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
Mixing Guitars: Getting Great Electric and Acoustic Guitar Sounds
How does the mixing process differ between electric and acoustic guitars? When it comes to mixing guitars, a delicate balance must be struck to ensure that each element of the mix complements the others. From the subtle characteristics of an acoustic guitar to the powerful vibes of an electr
Producing Country Music: Signature Instruments and Sounds
How can a music producer enhance these signature sounds in the production process? Country music, colloquially known as country and western, is a genre of music that originated in the Southern United States. It has its roots in genres such as folk music and blues. Renowned for its lyrics, perfo
Behringer’s new Pro VS Mini is a pocket-sized Prophet
How does the sound quality of the Behringer Pro VS Mini compare to the original Prophet synth? Behringer’s New Pro VS Mini: A Pocket-Sized Prophet Intensifying the miniaturization wave in the music industry, Behringer has astounded music enthusiasts and professionals with their newest innovati
Mixing the Low End: Get Big, Bold Bass Sounds
What techniques are essential for achieving a big, bold bass sound during the mixing process? Nothing gives your music a solid foundation like a powerful, well-mixed bass. Bass frequencies add depth and substance to any track, making it more engaging for the listener. Many producers struggle
Mastering for Maximum Volume and Impact
Can you provide any examples of songs or albums that have been mastered effectively for maximum volume and impact As the final creative and technical step in the music production process, mastering is vital for achieving balance, clarity, and loudness. But the quest for maximum volume an
Alexkid’s SEQUND plugin is a polyrhythmic pattern sequencer that’s escaped Max4Live’s confines
How easy or complex is the learning curve for using Alexkid’s SEQUND plugin? Alexkid’s SEQUND Plugin: A Polyrhythmic Pattern Sequencer Escaping Max4Live’s Confines When it comes to creating music, having the right tools is critical. They can make the difference between an outstanding piece and
Bitwig Studio 5 continues to innovate with a new tranche of creative tools
How user-friendly are the new features and tools introduced in Bitwig Studio 5 The world of digital audio workstations is constantly evolving, and the frontrunners of this technological revolution are always on the lookout for the next big leap in innovation. One such name, Bitwig Studio, has
Mixing Synths: Make Your Pads, Leads and Basslines Stand Out
What effect plugins can I use to make my lead synths stand out? In the world of electronic music production, synthesizers are powerful tools that can generate a wide range of sounds. From ethereal pads to punchy leads and potent basslines, they can help you create captivating, immersive sounds
Producing Reggae: Capturing the Classic Sound
Who are some influential reggae music producers to study for capturing the classic sound? Reggae, a musical genre originating from Jamaica in the late 1960s, has influenced several music styles worldwide. Reggae music is well-loved not just for its irresistible beats but also for its powerful m
Mastering for Streaming: Optimizing Your Mix for Digital Playback
What techniques can be used to optimize a mix for digital playback when mastering for streaming? As music formats evolve, so do the demands of professional audio mastering techniques. Streaming has become the new normal for how people consume music, and, this highlights the need for mastering mus
Mastering Jazz Music: Giving Life to Upright Bass and Horns
How does the process of mastering jazz music differ when utilizing key elements such as the upright bass and horns If your soul yearns for jazz, where bubbling rhythms interweave with stirring melodies, you’re not alone. Jazz has wooed music lovers across the decades with its intoxicating m