Secret Sonics – Details, episodes & analysis

If you could start your audio career over in 2024, what would you do differently? Ben and Carl explore this thought-provoking question, sharing hard-won wisdom on striking the delicate balance between artistic growth and business savvy in today's music industry landscape. Discover practical strategies for developing your craft while building the entrepreneurial skills needed for long-term success. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your career, this episode offers a roadmap for thriving as a creative professional in the modern audio world.


Topics we discuss:

• ⁠⁠Why mastering your craft alone isn't enough to build a sustainable career
• ⁠How to cultivate your artistic community while developing business acumen
• ⁠The unexpected benefits of embracing social media for audio professionals
• Why lifelong learning is crucial for both creative and entrepreneurial growth
• Practical steps for finding your unique balance between art and commerce

Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing


Connect with us:

Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/

Thanks to our sponsors!

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

“The Platinum Pitch: Proposals Clients Can’t Refuse” FREE CLASS Register today: https://branding.carlbahner.com/offers/eL9EmmUL/checkout


Learn more:

https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/


This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

In part two of our conversation with mastering legend Dave McNair, Dave offers a treasure trove of practical advice for aspiring mastering engineers. Hear why lifelong learning is the key to audio excellence and how to develop your critical listening skills to create timeless mixes and masters. Get ready for a masterclass in audio wisdom that will transform the way you approach your craft!


Topics we discuss:

• ⁠Why mastering to vinyl might be the ultimate audio challenge (and how Dave plans to tackle it in retirement)
• The surprising power of broad EQ curves in crafting a polished, professional sound
• How to recreate the magic of analog tape compression in the digital realm
• Dave's secret weapon for taming harsh sibilance (hint: it's not a traditional de-esser)
• Why studying classic recordings from the mid-90s is crucial for developing your "internal reference"
• and more!

To learn more about Dave - https://davemcnairmastering.com/

Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing


Connect with us:

Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/
Dave - https://www.instagram.com/mcsnare/

Thanks to our sponsors!

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

“The Platinum Pitch: Proposals Clients Can’t Refuse” FREE CLASS Register today: https://branding.carlbahner.com/offers/eL9EmmUL/checkout


Learn more:

https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/


This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

Have a listen to the very first episode of Secret Sonics featuring Carl Bahner! Back in August 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Ben and Carl formed a friendship. We thought it would be fun to revisit this episode and explore Carl's origin story while we take a break to prepare for bringing new guests onto the show. Enjoy!

Original Show Notes - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2020/8/9/secret-sonics-058-carl-bahner

Connect with us:

Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/

Thanks to our sponsors!

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

Learn more:

https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/

370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-prompts


Listen to our Ultimate Mix Reference Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KNQgSPwNoRaNadSYvc65E?si=d2876096fe7141ae

Dr. Ford is a music producer, mixer, and songwriter based out of Nashville, TN, USA! In our conversation, Dr. Ford shares his journey; from scrubbing toilets as an intern to joining a country band, to eventually producing and mixing for artists around the world. He goes deep on his holistic approach to production, mixing, and maintaining a career in this industry - including keeping in mind if the fix is momentary or constant, making sure everything is phase-aligned, using dynamic EQ and de-harsh-ers, keeping the mids and sides in mind and using mid-side compression, why dual mono is important, and how he uses parallel compression. We also chat about his game-changing trip to Mix with the Masters with Jack Joseph Puig, vocal textures, the rule or threes, the golden ratio, lessons learned from his mom's real estate business, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Dr. Ford at https://www.drford.com/

You can follow Dr. Ford on Social Media
IG - https://www.instagram.com/drfordmusic/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Save 20% off your first year of Filepass at - https://filepass.com/secretsonics

Save 50% off your first 3 months of Easy Funnels at - https://easyfunnels.io/secret-sonics

Click here to listen to "Thanks for Thinking" - https://www.carlbahner.com/thanks-for-thinking 
***

Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

References:
Recording Studio Rockstars episode - https://recordingstudiorockstars.com/rsr136-daniel-ford-secrets-hip-hop-lcr-mixing-powerful-vocals-studio-biz/Ronnie King - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronnie_King
Richie Rich - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Real_Richie_Rich
Sound Kitchen - http://soundkitchen.com/
Soothe2 - https://oeksound.com/plugins/soothe2/
Jack Joseph Puig - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Joseph_Puig
Waves Vitamin - https://www.waves.com/plugins/vitamin#when-eq-isnt-enough-to-boost-masters-vitamin
MAuto Align - https://www.meldaproduction.com/MAutoAligniZotope RX - https://www.izotope.com/en/shop/rx-9-advanced.html
Mike Wells mastering engineer - https://www.dangerousmusic.com/news-press/tribute-to-mike-wells-mastering-engineer
iZotope Tonal Balance - https://www.izotope.com/en/products/tonal-balance-control-2.html
Slate Digital VSX - https://stevenslateaudio.com/vsx

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for helping edit this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co 

Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Neenah is a mixing engineer, singer-songwriter, and producer based out of Amsterdam, Netherlands! In our conversation, Neenah shares her journey; from artist to engineer, to attending "Mix with the Masters" with Tony Maserati, to mixing records for artists worldwide. She goes deep on her approach to mixing - how to get drums to knock, getting great results in the box, when to send tracks to analog gear, subtle and creative sidechaining, and when she knows the mix is finished. We also chat about working on music that speaks to her, having her artist project as a creative outlet, letting go of perfection, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Neenah at https://linktr.ee/NeenahMusic

You can follow Neenah on Social Media
IG - https://www.instagram.com/neenahmixedit/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Save 20% off your first year of Filepass at - https://filepass.com/secretsonics

Save 50% off your first 3 months of Easy Funnels at - https://easyfunnels.io/secret-sonics

Click here to listen to "Thanks for Thinking" - https://www.carlbahner.com/thanks-for-thinking

You can listen to the song we discussed in the "Sauce" segment here -
"Arizona" by Jordan Mitchell - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp5m3zeg_Co&ab_channel=JordanMitchell

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

References:
Xylo Aria - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/2/20/secret-sonics-133-xylo-aria-empowering-women-in-audio
Tony Maserati - https://tonymaserati.com/
Fi Roberts - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/3/27/secret-sonics-138-fi-roberts-magic-in-the-details
Brian Bender - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/4/3/secret-sonics-139-brian-bender-leaning-in-to-authenticity
Fabfilter Saturn 2 - https://www.fabfilter.com/products/saturn-2-multiband-distortion-saturation-plug-in
Daniel Silberman - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/3/6/secret-sonics-135-daniel-silberman-driving-the-stereo-bus
Bettermaker Mastering Limiter - https://www.bettermaker.com/mastering-limiter
Statinski - https://www.instagram.com/statinski_mastering/
Knock Plugin by DECAP - https://pluginsthatknock.com/products/knock-plugin
Waves Trackspacer - https://www.wavesfactory.com/audio-plugins/trackspacer/
Fernando Lodeiro - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/1/1/secret-sonics-126-fernando-lodeiro-nurturing-relationships-in-the-studio
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert - https://amzn.to/3MsKFDS
Damian Taylor - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/11/28/secret-sonics-123-damian-taylor-music-productions-deep-thinker

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for helping edit this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Dee Kei Waddell is a mixing engineer, podcaster, and entrepreneur based out of LA, CA, USA! In our conversation, Dee Kei shares his journey; from playing in bands to opening a recording studio really young, getting a boost of confidence from Leslie Brathwaite at Mix With the Masters, and starting the "Mixing Music" podcast. He goes deep on his approach to mixing - starting with the bass, being aware of his objectivity, thoughts on analog gear, and monitoring. We also chat about believing in the artists he works with, fatherhood, Twitch, having fun doing the work, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Dee Kei at https://www.deekeimixes.com/about

You can follow Dee Kei on Social Media
IG - https://www.instagram.com/deekeimixes/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Save 20% off your first year of Filepass at - https://filepass.com/secretsonics

Save 50% off your first 3 months of Easy Funnels at - https://easyfunnels.io/secret-sonics

Click here to listen to "Thanks for Thinking" - https://www.carlbahner.com/thanks-for-thinking

You can listen to the song we discussed in the "Sauce" segment here -
"Lover" by Genevra Munoa - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXP2JnaEcwE&ab_channel=VariousArtists-Topic

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

References
Leslie Brathwaite - https://www.instagram.com/lesterbud/
Chris Graham - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/5/2/secret-sonics-095-chris-graham-helping-audio-people-in-his-own-unique-way
“The Mastering Show” - https://themasteringshow.com/
Jesse Ray Ernster - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/8/29/secret-sonics-110-jesse-ray-ernster-going-all-in-on-his-dreams
"Atomic Habits" - https://amzn.to/3M6MNRu
Progressions - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/
Mike McClellan - https://www.instagram.com/mikemcclellanmusic/
Caleb Parker - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/4/4/secret-sonics-091-caleb-parker-getting-the-most-out-of-a-performance
Tilt saturation plugin - https://www.mixland.io/online-store/TILT-EQ-Plugin-p437766387
The Invisible Limiter - https://aom-factory.jp/products/invisible-limiter/
"The Happiness Project" - https://amzn.to/3jKpdh4
Kids books - deekeiandkayoko.com

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for helping edit this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Rookes is a music producer, remixer, audio engineer, and artist based out of London, UK! In our conversation, Rookes shares her journey; transitioning from artist to producer as the pandemic set in, winning an MPG scholarship, and forming 2% Rising, a network for women and gender minorities in audio. She goes deep on her approach to working with artists, production, programming beats, and remixing. We also chat about the importance of having an abundance mentality, being open to collaborating with people who might have a different workflow than you, finding inspiration from other art, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Rookes at https://www.iamrookes.com/about

You can follow Rookes on Social Media
IG - https://www.instagram.com/iamrookes/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Save 20% off your first year of Filepass at - https://filepass.com/secretsonics

Save 50% off your first 3 months of Easy Funnels at - https://easyfunnels.io/secret-sonics

Click here to listen to "Thanks for Thinking" - https://www.carlbahner.com/thanks-for-thinking

You can listen to the song we discussed in the "Sauce" segment here -
"Narc (Rookes Remix)" by Shar - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrJJLNaknjo&ab_channel=SHAR-Topic

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

References
2% Rising - https://www.2percentrising.com/
Katie Tavini - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/1/24/secret-sonics-081-katie-tavini-mastering-music-with-intent
Ben Parker - https://www.instagram.com/benparkerjnr/
Damian Taylor - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/11/28/secret-sonics-123-damian-taylor-music-productions-deep-thinker
Olga Fitzroy - http://www.olgafitzroy.com/
Emily Lazar - https://www.instagram.com/emilylazarlodge/
Waves Vocal Bender - https://www.waves.com/plugins/vocal-bender#meet-vocal-bender-real-time-voice-manipulation
Waves Vocal Rider - https://www.waves.com/plugins/vocal-rider#how-to-level-vocals-perfectly-in-3-clicks
Ruby Smith - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/3/26/secret-sonics-090-ruby-smith-blending-artistry-and-engineering
No Such Thing Records - https://www.nosuchthingrecords.com/
Enoch Yang - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/10/31/secret-sonics-119-enoch-yang-forging-an-authentic-path-in-music
Heel of My Hand - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_kgB6S6mbU&ab_channel=RookesMusic
Oblique Strategies - http://stoney.sb.org/eno/oblique.html

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for helping edit this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Brian Bender is a music producer, mixer, composer, and sound designer based out of LA, CA, USA! In our conversation, Brian shares his journey; coming up in NYC and working with the likes of Philip Glass and Russ Elevado, going freelance, and eventually making his way to LA. He goes deep on his mindsets when capturing bass, mixing, and working with artists and composers. He talks about working with Nate Smith, Dave Holland, and Kris Bowers. We also chat about the importance of timing (in performance, programming, and compression), fostering relationships, psychoacoustic, leaning into your own creative voice, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Brian at https://www.rainbowblonderecords.com/collective/brian

You can follow Brian on Social Media
IG - https://www.instagram.com/bdbender/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Save 20% off your first year of Filepass at - https://filepass.com/secretsonics

Click here to listen to "Thanks for Thinking" - https://www.carlbahner.com/thanks-for-thinking

You can listen to the song we discussed in the "Sauce" segment here -
"I Am a Man (Intro)" by Ben Williams - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZoLijWq3rs&ab_channel=BenWilliams-Topic

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

References
Strong Songs interview - https://strongsongspodcast.com/episode/the-producers-philosophy-with-brian-bender
David Baker - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Baker_(composer)
Russ Elevado - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Elevado
Rainbow Blonde Records - https://www.rainbowblonderecords.com/
Vance Powell - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/4/11/secret-sonics-092-vance-powell-capturing-the-magic
Dave Holland - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Holland
Nate Smith - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Smith_(musician)
Brian's Desk - https://umproject.com/The-Motherbrain-1
Nicholas Di Lorenzo - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/10/17/secret-sonics-117-nicholas-di-lorenzo-pushing-boundaries-beyond-mastering
CC Custom Drums - https://www.candcdrumsusa.com/

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for helping edit this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Fi Roberts is a sound engineer, producer and musician based out of London, England, UK! In our conversation, Fi shares her journey; studying engineering at SAE, coming up in Strongroom studios and transitioning into freelance production and engineering. She goes deep on her approach to production, capturing piano, mixing, and working with artists. We also chat about her extensive use of automation, what building sample libraries is like, doubling down on herself, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Fi at https://www.firoberts.com/about

You can follow Fi on Social Media
IG - https://www.instagram.com/fiayana/

***As I mentioned in this episode, Carl Bahner has an awesome new mindfulness/business podcast for creative freelancers called "Thanks for Thinking." Click here to listen - https://www.carlbahner.com/thanks-for-thinking !***

The song we discussed in the "Sauce" segment is not yet released!
"Double Pink" by And Is Phi

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

Subscribe to the podcast and get my free guidebook "Music Production Essentials" here - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/free-download

References
Katie Tavini - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/1/24/secret-sonics-081-katie-tavini-mastering-music-with-intent
Strongroom Studios - https://www.strongroom.com/
Tap Collective - https://www.instagram.com/tappcollective/
Hanakiv - https://www.instagram.com/hanakiv/
Noam Wallenberg - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2020/4/21/secret-sonics-038-noam-wallenberg
Native Instrument Una Corda - https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/keys/una-corda/
Eventide Omnipressor - https://www.eventideaudio.com/plug-ins/omnipressor/
Michael Brauer - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Brauer
Arturia tape plugin - https://www.arturia.com/products/software-effects/tape-mello-fi/overview
Daniel Silberman - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/3/6/secret-sonics-135-daniel-silberman-driving-the-stereo-bus
Acustica Cream - https://www.acustica-audio.com/store/products/cream
Matt Snell - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2020/8/23/secret-sonics-060-matt-snell
Evan Morgan - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/2/6/secret-sonics-131-evan-morgan-manifesting-intent
Fernando Lodeiro - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/1/1/secret-sonics-126-fernando-lodeiro-nurturing-relationships-in-the-studio
Connor Salmoral - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2020/6/7/secret-sonics-049-connor-salmoral


Thanks for listening to this episode of Secret Sonics! I hope you enjoyed this episode :) Look out for new episodes weekly. Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for helping edit this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

Follow along via social media here:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SecretSonicsPod
Instagram: www.instagram.com/secretsonics/

Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Anthony J. Resta is a multi-platinum awarded record producer, musician, and composer based in LA, CA, USA! In our conversation, Anthony shares parts of his 3-decades long journey in music and many of the lessons he's learned, and the methods he uses to craft records. He goes deep on his approach to production, being direct with artists, sampling, creating his own tonal soundscapes, and alternative recording approaches that he uses regularly. We also chat about collaboration, longevity, contracts, continued learning and growth, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Anthony at https://onepagelink.com/producer/anthonyjresta

You can follow Anthony on Social Media
IG - https://www.instagram.com/anthony.j.resta/

***As I mentioned in this episode, Carl Bahner has an awesome new mindfulness/business podcast for creative freelancers called "Thanks for Thinking." Click here to listen - https://www.carlbahner.com/thanks-for-thinking !***

You can listen to the songs we discussed in the "Sauce" segment in their entirety:
"The Noise (feat. Emp3)" by Ajax Ray O'vaque - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEbpukabMEI&ab_channel=AjaxRayO%27Vaque-Topic

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

Subscribe to the podcast and get my free guidebook "Music Production Essentials" here - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/free-download

References
Duran Duran - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duran_Duran
Bob St. John - https://bobstjohn.com/
Ken Lewis - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/9/12/secret-sonics-112-ken-lewis-100-gold-records-and-beyond
Decco - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2020/4/21/secret-sonics-015-decco
Micro Synth - https://www.ehx.com/products/micro-synth/
Arturia - https://www.arturia.com/products/analog-classics/v-collection/overviewp
Poly-M Moog - https://www.xils-lab.com/products/polym-p-160.html
Jacob Collier Logic Breakdown (e.g.) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Naxu8D0xXVU&ab_channel=JacobCollier
Medazzaland - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medazzaland

Thanks for listening to this episode of Secret Sonics! I hope you enjoyed this episode :) Look out for new episodes weekly. Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for helping edit this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

Follow along via social media here:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SecretSonicsPod
Instagram: www.instagram.com/secretsonics/
 
Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben