In this episode, John and Trent break down how they approach mixing from both the studio and the live sound perspective. Starting with the fundamentals of building a mix, they talk through their individual workflows, including starting with volume, organizing sessions, choosing when to use plugins, and shaping the overall feel of a song. They also discuss the pros and cons of mixing templates versus starting from scratch and how different recording scenarios influence the tools and techniques they use.

The conversation then shifts to live sound, where they explore the realities of mixing in real-world environments. From working around loud acoustic instruments to managing stage volume, feedback, and monitor mixes, they share practical strategies for getting the best possible results in less-than-ideal situations. Whether you’re mixing in a studio or behind a live console, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the thought process and decision-making that goes into building a great mix.