Returning guest Mike Senior joins us for our Season 3 Premier (!!!) to break down one of the most ambitious recording projects you’re likely to hear about:

tracking an entire 8-piece band live, on location, at speed — without losing the performance or your sanity.

Mike walks us through how he recorded 13 songs in just a few days, capturing real performances instead of chasing perfection. We dive deep into:

-Recording full bands live (and why it saves time)

-Letting spill work for you instead of fighting it

-Editing and fixing mistakes without killing the feel

-Why mic choice, placement, and polarity matter more than plugins

-How performance beats perfection every time

-Building a portable, high-channel-count recording rig

-Fast headphone mixes that keep musicians inspired

-Mixing decisions that start before you ever hit record

If you’ve ever felt stuck chasing “perfect” tracks in a home studio — this episode might completely reset how you think about recording.

This is a must-listen for engineers, producers, and musicians who care about feel, momentum, and making records that sound human.

Spektakulatius:

https://spektakulatius.de/

Album: '10' (2014)

Tracking Info:

      - https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/session-notes-spektakulatius

      - https://cambridge-mt.com/rs2/ch11-case1/

Mixing Info:

      - https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/mix-rescue-spektakulatius

      - https://cambridge-mt.com/rs2/ch11-case1/#mixing-a-small-studio-ensemble-recording-demonstration-videos

Mastering Info:

      - https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/mix-rescue-spektakulatius-0

Final CD:

      - https://spektakulatius.de/2023/08/06/10/

Album: 'About Christmas' (2018)

Tracking Info:

      - https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/session-notes-spektakulatius-revisited

      - https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/session-notes-making-custom-baffles

Final CD:

      - https://spektakulatius.de/2023/08/06/about-christmas/

For lots more information on my ensemble-recording techniques (and specifically the 'peer array' methods I used for Spektakulatius), see Mike's book 'Recording Secrets For The Small Studio':

      - https://cambridge-mt.com/rs2/main/

Gear links:

Asparion D400T & D400F hardware controllers:

      - https://www.asparion.de/en/products.html#tab_d400

Ferrofish A32 A-D/D-A converter:

      - https://www.ferrofish.com/a32-dante-converter-multimode/

RME MADIface USB:

      - https://rme-audio.de/madiface-usb.html

Superlux R102 ribbon mic (which is still for sale new at £88!):

      - https://www.thomann.co.uk/superlux_r102.htm

Toneboosters freeware plug-ins:

      - https://cambridge-mt.com/ms3/links/#freeware-top-ten

Soundtheory Gullfoss:

      - https://www.soundtheory.com/gullfoss

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In the Season 2 finale, we’re joined by Marc Matthews of the Inside The Mix podcast and synthmusicmastering.com to unpack how he built a music production and mixing show into the top 10% of podcasts. We talk weekly consistency, planning a year ahead, batching episodes, using polls and listener questions to guide content, why he’s shifting away from full video, and how AI helps with the admin so he can stay creative. Plus: smarter CTAs, where growth really comes from, and the mindset it takes to keep showing up.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why weekly cadence created a noticeable uptick in growth
• How Marc sets goals using downloads in the first 7 days
• Planning ahead: batching episodes and building a buffer (“3 in the bank”)
• Using polls, audience surveys, and listener questions to shape content
• Why “less is more” with calls-to-action (avoid CTA overload)
• What’s worth it (and not worth it) about video podcasting
• Monetizing without sponsors: using the podcast to drive services + discovery calls
• Growth without ad spend: the power of guesting on other podcasts
• Using AI for “remedial admin” (descriptions, SEO, templates) while keeping music human

🎧 Listen to Sound Discussion: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-discussion/id1727711992

🛒 Merch store: sounddiscussionpodcast.com/shop

📩 Newsletter: sounddiscussionpodcast.com/newsletter

🎙️ Marc / Inside The Mix:    / @marcmatthewsproducer  

🌐 Marc’s site: synthmusicmastering.com

➡️ Nate's episode on Inside The Mix episode 197:    • How I Ruined Mixes Until I Learned Static ...  

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Cleveland producer, artist, and creative powerhouse Nate Saggio joins us to talk about the power of limitations, the mindset behind intentional music-making, and how your studio’s vibe can shape an entire performance.

We cover everything from 4-track tape workflows and songwriting prompts to building a studio that feels like home and learning to “serve the song, not yourself.”

One of our warmest, funniest, most inspiring conversations yet.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Nate on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/insta_sagg

Cleveland NPR / Ideastream Article - https://www.ideastream.org/arts-culture/2025-10-23/lakewood-producer-nate-saggio-helps-cleveland-artists-find-their-sound

Jim Stewart Productions - https://www.jimstewartmixing.com/

Chayla Hope - https://www.instagram.com/chaylahope/?hl=en

Jack Harris - https://www.instagram.com/Jackharris_music/

Welshly Arms - https://www.instagram.com/welshlyarms/

CAPI Preamps (Nate’s go-to) - https://capi-gear.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_117_55_169&products_id=478

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Merch Store (Black Friday Grand Opening!) - https://www.sounddiscussionpodcast.com/shop

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-discussion/id1727711992

Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sounddiscussionpodcast

Join the newsletter for early episodes & behind-the-scenes - https://www.sounddiscussionpodcast.com/newsletter

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In this episode, we sit down with Gregor Beyerle, one of the most recognizable faces behind PreSonus Studio One and its Software Product Specialist at Fender / PreSonus.

Gregor shares his journey from touring keyboardist and ghostwriter to becoming one of Studio One’s most trusted voices in workflow design and education.

We dig into:

How Gregor went from touring Europe at age 19 to joining PreSonus

Why speed = income — and how workflow design can double your output

The evolution of Studio One from 2.0 to 7

The new Launcher / Looper page and how it compares to Ableton Live

Keyboard shortcuts, ergonomics, and the balance between logic & creativity

The future of interoperability between DAWs and why collaboration matters

Gregor’s own projects: Reaper and Voltmeister

🔗 Links Mentioned

Studio One by PreSonus: https://www.presonus.com/studioone

Reaper (industrial techno project): https://www.instagram.com/reaper.industrial.techno

Voltmeister (project): https://www.instagram.com/voltmeistermodular/

Ableton Link info: https://www.ableton.com/en/link/

Ableton Push 3 Standalone: https://www.ableton.com/en/push/

Arturia Cold Fire Distortion: https://www.arturia.com/products/software-effects/dist-coldfire/overview

Connect with Gregor:

https://www.youtube.com/@UC7WUeriUrgp0QI9R61RWz0w

https://www.instagram.com/gregorbeyerlemusic

Online Studio One Meetups:

https://my.presonus.com/events/detail/1005

This Episode's Sponsors:

You can see all our sponsors at sounddiscussionpodcast.com/sponsors

Joe Gilder and Home Studio Corner

Free Webinar - The 3 Biggest Mistakes Holding You Back From Releasing Music: November 6 @ Noon Central

Challenge - Speed Mixing Challenge: Begins November 10 @ 11am Central

VIP - PRICE INCREASE BEGINNING November 3 - Lock in the lower rate now!!

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In this episode, Nate, Ben, and Neil sit down with Columbus-based producer Jeremy Steckel, whose journey from touring musician to Emmy-winning producer offers a candid look at the realities of building a creative career. Jeremy shares how playing guitar led him from church bands to being signed with Wolves at the Gate on Tooth & Nail/Solid State Records — and how life in the studio completely changed his trajectory.

We dive into:

From stage to studio — why Jeremy walked away from touring life to pursue production full-time.

No Plan B — the leap of faith that took him from a church tech job to a thriving studio career.

Preparation and performance — how obsessive detail in the studio informs his work with clients, and why he prioritizes pre-production to set artists up for success.

The vocalist challenge — unique approaches to recording singers, managing headphone mixes, and creating comfort in sessions.

Minimalist gear philosophy — why less can often be more when it comes to producing, and the tools Jeremy relies on daily.

Studio spaces — from commercial studios to his hyper-isolated home addition, and why renting outside spaces now fuels his creativity.

Whether you’re a musician considering the leap into production, or a producer rethinking your workflow, Jeremy’s story is both practical and inspiring.

---

🔗 Links from this Episode

Jeremy Steckel Instagram: https://www.instagram/jeremy_steckel

Listen to Jeremy's conversation with Lij Shaw here: https://recordingstudiorockstars.com/rsr474-jeremy-steckel-why-you-need-a-music-mastermind-group-family-work-balance/

🎧 Listen to us on Apple

🎧 Listen on Spotify

🌐 Visit our website

📷 Instagram

🎥 YouTube

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💬 Show Notes

This month on Sound Discussion, we dive deep into the world of video game music with Chase Bethea, a visionary composer redefining how sound interacts with gameplay. Chase shares his journey from a young music enthusiast to an award-winning composer, discussing the unique challenges and creative processes behind scoring for video games.

In this engaging episode, we explore the intricacies of adaptive soundtracks, the importance of dynamic music in enhancing player experience, and the technical skills required to bring his compositions to life. Chase reflects on his experiences working on various projects, including his award-winning scores for the Aground series, and the innovative techniques he employs to create immersive soundscapes.

We also touch on the evolution of game audio over the past decade, the impact of different time signatures on gameplay, and the balance between artistic expression and industry standards. Chase's passion for music and gaming shines through as he shares insights into his composing process, the tools he relies on, and his aspirations for the future.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of music and gaming, offering a fascinating look at how sound can elevate storytelling in interactive experiences.

🔑 Topics Covered In This Episode:

- 🎮 Chase's journey from music enthusiast to game composer

- 🎼 The role of adaptive soundtracks in video games

- 🛠️ Technical skills required for modern game audio composition

- 🏆 Awards and recognition for the Aground soundtrack

- ⏱️ The use of time signatures and their impact on gameplay

- 💡 Tips for aspiring composers in the gaming industry

- 🌍 The evolution of game audio and its current trends

Links

- Chase Bethea's Official Website

- Chase's YouTube Channel

- Chase's Patreon for industry insights

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Drop us a line at [email protected] and find more information on our website: https://www.sounddiscussionpodcast.com.

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We're back after a little summer pause — no guest this month, just Nate, Ben, and Neil catching up on all things music, gear, and a band that doesn't actually exist.

We dig into the rise of AI-generated artists (looking at you, Velvet Sundown), what it means for real musicians, and whether listeners even care how the music was made. Plus: a heated conversation about live backing tracks, summer gigs, mastering workflows, new speakers (hello, Barefoot Footprint 03s), and yes… Nate bought a tape machine.

Also: Florence steaks, Fort Wayne slides, Sweetwater shoutouts, and some low-key gig consulting.

🔑 Topics Covered In This Episode:

• 🎤 Velvet Sundown and the ethics of AI-generated bands
• 💽 Why AI music can’t be deconstructed like human-made recordings
• 🎧 New studio gear: Barefoot monitors & a vintage Ampex 440B tape machine
• 🧠 Nate’s take on speaker testing, low-end clarity, and tonal balance
• 🎛️ Ben's mastering workflow and loudness philosophy
• 🥁 Neil’s live rig upgrades & recording full band sets with an XR18
• 💡 Should bands record every show? (Yes.)
• 🛠️ Building a flexible PA system on a budget
• 🍕 Italian food, gelato, and Nate’s eternal love of pizza
• 🔥 Sweetwater Gear Exchange vs. Reverb
• 🎸 Live performance authenticity: what actually matters?

📣 Mentions & Shoutouts:

• Velvet Sundown on Spotify
• Rick Beato’s AI song breakdown
• Barefoot Footprint 03 Monitors
• XR18 Digital Mixer
• Sweetwater & Gear Exchange
• Billie Eilish / FINNEAS for speaker tests
• Maestro DMX for live light shows

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Drop us a line at [email protected] and find more information on our website: https://www.sounddiscussionpodcast.com.

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This month on Sound Discussion, we have the pleasure of chatting with the multi-talented Jeffrey Brockman, a singer-songwriter, Air Force veteran, and devoted family man. Jeffrey shares his journey through music, from performing in bands to focusing on his solo career, and the emotional depth behind his latest EP, "Tidal Waves."

In this candid conversation, Jeffrey opens up about the inspiration behind his songs, touching on themes of vulnerability, mental health, and the struggles many veterans face. He reflects on the cathartic process of songwriting and how music has played a crucial role in his own healing journey. With a decade-long effort culminating in "Tidal Waves," Jeffrey emphasizes the importance of authenticity and connection in his work.

We also discuss the creative process, including how collaboration with his friend Intro Newhouse has enhanced his music, and the unique challenges of balancing artistry with the realities of life. From the technical aspects of recording at home to the emotional weight of performing live, Jeffrey's insights provide a compelling look at the life of a modern musician.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the power of music and its ability to connect us all. Whether you're a musician, a music lover, or someone navigating life's challenges, Jeffrey's story is sure to resonate.

To follow Jeffrey Brockman and listen to his music, check out his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyBrockmanMusic and his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffreybrockmanofficial.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Drop us a line at [email protected] and find more information on our website: https://www.sounddiscussionpodcast.com.

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Show notes created by https://headliner.app

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This month on Sound Discussion, we’re thrilled to welcome the talented mastering engineer Dan Millice, who has made waves in the music industry with his meticulous approach and impressive portfolio. Based in New York City, Dan has worked with an array of renowned artists including A$AP Rocky, Dolly Parton, and Julian Lage, earning a Grammy in 2023 for his work on Terry Lyne Carrington's album, "New Standards, Volume 1."

In this engaging episode, Dan shares his journey from a young music fan in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a band and a dream, to an award-winning mastering engineer. He discusses the importance of serving the song and the unique challenges that come with mastering different genres of music. With insights into his workflow, Dan emphasizes the significance of personal connections in the industry and how networking has played a vital role in his success.

Listen in as we gain valuable knowledge about the mastering process, including the tools Dan uses, his philosophy on templates, and the intricacies of working with artists to ensure their vision is realized. We also dive into the impact of the pandemic on the music scene and how it has shaped Dan's approach to his craft.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes world of music production and mastering. Join us for an insightful conversation that highlights the dedication and passion required to excel in the music industry!

To learn more about Dan Millice and his work, check out his website: https://www.millicemastering.com/.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Drop us a line at [email protected] and find more information on our website: https://www.sounddiscussionpodcast.com.

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This month on Sound Discussion, we’re diving deep into the essential topic of hearing health with two incredible experts in the field, Dr. Frank Wartinger and Dr. Juan Vasquez.

Dr. Wartinger, the founder of Earmark Hearing Conservation in Philadelphia, and Dr. Vasquez, a passionate audiologist based in Chicago, join us to share their wealth of knowledge on how to protect your hearing in the music industry.

As musicians, engineers, and music lovers, we often take our hearing for granted. In this episode, we explore the importance of hearing conservation and discuss practical strategies to maintain hearing health while performing or attending live events. From the dangers of high decibel levels to the types of hearing protection available, Frank and Juan break down what you need to know to keep your ears safe.

We also touch on common misconceptions about hearing loss, the significance of using in-ear monitors correctly, and the impact of modern technology on our auditory health. With insights from their podcast, Talking Ears, our guests provide valuable tips for musicians at every stage of their careers.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in music, whether you're on stage, behind the mixing board, or enjoying a concert from the crowd. Join us for an engaging and enlightening conversation that could change the way you think about sound and hearing!

For more information about our guests, check them out here:

Dr. Frank Wartinger: https://www.earmarkhc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earmark_hearing/

Dr. Juan Vasquez: https://www.tunedcare.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tunedcare/

Listen to their podcast, Talking Ears: https://talkingears.podbean.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingearspod/

Additional links discussed in this episode:

MusiCares: https://www.musicares.org/

Sensaphonics: https://sensaphonics.com/

Westone: https://westoneaudio.com/

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Drop us a line at [email protected] and find more information on our website: sounddiscussionpodcast.com.

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