Music Production and Mixing Tips Podcast for DIY Producers and Artists | Inside The Mix

• #214: The Best FREE Plugins Every Producer Should Use

  Free plugins often get overlooked in the endless pursuit of premium software, but professional producers know that some of the most powerful tools cost absolutely nothing. In this illuminating conversation, Marc Matthews and Tim Benson (Aisle9) unpack their go-to free plugins that consistently deliver exceptional results across various production scenarios.The discussion begins with TAL Chorus LX, Tim's top recommendation for achieving that classic Juno-style chorus effect. While many producers shy away from chorus on bass elements, Tim reveals how subtle application can add dimension without compromising mix integrity. Meanwhile, Marc swears by Slate Digital's Fresh Air for bringing clarity to percussion elements, though he cautions listeners about its potentially aggressive presets and the importance of proper gain staging.Perhaps most valuable are the practical insights into how these tools integrate into real-world workflows. Soft Tube's Saturation Knob emerges as a versatile one-knob solution for adding harmonic richness, while TDR Nova provides dynamic EQ capabilities that rival premium alternatives. For spatial effects, Valhalla Super Massive creates otherworldly reverbs and delays that transform ordinary sounds into immersive soundscapes - particularly effective during breakdowns when automated thoughtfully.What becomes clear throughout is that these aren't merely "good enough" alternatives to paid options - in many cases, they're the preferred tools of experienced producers who could choose anything. Their simplicity often becomes their strength, allowing for quick, intuitive adjustments without getting lost in parameter overload. Whether you're just starting or looking to expand your production toolkit without the investment, these recommendations offer immediate ways to elevate your sound.Try implementing one of these free plugins in your next project and share your experience with us! We'd love to hear which free tools you consider essential in your own production arsenal.Links mentioned in this episode:We'd love to hear from you! Submit a questionListen to Night TrainsListen to Half-Life (Instrumental)TAL Chorus LXSlate Digital Fresh AirSoft Tube Saturation KnobTDR Nova EQValhalla Super MassiveGoodhertz Midside MatrixSend me a message Support the showWays to connect with Marc: Book your FREE Music Breakthrough Strategy Call Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE weekly tips Grab exclusive access to BONUS content on Patreon Try Riverside for FREE Follow Marc's Socials: Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering Thanks for listening!!

  --------  

  41:04

  --------

  41:04
• #213: Finish Tracks Faster - Workflow Hacks Every Producer Needs (feat. John Kunkel)

  Have you ever felt stuck in an endless cycle of tweaking, adjusting, and second-guessing your music production decisions? Producer John Kunkel (aka John Grand) reveals the counterintuitive truth that many of us miss: working smarter, not harder, is often the key to finishing more tracks and creating better music.John shares his game-changing approach to using reference tracks as structural blueprints rather than just mixing guides. By importing a track you love and mapping out its arrangement, you immediately transform that intimidating blank DAW canvas into manageable building blocks. This simple technique has helped John slash his production timeline from weeks to days, and it might just revolutionise your workflow too.The conversation takes a fascinating turn when John explains why your sound selection decisions matter far more than your processing skills. "Your track is only going to sound as good as the choices that you make in sound selection," he explains, likening poor sound choices to painting with incompatible materials. This insight challenges the common tendency to reach for EQ and compression when the real solution might be choosing a different sample entirely.Perhaps most thought-provoking is John's psychological observation that constantly adding layers often indicates a lack of confidence in your original ideas. Drawing inspiration from artists like Eric Prydz, he advocates for focusing on fewer, higher-quality elements that evolve through automation rather than overwhelming arrangements that exhaust listeners' cognitive capacity.Whether you're just starting or looking to break through a creative plateau, this episode offers practical strategies to finish more music while keeping the joy in your production process. Links mentioned in this episode:Follow John GrandFollow The New Division How to Make Progressive House from Start to Finish | SpliceSend me a message Support the showWays to connect with Marc: Book your FREE Music Breakthrough Strategy Call Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE weekly tips Grab exclusive access to BONUS content on Patreon Try Riverside for FREE Follow Marc's Socials: Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering Thanks for listening!!

  --------  

  35:58

  --------

  35:58
• #212: Streamlining Music Collaboration - How Mixup Changed My Feedback Workflow

  Frustrated by endless email chains, confusing file links, and clients commenting on the wrong version of a mix? In this episode of Inside the Mix, Marc Matthews explores how Mixup.audio is transforming the mix revision process for producers, mixers, and collaborators.Marc breaks down the platform’s most powerful features, including timestamped comments, version comparison, and normalised level matching, which eliminates loudness bias when reviewing mixes. Listeners will discover how Mixup’s intuitive design—where clients don’t even need to create an account—removes the barriers to clear communication and saves hours of frustration.The episode also compares Mixup’s free and paid versions, highlighting which features may be sufficient for different workflows. Marc contrasts Mixup with alternatives like FilePass and Highnote, offering his honest assessment of where each excels and how they can fit into a modern music production setup.For anyone struggling with mix revisions, vague feedback, or confusing client communication, this episode provides practical solutions to simplify collaboration. Whether producing for clients or working on personal projects, listeners will learn how to make the feedback process smoother, faster, and more professional.Links mentioned in this episode:Mixup.audioSend me a message Support the showWays to connect with Marc: Book your FREE Music Breakthrough Strategy Call Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE weekly tips Grab exclusive access to BONUS content on Patreon Try Riverside for FREE Follow Marc's Socials: Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering Thanks for listening!!

  --------  

  13:50

  --------

  13:50
• #211: Creating Authentic Remote Vocal Collaborations When Miles Apart (feat. INDIGO)

  Ever wondered how singers record vocals remotely and make them sound professional? In this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews is joined by New Zealand synthwave vocalist INDIGO to explore the art of remote vocal collaboration and the songwriting process behind her unique sound.From her unexpected start in the synthwave scene to collaborations with artists like Wolf Club and Turbo Knight, INDIGO shares how she records vocals from home while working with producers across the world. We dive into her vocal recording techniques—including why she double-tracks every vocal and prefers recording in the evenings for her best takes.You’ll also learn how Indigo adapts her lyrics to fit electronic music, moving between dreamy love songs and darker themes, and how she overcomes songwriter’s block with practical strategies like listening to instrumentals on long drives or stepping away from projects overnight.For the tech-minded, Indigo reveals her setup, using the Aston Origin microphone, basic vocal processing, and clear communication with producers to make remote collaborations successful. She also opens up about the challenges of online music partnerships and why trust and reliability matter as much as technical skill.Whether you’re a producer looking to collaborate with vocalists or a singer wanting to deliver better takes from home, this episode is packed with actionable tips for remote recording, lyric writing, and collaboration in the digital age.Links mentioned in this episode:Follow INDIGOListen to Darklight (feat. INDIGO)Listen to Engraved DisillusionSend me a message Support the showWays to connect with Marc: Book your FREE Music Breakthrough Strategy Call Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE weekly tips Grab exclusive access to BONUS content on Patreon Try Riverside for FREE Follow Marc's Socials: Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering Thanks for listening!!

  --------  

  33:58

  --------

  33:58
• #210: Should You Record With Compression or Wait Until Mixing?

  Should you record vocals with compression or save it for mixing? It’s one of the most debated questions in music production, and in this episode of Inside The Mix, we break it down with practical advice for producers at every level.Guest Tim Benson shares why he often tracked vocals with hardware compressors in the studio, not just for sound quality, but because hearing compressed vocals in headphones helped singers perform with more confidence and precision. We discuss how compression during tracking can shape performances, highlighting the psychological and creative benefits that go far beyond managing peaks.But what if you don’t want to commit compression to your recording? Thanks to modern workflows, you can now monitor with plugin compression while recording a clean signal, giving vocalists the polished sound they crave without sacrificing flexibility at mixdown.We also compare compression across instruments, exploring why it’s often essential for bass but risky for acoustic guitars. Plus, discover why microphone technique, like managing distance and consistency, may solve more vocal problems than compression ever could.Whether you’re asking “Should I record with compression on the way in?” or wondering which instruments benefit most, this episode gives you the clarity to make smarter tracking decisions.Links mentioned in this episode:We'd love to hear from you! Submit a questionListen to Paradise CoveListen to Engraved DisillusionSend me a message Support the showWays to connect with Marc: Book your FREE Music Breakthrough Strategy Call Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE weekly tips Grab exclusive access to BONUS content on Patreon Try Riverside for FREE Follow Marc's Socials: Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering Thanks for listening!!

  --------  

  27:30

  --------

  27:30

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About Music Production and Mixing Tips Podcast for DIY Producers and Artists | Inside The Mix

Music Production and Mixing Tips Podcast for DIY Producers and Artists | Inside The Mix: Podcasts in Family