Send us a text

🚀 Apply for personal mentoring by Benedikt and the team: theselfrecordingband.com
--
➡️  Get Access To "Mix-Ready: The Band-Recording Essentials": theselfrecordingband.com/mixready
➡️ Get Access To "Mixes Unpacked": theselfrecordingband.com/mixesunpacked
➡️ Get Access To "Dead-On Drums": theselfrecordingband.com/deadondrums
➡️ Get Access To "Guitar Setup Masterclass - With Diego Casillas": theselfrecordingband.com/guitarsetup
--
🎁 Free video guide + checklist "Standout Mixes": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
--
Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Things are changing for us this year. And you'll benefit from it. Here's what is going on, what we're changing about the podcast, what we're currently offering (free and paid) and what you can expect in the coming months.

Enjoy!
--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/252
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us a text

🚀 Apply for personal mentoring by Benedikt and the team: theselfrecordingband.com
--
➡️  Get Access To "Mix-Ready: The Band-Recording Essentials": theselfrecordingband.com/mixready
➡️ Get Access To "Mixes Unpacked": theselfrecordingband.com/mixesunpacked
➡️ Get Access To "Dead-On Drums": theselfrecordingband.com/deadondrums
➡️ Get Access To "Guitar Setup Masterclass - With Diego Casillas": theselfrecordingband.com/guitarsetup
--
🎁 Free video guide + checklist "Standout Mixes": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
--
Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

If you're mixing on headphones or looking to get a good pair of cans anytime soon, this episode is for you!

We sat down with Rok Gulič, founder of Ollo Audio, to talk about all things headphones.

Ollo Audio is a brand that we stand behind because Benedikt has been using Ollo headphones for years now and is extremely happy with them.

But this is not supposed to be a commercial for their brand. Not at all. It is a deep conversation about headphones, mixing on headphones, mixing in general, personal taste, and even gets philosophical as we're trying to figure out what a good monitoring system actually is. 

Rok answered our questions in a very open, smart way and challenged us with interesting questions, as well.

We covered:

• Mixing on headphones vs speakers
• Mobile recording/mixing
• Reliable portable rigs
• How to choose the right headphones for you
• Open vs closed back
• Calibration software
• Frequency response
• What matters besides frequency response
• Sustainability
• Support and repair
• Pricing and economics behind making and selling headphones

And more.

Enjoy!
--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/251
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us a text

🚀 Apply for personal mentoring by Benedikt and the team: theselfrecordingband.com
--
➡️  Get Access To "Mix-Ready: The Band-Recording Essentials": theselfrecordingband.com/mixready
➡️ Get Access To "Mixes Unpacked": theselfrecordingband.com/mixesunpacked
➡️ Get Access To "Dead-On Drums": theselfrecordingband.com/deadondrums
➡️ Get Access To "Guitar Setup Masterclass - With Diego Casillas": theselfrecordingband.com/guitarsetup
--
🎁 Free video guide + checklist "Standout Mixes": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
--
Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Limited resources can force you to get creative.

Limitations don't have to be obstacles - they can be opportunities.

The Myth of “Needing More”

There's a common misconception that better gear and more plugins = better music. And there's the feeling of “gear envy” that most artists and producers experience at some point. So we're sharing examples of records made with minimal setups. Or simple songs and arrangements that turned out really great.

Why Limitations Can Be a Superpower

We explain how fewer options force you to focus on what really matters -songwriting, arrangement, and performances. We talk about decision fatigue and how too many options can kill creativity. And we highlight how limitations encourage problem-solving and innovation. 

Practical Examples and Tips

In this episode you'll find actionable tips for embracing limitations:

1. Stick to a few go-to plugins and learn them inside out (we have an entire episode dedicated to this: 141)
2. Get the best out of what you already have. Only then expand and buy more.
3. Limit track counts to prioritize strong arrangements.

And we tell stories about artists or bands who thrived by keeping things simple. 

Closing Thoughts

We recap the main points and reinforce the idea that limitations are a gift, not a curse. And finally, we encourage you to embrace you home studio setup and get creative with what you have.

Enjoy!
--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/250
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us a text

🚀 Apply for personal mentoring by Benedikt and the team: theselfrecordingband.com
--
➡️  Get Access To "Mix-Ready: The Band-Recording Essentials": theselfrecordingband.com/mixready
➡️ Get Access To "Mixes Unpacked": theselfrecordingband.com/mixesunpacked
➡️ Get Access To "Dead-On Drums": theselfrecordingband.com/deadondrums
➡️ Get Access To "Guitar Setup Masterclass - With Diego Casillas": theselfrecordingband.com/guitarsetup
--
🎁 Free video guide + checklist "Standout Mixes": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
--
Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

There is a challenge that comes with being your own producer. It's pretty much the same thing that can happen when you go to the same producer over and over again:

How do you keep things fresh and exciting? How do you avoid repeating yourself?


Here's why this matters:

Many artists love to have full creative control. That's often why they get into recording in the first place.

But the problem is: If you write the songs, arrange the songs, play the songs, produce the songs, record the songs, mix the songs and master it all, you're gonna get a lot of…you! :)

In this episode we want to share a few ways to keep it fresh while still being in control of the creative process and the result.
 

This is what we're covering on the episode:

• Stories from bands that we've worked with over and over again
• The benefits of outside feedback (objective and honest, not just friends and family)
• Outsourcing certain parts of the process. Even if it is just for the feedback.
• Using different studios/jam spaces/locations
• Experimenting with instruments and gear
• Write a lot and challenge yourself to leave your comfort zone. Test the extremes even if you don't like it at first.
• Think about all the things you're listening to and what you like about those records. Is there anything you can use as inspiration that is not super common or that you haven't done before?
  
  

Enjoy!
--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/249
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us a text

🚀 Apply for personal mentoring by Benedikt and the team: theselfrecordingband.com
--
➡️  Get Access To "Mix-Ready: The Band-Recording Essentials": theselfrecordingband.com/mixready
➡️ Get Access To "Mixes Unpacked": theselfrecordingband.com/mixesunpacked
➡️ Get Access To "Dead-On Drums": theselfrecordingband.com/deadondrums
➡️ Get Access To "Guitar Setup Masterclass - With Diego Casillas": theselfrecordingband.com/guitarsetup
--
🎁 Free video guide + checklist "Standout Mixes": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
--
Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Let's talk about mixing workflow!

Not the specific techniques and tools, like EQ, compression, etc. but how to get in the flow state and how to stay there for as long as possible, so that you can focus on the things that really matter.

Most people spend way too much time on repetitive, non-creative tasks and most people also take way too long to mix songs. 

This means they lose objectivity and waste a lot of brainpower on things that they shouldn't even have to think about.

In this episode we're gonna show you six ways to improve your mixing workflow. You can immediately apply this and get more mixes done at a much higher quality. 

This is the recording of a live workshop we did at Studioszene 2024 in Hamburg. We went on stage there to do this talk in front of a live audience and now we share it with you, so you can benefit from it, as well.

Enjoy!
--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/248
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us a text

🚀 Apply for personal mentoring by Benedikt and the team: theselfrecordingband.com
--
➡️  Get Access To "Mix-Ready: The Band-Recording Essentials": theselfrecordingband.com/mixready
➡️ Get Access To "Mixes Unpacked": theselfrecordingband.com/mixesunpacked
➡️ Get Access To "Dead-On Drums": theselfrecordingband.com/deadondrums
➡️ Get Access To "Guitar Setup Masterclass - With Diego Casillas": theselfrecordingband.com/guitarsetup
--
🎁 Free video guide + checklist "Standout Mixes": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
--
Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

So many people think mixing is their biggest problem. In reality, it's often the recordings that are the real issue.

It all starts at the source. And in this episode we show you how to get it right before you even start worrying about the mix.

This is the recording of a live workshop we did at Studioszene 2024 in Hamburg. We went on stage there to do this talk in front of a live audience and now we share it with you, so you can benefit from it, as well.

Enjoy!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/247
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us a text

🚀 Apply for personal mentoring by Benedikt and the team: theselfrecordingband.com
--
➡️  Get Access To "Mix-Ready: The Band-Recording Essentials": theselfrecordingband.com/mixready
➡️ Get Access To "Mixes Unpacked": theselfrecordingband.com/mixesunpacked
➡️ Get Access To "Dead-On Drums": theselfrecordingband.com/deadondrums
➡️ Get Access To "Guitar Setup Masterclass - With Diego Casillas": theselfrecordingband.com/guitarsetup
--
🎁 Free video guide + checklist "Standout Mixes": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
--
Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

This episode is all about one of the most crucial elements in your mix: the snare drum. Whether you’re trying to make it cut through a wall of guitars or wondering how to dial in just the right amount of ring and body, getting the EQ right on your snare drum can make or break your mix.

We’ll break it down step by step:

🎙️ The Basics: What does EQ even do to your snare and why does it matter?

🎛️ Frequency Focus: We’ll explain the key frequencies you need to know – from the fat punchy bottom that you can feel in your chest, to the crack and stick attack that cuts through heavy guitars.

⚡ Common Problems: Boxy, "cheap" sounding snare? Too much ring (or not the right kind of ring/shell sound)? We’ve got practical fixes for you.

🎸 Mix Context: How your snare works with the rest of your kit and the entire arrangement – because, let’s face it, the snare doesn’t live in isolation.

💡 Pro Tips: Tried-and-true techniques we’ve learned from working on countless rock and heavy tracks.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a much better understanding of how to shape your snare drum to fit your music. No more guessing, no more frustration – just better mixes.

So grab your headphones and get ready to give your snare drum the love it deserves. Let’s make it punchy, powerful, and perfect for your next banger!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/246
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us a text

🚀 Apply for personal mentoring by Benedikt and the team: theselfrecordingband.com
--
➡️  Get Access To "Mix-Ready: The Band-Recording Essentials": theselfrecordingband.com/mixready
➡️ Get Access To "Mixes Unpacked": theselfrecordingband.com/mixesunpacked
➡️ Get Access To "Dead-On Drums": theselfrecordingband.com/deadondrums
➡️ Get Access To "Guitar Setup Masterclass - With Diego Casillas": theselfrecordingband.com/guitarsetup
--
🎁 Free video guide + checklist "Standout Mixes": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
--
Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

This episode is all about one of the most crucial elements in your mix: the kick drum. Whether you’re laying down fast grooves for a punk track or dialing in a massive low-end for your heavy riffage, getting the EQ right on your kick drum can make or break your mix.

We’ll break it down step by step:

🎙️ The Basics: What does EQ even do to your kick and why does it matter?

🎛️ Frequency Focus: We’ll explain the key frequencies you need to know – from the deep lows that shake the walls to the clicky attack that cuts through heavy guitars.

⚡ Common Problems: Boxy, "cheap" sounding kick? Too much click (or not the right kind of click)? We’ve got practical fixes for you.

🎸 Mix Context: How your kick works with your bass and guitars – because, let’s face it, the kick doesn’t live in isolation.

💡 Pro Tips: Tried-and-true techniques we’ve learned from working on countless rock and heavy tracks.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a much better understanding of how to shape your kick drum to fit your music. No more guessing, no more frustration – just better mixes.

So grab your headphones and get ready to give your kick drum the love it deserves. Let’s make it punchy, powerful, and perfect for your next banger!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/245
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us a text

🚀 Apply for personal mentoring by Benedikt and the team: theselfrecordingband.com
--
➡️  Get Access To "Mix-Ready: The Band-Recording Essentials": theselfrecordingband.com/mixready
➡️ Get Access To "Mixes Unpacked": theselfrecordingband.com/mixesunpacked
➡️ Get Access To "Dead-On Drums": theselfrecordingband.com/deadondrums
➡️ Get Access To "Guitar Setup Masterclass - With Diego Casillas": theselfrecordingband.com/guitarsetup
--
🎁 Free video guide + checklist "Standout Mixes": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
--
Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

My guest on this episode is Manel Espinosa Berenguer, aka "Manelito". And I'm super stoked about this one!

Manel is a self-recording musician, songwriter and music producer, based in Madrid, Spain, who writes and records music as a solo artist, as well as for other bands and artists seeking his expertise, skills and perspective. 

Since we first met about year ago in late 2023 a LOT has happened. 

Manel has joined the Self-Recording Syndicate, our coaching program, has turned audio production into his career shortly after and then even joined the team here at theselfrecordingband.com, editing and mixing our podcast and other content. 

He is doing fantastic work and got to the point where artists are flying across Europe to work with him 🤯.

So it’s about time to introduce him to you and tell his story.

PS: What are you waiting for? You could be the next success story to show up on our podcast. We generate these results for our Syndicate members all the time.

And there is zero risk. Just apply for coaching, jump on a free call with us and figure out if our program is a great fit for you. 

We will create a roadmap for you and tell you exactly what we would do in your situation. If you don't LOVE this plan, you don't pay us anything and we just part ways.

--

For links to Manel's pages and everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/244
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us a text

🚀 Apply for personal mentoring by Benedikt and the team: theselfrecordingband.com
--
➡️  Get Access To "Mix-Ready: The Band-Recording Essentials": theselfrecordingband.com/mixready
➡️ Get Access To "Mixes Unpacked": theselfrecordingband.com/mixesunpacked
➡️ Get Access To "Dead-On Drums": theselfrecordingband.com/deadondrums
➡️ Get Access To "Guitar Setup Masterclass - With Diego Casillas": theselfrecordingband.com/guitarsetup
--
🎁 Free video guide + checklist "Standout Mixes": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
--
Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Have you ever wondered what separates successful self-recording artists from the rest? What makes some people thrive and create killer records while others stay stuck, endlessly tweaking, and second-guessing themselves?

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on The Self-Recording Syndicate, our coaching program designed to help bands and artists like you take control of their recording and mixing process.

After years of mentoring independent, passionate and driven music creators, we’ve noticed clear patterns among our most successful students. We’re breaking down the character traits, habits, and behaviors they share so that you can apply these lessons to your own music journey.

Spoiler alert: it’s not about being a genius or having the most expensive gear - it’s about how you approach the process.

What You’ll Learn:

•The exact things our most successful students do that others don’t.
•How these behaviors are different from the typical “hobbyist” mindset.
•Actionable takeaways you can apply today to improve your recording and mixing skills.

Why This Matters to You:

If you want to create records you’re proud of, these behaviors can fast-track your progress. Whether you’re in the middle of your first mix or have been at this for years, adopting these habits will transform your approach to music production.

We built The Self-Recording Syndicate to help artists like you go from overwhelmed to confident creators of pro-level records. 

You don’t have to figure it all out alone - Our experience, expertise and the Syndicate community are here to guide you every step of the way.

Start by applying what you learn from these insights that we're sharing here. Then reach out to us if you are ready to supercharge your growth as a self-recording artist.

PS: We love hearing from you! 
Please join the conversation and help us grow the show by leaving a comment, or a rating and review on your podcast app.

Again, if this episode helped you, leave us a review and share it with your friends and bandmates. This will help us reach more people like you who will benefit from this podcast and it will help us get more incredible guests that you can then learn from.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/243
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]