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.
297 articles tagged Production
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
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
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
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
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
You can now pre-order a BE@RBRICK portable bluetooth speaker
Can the BE@RBRICK portable bluetooth speaker be connected with music production software? You Can Now Pre-Order a BE@RBRICK Portable Bluetooth Speaker The world of technology is constantly evolving with new and innovative gadgets to make your life more comfortable. Now, allow us to introduce a
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
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
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
JBL Tour Pro 2 brings a whole new way to control your wireless earbuds
As a music producer, how do the JBL Tour Pro 2 wireless earbuds change the way you listen to and critique tracks? JBL is a renowned brand known for delivering high-quality and innovative audio products. In yet another groundbreaking advancement from JBL, the release of the JBL Tour Pro 2 promis
“I’m relieved to look back and say ‘Okay, we didn’t mess up too much’”: Thomas Bangalter on the end of Daft Punk
What lessons has Bangalter taken from his time with Daft Punk that he applies to his current work In an exclusive interview, Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter reveals what lead to the end of the iconic electronic music duo. He shares his thoughts, reminiscing 28 years of ground-breaking music an
Maximizing the power of Ableton Live’s grid editor
How can I maximize the use of Ableton Live’s grid editor for better music production? Maximizing the Power of Ableton Live’s Grid Editor In the realm of digital music production and performance, Ableton Live has emerged as an industry standard. Its well-designed, intuitive interface make it a