music

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.

All305 Production297 Mixing12 Mastering10 Plugins10 Studio Setup1 Sound Design1 Beat Making1

305 articles

Best Limiter Plugin: Proven Picks to Boost Loudness

MixingMasteringPlugins+1

Read article

Best Limiter Plugin: Proven Picks to Boost Loudness

The best limiter plugin depends on your goals: transparency, loudness, budget, or stock DAW speed. Here are my proven picks.

Uygar DuzgunMar 20, 2026

16 min read

MixingMasteringPlugins+1

Read article

Best Limiter Plugin: Proven Picks to Boost Loudness

I tested the best limiter plugin options in real mastering sessions. Here are the top picks for loudness, transparency, mix bus work, and budget.

Uygar DuzgunMar 20, 2026

13 min read

10 Best UAD Plugins for Beatmakers in 2026

MixingMasteringPlugins+1

Read article

10 Best UAD Plugins for Beatmakers in 2026

I break down the best UAD plugins for beatmakers, from drums and 808s to vocals and mix bus work, plus what to buy first.

Uygar DuzgunMar 19, 2026

16 min read

Best VST Plugins for 2026: Top Picks by Category

MixingMasteringPlugins+1

Read article

Best VST Plugins for 2026: Top Picks by Category

I break down the best vst plugins for 2026 by use case, budget, and workflow so you can buy fewer tools and finish better tracks.

Uygar DuzgunMar 19, 2026

18 min read

Future of Music Plugins: 7 Trends for Producers in 2026

MixingMasteringPlugins+1

Read article

Future of Music Plugins: 7 Trends for Producers in 2026

A practical guide to the future of music plugins, with real trends, real products, and buying advice for producers in 2026.

Uygar DuzgunMar 19, 2026

18 min read

Best Limiter Plugin: 7 Proven Picks for 2026

Music ProductionMasteringVST Plugins

Read article

Best Limiter Plugin: 7 Proven Picks for 2026

I tested top limiter plugins on five matched premasters to find the strongest picks for transparency, loudness, workflow, and budget.

Uygar DuzgunMar 19, 2026

20 min read

10 Best VST Plugins for Music Production in 2026

MusicProductionPlugins+2

Read article

10 Best VST Plugins for Music Production in 2026

My practical guide to the best VST plugins for sound design, mixing, and mastering, based on real workflow decisions.

Uygar DuzgunJul 02, 2023

10 min read

MusicProduction

Read article

Music Mastering: DIY vs. AI vs. Pro

How has the rise of AI impacted the profession of music mastering and the quality of DIY mastering Music Mastering: DIY vs. AI vs. Pro Sculpting the final sound of a music track is an art that requires both skill and finesse. It’s the final step that determines the quality and the richness of the […

Uygar DuzgunJul 02, 2023

3 min read

4 of the Best Guitar Headphone Amps Under $70

MusicProduction

Read article

4 of the Best Guitar Headphone Amps Under $70

4 of the Best Guitar Headphone Amps Under $70 A guitar headphone amp is a must-have for any serious guitarist. Whether you’re a beginner seeking an entry-level piece of gear or an experienced player wanting a tool to help practice in quiet environments without disturbing anyone else, a headphone amp

Uygar DuzgunJul 02, 2023

3 min read

How to Use a Gate: Perfect Dialog Settings in 5 Steps

MusicProduction

Read article

How to Use a Gate: Perfect Dialog Settings in 5 Steps

How To Use A Gate: Perfect Dialog Settings In 5 Steps Using a gate to improve audio dialogues Using a gate is an effective way to remove unwanted background noise and interference from a dialogue. It’s a great way to improve sound quality and make sure that the dialog is as clear and intelligible […

Uygar DuzgunJan 02, 2023

3 min read

MusicProduction

Read article

Unlocking the Secrets of Music Production: Techniques, Tools, and Trends

Introduction: Unlocking the Secrets of Music Production The world of music production can often feel like a hidden treasure trove of untapped potential – a sonic landscape just waiting to be explored by those with the knowledge and skills to navigate its depths. With so many techniques, tools, and t

Uygar DuzgunJun 06, 2023

5 min read

MusicProduction

Read article

What Is a Preamp? Do I Need One?

What exactly is a preamp and what is its function in an audio setup? What Is a Preamp? Do I Need One? Understanding Preamps A preamplifier, or ‘preamp’ as it is popularly known, is an electronic amplifier that converts a weak electrical signal into an output signal strong enough to be noise-tolerant

Uygar DuzgunJul 02, 2023

2 min read

Best Limiter Plugin: Proven Picks to Boost LoudnessThe best limiter plugin depends on your goals: transparency, loudness, budget, or stock DAW speed. Here are my proven picks.

Best Limiter Plugin: Proven Picks to Boost LoudnessI tested the best limiter plugin options in real mastering sessions. Here are the top picks for loudness, transparency, mix bus work, and budget.

10 Best UAD Plugins for Beatmakers in 2026I break down the best UAD plugins for beatmakers, from drums and 808s to vocals and mix bus work, plus what to buy first.

Best VST Plugins for 2026: Top Picks by CategoryI break down the best vst plugins for 2026 by use case, budget, and workflow so you can buy fewer tools and finish better tracks.

Future of Music Plugins: 7 Trends for Producers in 2026A practical guide to the future of music plugins, with real trends, real products, and buying advice for producers in 2026.

Best Limiter Plugin: 7 Proven Picks for 2026I tested top limiter plugins on five matched premasters to find the strongest picks for transparency, loudness, workflow, and budget.

10 Best VST Plugins for Music Production in 2026My practical guide to the best VST plugins for sound design, mixing, and mastering, based on real workflow decisions.

Music Mastering: DIY vs. AI vs. ProHow has the rise of AI impacted the profession of music mastering and the quality of DIY mastering Music Mastering: DIY vs. AI vs. Pro Sculpting the final sound of a music track is an art that requires both skill and finesse. It’s the final step that determines the quality and the richness of the […

4 of the Best Guitar Headphone Amps Under $704 of the Best Guitar Headphone Amps Under $70 A guitar headphone amp is a must-have for any serious guitarist. Whether you’re a beginner seeking an entry-level piece of gear or an experienced player wanting a tool to help practice in quiet environments without disturbing anyone else, a headphone amp

How to Use a Gate: Perfect Dialog Settings in 5 StepsHow To Use A Gate: Perfect Dialog Settings In 5 Steps Using a gate to improve audio dialogues Using a gate is an effective way to remove unwanted background noise and interference from a dialogue. It’s a great way to improve sound quality and make sure that the dialog is as clear and intelligible […

Unlocking the Secrets of Music Production: Techniques, Tools, and TrendsIntroduction: Unlocking the Secrets of Music Production The world of music production can often feel like a hidden treasure trove of untapped potential – a sonic landscape just waiting to be explored by those with the knowledge and skills to navigate its depths. With so many techniques, tools, and t

What Is a Preamp? Do I Need One?What exactly is a preamp and what is its function in an audio setup? What Is a Preamp? Do I Need One? Understanding Preamps A preamplifier, or ‘preamp’ as it is popularly known, is an electronic amplifier that converts a weak electrical signal into an output signal strong enough to be noise-tolerant