Production, Mixing & Sound
Articles on music production for film & TV, mixing techniques, plugins, and the creative process. 305 articles.
With over 4 million streams as Scott Millien and years of composing for film and TV, I write about what actually works in music production — from mixing techniques and plugin reviews to sound design, mastering workflows, and studio setup. These articles cover DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio, plus the gear and creative process behind getting a professional sound. Whether you're producing your first beat or refining your mix bus chain, you'll find honest opinions backed by hands-on experience.
297 articles tagged Production
Mastering for General Listening: Balanced EQ for Speakers and Headphones
What are the key factors to consider when aiming for a balanced EQ? Whether you’re a music producer, sound engineer, or simply an enthusiastic audiophile looking to optimize your listening experience, understanding how to master for general listening is essential. At the core of a pleasing and
Mixing Lo-Fi Hip Hop: Gritty Sounds and Textures
How can one balance the clarity of a track while incorporating gritty sounds and textures in Lo-Fi Hip Hop? Lo-Fi Hip Hop, a micro-genre born from old school Hip Hop, has carved an essential niche in the modern music era. Defined by its use of low fidelity sounds and textures, this retro-styl
Music Production Tips
Can you share some effective music production techniques for better track layering? Regardless of whether you are a professional music producer or a beginner just getting your feet wet, constantly honing your skills and picking up new tips is essential to progressing in this dynamic field. In t
Best new mixing plugins, effects and VST instruments out this week
Are there any recently released VST instruments that surpass previously available options? Best New Mixing Plugins, Effects, and VST Instruments Out This Week We live in an era marked by technological advancements; this includes the world of music production. An array of innovative mixing plugins
Producing Classical Music: Orchestral Instruments and Arrangements
Can you provide some examples of classical music pieces that showcase unique production and orchestral arrangements? Classical music is a timeless genre that has spanned across centuries, making it one of the cornerstone genres of music. The beauty, depth, and complexity of classical music ca
Creating Catchy Melodies and Hooks
How can one balance the elements of originality and familiarity when creating catchy hooks and melodies If music is a universal language, then melodies are its words and sentences. The melody is the part of the song that catches the ear and stirs feelings within the listener. It’s the main line
Making Custom Ringtones and Alert Tones
What elements do music producers focus on while creating unique and catchy ringtones or alert tones? In the smartphone era, adding a personal touch to your device is almost a given. For many of us, our ringing tones are a form of personal expression, often giving us a unique identifier among o
Creating Riser FX for Big Buildups and Drops
How can riser FX be manipulated or modified to create a unique sound for big buildups and drops in music production Good music is a journey, with its highs and lows, excitement and suspense all perfectly woven together to form a beautiful story. In electronic music, riser effects (FX) play a
Mastering Music Without Compression for a Dynamic Sound
Can you explain the process of mastering music without using compression? Music is a language that can touch the soul and inspire our emotions. Mastering this language, particularly when it comes to music production, can be overwhelming. One of the critical aspects in this process is un
Mixing World Music: Blending Global Instruments and Styles
Are there any specific global music styles that are particularly difficult or unique to work with in the mixing process The world is indeed a global village. Today, music is not just a medium for entertainment, but an important means of cultural exchange. Music from different parts of the worl
Mixing Orchestral Music: Balancing the Sections
How do the frequencies of different sections affect the balance when mixing orchestral music? As an audio engineer or music producer, one of the greatest feats you’ll take on is the task of mixing orchestral music. Orchestrating a symphony involves working with varying sections of instruments
Mixing Neo Soul: Retro and Modern R&B Vibes
What essential tools and equipment do you recommend for producing Neo Soul music? In the realm of contemporary music, it’s hard to find a genre as rich and immersive as Neo Soul. A beautiful fusion of elements from jazz, funk, hip hop, and, of course, soul, this style has given rise to co