished? If you’re wondering how to finish mixing a song or looking for tips on how to mix in Logic Pro, then this episode is for you. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, EP 166 of the Inside The Mix podcast will help you elevate your synthpop tracks and finish your mixes with confidence. I…

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#165: What is Mid-Side EQ? Enhance Your Stereo Image with Ian Stewart 55:31

10M ago55:31

55:31

Ever wondered what is mid-side EQ or how does mid-side EQ work? Is mid-side EQ essential for a professional-sounding mix? Tune in to EP 165 of the Inside The Mix podcast, where I sit down with distinguished mastering engineer and educator Ian Stewart to explore the ins and outs of mid-side EQ. Together, we unravel the techniques that can add width …

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#164: Mastering Vocal Compression: Unleashing the Power of 1176 and LA-2A Compressors 16:10

11M ago16:10

16:10

Ever wondered how to make a super compressed vocal stand out? Tune in to EP 164 of the Inside The Mix podcast, where I dive into everything from vocal compression settings to mastering the 1176 and LA-2A compressors. In this episode, I break down the secrets behind compressing vocals effectively—whether you're looking for optimal vocal compression …

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#163: How to Create Powerful Sub-Bass in Any DAW: Step-by-Step Guide 14:18

11M ago14:18

14:18

Struggling to create a good sub-bass? Whether you’re wondering how to create sub-bass in Logic Pro, what the sub-bass frequency range is, or which sub-bass VST to use, EP 163 of the Inside The Mix podcast has you covered. In this episode, I break down the essentials of crafting a rich, powerful sub-bass in Logic Pro, drawing from my recent guest ap…

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#162: 5 Essential Logic Pro X Tips to Boost Your Workflow and Creativity in Music Production 12:27

11M ago12:27

12:27

Struggling to improve your workflow in Logic Pro? Whether you want to speed up your music production workflow or learn essential Logic Pro tips for beginners, EP 162 of the Inside The Mix podcast has you covered. Discover the game-changing techniques that can revolutionise your music production! If you're passionate about music production, this epi…

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#161: Vocal Mixing Techniques: How to Create a Vocal Double Without Expensive Plugins 12:33

11M ago12:33

12:33

Struggling to make your vocals stand out in a mix? Whether you're wondering how to mix vocals or how to get them upfront with clarity and punch, EP 161 of the Inside The Mix podcast has you covered. In this episode, I’m diving deep into vocal mixing techniques that will help you transform your tracks. I’ll show you how to create a natural vocal dou…

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#160: De-Essing Techniques for Cleaner Mixes - How to Create a Smooth Vocal Reverb 12:22

12M ago12:22

12:22

Struggling with how to apply reverb on vocals or tame harsh sibilance? In EP 160 of the Inside The Mix podcast, I reveal how to elevate a vocal mixe using a de-esser on a reverb send. If you’ve ever battled those sharp 'tss' and 'sss' sounds ruining an otherwise smooth vocal, this episode is for you. Learn how to make your vocal reverb sound polish…