Explore every episode of the podcast The SonicScoop Podcast | Mixing, Mastering, Audio Engineering and Music Production
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Headphones for Mixing: $400 & Under [2024] | 26 Aug 2024 | 01:15:23 | |
Justin Colletti reviews the top pro level headphones for mixing, focusing on open back models for $400 and under from brands like Audeze, Avantone, Hifiman, Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser, Sony, Steven Slate, Shure, AKG, Neumann, Focal, Audio Technica and more. Avantone Planar the II: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/c/3177824/794166/11319?u=https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=Avantone%20Planar%20II Hifiman Edition XS: https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&tag=sonicscoop08-20&linkCode=index=mi&keywords=Hifiman%20Edition%20XS Sennheiser HD 490 Pro: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/c/3177824/794166/11319?u=https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=sennheiser%20HD%20490%20pro Sony MDR MV1: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/c/3177824/794166/11319?u=https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=Sony%20MDR%20MV1 Austrian Audio Hi-X: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=Austrian+Audio+Hi-X&irclickid=UiKUjiwdAxyNRaZ0i2WejQ8cUkF1q83EN2%3AHS40&irgwc=1&utm+medium=SonicScoop&utm+source=Impact Beyerdynamic DT Series: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=Beyerdynamic+DT&irclickid=UiKUjiwdAxyNRaZ0i2WejQ8cUkF1qaSIN2%3AHS40&irgwc=1&utm+medium=SonicScoop&utm+source=Impact ►Mixing Breakthroughs: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com ►Compression Breakthroughs: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com ►Mastering Demystified: https://MasteringDemystified.com ►Become a Member! Join this channel for access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqEKv3KIZoZrjv2LymD3iMg/join | |||
| Is Spotify Audio Quality a Problem? (...And is there a service that's better for artists?) | 22 Aug 2024 | 00:58:33 | |
Spotify! Is the audio quality a problem? Can you evaluate mixes through it? And, is the pay structure harmful to artists? Do playlists make music worse? | |||
| My Top Reference Mixes (...And how to choose your own) | 11 Jun 2024 | 00:37:58 | |
What are the best reference mixes? Justin Colletti shares his favorite reference mixes, WHY they work, and how you can choose your own. | |||
| Better Editing Can Improve Your Mixes More Than Compression or EQ | 25 Sep 2021 | 00:27:30 | |
Good mixing is important. Sure. We all know that. But so many new mixers try to fix issues that would be much better solved by spending a little more time and attention in editing your tracks. Here's what to listen for. ►Subscribe to the podcast or leave a rating and review here: | |||
| Is Your Mix Just Different, or Actually Better? Here's How to Tell | 16 Sep 2021 | 00:15:11 | |
You're on 8 plugins deep on the vocal track of "Mix 8 Final FINAL Rev3". ►Subscribe to the podcast or leave a rating and review here: | |||
| The Most Overrated Studio Gear (and the Most Underrated) | 08 Sep 2021 | 00:21:45 | |
Justin Colletti gives his picks for the most overrated studio gear for recording, mixing and mastering, as well as the most underrated studio tools. | |||
| The Secret Science of Stacking Compressors | 28 Aug 2021 | 00:22:15 | |
Justin Colletti reveals the secret science of stacking compressors in the mix in the latest episode of the SonicScoop podcast. Learn how to set attack, release, ratio and more in layered compression and limiting. | |||
| How to Parallel Compress EVERYTHING: A Comprehensive Guide | 23 Aug 2021 | 00:29:48 | |
Justin Colletti offers his tips on how to use parallel compression and processing on practically everything, from drums to bass to vocals, pianos, 808, mix bus and more. | |||
| 3 Key Takeaways from Producer and Electronic Artist TAETRO | 12 Aug 2021 | 00:05:44 | |
Justin Colletti shares his key insights from a masterclass from music producer and electronic artist TAETRO, who recently appeared at MixCon 2021. | |||
| 3 Key Mixing Takeaways from 7X GRAMMY-Winner Brian Vibberts | 09 Aug 2021 | 00:11:33 | |
Justin Colletti gives a recap of the extremely detailed, 2 hour long mixing masterclass from Brian Vibberts at MixCon 2021. | |||
| 3 Key Takeaways from Award-Winning Mixer on Mixing Soundtracks and Orchestral Elements | 30 Jul 2021 | 00:18:17 | |
Justin Colletti offers his top 3 takeaways from Jake Jackson and Christian Henson’s Mixing Masterclass at MixCon 2021. | |||
| Top 3 Insights from Multi-Platinum Mixer Koen Heldens | 22 Jul 2021 | 00:10:10 | |
Justin Colletti shares his key takeaways from Koen Heldens' 2021 MixCon masterclass. Check out Koen's full masterclass here: https://youtu.be/WHfTwWVt5CY | |||
| Top 3 Music Production Insights from Tom Holkenborg (aka Junkie XL) | 16 Jul 2021 | 00:11:42 | |
Justin Colletti shares his top 3 takeaways from Tom Holkenborg (AKA Junkie XL)'s MixCon Masterclass. | |||
| The Beatles Studio Sounds with Modern Gear | 28 May 2024 | 01:47:45 | |
Jerry Hammack joins Justin Colletti to talk about what made The Beatles sound the way they did, and what we can learn from them in the studio today. ►🎚Mixing Breakthroughs: https://mixingbreakthroughs.com ►🎛Compression Breakthroughs: https://compressionbreakthroughs.com ►🎧 EQ Breakthroughs: https://EQBreakthroughs.com ►🔊Mastering Demystified: https://MasteringDemystified.com ►✅Become a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqEKv3KIZoZrjv2LymD3iMg/join | |||
| Top 3 Takeaways from Grammy-Winning Mixer Quentin "Q" Gilkey | 08 Jul 2021 | 00:11:44 | |
Justin Colletti shares his top 3 insights from Quentin "Q" Gilkey's recent MiCon presentation. See the full mix walkthrough here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVkcb1P6Q8k | |||
| The Top 5 EQ Myths, Busted! | 06 Jul 2021 | 00:24:54 | |
Is it really better to cut than to boost? Is phase shift from EQ really a problem? Justin Colletti answers all these common EQ questions and more. | |||
| You’re Not Automating Your Mix Enough! | 17 Jun 2021 | 00:29:03 | |
Chances are that unless you’re an in-demand mixer at the top of your craft, you’re not using enough automation in you mixes. Great automation is not just optional. It’s required for mix balances that work throughout the entire song, and enhance the emotional impact of the whole production. But it’s not just levels that can and should be automated. It’s pans, EQs and effects too. Discover some of the most commonly neglected instruments you’ll want to start doing level rides on right away, and some special automation tricks for both mixing and mastering. Thanks to Soundtoys, Fab Filter and JZ microphones for sponsoring this episode. Remember to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. | |||
| For a Career in Music, You Need Lots of Little Victories | 10 Jun 2021 | 00:22:39 | |
Many try and few succeed at having sustainable careers in music. It can even be hard to keep it going as a fulfilling hobby, without the right mindset. To stay in the game and keep moving in the right direction, you need lots of little victories leading up to the big ones. Justin Colletti explores. | |||
| Dial In Your Effects BEFORE You Mix? | 03 Jun 2021 | 00:09:04 | |
Dialing in your effects before you even start your mix may seem "backwards" to some. But it's actually the way a lot of the best mixers work. | |||
| How to Get More Stereo WIDTH in Your Mixes | 27 May 2021 | 00:26:20 | |
Getting a wide, immersive stereo soundscape is one of the key features of mixes that sound impressive and hi-fi. But how to do it? | |||
| How Your Ears Will Lie To You (And What to Do About It) | 20 May 2021 | 00:36:52 | |
As audio professionals, we need to trust our ears. But can we? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Justin Colletti shares what we can do to help us trust what we hear. | |||
| Why Pre-Production is the Key to Great Records | 13 May 2021 | 00:15:51 | |
Is the demo dead in the age of the DAW? Never! This week, Justin Colletti shares why pre-production is still crucially important for music releases that make a dent in the universe. | |||
| How to Mix Your Own Tracks (And Why You Maybe Shouldn't) | 07 May 2021 | 00:26:42 | |
Should you mix your own music? Probably not, in many cases. But if you're committed to doing so, here are some of the keys to really making it work. | |||
| Mixing From Scratch Isn't the Only Way (A More Modern Approach to Mixing) | 30 Apr 2021 | 00:19:37 | |
These days, top mixers don't always mix from scratch. And they don't always try to reinvent the mix either. Here's a more modern high-level approach for better mixes. | |||
| How to Use Reference Mixes (The RIGHT WAY) | 16 May 2024 | 00:45:57 | |
There's a right and wrong way to use references when mixing or mastering. Justin Colletti shares the best and worst approaches. | |||
| A Much Better Way to Talk About Sound (What do "Warm" and "Punchy" Really Mean??) | 22 Apr 2021 | 00:19:06 | |
It's been said that talking about music or sound is like dancing about architecture. We often use words to describe what we're hearing without having any luck at getting our point across. Is there a better way? | |||
| Top 10 Reasons Not to Become an Audio Engineer | 16 Apr 2021 | 00:26:19 | |
In this episode, Justin Colletti tries to talk you out of all your hopes and dreams of being an audio engineer or music producer. He hopes he succeeds! (Really but not really.) | |||
| Why Super High Resolution Audio Makes No Sense | 08 Apr 2021 | 00:34:06 | |
Is there any point to super high resolution audio? Probably not. Here's why. | |||
| How to Deal with Mix Revisions (Should They Cost Extra?) | 26 Mar 2021 | 00:30:11 | |
Mix revisions can be a real pain. Or, they can be the best thing to happen to your mix. How can you make them less frequent, more seamless and more productive? Justin Colletti gives you all the secrets. | |||
| Does Dither Really Matter? | 18 Mar 2021 | 00:17:13 | |
Dithering Demystified! Is Dither as important as it's made out to be? What effect does it have on your audio? When should you do it? And which kind is best? Justin Colletti explores. | |||
| Everything You Wanted to Know About Sidechain Compression (...but were afraid to ask) | 11 Mar 2021 | 00:15:10 | |
How, why, when and where should you use sidechain dynamics processing? Justin Colletti gives you the overview of all the principles and common applications. | |||
| How to Use Saturation on the Mix & Master Bus | 04 Mar 2021 | 00:16:42 | |
Does saturation have a place in mastering or on the mix bus? Absolutely says Justin Colletti. It can increase depth, density and perception of detail, and used properly, can help give you a louder, more pleasant sounding master. Here are some ideas on how to use it in your work. | |||
| The 6 Most Common Mix Problems (And How to Fix Them) | 25 Feb 2021 | 00:18:59 | |
What's holding your mix back? Justin Colletti shares his picks for the 6 most common mix issues, and how to overcome them in your own mixes. | |||
| 1 Big Tip for Much Better EQing | 18 Feb 2021 | 00:12:19 | |
Is there a better way to EQ? Justin Colletti thinks so. This easy to implement approach beats aimlessly sweeping through your EQ any day of the week. You can get better sounds with this simple 3-step trick immediately....and take a lifetime to master all the potential it has to offer. | |||
| 1 Big Tip for Much Better Masters (...And Mixes!) | 11 Feb 2021 | 00:08:17 | |
Justin Colletti offers one big tip to dramatically improve your masters and your mixes. And it has to do with not just where, but WHEN you put in your limiter. | |||
| Can You Have a Talent for Mixing? | 07 May 2024 | 00:49:53 | |
It’s common to talk about “talent” when it comes to music. But how much difference does talent really make? | |||
| How Much Should a Mix Cost? | 04 Feb 2021 | 00:21:53 | |
How much should you charge for a mix? How much should you expect to pay for a mix? How about mastering work—how much should that cost? Justin Colletti explores. | |||
| Should You Pursue Your Passion into a Music or Audio Career? | 28 Jan 2021 | 00:15:54 | |
Passion! Should you follow it into a career in music or audio? Or should you play it safe? Justin Colletti gives his take. | |||
| How & Why to Use the RATIO Control on Your Compressor | 21 Jan 2021 | 00:14:42 | |
What exactly is that "ratio" control on your compressor, and how should you use it? When do you want to use a low ratio, and when should you use a higher one? Justin Colletti gives you the best practices. | |||
| Pre-Fader vs Post-Fader Reverb and Effects | 14 Jan 2021 | 00:10:24 | |
Should you be running your effects in pre-fader or post-fader mode? Are there reasons to do one over the other? How about putting your effects right on the inserts? Justin Colletti gives you the best practices. | |||
| Preparing for Mastering: What Files (And Levels) Do I Need to Send to the Mastering Engineer? | 07 Jan 2021 | 00:16:07 | |
What kinds of files should you be sending to your mastering engineer? Should you be leaving your buss processing on or off? How loud should your mixes be. Justin Colletti answers all this and more in today's episode. | |||
| How to Make Your Studio or Music Work into a Real Business (Not a "Job") | 31 Dec 2020 | 00:28:13 | |
When it comes to your work in the studio or in music, do you approach it like a job, or like a business? What's the difference? And why can treating your work like a business, rather than a "job" be both more fun and more fruitful? Justin Colletti dives deep. | |||
| Don't Release an Album... Do This Instead! | 24 Dec 2020 | 00:12:21 | |
If you don't have an audience already, releasing a full length album can be a confusing and downright depressing experience. There's a better way. Justin Colletti offers a better release strategy, more suited for the 21st century. | |||
| Do You Need Multiple Versions Of Your Master for Streaming Services, Vinyl and More? | 17 Dec 2020 | 00:23:21 | |
Would you benefit from having alternate versions of your master for streaming services and other platforms? Mastering engineer Justin Colletti gives his take. | |||
| Why I Stopped Stealing Music (and Plugins) and How It Helped My Career | 10 Dec 2020 | 00:14:13 | |
Justin Colletti talks about why he stopped stealing music and plugins a long time ago, and how it helped him in his career. ...And how doing it can hold your own career back. | |||
| Dealing with "Problem" Mix Clients Who Have "Demo-itis" | 03 Dec 2020 | 00:16:06 | |
"The client wants my mix to sound just like their demo! What do I do?" Justin Colletti tackles the question of what to do when your mixing clients won't seem to give you the freedom to really improve their sounds. | |||
| Will A.I. Musicians and Mixers Steal Your Job? (...Or save it?) | 26 Apr 2024 | 01:10:21 | |
Justin Colletti is joined by Gregg Lehrman, CEO of the music-making software company Output, to talk about artificial intelligence in the music industry. | |||
| The 2 Most Important Factors in Studio Success (Happy Thanksgiving... Episode 100!) | 26 Nov 2020 | 00:24:18 | |
Justin Colletti offers his two biggest picks for the factors that will make you successful in the studio... and practically anywhere else. | |||
| How to Get More Depth In Your Mixes | 19 Nov 2020 | 00:14:43 | |
Depth. Immersion. Front to back spatial definition. Here's how to get more of it in your tracks. | |||
| "Rich Kids in the Music Industry": Is Money Really What Makes Success in Music? | 12 Nov 2020 | 00:31:21 | |
Do you need to come from money to make it in the music world? Some people tell themselves it's a big factor. But how much does it really matter? | |||