#207 - Our Go-To Reference Mixes (and Why We Chose Them)

Teamwork really DOES make the dream work. In this episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into assembling a roster of pros who can take your projects to the next level. From identifying the right specialists for each song to fostering a culture of trust and creative alchemy, you'll learn how to build a team that amplifies your strengths and delivers even better results. Let your ego take a backseat to the joy of synergy in action.Topics we discuss:Why even top producers and engineers outsource tasks to specialized prosHow to identify and articulate the unique skills each song needs to level upThe art of pitching collaborative productions to clients for a win-win-win outcomeWhy checking your ego at the door is the key to unlocking your team's full potentialThe surprising joy and freedom that comes from letting go of "doing it all" and leaning into your genius zoneConnect 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-promptsListen to our Ultimate Mix Reference Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KNQgSPwNoRaNadSYvc65E?si=d2876096fe7141aeThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

Are you constantly chasing the elusive "perfect" mix or agonizing over every tiny detail in your productions? In this episode, Ben and Carl share their hard-won insights on overcoming perfectionist tendencies that can stifle creativity and slow progress to a crawl. They share practical strategies for breaking free from the perfectionist's curse, trusting your instincts, and embracing the imperfections that make music magic. Topics we discuss:Why striving for perfection can be the biggest obstacle to finishing strong mixesHow to recognize when perfectionism is masquerading as procrastinationThe surprising upsides of working with imperfect audio in the early stages of your careerWhy imposing strict deadlines could be the secret to banishing perfectionist paralysis for goodThe liberating power of the "80% mix" mindset for nailing vibe and avoiding overthinkingConnect 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-promptsListen to our Ultimate Mix Reference Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KNQgSPwNoRaNadSYvc65E?si=d2876096fe7141aeThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

Ben and Carl delve into their go-to songs for mix references across various aspects of sound including bottom end, top end, mid-range, depth, stereo field, dynamic range, and transients. They explore a wide range of music from artists like Radiohead, Adele, Daft Punk, and Billie Eilish, to name a few, providing insights into why these tracks serve as the perfect benchmarks for assessing and achieving the desired sound quality in their own mixes. Topics we discuss:The Art of Selecting Reference TracksAnalyzing Room Acoustics and Speaker QualityThe Pensado's Place Inspired Challenge: Analyzing Music CharacteristicsReference Mixes for Individual InstrumentsThe Wow Factor MixOur Benchmark Personal MixesListen to our Ultimate Mix Reference Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KNQgSPwNoRaNadSYvc65E?si=d2876096fe7141aeConnect 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/

Does music theory belong in the mixing engineer's toolbox? In this rapid-fire episode, Ben and Carl explore the surprising ways a solid grasp of music theory can elevate your mixes from amateur to awesome. Discover how to wield the power of harmony, melody, and chord progressions to troubleshoot tricky mix issues, enhance arrangements, and take your productions to the next level!Topics we discuss:The #1 mix element that most often requires music theory interventionHow to use your theory chops to create complimentary arrangements that solve masking and clutterThe simple music theory move that can add instant harmonic interest and sophistication to basic progressionsWhy experimenting with keys and tempos is a critical (but often overlooked) part of the production processHow to leverage your knowledge of scales and intervals to melodically Melodyne your way out of any mix disasterConnect 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/

Want to know how to create release-ready mixes with confidence every single time? In this episode, Ben and Carl reveal their approaches for achieving reliable mix consistency no matter the song. Discover the mindset shifts, little-known technical tricks, and proven workflow strategies that will help you nail your mix vision faster, with fewer frustrating detours and do-overs. Get ready to level up your consistency and mix with confidence!Topics we discuss:The simple monitoring move that will jumpstart your ability to make confident mix decisionsHow your mix bus processing chain could be sabotaging your consistencyA counterintuitive mix approach that ensures your choruses always deliver the right emotional impactWhy your favorite mix engineers never mix a song from start to finishThe critical mix buss metering insights that take the guesswork out of gain staging and balancingConnect 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 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/