Send us a text

🚀 Apply for personal mentoring by Benedikt and the team: theselfrecordingband.com
--
➡️ Get Access To "Mix-Ready: The Band-Recording Essentials": theselfrecordingband.com/mixready
➡️ Get Access To "Mixes Unpacked": theselfrecordingband.com/mixesunpacked
➡️ Get Access To "Dead-On Drums": theselfrecordingband.com/deadondrums
➡️ Get Access To "Guitar Setup Masterclass - With Diego Casillas": theselfrecordingband.com/guitarsetup
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🎁 Free video guide + checklist "Standout Mixes": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
--
Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

We got this question from Fabian (Max im Parkhaus):

"Hello Malcom & Benedikt,

appreciating your latest episodes, thanks a lot.

I have a question regarding Benedikt’s solo episode 232 “Do this and your mixes will improve..."

How do I make sure I listen my favorite records (from Spotify e.g.) at the same level as my mixes? Because usually mixes are way quieter than mastered records.

I really want to build this listening habit so thanks a lot for a cue how I can solve this. It maybe could also be a question for another episode - who knows.

Thanks a lot 🤘🏼

Cheers

Fabian"

Well, here we are! Thanks for the great question, Fabian and we hope this is helpful!

Enjoy!

PS: Please join the conversation and help us grow the show by leaving a comment, or a rating and review on your podcast app.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/238
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for a spot in one of our programs. Start working with us and get our personal guidance, so you can finally make your dream record!

It all starts with a free Clarity Call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free Clarity Call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Meet the team behind theselfrecordingband.com!

After the amazing Studioszene 2024 event we sat down at our Airbnb to talk about our days at the conference, key takeaways for you and also to introduce the people to you who help us run this platform behind the scenes:

• Manel Espinosa Berenguer, a great producer and musician from Spain who is editing and mixing our podcast and video content.
  
  
• Thomas Krottenthaler, an amazing engineer and drummer who works at Benedikt's studio, Outback Recordings, and also creates videos, playbooks and content for our coaching programs and courses.
  
  
• Benedikt & Malcom, the hosts of this podcast, main coaches inside our programs and full time mixing engineers who came up with this entire platform.
  
  

This is a completely unscripted, "behind the scenes" type of episode of us just sitting around a table and having a chat about what we learned at Studioszene 2024 in Hamburg.

Enjoy!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/237
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

"Don't mix with presets!! Every song is unique!"
"Always start with presets! And also create your own! It's so much faster!"

Confused about all the strong opinions out there on using or avoiding plugin presets?

We got you. ;)

Here's the truth about plugin presets. Not because we know better. Not because we have all the answers. But because it is not black or white.

Once you understand the concepts that we're sharing on this episode, you'll feel better about using presets - or avoiding them. Because you're gonna do it intentionally. While always serving the song.


Enjoy!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/236
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Let's talk about being intentional with your recording decisions.

Yes, we talk about this all the time. But we also firmly believe that we need to be reminded more than we need to be taught.

The episode starts with the story of a band wanting to save money by recording their own vocals (which isn't a bad thing), but then setting up in a super unideal room for the wrong reasons. Just simply moving the mic stand 10 feet out into the hallway saved their record.

"The hallway? For vocals??" We hear you... But that's exactly what this is about. Sometimes what might seem like the wrong thing to do is exactly what the record needs. Sometimes following generally good advice can lead to bad decisions being made on a specific project.

Moral of the story: There are a lot of good things to know. But it doesn't really matter what you think you know, if doesn't serve the song in this specific situation. At the end of the day you have to listen. And have the confidence and skills to be able to trust your ears and intuition.

The knowledge is important. But what we KNOW only helps us make the right decision quicker and gives us a variety of options. We still need to use our ears. And the real skill is knowing when to use a certain technique you've learned and when to do something completely different.

Enjoy!


Mentioned on the episode:

Studioszene Tickets:
studioszene.de
Use code TSRB15 to get 15% off your ticket!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/235
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

This time we're answering an interesting listener question.

Tim asks:

"I have one question I would love to ask your advice on and I reckon you will know exactly what I'm asking:

I can sing fairly well technically, but I would love more grit and aggression in my tone.

In your experience, is trying to achieve this through training and technique even a thing? (Vocal Fry etc.)

Or should I just own what I have and accept that isn't my voice?

Also how much can you realistically achieve this tone through
pre-amps/gain reduction/distortion etc.?"

Tim, here comes your answer!

Enjoy!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/234
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

So, it happened. AI mixing is (almost) here.

Maybe you've heard about it. Mark "Spike" Stent, a very successful, amazing mixing engineer released "Spike AI". And it caused wild reactions and very emotional discussions in the pro audio community.

Here's what their website says about Spike AI:

"In a world where AI wants to steal your voice, our mission is to amplify yours like never before.

Spike AI is an ethical AI-driven platform that revolutionizes music mixing by providing every artist access to high-quality, professional-grade mixing services typically reserved for platinum-recording artists.

We don’t just harness the power of artificial intelligence; we amplify human creativity. Our mission is to ensure that artists maintain their unique voice in an industry where AI is often seen as a threat to individuality.

Driven by a commitment to ethical AI, we prioritize transparency, inclusivity, and creative empowerment, reshaping the future of music production for the better. With Spike AI, artists are free to focus on what matters most—creating their art."

(spike-ai.com on October 4th 2024)

So... is this the end of mixing engineers? Do you still need mixing skills?

Let's discuss.

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/233
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

This might be the shortest episode we've ever done. And one of the most important ones.

Just listen, do this one thing that the episode is about and watch your recordings and mixes improve.

Enjoy!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/232
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

When we give people feedback on their mixes before they join our coaching program, we're often talking about a lack of "size" and "depth".

Now what is that actually and what can you do now with that feedback?

We're all about helping you make exciting and unique sounding records. And you can only do that when you're able to make intentional decisions.

You won't get there with presets and things you copy from someone else. And knowing how to create size and depth is a big part of that. It's what's always lacking when people mix with presets or settings that they didn't choose intentionally.

In this Episode we're talking about:

1. Size:
   1. Frequency content
   2. Dynamics
   3. Contrast
   4. Writing/arrangement
   5. Transients/punch
      
      
2. Depth:
   1. Frequency content
   2. Reverb/delay
   3. Pre-delay on reverbs
   4. Detail
   5. Dynamics
      
      

And we're using real life everyday examples to explain these concepts.

Enjoy!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/231
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com