#194 - Don’t Get Suckered By The Sale: What We ACTUALLY Look For When Buying Plugins

In this week's episode, Ben and Carl unmask the mystery of masking (pun very much intended). They talk about frequency masking, rhythmic masking, transient masking, and more. There are plenty of "aha!" moments that will change the way you approach mixing, so tune in now and elevate your mixes from cluttered to crystal-clear!Topics we discuss:The little-known mixing villain that's sabotaging your mixes (hint: it's not just frequency masking!)How to diagnose and eliminate "rhythmic masking" to unlock airtight groovesThe #1 rookie mixing mistake that's holding your mixes back - and how to break the habit for goodWhy muting is the most underrated weapon in your mixing arsenal (and how to wield it like a pro)The simple stereo field trick that can eliminate muddiness and clutter in seconds flatConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

Leaning into your authentic self, flaws and all, can become your greatest asset in building a standout career. In this offbeat episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into the quirky traits and tendencies that make them unique as music professionals.Topics we discuss:Why your quirks are more than just personality traits - they shape your artistic identityHow to harness your quirky strengths to attract your ideal clients and collaboratorsWhy facing your fears (even the irrational ones) can lead to creative breakthroughsThe underrated power of post-project follow-up in building lasting artist relationshipsConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

In this thought-provoking episode, Ben and Carl dive headfirst into the complex world of artificial intelligence and its impending impact on the music industry. Discover how AI is already transforming music creation and production, and explore the philosophical quandaries that arise as technology blurs the line between human artistry and machine-generated content. Buckle up for a mind-bending journey that will leave you pondering the very nature of creativity in the digital age.Topics we discuss:The ways AI is already being used in songwriting and music productionHow AI could revolutionize the creative process by handling menial tasksThe ethical dilemmas posed by AI-generated music: when does it cross the line?Why the human element of emotional connection may be the key to artistic survivalThe importance of staying informed about AI to adapt and thrive in an uncertain futureConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

What if the secret to standout mixes was doing less, not more? In this episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into the art of minimalism in audio engineering. Discover how applying minimalist principles, from streamlined plugin chains to intentional gear choices, can elevate your sound and simplify your workflow. Learn why sometimes the biggest results come from stripping away the excess.Topics we discuss:The surprising power of constraint and how it fuels creativityWhy some hits sound massive despite having fewer elementsPractical tips to achieve clearer, bigger mixes using less processingHow to build a lean, mean studio setup that empowers your best workThe game-changing mindset shift that sets pro engineers apartConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

In this episode, mixing engineers Ben and Carl dive into the vital yet often misunderstood role of mastering in the music production process.Topics we discuss:The single biggest reason mastering can make or break your mix (it's not what you think)How to harness the power of objectivity to hear your mix with fresh earsThe little-known trick for using mastering to diagnose and fix mix problemsThe surprising truth about what really matters when choosing a mastering engineerWhy trying to "fix it in the mastering" is the fastest way to sabotage your mixConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

Ready to start earning what you're really worth as an audio professional? In this eye-opening episode, Ben and Carl talk about proven strategies for tactfully raising your rates with both new and existing clients. Discover how to showcase your unique value, frame your pricing in a compelling way, and confidently ask for the rates you deserve.Topics we discuss:Why regularly raising rates is crucial to account for inflation and increasing expensesHow to position a rate increase as a loyalty discount for existing clientsThe importance of enthusiastically selling an amazing client experience before presenting your priceSimple ways to practice incrementally raising your rates to build confidenceConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

In this episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into the often uncomfortable but crucial topic of cold outreach for audio professionals. Carl shares his proven methodology for finding and connecting with potential clients and collaborators in a genuine, non-sleazy way. Learn how to move past the discomfort, build the habit of regular outreach, and transform your career trajectory.Topics we discuss:The key mindset shift that makes outreach effective and non-sleazyHow to get over the fear of rejection and worst-case scenariosTactics to build an outreach habit, even when you're not in the moodWhy proactive client content is crucial for word-of-mouthThe incredible potential upside of genuine conversations in the internet ageConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

In this week's episode of Secret Sonics, Ben and Carl explore the evolving nature of career success.Topics we discuss:Early unrealistic dreams transform into sustainable career visions over timeRealizing that artistic purpose can fuel and expand your goals as it connects with listeners⁠Life priorities reshape definitions of success at different stages⁠Liberation from standardized metrics frees you to determine your own successTrue meaning is derived from creative growth and the joy of the endless journeyConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

In this week's episode, Ben and Carl talk about taking criticism as an audio professional.Topics we discuss:Getting constructive vs unhelpful criticism and feedbackBuilding a "circle" of trusted people to give feedbackCharacteristics to look for in people you ask criticism fromReceiving criticism during different stages of productionDealing with well-intended but unhelpful feedbackHandling aggressive criticism from clientsDeveloping thick skin and not taking criticism personallyHaving friends to vent frustrations toConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

Have a listen as Ben and Carl have an in-depth conversation about using templates for efficient mixing and production workflows. They talk about how they structure their templates by routing tracks, buses, and FX stacks to allow for maximum flexibility when mixing. They discuss setting expectations with clients about initial mixes as well as favorite plugins to include. The hosts also share some hot tips for Logic users and emphasize how templates enable them to work quickly and efficiently.Topics we discuss:⁠Different templates we use for mixing and productionRouting tracks, buses, and FXGetting mixes to 80% quickly then refiningSetting expectations with clients about initial mixesUsing templates to work quickly and efficientlyFavorite plugins to include in templatesHot tips for Logic usersConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsPlugsearch (for Logic users!) - https://speakerfood.com/pages/plugsearch-v3-product-pageThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/