Recording Studio Rockstars

"The Distressor is an iconic piece of gear." Dave talked about his journey from musician to audio engineer, creating the iconic Distressor compressor, the role of distortion, harmonics, and thoughtful gear selection in achieving masterful audio mixing and production, and offered practical advice for aspiring recording engineers.

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com

My guest today is Dave Derr, a musician raised in a family of engineers destined to rock and make his mark on the recording industry. Dave started with studying classical piano, composition, and theory as a Music Major in college but still loved ripping solos on his '67 Gibson SG Special. This passion for music led him to a 12-year journey with the band Jack of Diamonds, touring the Philadelphia, Delaware, and Maryland areas.

But Dave wasn't just rocking the stage—he was also the guy fixing the band's guitars, keyboard rigs, and PA systems. This hands-on experience sparked his path to becoming an Electronics Technician and eventually a studio engineer.

Dave landed a gig at Eventide and worked alongside industry giants, contributing to the design of iconic gear like the H3000, H3500, and DSP4000. And after hours? He ran his own recording studio at home, refining his craft night and day.

In 1994, Dave's talents culminated in the creation of the Distressor—a modern classic that's now a staple in major studios worldwide. Empirical Labs now has over 42,000 Distressors sold and an entire line of analog processors and digital plugins and their latest creation, the PUMP, a powerful 500 Series compressor based on the Distressor is breaking new ground for getting killer sounds in the studio or out in the field.

I am super excited to have Dave Derr joining us on the podcast today. This is a big day for me, the show, and definitely a bucket list interview!

PS Go to empiricallabs.com to find the Arousor and BIG FrEQ plugins where you can use the coupon code RSR10 for 10% off.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com

https://www.adam-audio.com

https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://roswellproaudio.com/

https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here!

https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy

https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/489

"Listen to what the session musicians say during lunch!" Joe talked about how to be a great studio assistant, orchestral sessions, choosing the perfect vocal mic and DAW, Harrison Mixbus 32, the SSL UF8 and UC-1, and being a servant to the song!

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com

My guest today is Joe Carrell, a Nashville-based producer, mixer, and recording engineer. Over his 20+ year career, Joe has mixed and recorded 12 Grammy-nominated albums, worked on Dove Award-winning songs, and contributed to over 38 charting number-one hits, with Billboard top tens in multiple categories, all the while producing pop artists and mixing everything from rock, country, jazz, gospel, bluegrass, etc. He currently works from the historic Treasure Isle Recorders in Nashville TN.

Joe Carrell began his journey in the professional music world as an assistant engineer for a member of Nashville's legendary Bradley family. With a strong background as a musician and a deep love for recording, Joe quickly became a sought-after expert in the industry. Today, he shares his passion and expertise on his YouTube channel, In The Mix with Joe Carrell, and in collaboration with platforms like Produce Like A Pro, Warm Audio, and SSL. Joe produces hands-on tutorials for both beginners and seasoned engineers, covering essential mixing and production techniques such as vocal mixing, managing multiple vocal tracks, adding depth to mixes, and insights into his hybrid workflow. He also offers tips on using EQ, stereo widening, automation, subgroups, balancing low-end frequencies, mixing orchestral elements, and crafting commercial-ready tracks across a variety of genres.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com

https://www.adam-audio.com

https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://roswellproaudio.com/

https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here!

https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy

https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/

Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0eq797VHiwEZkHpkPT2my7?si=70f85ca0cc324b3b

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/488

Conductor or conductor? Andrei talked about creating a studio in an old abandoned train carriage down under, composing in Ableton Live, saving drums for last, how to get your bass right, the best cassette plugins, and why you need a MIDI controller.

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com

My guest today is Andrei Eremin, a music producer, recording, mixing and mastering engineer whose work is Grammy-nominated, ARIA award-winning and has amassed over 8 billion streams to date. Since getting his start at Deluxe Mastering in Melbourne, Andrei has worked on releases by Hiatus Kaiyote, Tash Sultana, G Flip, Sampa the Great, Chet Faker and others, quickly developing a reputation as one of the most in-demand engineers in Australia.

Since then, Andrei has diversified his craft, producing an eponymous EP, a pseudonymous mixtape, records for other artists including Closure in Moscow's third album "Soft Hell", as well as mastering Tones and I's runaway hit "Dance Monkey" and mixing Baker Boy's debut album "Gela", which personally earned him an ARIA award in 2022 for Best Mixed Album. Thank you to Mark Allen at Vitalic Noise Management in Los Angeles for the introduction!

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com

https://www.adam-audio.com

https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://roswellproaudio.com/

https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here!

https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy

https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/

Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/506jX8KQxbW5RWcWHmfFe8?si=83af4cb7d0fc4bd0

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/487

Metal band in a gas station? Dont worry. Be happy! Brok talked about working with Steve Albini and Greg Norman at Electrical Audio, DIY rebuilding his Calrec console, custom Pro Tools headphone mixes, overdubing to cassette tape, and mixing in Atmos.

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com

My guest today is Brok Mende, owner of Friends of Friends Recording, a loft-style studio in Chicago specializing in analog & digital, vintage & modern recording processes, also offering Dolby Atmos mixing and mastering! With over a decade of professional experience alongside some of the largest names in the music industry (Electrical Audio, Audiotree, etc) and within studios all over the US, Brok's work includes KAINA, Sen Morimoto, NNAMDÏ, serpentwithfeet, Madison McFerrin, and Tasha to name a few and in collaboration with designer/community builder (and partner), DeAnna Doersch.

In his own words, Brok is a listener by trade who likes to focus on creating something intentional and honest for the artist. He can take apart most anything involving capacitors and/or transformers and is usually able to put it back together correctly, too.

In the show notes, we have a playlist of Brok's stereo and Atmos mixes. Please check those out. Thank you to Stephen Shirk and Shirk Studio for introducing us!

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com

https://www.adam-audio.com

https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://www.empiricallabs.com/ Use code RSR10 to get 10% off the Arousor and BIG FrEQ plugins!

https://traceaudio.com/ Use code RSR15 to get 15% off your custom printed labels!

https://www.soundporter.com/ Get a free mix review and mastering demo!

https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here!

https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy

https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/

Listen to this guest's discography on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/brok-mende/pl.u-e98lGaDHzjAADpb

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/486

Why press many buttons when you can press one? Raphael talked about quick keys, Soundflow, Stream Decks, and iPads for creating macros to automate your studio processes, figuring out where you are wasting your energy, & staying in the creative flow.

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com

My guest today is Raphael Sepulveda, an alt-rock producer and composer based in Nashville, TN. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Raphael found his way to the US in 2010 to pursue a college degree in Music. After graduating in 2013, he obtained an internship at StadiumRed Studios in NYC, where he learned the ropes and quickly climbed the industry ladder. Raphael worked as an in-house engineer at several other studios in the city, most notably SweetSounds Studios, before setting out on his own and becoming a freelance producer/engineer focusing on alt-rock.

In 2018, Raphael relocated to Music City in search of new beginnings. After the pandemic hit in 2020, Raphael partnered with Howling Music, a music-for-advertising company, as a composer. His work has earned the music house a 2023 Nashville American Advertising Awards Gold Addy award (best ad music in Nashville) and a 2024 Clio award for Use of Music in Film & Video.

Having a strong passion for music tech, he has become a third-party app developer for the software automation platform SoundFlow, creating productivity and workflow tools for Pro Tools.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com

https://www.adam-audio.com

https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://www.empiricallabs.com/ Use code RSR10 to get 10% off the Arousor and BIG FrEQ plugins!

https://traceaudio.com/ Use code RSR15 to get 15% off your custom printed labels!

https://www.soundporter.com/ Get a free mix review and mastering demo!

https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here!

https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy

https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/

Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05XkCfQeuO2tvFgJXj31Jb?si=2786ee821ef443c1

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/485

New levels mean new devils! Björgvin talked about finishing a record, balancing music and family, making room for your next creativity, why music should be you first, mixing templates, mixtering, reaching the finish line, and finding your first gig.

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com

My guest today is Björgvin Benediktsson, an Icelandic-American author, audio educator, and entrepreneur. He is the founder of Audio-Issues teaching thousands of musicians and producers how to make a bigger impact with their music. Björgvin has been an audio engineer since 2006 and has worked with hundreds of artists as an audio engineer, mentor, and educator.

He is the author of multiple books, including the best-selling book Step By Step Mixing which simplifies complex audio jargon and transforms insecure musicians into confident mixing engineers. He has written over 1,000 articles on audio production and his training has been featured in publications such as MusicTech magazine, The Huffington Post, The Recording Revolution, SAE Institute, and Audiotuts+ to name a few.

As the founder of Audio Issues, Björgvin helps home studio musicians and project studio producers make a greater musical impact in their lives by teaching them the skills needed to grow their hobbies and careers. He does this by offering simple and practical music production and success skills they can use right away to level themselves up - while rejecting negativity and gear-shaming from the industry.

When he's not helping entrepreneurs, audio engineers, and other creatives, he likes to hang out with his wife, daughter, and dog in Tucson, AZ, play video games, and read comic books.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com

https://www.adam-audio.com

https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://www.empiricallabs.com/ Use code RSR10 to get 10% off the Arousor and BIG FrEQ plugins!

https://traceaudio.com/ Use code RSR15 to get 15% off your custom printed labels!

https://www.soundporter.com/ Get a free mix review and mastering demo!

https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here!

https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy

https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/

Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5xZovYm0I5J1Pqn5LVbepK?si=e0945cfa1aa141db

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/484

The dance floor never lies! Jose talked about music the universal language, counterpoint in composition, why the stage sounds weird, sidechaining vocal fx and synths mixing, recording in the jungle, and building beats with Elektron and Ableton Live.

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com

My guest today is Jose Castillo, a producer/songwriter for artists seeking to bridge the gap between the latin and english-speaking world, and the pop and alternative worlds. Jose's discography has a great dance floor feel with a mastery of EDM style.

His recent work includes Grammy and Latin-Grammy nominated releases by Camila Cabello, Bomba Estereo, Bad Bunny, Manu Chao, Fonseca, and many others.

His unique background combines a Caribbean and Latin sensibility, with classical training in composition, and a special point of view that comes from having toured around the world's best festivals with Bomba Estereo.

Thanks to Damian Taylor for making our introduction.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com

https://www.adam-audio.com

https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://www.empiricallabs.com/ Use code RSR10 to get 10% off the Arousor and BIG FrEQ plugins!

https://traceaudio.com/ Use code RSR15 to get 15% off your custom printed labels!

https://www.soundporter.com/ Get a free mix review and mastering demo!

https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here!

https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy

https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/

Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7yxD0GXOlhzpAAgcDVEwtW?si=d06f3aa108c94142

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/483

You've got to feel the plugin. Case talked about going from bartending to the recording studio, why people skills are the first skills you need, how to compare all your plugin options for the best mix, being vulnerable in the studio, and compressors.

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com

My guest today is Case Newcomb, a recording and mix engineer/producer and winner of the Music Expo Mix Critique for his live remixing who is currently working out of the historic Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco. After seizing the opportunity to go back to school and switch careers, Case's audio career has been consistently on the rise. In the studio he turned Intern to staff engineer at Hyde Street Studios in just 6 months.

Case rose up the ranks in live sound astonishingly quickly as well. From mixing in small clubs to mixing at 1000+ capacity venues within his first year of doing monitors and FOH. He has recently put live sound on hold to focus on a full time studio career. We met at NAMM at our Recording Studio Rockstars, Working Class Audio, Mixdown Online, Audio-Issues meetup which was a blast!

Case has a great energy and is making some awesome records including artists like Nvrman, Möndo Freaks, Diablo Muerto, and Manos Lindas.

Thank you to Matt Boudreau for the introduction!

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com

https://www.adam-audio.com

https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://www.empiricallabs.com/ Use code RSR10 to get 10% off the Arousor and BIG FrEQ plugins!

https://traceaudio.com/ Use code RSR15 to get 15% off your custom printed labels!

https://www.soundporter.com/ Get a free mix review and mastering demo!

https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here!

https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy

https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/

Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1hiUPC84ajky2N2aKRIpY6?si=9faa5fcf93ba469c

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/482

Turn your disadvantages into advantages! Chaz talked about losing sight but gaining a love for guitar, rocking with the Goo Goo Dolls, prank calling Tom Shultz of Boston, punk band tracking sessions, the famous $300 drum sound, & his new Atmos room.

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com

My guest today is Charles Root III, a recording, mixing, reluctant mastering engineer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He has performed on releases by Goo Goo Dolls, Monkey Wrench, Stationwagon, Doombuggy, and Acme Anvil Corp. He is also Terran based biped who has improperly assumed human form, as evidenced by his poor eyesight. Due to this poor vision, he smells and hears things that others don't, which can be a blessing or a curse in the confines of a recording studio.

Chaz missed most of his sophomore and junior years of high school due to blindness and eye surgeries. He spent most of that period in his room with a walnut Explorer guitar, Marshall Plexi half stack, and a pile of old Electro-Harmonix pedals making sounds custom tailored to annoy his parents.

Chaz currently resides in South Wales, NY, USA with his wife and studio partner Julie "JJ" Guyse where they operate Electric Owl Works, LLC which includes a residential recording studio, Rachael's Owl Music (a BMI affiliated music publishing company), and the Electric Owl Works Records indie label. They are proud to have artists of many genres from around the world.

Thank you to Matt Boudreau for the introduction!

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com

https://www.adam-audio.com

https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://www.empiricallabs.com/ Use code RSR10 to get 10% off the Arousor and BIG FrEQ plugins!

https://traceaudio.com/ Use code RSR15 to get 15% off your custom printed labels!

https://www.soundporter.com/ Get a free mix review and mastering demo!

https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here!

https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy

https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/

Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6mOWvt4bhyko9bl2Y9Y8xR?si=4b88ef36bde94a71

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/481

"Mix how you hear it!" Jeremy talked about recording Greg Allman, why no click track needed, when to use ribbon mics, thumb vs pick bass, how to mic drums, why you should get a console and tape machine, Hammond organs, and comping vocals in Logic.

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com

My guest today is Jeremy Stephens, a music producer, mixer based in north Alabama, about an hour and a half south of Nashville. Jeremy has had the honor of collaborating with some of the greatest musicians on earth, from the Alabama Shakes to Jason Isbell, Gregg Allman to Chuck Leavell. "I learned the art of producing and recording from legendary rock producer Johnny Sandlin. He served as Johnny's right-hand man for many years, learning everything there is to know about making a goddamn good record."

In 2001, Jeremy started Clearwave Recording Studio as a cost effective place to craft records on his own terms. It quickly became a sonic sanctuary for indie rock, americana, and a fresh alternative to the cookie cutter Nashville thing. "This is a place where creative souls thrive, where the ideas come to life, and where being different ain't just okay – it's downright expected."

The goal here is to make hit records and win Grammys, and to do it the right way. Jeremy remains convinced that with the right approach, anything is possible. That's why he focuses on capturing the very best performances of great songs, and gives his musicians the freedom to explore and create.

Thank you to Craig Alvin for the introduction!

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com

https://www.adam-audio.com

https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://www.empiricallabs.com/ Use code RSR10 to get 10% off the Arousor and BIG FrEQ plugins!

https://traceaudio.com/ Use code RSR15 to get 15% off your custom printed labels!

https://www.soundporter.com/ Get a free mix review and mastering demo!

https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here!

https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy

https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/

Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Bk7lSjaDCKk1gmUSd2KuZ?si=d0916b42a1d048f0

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/480