Master Your Mix Podcast

Mike Indovina

Helping musicians, engineers and producers create professional recordings and mixes from home so you can showcase your talents in the best way possible and grow your career.

  1. 3D AGO

    Ryan Ordway: Writing Songs for Sync

    Ryan Ordway is a multifaceted artist, songwriter, producer, and audio engineer with over two decades of experience in recording, mixing, music licensing, session playing, and commercial studio management. Having recorded and produced nearly 1,000 songs across various genres, he has worked with internationally recognized artists and designed, built, and operated multiple recording studios. In 2020, he partnered with The Studio Portland in Portland, ME, overseeing an ambitious remodel completed in 2024. Under his direction, The Studio became home to 98.9 WCLZ’s Studio Z series, hosting artists such as Noah Kahan, Grace Potter, Lake Street Dive, Joy Oladokun, and Gregory Alan Isakov. Ordway’s songwriting talents led him to record at the renowned Blackbird Studios in Nashville with legendary producer Ken Scott (The Beatles, Elton John, David Bowie). His song Easy Street was featured in Getting Started with Music Production (Hal Leonard, 2015). His work has been nominated for Producer of the Year at the New England Music Awards (2023) and Song of the Year for Back Again (2022). Beyond the studio, Ordway’s music has been licensed in over 13 countries and featured on major platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Hulu, as well as in TV shows such as The Office, Happy Endings, and Raising Hope. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Studying a producer/engineer’s entire workflows, rather than in bite-sized piecesGetting into music publishingWhat kinds of mixes you need to submit if you want your music to be licensedWhy you should start your own music publishing companySongwriting splits: how to deal with them fairlyWriting music for possible sync dealsEmbracing a “less is more” approach to songwriting and engineeringFinding the right people to get into sync workMaking fans by shaking handsBuilding your team for success To learn more about Ryan Ordway, visit: https://theordways.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comThe Mixing Mindset: The...

    1h 2m
  2. JAN 28

    Duncan Ferguson: Investing in the Future of Audio

    Duncan Ferguson is a Nashville-based mastering engineer and educator, best known as the founder of The Voltage Exchange, a mastering studio specializing in high-quality masters for digital, CD, and vinyl releases. With a Master’s degree in Sound Recording from McGill University, Duncan combines deep technical knowledge with refined critical listening, helping artists translate their mixes into competitive, release-ready records without sacrificing musical intent. His work spans a wide range of genres, and he’s known for a thoughtful, communicative approach that helps mixers and producers understand why their music sounds the way it does at the final stage. In addition to his mastering work, Duncan teaches audio and mastering at SAE Institute Nashville, where he helps the next generation of engineers develop reliable listening skills, technical confidence, and a strong decision-making mindset. His dual role as a working mastering engineer and educator gives him a unique perspective on the most common mix issues, how small changes upstream can dramatically improve masters, and how home-studio producers can get closer to professional results before the mastering stage even begins. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Continuing to learn new skillsThe future of masteringImmersive masteringNew technologies that are making vinyl cutting more affordable/accessibleNot letting perfection stop youCollaborating on the vision of a projectPrepping for mastering by using Izotope RXWhen to use analog vs digitalSolid state vs tube gearDuncan’s go-to tools for controlling low end To learn more about Duncan Ferguson, visit: https://thevoltageexchange.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out...

    1h 14m
  3. JAN 21

    Pete Lyman: The Art of Commitment

    Pete Lyman is a GRAMMY-nominated mastering engineer, and owner of Infrasonic. Pete’s digital and vinyl mastering career spans thousands of titles over the last two decades. He has mastered Grammy-award winning and Grammy-nominated albums for Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, Halsey, Sturgill Simpson, John Prine, Weezer, Panic! At the Disco and more. In 2005 Lyman opened Infrasonic West, a custom-built mastering facility in Echo Park, CA. Pete, and his 1956 Neumann AM32B Cutting Lathe, moved to Nashville, TN in 2018 and opened Infrasonic East. In 2022, Infrasonic West found its new home in Highland Park, CA. Since then, Pete has curated the Infrasonic roster to include engineers spanning everything from mixing to mastering to vinyl cutting to immersive and so much more. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why not committing to your mix is doing more harm than goodThe biggest problem people make with their editingUsing room correction tools/softwareWhy the level of your mix doesn’t matter as much as you think it doesWhy stem-mastering is stupid and you should avoid itPassive vs. active listeningPreserving the character of a mix in masteringKnowing when to do nothing as part of your job as a mixing and mastering engineerHow to let go of your personal tastes when working on something that doesn’t connect with youUnderstanding the needs of various genres To learn more about Pete Lyman, visit: https://infrasonicsound.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the...

    1h 6m
  4. JAN 14

    Kevin Antreassian: Making Music Work

    Kevin Antreassian is an American musician, producer, engineer, and studio owner based in New Jersey. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Audio Engineering from William Paterson University and is the founder and operator of Backroom Studios, a multifaceted recording and rehearsal facility established in 2007. Over his career, Antreassian has worked with a wide range of artists across rock and metal genres, providing production, recording, mixing/mastering, and technical services for both emerging and established acts. As a guitarist, he is best known for his tenure with the influential mathcore band The Dillinger Escape Plan, performing with the group through their later period and contributing to their final shows and recordings, as well as other groups like The Sawtooth Grin and Knife the Glitter. In addition to his work in the studio and on stage, Antreassian has served as a touring guitar technician for notable acts, and he teaches music production and guitar tech at William Paterson University. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Choosing between touring, corporate audio, and running a studioWhy multiple income streams matter if you want long-term stabilityThe not-so-glamorous truth about life on the roadAvoiding burnout when you’re obsessed with making recordsHow starting with minimal gear actually sharpens your skillsWhy he keeps outboard gear set to fixed settingsHow he uses templates for speed and consistency rather than toneTuning out the marketing noise around gear so you can stay focusedCreating clarity and focus in chaotic musicHow editing impacts the energy and feel of a performanceWhen live-off-the-floor beats isolated trackingWhy automation is the biggest separator between amateur and pro mixes To learn more about Kevin Antreassian, visit: https://backroom.studio/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comspan class="ql-ui"...

    1h 29m
  5. JAN 7

    Shane Slack: Understanding the Impact of Proper Phase

    Shane Slack is an Emmy-nominated mastering and post-production engineer, and the owner of Mono Theory, Inc., a Florida-based studio specializing in mastering, sound design, and Foley for music, television, and film. With credits spanning Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+, CBS, and Showtime, Shane has helped shape the sound of high-profile projects including Ted Lasso, The Umbrella Academy, NCIS: LA, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. A graduate of Valencia College’s Sound & Music Technology program, he’s also a member of the Recording Academy and the Audio Engineering Society, where he’s active in mastering education and diversity initiatives. Drawing from early influences like Motown, reggae, and classic video game soundtracks, Shane’s work combines deep technical expertise with an ear for emotional storytelling. Whether mastering indie releases or handling sound for major media productions, he’s passionate about translating creative intent into mixes that connect across every playback system. Through Mono Theory, he continues to bridge the gap between art and acoustics—helping artists, producers, and filmmakers bring their sonic visions to life. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why learning about mastering first is a smart decisionProduction and mixing mistakes that often need to be fixed by a mastering engineerUnderstanding psychoacousticsHow to double-track instruments for better translation and phaseWhy phase correction is so crucial for proper mix translationChecking mixes in monoUsing mid-side EQHow to make mixing easier, simply by being careful with instrument voicingWhy it’s better to use multiple compressors, rather than only oneDeveloping your audio skills faster by taking your timeAsking yourself “why” when you’re making the moves you’re making To learn more about Shane Slack, visit: https://www.instagram.com/slackshane/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comspan class="ql-ui"...

    1h 8m
  6. 12/31/2025

    Aaron Rubin: Working on Blink-182's "One More Time" (Revisited)

    Aaron Rubin is a mix engineer, producer, writer, manager and musician who has worked with some big names in the industry including Ilan Rubin, Angels & Airwaves, Frank Turner and Blink-182. Aaron has worn many hats in the industry and got his start working with his brother Ilan playing in bands and later managing his music career. He has always been interested in the production side of music, which has led to his work with Tom Delonge and his various projects. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Broadening your networkProving your valueWorking with Tom Delong and Blink-182Disagreeing with artistsRecording the new Blink-182 record with an Axe FXHow to get the Tom Delonge guitar toneBlending amp soundsThe challenges of working on a record being made in multiple studiosSession organizationUpdating mixes after an album has been releasedHow AI is going to change the game for mixingThe art of committing to sounds Notable gear mentioned in this episode: Stereo Manley Pultec: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/darLBk To learn more about Aaron Rubin, visit: http://www.thisiscommand.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple...

    1h 20m
  7. 12/24/2025

    Kris Crummett: Using Automation for Exciting Mixes

    Kris Crummett is a record producer and mastering engineer known for his amazing work in the metalcore, post-hardcore, and rock scenes. He has worked with artists such as Dance Gavin Dance, Sleeping With Sirens, Issues, and many more. He also owns Interlace Audio, which is a fantastic studio located in Portland, Oregon. His productions are well known for having massive tones while sounding polished and energetic. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: His secret weapon for getting toms to cut through a mix without sounding too boomy/muddyHis step-by-step checklist for using automation to create energy in his mixesHow he treats vocals to get them to sound super clear and up-frontHow to use track presets efficientlyBalancing live drums vs samplesHis STL Tones ToneHub presets and the art behind making great amp simsMastering your own tracks Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to a href="mailto:questions@masteryourmix.com?subject=MYM%20Podcast%20Question" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 14m
  8. 12/17/2025

    Jeff Kolhede: Making Mixes That Are “Perfectly Imperfect”

    Jeff Kolhede is a producer, audio engineer, and artist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Having participated in multiple Grammy-nominated records, he operates primarily out of 25th Street Recording, the SF Bay Area’s premier recording facility, where he helps emerging and established artists. Jeff’s composing work for film and advertisements has been featured for leading brands, including the trailer music for the Academy Award-winning film, Moonlight. This led him to co-found Gooroo Music, a bay area music house, where he directs a team of award-winning composers, mix engineers, and sound designers for film and advertisements. Recent work includes Billie Eilish, Youtube, Faherty, and Adobe campaigns. Alongside his producing and engineering work is Jeff Kolhede’s artist project. His self-recorded Dismantle LP was released on November 24, 2023. The SF Chronicle noted that “The gorgeous ‘Wonder Why’ calls to mind Nick Drake, with Kolhede’s vocals shining atop a layered string arrangement…there’s both retro-minded and contemporary folk moments within Kolhede’s notable first effort.” This same single wonder why was featured on the Spotify official Fresh Finds folk playlist. bandcamp included the full album on their new and notable feature. His influences range from rock, singer-songwriter, indie, soul, and jazz with genres being defied by melodies, introspective lyricism, and his primary instruments; the sax and voice. Jeff Kolhede remains committed to making a positive, creative, and inclusive impact by way of music and kindness. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Separating processes vs. doing them all at onceGainstaging as if you're mixingMaking mixes that are “perfectly imperfect”Allowing yourself to be objectiveMaking time for experimentation/skill developmentKeeping things organicChasing gearCapturing clean, dry, tight drum soundsUsing a “crotch mic”Techniques for muffling drumsAchieving in your face, smooth vocalsPicking mics for a desired soundUsing clip gain vs. compression To learn more about Jeff Kolhede, visit: https://www.jeffkolhede.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/   Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: a...

    1h 14m
5
out of 5
50 Ratings

About

Helping musicians, engineers and producers create professional recordings and mixes from home so you can showcase your talents in the best way possible and grow your career.

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