Sound Discussion

Ben Holmes, Nate Kelmes, Neil Merchant

"Sound Discussion" is a monthly podcast hosted by Ben Holmes, Nate Kelmes, and Neil Merchant. Each episode, we roll up our sleeves and dive into practical topics surrounding music production, recording, songwriting, mixing, and mastering. Join us for candid conversations that demystify the creative and technical aspects of music making. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, our hosts bring a down-to-earth approach to sharing their insights, making it easy for everyone to tune in and pick up valuable tips. From sharing personal anecdotes to discussing industry trends, "Sound Discussion" is your go-to source for real talk about what goes on behind the scenes. No fancy jargon, just genuine discussions about the art and craft of music production. So, if you're curious about the nuts and bolts of how your favorite tracks come together or looking to improve your own production skills, join Ben, Nate, and Neil, as well as the occasional guest host, as they navigate the world of music production with humor, practical advice, and a passion for the craft. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation at "Sound Discussion." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Tom Vaughan - Chord Electronics

    3 uur geleden

    Tom Vaughan - Chord Electronics

    Just a heads up! We are switching to sequential episodes away from seasons. --- Big thanks to  @ChordElectronicsLtd  for supporting this episode. Their British-built DACs and headphone amps bring true studio-level detail into the listening experience, with gear used everywhere from hi-fi setups to world-class studios. Check out the Mojo 2 and more from Chord Electronics here: https://chordelectronics.co.uk/mojo-2 --- In this episode, we’re joined by Tom Vaughan of Chord Electronics for a conversation about sound, technology, and why digital-to-analog conversion matters more than most people realize. Tom’s path into audio is anything but typical. Before working in high-end audio, he was a professional bassoonist, and that background gives him a really interesting perspective on how music is performed, recorded, and ultimately experienced by the listener. We talk about the evolution of Chord Electronics, the impact of their Hugo DAC, and what makes one converter feel different from another — not just in terms of specs, but in timing, accuracy, depth, and emotional connection. We also get into the practical side of listening: how DACs, headphones, speakers, and monitoring chains shape the decisions musicians, producers, mixers, and mastering engineers make every day. At the heart of it all is a simple idea: better sound helps us connect more deeply with music. And whether you’re creating, recording, mixing, mastering, or just listening, the way your system translates that music matters. Key Five Takeaways Tom Vaughan brings a rare perspective to audio, combining his background as a bassoonist with his work in high-end audio engineering.Digital-to-analog conversion plays a major role in how we perceive depth, detail, timing, and emotional connection in music.Chord Electronics approaches DAC design differently, using FPGA-based technology rather than standard off-the-shelf DAC chips.Better monitoring and conversion can help musicians, producers, mixers, and mastering engineers make more confident creative decisions.At its core, the conversation is about the bridge between technical accuracy and emotional impact — how better sound can bring us closer to the performance. Resources & Links Chord Electronics - https://chordelectronics.co.uk/ Chord Mojo 2 - https://chordelectronics.co.uk/mojo-2 Dan Millice - https://www.millicemastering.com/ ‪@NaturlAudio‬ AL-1 Limiter - https://naturl.audio/ Listen to Sound Discussion: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4QLiTjT... Subscribe To Our Newsletter: https://sounddiscussionpodcast.com/newsletter Shop: https://sounddiscussionpodcast.com/shop Sound Discussion Is: Nate Kelmes Ben Holmes Neil Merchant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 u 24 m
  2. Sylvia Massy: The Art of Fearless Recording

    29 mei

    Sylvia Massy: The Art of Fearless Recording

    Big thanks to https://chordelectronics.co.uk/ for supporting this episode. Their British-built DACs and headphone amps bring true studio-level detail into the listening experience, with gear used everywhere from hi-fi setups to world-class studios. Check out the Mojo 2 and more from Chord Electronics here: https://chordelectronics.co.uk/mojo-2 In this episode, we dive into the world of recording, gear, and artistry with legendary producer and engineer Sylvia Massy. Sylvia shares stories from her career, insights into her favorite equipment, and her adventures in unique recording environments—plus, a look at her upcoming book on vintage microphones. Key Insights: -Sylvia’s transition from punk bands in San Francisco to working with Bands like Tool and Green Jello. -Her preference for vintage Neve consoles for their unique EQ and sound character. -Creative recording stories, including capturing sound in extraordinary locations like bell towers and cliffs. -The versatility of studio setups, from dedicated control rooms to live-room recording. -Her extensive collection of historic microphones, including rare pieces used in Antarctica. -Tips for home studio setup, emphasizing what’s truly essential. -Perspectives on AI’s role in music, considering both its potential and limitations. -Her upcoming publication, which features over 600 vintage microphones with historical context. Resources & Links: Sylvia Massy's Microphone Book "The Great Book of Vintage Microphones" (Due late 2026) - https://amzn.to/4dWankB Rupert Neve Designs 5088 Console - https://rupertneve.com/5088 Reaper DAW - https://reaper.fm Fender Studio Pro (prev. Studio One) - https://www.fender.com/pages/fender-studio-pro WaveLab Mastering Software - https://www.steinberg.net/wavelab/ Connect with Sylvia Massy: Website - https://shop.sylviamassy.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sylvia_massy YouTube -  @SylviaMassyKnowsStuff  Listen to Sound Discussion: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-discussion/id1727711992 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4QLiTjT6OpY3prLIL8QoqD Subscribe To Our Newsletter: https://sounddiscussionpodcast.com/newsletter Shop: https://sounddiscussionpodcast.com/shop Sound Discussion Is: Nate Kelmes - https://www.natekelmes.com Ben Holmes - https://linktr.ee/benholmesmastering Neil Merchant - https://www.facebook.com/holdagrunge​ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 u 9 m
  3. Crafting Your Unique Sound - Nick Vivid

    30 apr

    Crafting Your Unique Sound - Nick Vivid

    Join us as we explore the world of DIY music gear, circuit building, and the passion for creating unique soundscapes with Nick Vivid. Discover how building your own equipment can transform your music production and performance. In this episode, Nick Vivid shares his insights on music production, the importance of authenticity, and industry trends. Discover how to stay true to your sound, the value of visual and musical coherence, and practical tips for artists and producers. Get next month's episode ONE WEEK EARLY! Sign up here: www.sounddiscussionpodcast.com/newsletter Topics Discussed: DIY music gear and circuit building The influence of custom equipment on sound quality The passion and process of building studio and live gear Industry reward for safe, familiar sounds The importance of emotional resonance in mixing Balancing technical and creative aspects in music The influence of visual art on musical identity Industry risk-taking and artist authenticity Links: Reaper DAW - https://www.reaper.fm/ Freestyler DMX Software - https://www.freestylerdmx.be/ Steam Powered Radio API 2520 PDF - https://steampoweredradio.com/api-2520.pdf Dan Millice Podcast Episode - https://youtu.be/mI1AUi7UDfs FabFilter Pro-L2 Limiter Plugin - https://www.fabfilter.com/products/pro-l-2-limiter-plug-in Nick's Socials: Website - https://nickvivid.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nickvivid/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 u 15 m
  4. Mitch Rose and The DIY Recording Studio

    31 mrt

    Mitch Rose and The DIY Recording Studio

    In this episode, Mitch Rose shares his journey from live sound engineering to DIY studio building, emphasizing the importance of understanding your tools, the value of DIY in music production, and how affordable gear and knowledge can empower artists and engineers alike. In this episode, we explore the art and science of building your own hardware, the importance of analog gear, and the DIY ethos in music production. Our guest shares insights on soldering, building guitar pedals, and the value of investing in quality equipment. Topics discussed: - The importance of understanding your tools in music production - Building and customizing your own studio gear - The impact of studio closures on knowledge transfer - DIY techniques for recording and studio design - The role of hardware and software in modern music production Building your own hardware and guitar pedals - Soldering skills for beginners - Investing in quality analog gear - Using clipping and saturation creatively - The importance of committing to sound during recording Links DIY Recording Studio YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@diyrecordingstudio DIY Recording Studio Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/diyrecordingstudio/ AudioBois Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@audioboispodcast Capi Gear - https://capi-gear.com Micparts.com - https://micparts.com Neve 1073 Preamp - https://www.ams-neve.com/ SSL Duality Console - https://solidstatelogic.com/ DIY Recording Studio Course - https://www.thediyrecordingstudio.com/courses NAMM Show - https://www.namm.org Schwab Digital GoldClip Plugin - https://www.schwabedigital.com/goldclip Cranborne Audio Brick Lane Compressor - https://www.cranborne-audio.com/bricklane500 #diyrecording #audioengineering #musicproduction #diyaudio #homestudio #recordingtips #audiogear #studiodesign #analogvsdigital #soldering #guitarpedals #analoggear Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 u 21 m
  5. Mike Senior Returns!

    28 jan

    Mike Senior Returns!

    Returning guest Mike Senior joins us for our Season 3 Premier (!!!) to break down one of the most ambitious recording projects you’re likely to hear about: tracking an entire 8-piece band live, on location, at speed — without losing the performance or your sanity. Mike walks us through how he recorded 13 songs in just a few days, capturing real performances instead of chasing perfection. We dive deep into: -Recording full bands live (and why it saves time) -Letting spill work for you instead of fighting it -Editing and fixing mistakes without killing the feel -Why mic choice, placement, and polarity matter more than plugins -How performance beats perfection every time -Building a portable, high-channel-count recording rig -Fast headphone mixes that keep musicians inspired -Mixing decisions that start before you ever hit record If you’ve ever felt stuck chasing “perfect” tracks in a home studio — this episode might completely reset how you think about recording. This is a must-listen for engineers, producers, and musicians who care about feel, momentum, and making records that sound human. Spektakulatius: https://spektakulatius.de/   Album: '10' (2014) Tracking Info:       - https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/session-notes-spektakulatius       - https://cambridge-mt.com/rs2/ch11-case1/ Mixing Info:       - https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/mix-rescue-spektakulatius       - https://cambridge-mt.com/rs2/ch11-case1/#mixing-a-small-studio-ensemble-recording-demonstration-videos Mastering Info:       - https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/mix-rescue-spektakulatius-0 Final CD:       - https://spektakulatius.de/2023/08/06/10/   Album: 'About Christmas' (2018) Tracking Info:       - https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/session-notes-spektakulatius-revisited       - https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/session-notes-making-custom-baffles Final CD:       - https://spektakulatius.de/2023/08/06/about-christmas/   For lots more information on my ensemble-recording techniques (and specifically the 'peer array' methods I used for Spektakulatius), see Mike's book 'Recording Secrets For The Small Studio':       - https://cambridge-mt.com/rs2/main/   Gear links:   Asparion D400T & D400F hardware controllers:       - https://www.asparion.de/en/products.html#tab_d400   Ferrofish A32 A-D/D-A converter:       - https://www.ferrofish.com/a32-dante-converter-multimode/   RME MADIface USB:       - https://rme-audio.de/madiface-usb.html   Superlux R102 ribbon mic (which is still for sale new at £88!):       - https://www.thomann.co.uk/superlux_r102.htm   Toneboosters freeware plug-ins:       - https://cambridge-mt.com/ms3/links/#freeware-top-ten   Soundtheory Gullfoss:       - https://www.soundtheory.com/gullfoss Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 u 19 m
  6. Podcast Growth for Music Producers with Marc Matthews

    29-12-2025

    Podcast Growth for Music Producers with Marc Matthews

    In the Season 2 finale, we’re joined by Marc Matthews of the Inside The Mix podcast and synthmusicmastering.com to unpack how he built a music production and mixing show into the top 10% of podcasts. We talk weekly consistency, planning a year ahead, batching episodes, using polls and listener questions to guide content, why he’s shifting away from full video, and how AI helps with the admin so he can stay creative. Plus: smarter CTAs, where growth really comes from, and the mindset it takes to keep showing up. What you'll learn in this episode: Why weekly cadence created a noticeable uptick in growthHow Marc sets goals using downloads in the first 7 daysPlanning ahead: batching episodes and building a buffer (“3 in the bank”)Using polls, audience surveys, and listener questions to shape contentWhy “less is more” with calls-to-action (avoid CTA overload)What’s worth it (and not worth it) about video podcastingMonetizing without sponsors: using the podcast to drive services + discovery callsGrowth without ad spend: the power of guesting on other podcastsUsing AI for “remedial admin” (descriptions, SEO, templates) while keeping music human 🎧 Listen to Sound Discussion: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-discussion/id1727711992 🛒 Merch store: sounddiscussionpodcast.com/shop 📩 Newsletter: sounddiscussionpodcast.com/newsletter 🎙️ Marc / Inside The Mix:    / @marcmatthewsproducer   🌐 Marc’s site: synthmusicmastering.com ➡️ Nate's episode on Inside The Mix episode 197:    • How I Ruined Mixes Until I Learned Static ...   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 u 8 m
  7. Nate Saggio: Creating With Limits and Intention

    26-11-2025

    Nate Saggio: Creating With Limits and Intention

    Cleveland producer, artist, and creative powerhouse Nate Saggio joins us to talk about the power of limitations, the mindset behind intentional music-making, and how your studio’s vibe can shape an entire performance. We cover everything from 4-track tape workflows and songwriting prompts to building a studio that feels like home and learning to “serve the song, not yourself.” One of our warmest, funniest, most inspiring conversations yet. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Nate on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/insta_sagg Cleveland NPR / Ideastream Article - https://www.ideastream.org/arts-culture/2025-10-23/lakewood-producer-nate-saggio-helps-cleveland-artists-find-their-sound Jim Stewart Productions - https://www.jimstewartmixing.com/ Chayla Hope - https://www.instagram.com/chaylahope/?hl=en Jack Harris - https://www.instagram.com/Jackharris_music/ Welshly Arms - https://www.instagram.com/welshlyarms/ CAPI Preamps (Nate’s go-to) - https://capi-gear.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_117_55_169&products_id=478 SUPPORT THE SHOW Merch Store (Black Friday Grand Opening!) - https://www.sounddiscussionpodcast.com/shop Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-discussion/id1727711992 Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sounddiscussionpodcast Join the newsletter for early episodes & behind-the-scenes - https://www.sounddiscussionpodcast.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 u 10 m

Info

"Sound Discussion" is a monthly podcast hosted by Ben Holmes, Nate Kelmes, and Neil Merchant. Each episode, we roll up our sleeves and dive into practical topics surrounding music production, recording, songwriting, mixing, and mastering. Join us for candid conversations that demystify the creative and technical aspects of music making. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, our hosts bring a down-to-earth approach to sharing their insights, making it easy for everyone to tune in and pick up valuable tips. From sharing personal anecdotes to discussing industry trends, "Sound Discussion" is your go-to source for real talk about what goes on behind the scenes. No fancy jargon, just genuine discussions about the art and craft of music production. So, if you're curious about the nuts and bolts of how your favorite tracks come together or looking to improve your own production skills, join Ben, Nate, and Neil, as well as the occasional guest host, as they navigate the world of music production with humor, practical advice, and a passion for the craft. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation at "Sound Discussion." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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