#196: What Gear Do I Need to Produce Music at Home? Our Essential Home Studio Setup Tools
Send me a messageStarting music production at home? This episode of Inside The Mix is your step-by-step guide to building the best home studio setup for beginner music producers. Marc Matthews and Tim Benson unpack exactly what gear you need to produce music at home, without breaking the bank.They walk through a basic home studio equipment list for new producers, including affordable equipment for starting a home recording studio—from entry-level DAWs for home music production like Logic Pro and Cubase, to beginner audio interfaces for music production such as those from Focusrite and Behringer.You’ll also hear about the best headphones for home studio recording, how to source quality gear secondhand, and whether or not you really need an audio interface for home recording. This episode covers the essential gear to start making music at home, while emphasising the importance of building skill over collecting expensive tools.If you’re feeling overwhelmed by gear options and just want to get started, this episode delivers the practical advice, gear recommendations, and mindset shift every beginner needs. It’s not about having everything—it’s about knowing how to use what you’ve got.► ► ► Links mentioned in this episode ► ► ► Got a question? We'd love to hear from you! Submit a question, share your social media handles or website, and get featured in a future episode. Plus, one lucky person will win a Starbucks voucher each month!Listen to Liquid BlueListen to Half-LifeAudio Technica ATH-M50xFocusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen)SSL 2+ MKII NI Komplete Audio 1 / Audio 2Apollo InterfacesBeyerdynamic DT 990 PROBehringer Audio Interfaces Support the show► ► ► Ways to connect with Marc ► ► ► Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE tips Grab exclusive access to BONUS content Book your FREE 20 Minute Discovery Call ► ► ► Follow Marc's Socials ► ► ► Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering Thanks for listening!!
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#195: How I Fixed My Mix with One Simple Move... EQ Automation
Send me a messageHaving trouble getting your build-ups and drops to land with real impact? In this episode of Inside The Mix, host Marc Matthews reveals how he tackled that exact issue in his latest single, “Half-Life”, using a simple but powerful technique—EQ automation.Marc walks listeners through when to use EQ automation instead of static EQ, explaining how dynamic frequency changes can bring more contrast and tension to a mix. He shares how EQ automation can enhance your mix by creating energy shifts that static processing just can't achieve.You’ll hear how Marc applied a high-pass filter from 250Hz to 2kHz on both kick and bass during the build, dramatically increasing impact when those frequencies return at the drop. He outlines best practices for automating EQ in a DAW and highlights creative uses of EQ automation in sound design—from subtle movement to full-on transitions.Whether you're producing electronic, pop, or cinematic tracks, this episode offers a practical technique you can apply immediately. Marc also explains how keeping a playlist of reference tracks is key to overcoming creative blocks. Don’t forget to check the description for a free discovery call where Marc can help elevate your mix, workflow, and overall sound.Links mentioned in this episode:Listen to Half-LifeSupport the show► ► ► Ways to connect with Marc ► ► ► Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE tips Grab exclusive access to BONUS content Book your FREE 20 Minute Discovery Call ► ► ► Follow Marc's Socials ► ► ► Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering Thanks for listening!!
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#194: I Asked a Pro Vocal Coach How to Prepare a Singer for a Recording Session (ft. Rich Bozic)
Send me a messageCapturing great vocal takes starts long before hitting record. In this episode, vocal coach and recording expert Rich Bozic shares how to record professional vocals in a home studio, with practical tips that work whether you’re using high-end gear or a modest setup.We cover how to prepare a singer for a vocal session, from effective pre-session communication to creating a stress-free environment. Rich also explains how to warm up your voice before recording, sharing warm-up routines that improve tone, prevent fatigue, and help artists deliver their best performances.If you’ve ever asked, “What are common mistakes to avoid when recording vocals?”, this episode delivers. Rich highlights issues like ignoring vocal fatigue, poor headphone mixes, and misreading body language—mistakes that sabotage sessions before you realise it. You’ll also learn how to get studio-quality vocals on a budget, with guidance on microphone choice, headphone monitoring, and remote recording setups.Whether you produce your vocals or work with singers, this conversation will sharpen your skills, improve session outcomes, and help you capture confident, pro-level performances—no matter your studio size or budget.Links mentioned in this episode:Follow Face Your EarsFollow RJB Music ProductionFollow Bozic Voice StudioListen to #191 (ft. Justin Hochella) Support the show► ► ► Ways to connect with Marc ► ► ► Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE tips Grab exclusive access to BONUS content Book your FREE 20 Minute Discovery Call ► ► ► Follow Marc's Socials ► ► ► Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering Thanks for listening!!
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#193: I Asked a Pro If You Really Need a Mastering Engineer - And If You Can DIY (feat. Mike Marsh)
Send me a messageAcclaimed mastering engineer Mike Marsh demystifies the final stage of music production in this insightful episode. With a career spanning over three decades, working with artists like Björk, The Chemical Brothers, and Depeche Mode, Mike offers unparalleled expertise on what music mastering is and why it's important.He addresses the common misconception of the "fix it in mastering" mindset, explaining that mastering cannot correct issues that should have been resolved during mixing. This highlights the critical difference between mixing and mastering in music.Mike shares practical music mastering tips for independent artists, emphasising the importance of understanding your listening environment over relying solely on expensive equipment. He notes that some of the best mixes he's received came from modest home studios, underscoring that quality results are achievable without high-end gear.The discussion also covers common mastering mistakes to avoid, such as over-compression and neglecting proper monitoring. Mike weighs in on the debate: Do you need a mastering engineer or can you DIY? He suggests that while self-mastering is possible, a professional's fresh perspective often enhances the final product.Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting, this episode provides valuable insights to elevate your music's final polish.Links mentioned in this episode:Listen to Half-LifeFollow Mike Marsh Support the show► ► ► Ways to connect with Marc ► ► ► Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE tips Grab exclusive access to BONUS content Book your FREE 20 Minute Discovery Call ► ► ► Follow Marc's Socials ► ► ► Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering Thanks for listening!!
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#192: The Three C’s That Helped Us Grow as Independent Music Producers
Send me a messageHow do you market yourself effectively as an independent music producer, especially when working across multiple genres? In this episode, Marc Matthews and Tim Benson (Aisle9) unpack this challenge with real-world advice and music promotion tips for independent producers looking to stand out.They break down “The Three C’s” framework—Collaboration, Community, and Consistency—as the cornerstone of how music producers can build a fanbase without burning out or blending in. Instead of trying to dominate every genre or every platform, they emphasise niche focus, strategic partnerships, and audience-first content.Want to know how building an audience for your music production can be easier with less content? Marc shares how narrowing his social presence helped grow his podcast faster by creating more meaningful work. This episode also explores effective branding for music producers through personal storytelling, local flavour (yes, there’s a West Country cider and ice cream tale), and actionable marketing moves you can implement today.Whether you're an emerging talent or refining your game, this is a must-listen for independent producers ready to grow without losing creative identity.Links mentioned in this episode:Got a question? We'd love to hear from you! Submit a question, share your social media handles or website, and get featured in a future episode. Plus, one lucky person will win a Starbucks voucher each month!Listen to Lost and FoundListen to Liquid BlueListen to Half-Life Support the show► ► ► Ways to connect with Marc ► ► ► Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE tips Grab exclusive access to BONUS content Book your FREE 20 Minute Discovery Call ► ► ► Follow Marc's Socials ► ► ► Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering Thanks for listening!!
Sobre Music Production and Mixing Tips Podcast for DIY Producers and Artists | Inside The Mix
If you're searching for answers on topics such as: How do I make my mixes sound professional? What equipment do I need to start producing music at home? What is the difference between mixing and mastering? What are some of your favourite production tools and techniques? How do I get my music noticed by record labels? Or what are the key elements of an effective music marketing strategy? Either way, you’re my kind of person, and there's something in this podcast for you! I'm Marc Matthews, and I host the Inside The Mix Podcast. It's the ultimate serial podcast for music production and mixing enthusiasts. Say goodbye to generic interviews and tutorials, because I'm taking things to the next level. Join me as I feature listeners in round table music critiques and offer exclusive one-to-one coaching sessions to kickstart your music production and mixing journey. Prepare for cutting-edge music production tutorials and insightful interviews with Grammy Award-winning audio professionals like Dom Morley (Adele) and Mike Exeter (Black Sabbath). If you're passionate about music production and mixing like me, Inside The Mix is the podcast you can't afford to miss!Start with this audience-favourite episode: #175: What's the Secret to Mixing Without Muddiness? Achieving Clarity and Dynamics in a MixThanks for listening!
Ouça Music Production and Mixing Tips Podcast for DIY Producers and Artists | Inside The Mix, Do vinil ao streaming: 60 anos em 60 discos e muitos outros podcasts de todo o mundo com o aplicativo o radio.net
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