The Self-Recording Band

Benedikt Hain / Manel Espinosa Berenguer
  • 5.0 (12)
  • MUSIC
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Produce exciting sounding music yourself and release songs that you're proud of! Professional producers/mixers Benedikt Hain and Manel Espinosa Berenguer help you make your next DIY-recording session a success!

  1. 306: How We Recorded Drums For A Punk Rock Record (Swallow's Rose - Full Drum Production Walkthrough)

    2D AGO

    306: How We Recorded Drums For A Punk Rock Record (Swallow's Rose - Full Drum Production Walkthrough)

    Your next step: Apply for coaching! 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now.  We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs.  In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own.  With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. Sounds interesting? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Episode show notes: What does a drum recording session for a real record look like? Not a theory lesson. Not a generic tutorial. In this episode we walk you through a real drum recording session from start to finish. The session was for the Swallow’s Rose album “The Beginning”, and we documented the entire process while recording drums for the record. That means you’ll see the real decisions behind the drum sounds: drum and cymbal selectiontuning decisionsroom setup and acousticsmic choice and placementanalog processingrecording techniquesAnd the thinking behind every step. This is not meant to be a strict “how to”. Every record is different. But the principles behind these decisions are the same fundamentals that make all great recordings work. If you understand why things are done a certain way, you can apply those ideas to your own projects in whatever space and setup you have. This episode is especially helpful if you: record drums in a home studio or rehearsal spacewant more professional drum soundsstruggle with mic placement and drum tuningwant to understand what actually matters during a drum recording sessionwant to make your programmed drums sound more realistic (yes, those principles apply to MIDI drums, as well - understanding how drum sounds work in general is key, whether it's a real drummer or a programmed performance)If you’re listening to the audio version, you might want to watch this one on YouTube, because a lot of the value comes from seeing the session itself. ⸻ About The Record: The session featured in this episode is from the Swallow’s Rose album “The Beginning.” Singles from the record started releasing in 2025, with the full album scheduled for early 2026. The mixes you hear in the video are extremely close to the final versions, although the finished record includes some small revisions after the session shown here. Check out the released record to hear what it sounds like on the final album version. ⸻ Want Help Finishing Your Own Record? Inside The Self-Recording Syndicate, we help self-recording artists turn demos into finished releases they’re proud of. This isn’t a generic video course. We work with you one-on-one, helping you: build a recording workflowimprove your productions at the sourcemake better mixing decisionsfinish your songs and releases consistentlyIf you want a personal production plan for your next record, apply here: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching If we think you’re a great fit, we’ll do a free first call with you and build a custom roadmap for you. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: Send a text If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

    1h 24m
  2. 305: These 5 Low-End Mixing "Rules" Are Killing Your Mix

    FEB 25

    305: These 5 Low-End Mixing "Rules" Are Killing Your Mix

    Your next step: Apply for coaching! 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now.  We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs.  In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own.  With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. Sounds interesting? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Episode show notes: Most of the low end advice online sounds clean, structured, and logical. But it also makes a lot of mixes smaller. In this episode, Benedikt and Manel break down five common low end mixing myths. This is not a “never do this" episode. It’s about understanding what’s really happening in the low end so you stop fixing problems you don’t actually have. 🎯 The 5 Low End Myths We Break Down 1. “If the kick fundamental is at 60Hz, cut the bass at 60Hz.” 2. “The bass needs to live above or below the kick.” 3. “High-pass everything except kick and bass.” 4. “Below 100Hz there can only be kick and bass.” 5. “You must carve out space or they’ll mask each other.” 🔑 What Actually Makes Low End Work 1. It Starts at the Source Drum choice and tuningSample choiceBass instrument choiceString choicePerformanceTimingArrangementKey of the songIf you pick the right sounds, faders alone often get you 80% there. 2. Think in Terms of Energy Low end is about: Relative amounts of energyTransient interactionSustain overlapGlue vs separationContext with mids and highsSometimes the problem isn’t in the low end at all. Sometimes it’s guitars masking kick attack. Sometimes it’s too much midrange hiding bass character. 3. Timing Changes Everything Slightly offset bass timing can: Reduce low end buildupExtend groove feelIncrease clarityImpact is often about transient alignment, not EQ moves. 4. Control Buildup Dynamically Instead of static carving, try: Multiband compressionDynamic EQTransient shapingShortening sustainControl the moments where energy spikes — don’t gut the whole instrument. 5. Stop Fixing Problems You Don’t Have This might be the most important takeaway. If it sounds good, don’t “optimize” it. 🚀 Want Direct Help With Your Mix? Inside The Self-Recording Syndicate, we help self-recording rock, metal and indie artists build mixes that feel powerful and emotionally right — without mixing by numbers. You get: A custom step-by-step music production planUnlimited personal feedbackClear next actionsOngoing guidanceAll the resources you need to fill in knowledge gaps and become confident in your recording and mixing abilitiesApply here: 👉 theselfrecordingband.com/coaching Free first call. Money back guarantee. No pressure. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: Send a text If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

    1h 13m
  3. 304: Are You Learning From Audio Pros Or YouTubers? (The Mixing Advice That Actually Matters)

    FEB 18

    304: Are You Learning From Audio Pros Or YouTubers? (The Mixing Advice That Actually Matters)

    Your next step: Apply for coaching! 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now.  We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs.  In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own.  With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. Sounds interesting? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Episode show notes: There’s more mixing advice online than ever. But here’s the real question: Is it coming from people who actually make records… or people who make content? In this episode, Benedikt and Manel react to answers from industry heavyweights Chris Galland and Joe Chiccarelli and compare them to common internet mixing advice. The results are revealing. Real pros barely care about many of the things you see everywhere online. And many content creators ignore things that actual engineers call non-negotiable. If you’re a self-recording musician trying to improve your mixes, this episode will help you separate hype from essential fundamentals. What We Cover Should you high-pass everything?Do you really need to mix in mono?Are reference tracks mandatory?Should you always check your mix in the car?Is EQing to the key of the song a real thing?Do pros tune every vocal?Do you have to hard pan guitars?Are stereo imaging plugins essential?Should you always mix at low volumes?Does gain staging still matter in 2026?Is parallel compression overhyped? And most importantly: How do you know who to trust when learning mixing? The Big Takeaways Context matters more than rules.The basics still win.You can ignore most of the fancy techniques and approaches until you've mastered the essential things.If advice sounds absolute, be skeptical.If someone never makes records, question their authority. As Benedikt says in the episode: Some topics are great for content. That doesn’t mean they’re great for making records. Who This Is For This episode is for: Rock, punk, indie, metal and alternative musicians recording themselvesProducers overwhelmed by conflicting YouTube adviceAnyone trying to get real results instead of chasing trendsIf you’re serious about improving your mixes, this one will reset your priorities. Want Real Guidance (Not Hype)? If you want feedback and guidance from engineers who mix 200+ songs per year for artists and labels worldwide, audio pros who actively work with self-recording artists all the time: 👉 Apply for coaching inside The Self-Recording Syndicate https://theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We don’t teach trends. We teach what actually works for your music. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/304 -- Send a text If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

    1h 12m
  4. 303: The Music Production Process (Steps 6-10): Clean Up Your Session, Enhance The Performance, Mix And Finish Your Song!

    FEB 12

    303: The Music Production Process (Steps 6-10): Clean Up Your Session, Enhance The Performance, Mix And Finish Your Song!

    Your next step: Apply for coaching! 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now.  We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs.  In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own.  With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. Sounds interesting? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Episode show notes: This is the final episode of our full music production breakdown series. We’ve covered songwriting, pre-production, gear, sound checks and recording. Now we finish the record. In this episode, we walk you through steps 6–10 of the real-world production process Session cleanup and compingEditing where necessary (timing and pitch)Moving from recording to mixingA structured mixing workflow that actually worksThe truth about masteringWhen to outsource and when not toWhy AI mastering is not the same as real mastering (and when it can be an option) If you’ve ever: Got stuck after recordingRuined a mix by overworking itWondered if/how you should use a mix bus compressorFelt confused about gain stagingBeen disappointed by a bad masterThis episode is for you. We break down a proven, step-by-step framework that helps you: Keep objectivityAvoid rabbit holesMix fasterPreserve the magic you capturedFinish songs properly Because the goal after recording is simple: Don’t mess it up. Don't reinvent it. Enhance it. Move it across the finish line. The Mixing Framework We Teach Here’s the structured approach we use inside The Self-Recording Syndicate: Proper mix prep (organization + routing)Rough mix (gain staging, levels + panning)Mix bus setup & overall vibe and colorEQ cleanup + sweeteningCompression with intentionCreative effects (reverbs, delays, saturation)Automation and movementMastering ( finishing, final formats, and quality control Most people obsess over plugins. The pros obsess over balance. In all ways. Not a static balance. But one that serves every part of the song, enhances it emotionally and guides the listener through the song. 🎁 Free Mixing Guide If you want a clear system for balancing, gain staging and preparing your mix properly: 👉 Download the free guide: theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes 🎯 Want Help Finishing Your Songs? If you want personal guidance through all these steps: Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching Inside the Self-Recording Syndicate you get: Structured playbooksDetailed mix feedbackClear next steps to work on - alwaysTemplatesFrameworksAnd 5 professional masters, as well as a full mix + mix walkthrough included-- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.co Send a text If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

    1h 12m
  5. 302: The Music Production Process (Step 5): Capturing Magic - How To Record Strong Takes That Actually Move People

    FEB 5

    302: The Music Production Process (Step 5): Capturing Magic - How To Record Strong Takes That Actually Move People

    Your next step: Apply for coaching! 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now.  We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs.  In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own.  With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. Sounds interesting? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Episode show notes: Recording music is about capturing magic moments. In this episode of The Self-Recording Band Podcast, Benedikt and Manel are breaking down step 5 of the production process: the recording session — the moment where everything can either fall apart… or finally come alive. You can have the right song, the right gear, the right room, and the perfect setup — and still end up with a lifeless recording if you don’t handle the human side of recording properly. This episode is all about capturing exciting performances, creating the right vibe in the room, and making decisions that serve emotion over perfection. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why performance matters more than technical perfection (and always will)How to guide yourself or your band into better takesWhy how you talk to performers can make or break a sessionThe importance of preparation before hitting recordHow to avoid killing the vibe during vocal sessionsWhen to record full takes vs. sectionsWhy warm-ups are non-negotiable (and how pros do it)How to choose the right recording order for instrumentsWhy vocals should not be an afterthoughtSimple systems for comping and editing while recordingHow to protect your sessions with smart backup habits This episode is part of our start-to-finish production process series. If you haven’t listened to steps 1-4 yet, go back and start there — this series is designed to be followed in order. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/302 -- Send a text If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

    1h 5m
  6. 301: The Music Production Process (Step 4): Recording Setup & Sound Check: How To Capture Great Tones At The Source

    JAN 28

    301: The Music Production Process (Step 4): Recording Setup & Sound Check: How To Capture Great Tones At The Source

    Your next step: Apply for coaching! 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now.  We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs.  In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own.  With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. Sounds interesting? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Episode show notes: Great recordings don’t start with plugins. They start before you ever hit record. In Step 4 of the Production Process, Benedikt Hain and Manel Espinosa break down setup and sound check: the often-skipped "day one at the studio". This step separates frustrating home recordings (with lots of things to fix later) from mixes that fall together effortlessly. This episode walks you through how professionals capture great tones at the source, why mic placement matters more than mic choice, how room acoustics influence your sound far more than you think, and how small setup decisions can save you hours (or days) of mixing later. If you’ve ever felt like your recordings are technically fine but never quite sound right — this episode explains why. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why pros don't just “fix it in the mix” — and why you shouldn’t eitherHow to find the best recording spot in any room (even untreated ones)Simple acoustic tricks that dramatically improve vocal and instrument recordingsWhy instrument setup (strings, heads, tuning) matters more than expensive gearHow mic placement can change your sound more than swapping microphonesReal audio examples showing how small mic movements create massive tonal changesHow proper monitoring improves vocal performances instantlyWhy vibe, lighting, and comfort directly affect the quality of your takesHow basic checklists prevent session-killing mistakes Who this episode is for: Self-recording musicians and bandsDIY producers working from home studios or jam spacesArtists frustrated by muddy, harsh, boring, or lifeless recordingsAnyone who wants mixes that come together faster — with less guesswork-- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/301 -- Send a text If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

    1h 6m
  7. 300: The Music Production Process (Step 3): Pre-Production - Why Most Home Recordings Fail Before Recording Even Starts

    JAN 21

    300: The Music Production Process (Step 3): Pre-Production - Why Most Home Recordings Fail Before Recording Even Starts

    Your next step: Apply for coaching! 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now.  We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs.  In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own.  With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. Sounds interesting? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Episode show notes: Episode 300 is a big one — and not because of the number. In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood (and most skipped) steps in the entire record-making process: pre-production. Most self-recording artists think pre-production is either: just “recording demos”, orsomething only big studios with big budgets need Both are wrong. In this episode, Benedikt and Manel explain: what pre-production actually iswhere it starts (and where it absolutely shouldn’t end)why skipping it makes recording harder, slower, and worseand how proper pre-production gives you better performances, better sounds, and easier mixes This is Step 3 in our complete record-making process — right between writing and recording — and it’s the step that determines whether your recording session feels creative… or frustrating. In this episode, you’ll learn: What pre-production really means (and why there’s no single “correct” definition)The difference between writing, demoing, pre-production, and recordingWhy great producers separate creative flow from technical precisionWhat should never be figured out during a recording sessionWhy re-recording after demos is usually necessary (and when it’s not)Real-world examples where demo recordings actually made it onto final recordsHow pre-production creates freedom — not restriction — during recordingWhy most home-recorded projects fail before microphones even matter Who this episode is for: DIY musicians recording at homeBands preparing to record an EP or albumArtists stuck re-recording songs over and overAnyone who feels their recordings never live up to the idea in their head If you want your next recording session to feel focused, creative, and intentional, this episode is required listening. 🎧 Listen now and make your next recording session easier — before it even starts. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/300 -- Send a text If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

    43 min
  8. 299: The Music Production Process (Step 2): Choosing The Right Gear For The Project Without Wasting Money

    JAN 14

    299: The Music Production Process (Step 2): Choosing The Right Gear For The Project Without Wasting Money

    Your next step: Apply for coaching! 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now.  We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs.  In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own.  With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. Sounds interesting? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Episode show notes: Everyone loves gear. Most people just get their priorities wrong when it comes to picking the right equipment for the project. In this episode, Benedikt walks you through Step 2 of the full music production process: choosing the right gear for your project — without overspending, obsessing over specs, or sabotaging your results before you even hit record. This is not a list of “best microphones” or “must-have plugins.” Instead, you’ll learn a clear hierarchy of what actually matters most, starting at the source and working all the way down to plugins. If you’ve ever wondered: Do I really need better gear?Is something about my setup holding me back?Where should I invest first — and what can wait? This episode will give you clarity. What You’ll Learn In This Episode: Why instruments and sources matter more than any recording gearHow strings, drum skins, picks, and sticks shape your sound more than plugins ever willWhy cabs matter more than amps (and how to use IRs properly)The smartest way to approach room acoustics without expensive buildsWhy monitoring (especially headphones) is more important than interfaces, plugins, outboard gear or the DAWHow to choose the right microphones for your voice and roomWhen you actually need a DI box (and what specs matter)Why modern audio interfaces mostly differ by features, not soundHow to choose the right DAW without getting stuck in brand warsWhy plugins and outboard gear belong at the bottom of the list This episode will help you: ✔ Stop wasting money ✔ Make intentional gear decisions ✔ Get better recordings with what you already have ✔ Build a setup that actually supports your music 🔗 Need Help Choosing The Right Gear? If you want personalized guidance for your setup, your music, and your goals: 👉 Apply for coaching at theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We’ll listen to your music, build a custom production plan, and help you make the right decisions — without guesswork. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/299 -- Send a text If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

    49 min
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out of 5
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About

Produce exciting sounding music yourself and release songs that you're proud of! Professional producers/mixers Benedikt Hain and Manel Espinosa Berenguer help you make your next DIY-recording session a success!

Information

  • Creator
    Benedikt Hain / Manel Espinosa Berenguer
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    307
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Self-Recording Band
  • Show Website
    The Self-Recording Band

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