Production, Mixing & Sound
Articles on music production for film & TV, mixing techniques, plugins, and the creative process. 308 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.
308 articles
Mastering Your Own Music: Affordable Tools and Techniques
How can mastering your own music help in developing your overall production skills? There are endless possibilities when it comes to music production in the modern world. In contrast to past eras where production was monopolized by studios with complex hardware, today’s world of digital tech
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
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
Producing Glitch Hop: Digital Stutters, Skips and Slices
What are some tips for maintaining musicality and dynamics while producing the stutter, skip, and slice effects in Glitch Hop Emerging from the melting pot of electronic music genres, Glitch Hop has found its place in the hearts of musicians and listeners looking for a refreshing, unique sound. Fi
Mixing Heavy Metal: Dense Guitar Sounds and Powerful Drums
What kind of audio processing is recommended for achieving a rich, dense guitar sound in heavy metal production Heavy metal has always been a genre that demands exceptional intensity and dynamic range. The essence of a great metal mix revolves around dense, weighty guitar sounds and powerfu
Mixing Hard Rock: Guitars, Vocals and Live Energy
Are there any specific audio plugins or tools that work best for producing hard rock music Hard rock has been a cornerstone of music since it exploded onto the scene in the late 1960s. Characterized by heavily distorted guitars, harmonious vocals, and vivacious live performances full of energ
Mixing Punk Rock: Keeping Things Raw and Energetic
How does the process of mixing punk rock differ from other genres in terms of maintaining energy levels? When it comes to mixing punk rock, the goal isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about capturing the raw intensity, vibrance, and spontaneity of the genre. Punk rock is renowned for its raw a
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
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
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
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
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