Recording & Mixing

Gareth Young, owner and producer at Cube Recording Studios known for work with The xx and Tom Misch, and Chevy One, award-winning producer blending analogue commitment with digital flexibility, discuss hybrid studio workflows. They cover why consoles still matter, tactile control versus mouse speed, outboard one-task excellence, recallable hardware and DSP hybrids, and practical budget and routing trade-offs.

Eddie Bazil demonstrates creative uses of advanced automation as a musical tool in the DAW, showing how automation can add movement, expression and musical detail. The episode covers shaping arpeggiated parts, using MIDI CC for dynamic control, modulating vocal tracks and applying MIDI note expression to enhance performance.Chapters00:00 - Introduction01:49 - Setting Up Automation Lanes02:30 - Example 1: Adding ARP Movement04:51 - Example 2: Using MIDI CC For Velocity07:41 - Example 3: Modulating A Vocal Track 14:52 - Example 4: MIDI Note Expression In A DAW #gforce #imposcar3 #cubase #deviousmachines #infiltrator2 #cableguys #shaperbox #ovoxvocoder #eventide #blackholeSee Also:https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/using-phaser-effects-podcast Eddie Bazil BiogEddie Bazil launched his music industry career at the age of 17 as a synth programmer for a range of Electro / New Wave bands, including Art Of Noise, Spandau Ballet, Pet Shop Boys, Bobin, Paul Dee, DJ Krush, DJ Shadow, Jets Orchestra, and many more. By his 20s, he was working as a sound designer for Akai, Roland, Emu/Ensoniq, eventually signing on exclusively with the latter. Later, due to a growing demand for software instruments and libraries, Eddie began developing libraries for various software manufacturers, including Native Instruments, Kiesel, Sound Effects Library, Rob Papen, Arturia, and Propellerheads.During this time, he trained in music production. He soon gained several prominent contracts working with some notable artistes such as Busta Rhymes, Greensleeves, 9 Bar, SFP, Sleeveless, Chris Campbell and Gam Productions. He contracted to Island Records and Chrysalis as a producer and remixer, and was commissioned to write the score for Macbeth that ran at 2 Way Mirror at Alexander Palace for the Cambridge Shakespeare Company. This led to him offering educational workshops and classes, and becoming a contributing creator and Forum moderator for Sound On Sound.Recently, he was invited by the Recording Academy to become a professional member, approved educator, and mentor for their member base. Eddie now concentrates on providing private sound design and mixing/production tuition, and creating content for Sound On Sound magazine.https://eddiebazil.co.uk/Catch more shows on our other podcast channels: https://www.soundonsound.com/sos-podcasts

Helmuts Bems, Co-Founder and CEO of Sonarworks, joins Sam Inglis to discuss the findings of their recent AI survey. The conversation explores differing industry perspectives on generative versus assistive AI and provides insight into the extent to which professional musicians are already adopting these emerging technologies. Chapters00:00 - Introduction00:33 - A Data-Driven Audio Company04:56 - Assistive Vs Generative AI07:36 - New Categories Of Tools08:27 - Early Adoption Of AI Tools12:50 - Negative Or Neutral Tensions18:37 - Tackling Ethical Issues21:25 - Where Music Production Is Heading26:33 - The Impact Across Industries And Musical Genres33:05 - Changes In Music Consumption37:08 - How Technology Has Shaped Music42:41 - AI As A Huge Industry DisruptionFor more insights and data read the related article: www.soundonsound.com/music-business/ai-music-tech-2026Full Report (PDF): https://blog-uploads.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/2026/01/ai-music-production-skills-report-2026-sonarworks.pdfSonarworks Blog (Short Version): www.sonarworks.com/blog/research/future-music-production-human-producer-survey-2026Sonarworks BiogSonarworks is an award-winning audio technology company specialising in sound calibration and audio personalisation. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Riga, Latvia, the company develops patented calibration and AI-driven technologies that enable consistent, reference-grade audio across a wide range of listening environments and professional workflows. Sonarworks’ solutions are trusted by more than 300,000 studios worldwide and are widely used by audio engineers, producers and content creators.In addition to its professional studio tools, Sonarworks has expanded into consumer audio through its SoundID personalisation technology, which adapts sound to individual hearing profiles and preferences. The company licenses its technology to global audio and consumer electronics partners and continues to be recognised internationally for its innovation in precision audio and sound optimisation.https://www.sonarworks.com/blog/researchHelmuts Bems (Co-founder, CEO) BiogHelmuts Bems is Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sonarworks, a leading audio technology company based in Riga, Latvia. He co-founded the company in 2012 and has overseen its strategic growth into a global innovator in sound calibration and personalised audio solutions, securing multiple financing rounds and international partnerships to expand its technologies across professional and consumer markets. Bems holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Administration from the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga. Under his leadership, Sonarworks has been recognised for advancing precision audio technologies used by engineers and studios worldwide and has achieved notable industry accolades and commercial milestones. Driven by complex challenges, Bems combines strategic planning and team leadership with a commitment to advancing deep-tech innovation, and maintains personal interests in endurance sports and outdoor pursuits.Sam Inglis BiogEditor In Chief Sam Inglis has been with Sound On Sound for more than 20 years. He is a recording engineer, producer, songwriter and folk musician who studies the traditional songs of England and Scotland, and the author of Neil Young's Harvest (Bloomsbury, 2003) and Teach Yourself Songwriting (Hodder, 2006).https://www.soundonsound.comCatch more shows on our other podcast channels: https://www.soundonsound.com/sos-podcasts

Paul and Hugh dive into their favorite gear from the past year, highlighting the Cranborne Brick Lane compressor's versatility. They rave about Soundtoys' SpaceBlender's unique reverb capabilities and the Braingasm Ocula's innovative design for classical recordings. The duo explores the ambient possibilities of Source Audio's Encounter and Electro-Harmonix's Oceans Abyss. Hugh details the cutting-edge Sound Devices Astral multi-channel RF system and RME's top-notch converter upgrades. Finally, they showcase the modular Grace Design m701 interface's flexible design.

Discover essential tips for setting up a home studio! Improve your room acoustics with simple treatments and learn how to use headphones effectively. Find out why duvets can be your best friend for reflection control. Choose the right speakers and ensure proper placement for optimal sound. Dive into the debate of mics versus preamps and the importance of quality cables. Explore the advantages of using plugins over hardware. Finally, get insights on how to prepare your music for streaming success!

Join Eddie Bazil as he dives into advanced vocal processing techniques. Discover methods to control sibilance and tame resonances for crystal-clear vocals. Learn about de-essing workflows, dynamic EQ vs. static EQ, and practical settings for smooth results. Eddie also shares insights on ducking reverb and how to make vocals stand out in the mix. With examples and tips, he ensures your vocal tracks sit perfectly in your productions, delivering a professional sound.

Paul White explores the creative potential of using 'found' sounds, demonstrating how items found within your surroundings can be sampled, manipulated and transformed into complete tracks within your DAW using a few simple tools.Chapters00:00 - Introduction00:36 - Software Options01:27 - Methods Used For This Demo01:58 - Creating A String Patch04:49 - A Few More Examples08:03 - Constructing A Unique Percussion Kit11:01 - Layering Sounds With Synth Pads12:13 - Using The Voice Creatively13:00 - A Finished Track Using The Sampled SoundsPaul White BiogPaul White initially trained in electronics at The Royal Radar Establishment in Malvern then went on to work with Malvern Instruments, a company specialising in laser analysis equipment, before moving into technical writing. He joined the Sound On Sound team in 1991 where he became Editor In Chief, a position he held for many years before recently becoming Executive Editor. Paul has written more than 20 recording and music technology textbooks, the latest being The Producer’s Manual and in 2010 he received a BASCA award for his contributions to the music industry.Having established his own multitrack home studio in the 1980s he’s worked with many notable names including Bert Jansch and Gordon Giltrap. He’s played in various bands over the years and currently collaborates with Malvern musician Mark Soden, under the name of Cydonia Collective. Paul still performs live claiming that as he has suffered for his music he doesn’t see why everyone else shouldn’t too!http://www.cydoniacollective.co.uk/Catch more shows on our other podcast channels: https://www.soundonsound.com/sos-podcasts

David Mellor explores how the Yamaha NS-10M monitors became a studio staple and why, decades after being discontinued, engineers are still seeking out second-hand pairs.Chapters00:00 - Introduction00:15 - Why NS-10Ms Became a Studio Staple02:11 - Making Better Mixing Decisions03:49 - A Second Pair of NS-10Ms05:23 - Mixing With Missing Frequencies09:11 - Reflex vs Closed Box Monitors11:35 - Why Pleasant Isn’t Always Better13:29 - Mixes That Translate15:40 - Making Rapid Mixing Decisions18:52 - The Case for Closed-Box MonitorsThe Phil Ward Article - https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/yamaha-ns10-storyDavid Mellor BiogDavid Mellor got his start in pro audio through the Tonmeister course at Surrey University studying music, piano performance, acoustics, electronics, electro-acoustics and recording.He went on to work at London's Royal Opera House, with responsibilities including sound design, front-of-house operation, stage monitoring and electronic design satisfying the likes of Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Karlheinz Stockhausen. David has also had over 600 works published in the field of production music. Notable uses of his music include the BBC's Horizon, Fahrenheit 911, and the Oprah Winfrey Show.David has been actively involved in Audio Education since 1986, teaching students of City of Westminster College and Westminster University, also returning to guest lecture at Surrey University. From 2001 until recently David has offered courses in audio online with Audio Masterclass. David now enjoys making YouTube videos for his 84,000 subscribers and releasing music on streaming services and Bandcamp for his dozen or so listeners.YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@audiomasterclassSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6OkaDx4vB4O2ssUA5p4M8gBandcamp - https://davidmellor.bandcamp.com/Catch more shows on our other podcast channels: https://www.soundonsound.com/sos-podcasts

David Mellor dives into the fascinating world of stereo recording techniques, emphasizing the importance of microphone polar patterns and placement. He highlights the differences between mono and stereo sound, exploring how human hearing influences sound localization. The discussion includes ingenious setups like the figure-eight microphone pattern and the Blumlein pair configuration. With practical demonstrations, listeners discover how to optimize angles and spacing for a rich, immersive audio experience, making every recording feel alive.

Discover the art of crafting custom filter pan effects using EQ in your DAW. Uncover the difference between static and dynamic panning techniques while learning how to manipulate frequencies with high-pass and low-pass filters. Dive into innovative ways to transition between sounds creatively and enhance individual instruments. This session encourages you to move beyond basic presets and experiment to find your unique audio signature.