Tune in as Ben and Carl talk about what it takes to convince them to buy new plugins - from usefulness to inspiration and everything in between. They discuss the plugins they can’t live without, the plugins that were a total disappointment, and the future of subscription payment models.Topics we discuss:⁠Prerequisites for buying a new pluginMarketing and sales tactics that might work on usExperiences with some select pluginsThoughts on subscription modelsPlugins that disappointed us or didn't live up to expectationsBuilding a "toolkit" of go-to plugins⁠When (and when not) to experiment with new pluginsConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

Ben and Carl discuss the role of a mixing engineer in 2024. They talk about how the role has changed over the years as well as the importance of communication with artists and producers to bring their vision to life. They also explore the impact of technological changes and how it has impacted the mixing process and made it more efficient. This discussion highlights the evolving nature of the mixing engineer's role and the need for adaptability in the ever-changing music industry.Topics we discuss:The traditional role of the mixing engineer vs. how it has evolvedMixing engineers taking on extra roles⁠Mixing into limiters⁠Using mastering engineers and AI tools as feedback mechanisms⁠The importance of communication within the creative team⁠Facilitating the artist's visionLeft-field techniques to gain objectivity⁠Providing quality assurance and peace of mindConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/***Thanks to our sponsors!*** Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/educationThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

Get ready for 2024. Ben and Carl kick off their rebooted Secret Sonics podcast - as new co-hosts - by doing a goal-setting session for the new year. Ben shares his plans to realign his audio career, while Carl reveals his strategy to have over 1000 conversations in 2024 (yes, seriously). Money, mindfulness, and family take priority, too as they set a mix of professional and personal goals. With insight into crafting input goals and keeping each other accountable, this first episode will inspire you to aim high in 2024.Topics we discuss:Introducing Carl as the new co-host of Secret SonicsSetting goals and priorities for 2024Input goals vs output goalsCarl's goal to start 1000 new conversations this yearBen's goal to pivot to full-time mixingBecoming more financially literate (Ben)Mindful living and eating (Carl)Making time for familyConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Learn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/educationThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

Matt Huber is a mix engineer based out of LA, CA, USA! In our conversation Matt and I go deep on the following:His journey from Arkansas to LA (via Nashville)Delegation & scalingNiching downAtmosHis approach to mixingGetting bright (but not harsh) vocalsMixing into a limiterWhy he buys every single pluginThe quality of high vs. low track-countAdvice for those getting startedAnd so much more!You can learn more about Matt at https://matthuber.co/You can follow Matt on Social MediaIG - https://www.instagram.com/mattjhuber/***Thanks to our sponsors!***Carl Bahner's resources for studio professionals - https://www.carlbahner.com/resourcesProgressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenSauce Segment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMXee-O4uj0References:Joan - https://www.instagram.com/songsbyjoan/Soothe - https://oeksound.com/plugins/soothe2/God Particle - https://cradle.app/product/the-god-particle/AOM Invisible Limiter G3 - https://aom-factory.jp/products/invisible-limiter-g3/Boys Like Girls - https://www.boyslikegirls.com/Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for editing this episode!You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.coHave a great week, stay safe, and dig in!-Ben

This conversation first appeared as episode 98 of Progressions: Success in the Music Industry - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/episode/10-mindsetsCredits:Guest: Ben WallickHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydLearn more about Secret Sonics - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast

Sorry for dropping the ball there, wanted to keep you in the loop.

John Velasquez is a music producer, mixer, and songwriter based out of LA, CA, USA! In our conversation John and I go deep on the following:The importance of humilityHow he has built a community of creatives that he collaborates withMindfulnessBeing realPatienceWorking with a teamGetting artists to deliver great vocal performancesThe cry testLimitations are goodThe mix = the arrangementHis new studioBe yourselfAnd so much more!You can learn more about John at https://linearmanagement.com/index.php/john-velasquez/You can follow John on Social MediaIG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisntjohnv/***Thanks to our sponsors!***Carl Bahner's resources for studio professionals - https://www.carlbahner.com/resourcesProgressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t***BRAND NEW!*** SECRET SONICS PATREON - patreon.com/benwallickmusicSauce Segment: https://youtu.be/QukinUmMBsk?si=Fuo1DlGS93L6t5LlReferences:Zella Day - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zella_DayLocal Natives - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_NativesVacations - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacations_(band)You Sexy Thing - https://youtu.be/MhRXOOc_p-0?si=s3bbL3JyYzNoozvBShawn Everett - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shawn_EverettDave McNair - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2023/6/11/secret-sonics-185-dave-mcnair-an-audiophiles-approach-to-masteringConsider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for editing this episode!You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.coHave a great week, stay safe, and dig in!-Ben

Enoch Yang is a systems and operational management specialist (in addition to being a music producer and artist), based out of Charlotte, NC, USA! In today's episode, Enoch offers a hands-on roadmap for implementing effective systems within your audio business. This approach can help you streamline your business and focus more energy on your core work. In our conversation, Enoch and I go deep on the following topics:When to start implementing systems and what to focus onFuture-proofing your businessHow to leverage your website and social mediaAI and the future of techReal-world case studies of system implementation The benefits of automationAnd so much more!You can learn more about Enoch at http://www.enochyang.com/secretsonicsYou can follow Enoch on Social MediaIG - https://www.instagram.com/_enochyang/***Thanks to our sponsors!***Carl Bahner's resources for studio professionals - https://www.carlbahner.com/resourcesProgressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen***BRAND NEW!*** SECRET SONICS PATREON - patreon.com/benwallickmusicReferences Enoch's previous episode - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/10/31/secret-sonics-119-enoch-yang-forging-an-authentic-path-in-musicConsider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.coHave a great week, stay safe, and dig in!-Ben

Daniela Rivera is an Emmy-nominated and multiple-Grammy participating audio and mixing engineer based out of Atlanta, GA, USA! She's also the Governor of the Recording Academy's Atlanta Chapter. In our conversation Daniela and I go deep on the following:Her Journey starting with a Korg Triton keyboardAssisting for legendary mixer Phil TanComing up the traditional studio routeThe Atlanta music sceneWorking the Soundbetter platformHer approach to low-endGetting great pop vocalsStereo bus enhancement techniquesRestoring bad vocal recordingsNoise reductionJust do itDon’t be afraid to show offBeing elected as a Governor in the Recording AcademyAnd so much more!You can learn more about Daniela at https://linktr.ee/drivmusicYou can follow Daniela on Social MediaIG - https://www.instagram.com/drivmusic/***Thanks to our sponsors!***Carl Bahner's resources for studio professionals - https://www.carlbahner.com/resourcesProgressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t***BRAND NEW!*** SECRET SONICS PATREON - patreon.com/benwallickmusicSauce Segment: https://youtu.be/UxyDP8ju4FcReferences:Korg Triton - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korg_TritonMannie Fresh - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mannie_FreshStargate - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stargate_(record_producers)Phil Tan - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_TanSoundBetter - https://soundbetter.com/Dave McNair - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2023/6/11/secret-sonics-185-dave-mcnair-an-audiophiles-approach-to-masteringReggie McBride - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggie_McBrideConsider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for editing this episode!You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.coHave a great week, stay safe, and dig in!-Ben