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.
300 articles
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
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
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
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
Producing Trance: Sweeping Synths, Thumping Kicks and Euphoric Melodies
What equipment or software do you recommend for producing high quality Trance tracks? Trance music is all about the emotion: its pumping beats, thick synth textures, distinctive build-ups, and euphoric melodies create a unique aural experience that captivates listeners. Trance stands tall
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
Tame Impala and Thundercat release limited cheetah print 7” vinyl record of No More Lies
What was the inspiration behind Tame Impala and Thundercat’s decision to release a cheetah print 7″ vinyl record? Tame Impala and Thundercat Release Limited Cheetah Print 7″ Vinyl Record of “No More Lies” Psychedelic rock outfit Tame Impala and multi-talented bassist Thundercat have teamed up
Record label launches funding page to help give 74 year old techno lover a trip to Ibiza
Are there plans from the record label to document or produce any music content during the trip to Ibiza Record label launches funding page to help give 74-year-old techno lover a trip to Ibiza In a heartwarming turn of events, a celebrated record label has just established a crowdfundin
Mastering for CD: Optimizing Your Mix for Physical Release
What steps are involved in the optimization of a mix for a physical CD release? Releasing your music on a physical medium such as a CD is a commendable achievement for any musician. But this comes with some intricate details, primarily in the mastering process. Ever wondered why the same mix
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
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
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