Music Production and Mixing Tips Podcast for DIY Producers and Artists | Inside The Mix

Marc Matthews
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If you're searching for answers on topics such as: How do I make my mixes sound professional? What equipment do I need to start producing music at home? What is the difference between mixing and mastering? What are some of your favourite production tools and techniques? How do I get my music noticed by record labels? Or what are the key elements of an effective music marketing strategy? Either way, you’re my kind of person, and there's something in this podcast for you! I'm Marc Matthews, and I host the Inside The Mix Podcast. It's the ultimate serial podcast for music production and mixing enthusiasts. Say goodbye to generic interviews and tutorials, because I'm taking things to the next level. Join me as I feature listeners in round table music critiques and offer exclusive one-to-one coaching sessions to kickstart your music production and mixing journey. Prepare for cutting-edge music production tutorials and insightful interviews with Grammy Award-winning audio professionals like Dom Morley (Adele) and Mike Exeter (Black Sabbath). If you're passionate about music production and mixing like me, Inside The Mix is the podcast you can't afford to miss!Start with this audience-favourite episode: #175: What's the Secret to Mixing Without Muddiness? Achieving Clarity and Dynamics in a Mix Thanks for listening!

  1. قبل ٦ أيام

    #215: How to Mix a Wall of Sound That Still Breathes with DRUMxWAVE and Brian Skeel

    What does a true wall of sound feel like when the vocal still breathes? We sit down with vocalist‑producer Jay Cali (DRUMxWAVE) and mixer‑producer Brian Skeel to unpack the craft behind Severed, big drums, widescreen synths, supportive guitars, and why clarity starts with a shared vision before a single plug‑in loads. We trace the journey from demo to master, beginning with an hour of alignment on emotion, references, and the “mountaintop” vocal image that sets every downstream choice. Brian breaks down how he builds commanding vocals without harshness: Revoice for doubles and harmonies that behave like real performances, meticulous cleanup, Slate’s processing for character and control, FabFilter DS for precision, and a touch of L1 to pin dynamics so automation can shape arcs. Width becomes a dynamic fader, verses intimate and centred, choruses opening with MicroShift for that lift you feel more than hear. Jay and Brian also reveal the “demon” breakdown: a vocoder moment sculpted with Baby Audio’s Humanoid, tamed by Soothe 2 and widened just enough to shock, then glide. If you’ve ever struggled to pair synths and guitars, you’ll get a clear playbook. Guitars serve aggression rather than steal focus, panned L/R and low‑passed to make way for hi‑hats and vocal air. Synth choices lean on Serum 2 and ANA 2, with patches picked for fit, not flash. The top end gets the same discipline as the low: cut clutter above 10 kHz so the mix doesn’t fizz, a lesson that came into focus after upgrading monitors and hearing what the old room hid. And for loudness without lifelessness - around −7.8 LUFS - Brian details a reference‑driven, top‑down chain using Metric AB, soft clipping and bus moves to reduce limiter strain, and focused multiband to keep choruses powerful without pumping. Along the way, you’ll pick up collaboration habits that save weeks: arrive with a concise brief and references, label stems to spec, and send specific revision notes. Ready to test it? Grab one current track with guitars, synths, and vocals. Try widening only the chorus vocal and low‑passing rhythm guitars until the breath returns. Hear the space? That’s what loud and open can sound like. If this resonates, follow, share with a friend who mixes dense productions, and leave a quick review so more producers can find these deep dives. Links mentioned in this episode: Follow DRUMxWAVE Follow Brian Skeel Listen to Chroma Cloud Send me a message Support the show Ways to connect with Marc: Download your FREE Producer Growth Scorecard Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE weekly tips Book your FREE Music Breakthrough Strategy Call Follow Marc's Socials: Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering Thanks for listening!! Try Riverside for FREE

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  2. ٣٠ سبتمبر

    #214: The Best FREE Plugins Every Producer Should Use

    Free plugins often get overlooked in the endless pursuit of premium software, but professional producers know that some of the most powerful tools cost absolutely nothing. In this illuminating conversation, Marc Matthews and Tim Benson (Aisle9) unpack their go-to free plugins that consistently deliver exceptional results across various production scenarios. The discussion begins with TAL Chorus LX, Tim's top recommendation for achieving that classic Juno-style chorus effect. While many producers shy away from chorus on bass elements, Tim reveals how subtle application can add dimension without compromising mix integrity. Meanwhile, Marc swears by Slate Digital's Fresh Air for bringing clarity to percussion elements, though he cautions listeners about its potentially aggressive presets and the importance of proper gain staging. Perhaps most valuable are the practical insights into how these tools integrate into real-world workflows. Soft Tube's Saturation Knob emerges as a versatile one-knob solution for adding harmonic richness, while TDR Nova provides dynamic EQ capabilities that rival premium alternatives. For spatial effects, Valhalla Super Massive creates otherworldly reverbs and delays that transform ordinary sounds into immersive soundscapes - particularly effective during breakdowns when automated thoughtfully. What becomes clear throughout is that these aren't merely "good enough" alternatives to paid options - in many cases, they're the preferred tools of experienced producers who could choose anything. Their simplicity often becomes their strength, allowing for quick, intuitive adjustments without getting lost in parameter overload. Whether you're just starting or looking to expand your production toolkit without the investment, these recommendations offer immediate ways to elevate your sound. Try implementing one of these free plugins in your next project and share your experience with us! We'd love to hear which free tools you consider essential in your own production arsenal. Links mentioned in this episode: We'd love to hear from you! Submit a question Listen to Night Trains Listen to Half-Life (Instrumental) TAL Chorus LX Slate Digital Fresh Air Soft Tube Saturation Knob TDR Nova EQ Valhalla Super Massive Goodhertz Mi Send me a message Support the show Ways to connect with Marc: Download your FREE Producer Growth Scorecard Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE weekly tips Book your FREE Music Breakthrough Strategy Call Follow Marc's Socials: Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering Thanks for listening!! Try Riverside for FREE

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  3. ٢٣ سبتمبر

    #213: Finish Tracks Faster - Workflow Hacks Every Producer Needs (feat. John Kunkel)

    Have you ever felt stuck in an endless cycle of tweaking, adjusting, and second-guessing your music production decisions? Producer John Kunkel (aka John Grand) reveals the counterintuitive truth that many of us miss: working smarter, not harder, is often the key to finishing more tracks and creating better music. John shares his game-changing approach to using reference tracks as structural blueprints rather than just mixing guides. By importing a track you love and mapping out its arrangement, you immediately transform that intimidating blank DAW canvas into manageable building blocks. This simple technique has helped John slash his production timeline from weeks to days, and it might just revolutionise your workflow too. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when John explains why your sound selection decisions matter far more than your processing skills. "Your track is only going to sound as good as the choices that you make in sound selection," he explains, likening poor sound choices to painting with incompatible materials. This insight challenges the common tendency to reach for EQ and compression when the real solution might be choosing a different sample entirely. Perhaps most thought-provoking is John's psychological observation that constantly adding layers often indicates a lack of confidence in your original ideas. Drawing inspiration from artists like Eric Prydz, he advocates for focusing on fewer, higher-quality elements that evolve through automation rather than overwhelming arrangements that exhaust listeners' cognitive capacity. Whether you're just starting or looking to break through a creative plateau, this episode offers practical strategies to finish more music while keeping the joy in your production process.  Links mentioned in this episode: Follow John Grand Follow The New Division  How to Make Progressive House from Start to Finish | Splice Send me a message Support the show Ways to connect with Marc: Download your FREE Producer Growth Scorecard Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE weekly tips Book your FREE Music Breakthrough Strategy Call Follow Marc's Socials: Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering Thanks for listening!! Try Riverside for FREE

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  4. ١٦ سبتمبر

    #212: Streamlining Music Collaboration - How Mixup Changed My Feedback Workflow

    Frustrated by endless email chains, confusing file links, and clients commenting on the wrong version of a mix? In this episode of Inside the Mix, Marc Matthews explores how Mixup.audio is transforming the mix revision process for producers, mixers, and collaborators. Marc breaks down the platform’s most powerful features, including timestamped comments, version comparison, and normalised level matching, which eliminates loudness bias when reviewing mixes. Listeners will discover how Mixup’s intuitive design—where clients don’t even need to create an account—removes the barriers to clear communication and saves hours of frustration. The episode also compares Mixup’s free and paid versions, highlighting which features may be sufficient for different workflows. Marc contrasts Mixup with alternatives like FilePass and Highnote, offering his honest assessment of where each excels and how they can fit into a modern music production setup. For anyone struggling with mix revisions, vague feedback, or confusing client communication, this episode provides practical solutions to simplify collaboration. Whether producing for clients or working on personal projects, listeners will learn how to make the feedback process smoother, faster, and more professional. Links mentioned in this episode: Mixup.audio Send me a message Support the show Ways to connect with Marc: Download your FREE Producer Growth Scorecard Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE weekly tips Book your FREE Music Breakthrough Strategy Call Follow Marc's Socials: Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering Thanks for listening!! Try Riverside for FREE

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  5. ٩ سبتمبر

    #211: Creating Authentic Remote Vocal Collaborations When Miles Apart (feat. INDIGO)

    Ever wondered how singers record vocals remotely and make them sound professional? In this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews is joined by New Zealand synthwave vocalist INDIGO to explore the art of remote vocal collaboration and the songwriting process behind her unique sound. From her unexpected start in the synthwave scene to collaborations with artists like Wolf Club and Turbo Knight, INDIGO shares how she records vocals from home while working with producers across the world. We dive into her vocal recording techniques—including why she double-tracks every vocal and prefers recording in the evenings for her best takes. You’ll also learn how Indigo adapts her lyrics to fit electronic music, moving between dreamy love songs and darker themes, and how she overcomes songwriter’s block with practical strategies like listening to instrumentals on long drives or stepping away from projects overnight. For the tech-minded, Indigo reveals her setup, using the Aston Origin microphone, basic vocal processing, and clear communication with producers to make remote collaborations successful. She also opens up about the challenges of online music partnerships and why trust and reliability matter as much as technical skill. Whether you’re a producer looking to collaborate with vocalists or a singer wanting to deliver better takes from home, this episode is packed with actionable tips for remote recording, lyric writing, and collaboration in the digital age. Links mentioned in this episode: Follow INDIGO Listen to Darklight (feat. INDIGO) Listen to Engraved Disillusion Send me a message Support the show Ways to connect with Marc: Download your FREE Producer Growth Scorecard Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE weekly tips Book your FREE Music Breakthrough Strategy Call Follow Marc's Socials: Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering Thanks for listening!! Try Riverside for FREE

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  6. ٢ سبتمبر

    #210: Should You Record With Compression or Wait Until Mixing?

    Should you record vocals with compression or save it for mixing? It’s one of the most debated questions in music production, and in this episode of Inside The Mix, we break it down with practical advice for producers at every level. Guest Tim Benson shares why he often tracked vocals with hardware compressors in the studio, not just for sound quality, but because hearing compressed vocals in headphones helped singers perform with more confidence and precision. We discuss how compression during tracking can shape performances, highlighting the psychological and creative benefits that go far beyond managing peaks. But what if you don’t want to commit compression to your recording? Thanks to modern workflows, you can now monitor with plugin compression while recording a clean signal, giving vocalists the polished sound they crave without sacrificing flexibility at mixdown. We also compare compression across instruments, exploring why it’s often essential for bass but risky for acoustic guitars. Plus, discover why microphone technique, like managing distance and consistency, may solve more vocal problems than compression ever could. Whether you’re asking “Should I record with compression on the way in?” or wondering which instruments benefit most, this episode gives you the clarity to make smarter tracking decisions. Links mentioned in this episode: We'd love to hear from you! Submit a question Listen to Paradise Cove Listen to Engraved Disillusion Send me a message Support the show Ways to connect with Marc: Download your FREE Producer Growth Scorecard Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE weekly tips Book your FREE Music Breakthrough Strategy Call Follow Marc's Socials: Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering Thanks for listening!! Try Riverside for FREE

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  7. ٢٦ أغسطس

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

    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 start from an initialised preset and build a 90s-inspired trance bass step by step. You’ll hear my genuine reactions as I learn the interface, experiment with oscillators, and make happy accidents along the way. From shaping sub frequencies with a sine wave to layering harmonics for extra punch, I break down the process in real time. What surprised me most? Vital’s intuitive visual interface makes complex sound design feel simple—even for beginners. The free version includes 75 presets and 25 wavetables, giving you everything you need to craft professional sounds without spending a penny. Whether you’re wondering Is Vital good for beginners? or just want to watch a fresh perspective on sound design, this walkthrough shows how quickly you can create a rich, layered trance bass using only Vital. Links mentioned in this episode Vital - Spectral Warping Wavetable Synth Send me a message Support the show Ways to connect with Marc: Download your FREE Producer Growth Scorecard Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE weekly tips Book your FREE Music Breakthrough Strategy Call Follow Marc's Socials: Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering Thanks for listening!! Try Riverside for FREE

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  8. ١٩ أغسطس

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

    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 techniques that helped him rebuild his workflow and rediscover his passion for making music. You’ll learn: How to avoid burnout in music production with the three-pillar framework.What the 80/20 rule means for producers and how focusing on the right 20% of tasks can deliver 80% of your results.How to eliminate, automate, delegate, and mitigate tasks that drain your energy and waste valuable studio time.How to recover from creative burnout with simple mindset shifts and practical habits.Why limiting yourself to three key goals per day can help you achieve more while working less.If you’ve ever asked yourself, 'Should I take breaks when music feels draining?' Or 'how do I balance content creation and music production without burning out?' This episode gives you the answers. Whether you’re catching the early warning signs of creative fatigue or already deep in burnout territory, these strategies will help you create more music, reduce stress, and find joy in the process again. Links mentioned in this episode:  We'd love to hear from you! Submit a question Send me a message Support the show Ways to connect with Marc: Download your FREE Producer Growth Scorecard Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE weekly tips Book your FREE Music Breakthrough Strategy Call Follow Marc's Socials: Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering Thanks for listening!! Try Riverside for FREE

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If you're searching for answers on topics such as: How do I make my mixes sound professional? What equipment do I need to start producing music at home? What is the difference between mixing and mastering? What are some of your favourite production tools and techniques? How do I get my music noticed by record labels? Or what are the key elements of an effective music marketing strategy? Either way, you’re my kind of person, and there's something in this podcast for you! I'm Marc Matthews, and I host the Inside The Mix Podcast. It's the ultimate serial podcast for music production and mixing enthusiasts. Say goodbye to generic interviews and tutorials, because I'm taking things to the next level. Join me as I feature listeners in round table music critiques and offer exclusive one-to-one coaching sessions to kickstart your music production and mixing journey. Prepare for cutting-edge music production tutorials and insightful interviews with Grammy Award-winning audio professionals like Dom Morley (Adele) and Mike Exeter (Black Sabbath). If you're passionate about music production and mixing like me, Inside The Mix is the podcast you can't afford to miss!Start with this audience-favourite episode: #175: What's the Secret to Mixing Without Muddiness? Achieving Clarity and Dynamics in a Mix Thanks for listening!

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