24 JUN 2024 · In this episode, Carl shares his recent experience creating a backing track for a high-stakes live event. Discover how mixing for a live venue requires a complete shift in priorities and techniques compared to crafting tracks for streaming platforms. From exaggerating dynamics to strategically reinforcing rhythmic elements, you'll learn about how to empower performers and electrify live audiences. Get ready to expand your mixing toolkit and approach your next project with a whole new perspective! Topics we discuss: - Why standard mixing techniques can fall flat in a live arena - The counterintuitive approach to dynamics that makes backing tracks pop in a huge venue - How to strategically reinforce rhythmic elements to keep performers locked in, even in chaotic live conditions - The secret-sauce of great gang vocals - Why clear communication about mix decisions is crucial when working with non-audio professionals 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 This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

17 JUN 2024 · In this episode, Ben and Carl discuss how their respective backgrounds as a bassist and a drummer shape their approach to music production and mixing. They delve into the influence of their live performance experiences and traditional training on their production techniques, emphasizing intentionality and minimalism.  Topics we discuss: - Intentionality and minimalism - Pacing and instrumentation - Simplicity in arrangements - adding character, not clutter  - The physicality of low end in 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 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 This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

10 JUN 2024 · In this episode, Ben and Carl discuss the transition from being live performers to working in the studio. They share personal anecdotes and insights into the skills and experiences that have informed their studio work, such as checking egos, understanding tempo, effective communication, conflict resolution, and the importance of arrangement. They also highlight the unique nuances of live versus studio performances and how knowing many songs can expand creative possibilities. Topics we discuss: - Serving the song and checking the ego at the door - The importance of tempo  - Interpersonal skills and conflict resolution - Live arrangements and studio adaptations - Learning songs efficiently 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 This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

3 JUN 2024 · Join Ben and Carl for a peek behind the podcast curtain as they reflect on the journey of Secret Sonics and explore exciting new directions for the show. In this candid conversation, they share their vision for weaving in fresh perspectives through guest interviews while preserving the magic of their duo dynamic. Discover the thought process behind the show's evolution and learn how you, the listener, can help shape the future of Secret Sonics. Get ready for an insider's look at building a podcast that educates, entertains, and empowers the music community. 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 This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

27 MAY 2024 · 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 pros - How to identify and articulate the unique skills each song needs to level up - The art of pitching collaborative productions to clients for a win-win-win outcome - Why checking your ego at the door is the key to unlocking your team's full potential - The surprising joy and freedom that comes from letting go of "doing it all" and leaning into your genius zone 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 This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

20 MAY 2024 · 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 mixes - How to recognize when perfectionism is masquerading as procrastination - The surprising upsides of working with imperfect audio in the early stages of your career - Why imposing strict deadlines could be the secret to banishing perfectionist paralysis for good - The liberating power of the "80% mix" mindset for nailing vibe and avoiding overthinking 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 This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

13 MAY 2024 · 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 Tracks - Analyzing Room Acoustics and Speaker Quality - The Pensado's Place Inspired Challenge: Analyzing Music Characteristics - Reference Mixes for Individual Instruments - The Wow Factor Mix - Our Benchmark Personal Mixes Listen to our Ultimate Mix Reference Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KNQgSPwNoRaNadSYvc65E?si=d2876096fe7141ae 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 This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

6 MAY 2024 · 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 intervention - How to use your theory chops to create complimentary arrangements that solve masking and clutter - The simple music theory move that can add instant harmonic interest and sophistication to basic progressions - Why experimenting with keys and tempos is a critical (but often overlooked) part of the production process - How to leverage your knowledge of scales and intervals to melodically Melodyne your way out of any mix disaster 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 This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

29 APR 2024 · 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 decisions - How your mix bus processing chain could be sabotaging your consistency - A counterintuitive mix approach that ensures your choruses always deliver the right emotional impact - Why your favorite mix engineers never mix a song from start to finish - The critical mix buss metering insights that take the guesswork out of gain staging and balancing 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 This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

22 APR 2024 · 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 grooves - The #1 rookie mixing mistake that's holding your mixes back - and how to break the habit for good - Why 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 flat 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 This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/