Production, Mixing & Sound
Articles on music production for film & TV, mixing techniques, plugins, and the creative process. 300 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.
294 articles tagged Production
Mixing Hip-Hop: Getting Punchy Drums and Beefy Beats
What mixing tools or software are recommended for producing punchy drums and beefy beats in hip-hop? The vitality of any Hip-Hop track lies in the punch of its drums and the beefiness of the beats. A compelling Hip-Hop number hinges on these two elements, breathing life into the entire arrang
Mixing Rock Music: Guitars, Drums, Vocals, and More
What specific techniques are effective for mixing guitar sounds in rock music? Rock music, known for its energy and emotional depth, is a genre that has stood the test of time. The powerful blend of electric guitars, pounding drums, and impassioned vocals combined with thrilling instrumentation c
Capturing Drums: Miking Techniques for Recording Live Drums
How does the type of microphone used affect the sound quality when recording live drums? When it comes to recording live drums, the right microphone positioning can make a world of difference. The drums are the foundation of your music, providing the punch and groove that can make or break
Producing Chillhop: Smooth Beats and Laidback Flow
How does one maintain a laidback flow while adding complexity to a Chillhop track? Long hailed as the ultimate background music, Chillhop effortlessly combines elements of hip hop and chillout to create a genre that is uniquely relaxing. With its smooth beats and laidback flow, Chillhop is
KRK unveils the limited edition Scott Storch Classic 8ss studio monitors
How does the performance of the limited edition Scott Storch Classic 8ss differ from the regular KRK studio monitors? KRK Unveils the Limited Edition Scott Storch Classic 8ss Studio Monitors Acclaimed audio equipment manufacturer KRK is celebrating a new milestone with a product launch that
Mixing Spoken Word Poetry: Emphasis on Delivery and Message
What considerations should a music producer have when mixing spoken word poetry? Spoken word poetry is an art form that relies heavily on the power of delivery and the strength of the message. Unlike written poetry, which is consumed in silence and solitude, spoken word is a performative, interac
Mixing With Analog Gear for Warmth and Character
How does the quality and nature of the analog gear affect the warmth and character of a music track? As technology evolves and digital mixing becomes more prevalent, there is still a special charm connected to the analog sound. It is cherished by many for its warmth and character, qualities oft
Recording Acoustic Guitars: Mic Placement Strategies
How do room acoustics influence mic placement strategies when recording acoustic guitars? Recording acoustic guitars is an art that requires precision, finesse and, most importantly, an understanding of microphone placement. The way a microphone captures the sound of your guitar significantly a
Mixing Vocals: Achieving the Perfect Blend
What are some common mistakes to avoid when blending vocals in a mix? Your mix can make or break a song, with vocals being one of the most crucial components. The way you blend your vocals can significantly influence the overall perception of the track. In a nutshell, the ultimate secret fo
LEP’s Raymond Scott-inspired generative analogue groovebox, ArpoLoop, nears completion
What sets ArpoLoop apart from other generative analogue grooveboxes on the market? LEP’s Raymond Scott-inspired Generative Analogue Groovebox, ArpoLoop, Nears Completion In the synthesizer world, a highly anticipated gear release is always a thrill. This time, we’re buzzing about LEP’s (Landsca
IK Multimedia’s new UNO Synth PRO X promises the “sweet spot” between a versatile sound engine and portability
What features does the UNO Synth PRO X offer that make it an appealing choice for a music producer? Industry leader, IK Multimedia, has been inventing and innovating in the synth product world for years and their newest marvel, the UNO Synth PRO X, promises to be a game-changer. Its unique fe
Mastering Using Ozone: Tips for Great Results
What are some unique features of Ozone that make it a preferred tool for music mastering? The application of ozone spans across several industries with its most popular usage being in water purification, air treatment, food processing, and medical therapies. However, to effectively benefit from oz