The Self-Recording Band

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. 

We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. 

In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. 

With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.

Sounds interesting?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

Most of the low end advice online sounds clean, structured, and logical.

But it also makes a lot of mixes smaller.

In this episode, Benedikt and Manel break down five common low end mixing myths.

This is not a “never do this" episode.

It’s about understanding what’s really happening in the low end so you stop fixing problems you don’t actually have.

🎯 The 5 Low End Myths We Break Down

1. “If the kick fundamental is at 60Hz, cut the bass at 60Hz.”

2. “The bass needs to live above or below the kick.”

3. “High-pass everything except kick and bass.”

4. “Below 100Hz there can only be kick and bass.”

5. “You must carve out space or they’ll mask each other.”

🔑 What Actually Makes Low End Work

1. It Starts at the Source

• Drum choice and tuning
• Sample choice
• Bass instrument choice
• String choice
• Performance
• Timing
• Arrangement
• Key of the song

If you pick the right sounds, faders alone often get you 80% there.

2. Think in Terms of Energy

Low end is about:

• Relative amounts of energy
• Transient interaction
• Sustain overlap
• Glue vs separation
• Context with mids and highs

Sometimes the problem isn’t in the low end at all.

Sometimes it’s guitars masking kick attack.

Sometimes it’s too much midrange hiding bass character.

3. Timing Changes Everything

Slightly offset bass timing can:

• Reduce low end buildup
• Extend groove feel
• Increase clarity

Impact is often about transient alignment, not EQ moves.

4. Control Buildup Dynamically

Instead of static carving, try:

• Multiband compression
• Dynamic EQ
• Transient shaping
• Shortening sustain

Control the moments where energy spikes — don’t gut the whole instrument.

5. Stop Fixing Problems You Don’t Have

This might be the most important takeaway.

If it sounds good, don’t “optimize” it.

🚀 Want Direct Help With Your Mix?

Inside The Self-Recording Syndicate, we help self-recording rock, metal and indie artists build mixes that feel powerful and emotionally right — without mixing by numbers.

You get:

• A custom step-by-step music production plan
• Unlimited personal feedback
• Clear next actions
• Ongoing guidance
• All the resources you need to fill in knowledge gaps and become confident in your recording and mixing abilities

Apply here:

👉 theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

Free first call. Money back guarantee. No pressure.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/305

--

Send us Fan Mail

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

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. 

We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. 

In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. 

With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.

Sounds interesting?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

There’s more mixing advice online than ever.

But here’s the real question:

Is it coming from people who actually make records… or people who make content?

In this episode, Benedikt and Manel react to answers from industry heavyweights Chris Galland and Joe Chiccarelli and compare them to common internet mixing advice.

The results are revealing.

Real pros barely care about many of the things you see everywhere online.

And many content creators ignore things that actual engineers call non-negotiable.

If you’re a self-recording musician trying to improve your mixes, this episode will help you separate hype from essential fundamentals.

What We Cover

• Should you high-pass everything?
• Do you really need to mix in mono?
• Are reference tracks mandatory?
• Should you always check your mix in the car?
• Is EQing to the key of the song a real thing?
• Do pros tune every vocal?
• Do you have to hard pan guitars?
• Are stereo imaging plugins essential?
• Should you always mix at low volumes?
• Does gain staging still matter in 2026?
• Is parallel compression overhyped?

And most importantly:

How do you know who to trust when learning mixing?

The Big Takeaways

• Context matters more than rules.
• The basics still win.
• You can ignore most of the fancy techniques and approaches until you've mastered the essential things.
• If advice sounds absolute, be skeptical.
• If someone never makes records, question their authority.

As Benedikt says in the episode:

Who This Is For

This episode is for:

• Rock, punk, indie, metal and alternative musicians recording themselves
• Producers overwhelmed by conflicting YouTube advice
• Anyone trying to get real results instead of chasing trends

If you’re serious about improving your mixes, this one will reset your priorities.

Want Real Guidance (Not Hype)?

If you want feedback and guidance from engineers who mix 200+ songs per year for artists and labels worldwide, audio pros who actively work with self-recording artists all the time:

👉 Apply for coaching inside The Self-Recording Syndicate

https://theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

We don’t teach trends.

We teach what actually works for your music.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/304

--

Send us Fan Mail

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

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. 

We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. 

In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. 

With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.

Sounds interesting?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

This is the final episode of our full music production breakdown series.

We’ve covered songwriting, pre-production, gear, sound checks and recording.

Now we finish the record.

In this episode, we walk you through steps 6–10 of the real-world production process

• Session cleanup and comping
• Editing where necessary (timing and pitch)
• Moving from recording to mixing
• A structured mixing workflow that actually works
• The truth about mastering
• When to outsource and when not to
• Why AI mastering is not the same as real mastering (and when it can be an option)

If you’ve ever:

• Got stuck after recording
• Ruined a mix by overworking it
• Wondered if/how you should use a mix bus compressor
• Felt confused about gain staging
• Been disappointed by a bad master

This episode is for you.

We break down a proven, step-by-step framework that helps you:

• Keep objectivity
• Avoid rabbit holes
• Mix faster
• Preserve the magic you captured
• Finish songs properly

Because the goal after recording is simple:

Don’t mess it up. Don't reinvent it. Enhance it. Move it across the finish line.

The Mixing Framework We Teach

Here’s the structured approach we use inside The Self-Recording Syndicate:

1. Proper mix prep (organization + routing)
2. Rough mix (gain staging, levels + panning)
3. Mix bus setup & overall vibe and color
4. EQ cleanup + sweetening
5. Compression with intention
6. Creative effects (reverbs, delays, saturation)
7. Automation and movement
8. Mastering ( finishing, final formats, and quality control

Most people obsess over plugins.

The pros obsess over balance. In all ways. Not a static balance. But one that serves every part of the song, enhances it emotionally and guides the listener through the song.

🎁 Free Mixing Guide

If you want a clear system for balancing, gain staging and preparing your mix properly:

👉 Download the free guide:

theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes

🎯 Want Help Finishing Your Songs?

If you want personal guidance through all these steps:

Apply for coaching:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

Inside the Self-Recording Syndicate you get:

• Structured playbooks
• Detailed mix feedback
• Clear next steps to work on - always
• Templates
• Frameworks
• And 5 professional masters, as well as a full mix + mix walkthrough included

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/303

--

Send us Fan Mail

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

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. 

We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. 

In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. 

With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.

Sounds interesting?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

Recording music is about capturing magic moments.

In this episode of The Self-Recording Band Podcast, Benedikt and Manel are breaking down step 5 of the production process: the recording session — the moment where everything can either fall apart… or finally come alive.

You can have the right song, the right gear, the right room, and the perfect setup — and still end up with a lifeless recording if you don’t handle the human side of recording properly.

This episode is all about capturing exciting performances, creating the right vibe in the room, and making decisions that serve emotion over perfection.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why performance matters more than technical perfection (and always will)
• How to guide yourself or your band into better takes
• Why how you talk to performers can make or break a session
• The importance of preparation before hitting record
• How to avoid killing the vibe during vocal sessions
• When to record full takes vs. sections
• Why warm-ups are non-negotiable (and how pros do it)
• How to choose the right recording order for instruments
• Why vocals should not be an afterthought
• Simple systems for comping and editing while recording
• How to protect your sessions with smart backup habits

This episode is part of our start-to-finish production process series. If you haven’t listened to steps 1-4 yet, go back and start there — this series is designed to be followed in order.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/302

--

Send us Fan Mail

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

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. 

We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. 

In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. 

With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.

Sounds interesting?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

Great recordings don’t start with plugins. They start before you ever hit record.

In Step 4 of the Production Process, Benedikt Hain and Manel Espinosa break down setup and sound check: the often-skipped "day one at the studio".

This step separates frustrating home recordings (with lots of things to fix later) from mixes that fall together effortlessly.

This episode walks you through how professionals capture great tones at the source, why mic placement matters more than mic choice, how room acoustics influence your sound far more than you think, and how small setup decisions can save you hours (or days) of mixing later.

If you’ve ever felt like your recordings are technically fine but never quite sound right — this episode explains why.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why pros don't just “fix it in the mix” — and why you shouldn’t either
• How to find the best recording spot in any room (even untreated ones)
• Simple acoustic tricks that dramatically improve vocal and instrument recordings
• Why instrument setup (strings, heads, tuning) matters more than expensive gear
• How mic placement can change your sound more than swapping microphones
• Real audio examples showing how small mic movements create massive tonal changes
• How proper monitoring improves vocal performances instantly
• Why vibe, lighting, and comfort directly affect the quality of your takes
• How basic checklists prevent session-killing mistakes

Who this episode is for:

• Self-recording musicians and bands
• DIY producers working from home studios or jam spaces
• Artists frustrated by muddy, harsh, boring, or lifeless recordings
• Anyone who wants mixes that come together faster — with less guesswork

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/301

--

Send us Fan Mail

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

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. 

We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. 

In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. 

With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.

Sounds interesting?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

Episode 300 is a big one — and not because of the number.

In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood (and most skipped) steps in the entire record-making process: pre-production.

Most self-recording artists think pre-production is either:

• just “recording demos”, or
• something only big studios with big budgets need

Both are wrong.

In this episode, Benedikt and Manel explain:

• what pre-production actually is
• where it starts (and where it absolutely shouldn’t end)
• why skipping it makes recording harder, slower, and worse
• and how proper pre-production gives you better performances, better sounds, and easier mixes

This is Step 3 in our complete record-making process — right between writing and recording — and it’s the step that determines whether your recording session feels creative… or frustrating.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What pre-production really means (and why there’s no single “correct” definition)
• The difference between writing, demoing, pre-production, and recording
• Why great producers separate creative flow from technical precision
• What should never be figured out during a recording session
• Why re-recording after demos is usually necessary (and when it’s not)
• Real-world examples where demo recordings actually made it onto final records
• How pre-production creates freedom — not restriction — during recording
• Why most home-recorded projects fail before microphones even matter

Who this episode is for:

• DIY musicians recording at home
• Bands preparing to record an EP or album
• Artists stuck re-recording songs over and over
• Anyone who feels their recordings never live up to the idea in their head

If you want your next recording session to feel focused, creative, and intentional, this episode is required listening.

🎧 Listen now and make your next recording session easier — before it even starts.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/300

--

Send us Fan Mail

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

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. 

We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. 

In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. 

With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.

Sounds interesting?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

Everyone loves gear.

Most people just get their priorities wrong when it comes to picking the right equipment for the project.

In this episode, Benedikt walks you through Step 2 of the full music production process: choosing the right gear for your project — without overspending, obsessing over specs, or sabotaging your results before you even hit record.

This is not a list of “best microphones” or “must-have plugins.”

Instead, you’ll learn a clear hierarchy of what actually matters most, starting at the source and working all the way down to plugins.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Do I really need better gear?
• Is something about my setup holding me back?
• Where should I invest first — and what can wait?

This episode will give you clarity.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

• Why instruments and sources matter more than any recording gear
• How strings, drum skins, picks, and sticks shape your sound more than plugins ever will
• Why cabs matter more than amps (and how to use IRs properly)
• The smartest way to approach room acoustics without expensive builds
• Why monitoring (especially headphones) is more important than interfaces, plugins, outboard gear or the DAW
• How to choose the right microphones for your voice and room
• When you actually need a DI box (and what specs matter)
• Why modern audio interfaces mostly differ by features, not sound
• How to choose the right DAW without getting stuck in brand wars
• Why plugins and outboard gear belong at the bottom of the list

This episode will help you:

✔ Stop wasting money

✔ Make intentional gear decisions

✔ Get better recordings with what you already have

✔ Build a setup that actually supports your music

🔗 Need Help Choosing The Right Gear?

If you want personalized guidance for your setup, your music, and your goals:

👉 Apply for coaching at theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

We’ll listen to your music, build a custom production plan, and help you make the right decisions — without guesswork.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/299

--

Send us Fan Mail

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

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. 

We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. 

In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. 

With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.

Sounds interesting?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

In this episode, Benedikt and Manel kick off a brand-new series where they break down the entire music production process from start to finish.

This episode covers Step 1: The Foundation - the most overlooked phase of production, and the one that determines whether everything later (recording, mixing, mastering) becomes smooth… or a constant fight.

You’ll learn why:

• Great mixes can’t fix weak songs
• Intentional decisions beat guessing every time
• Clarity early on saves hours later in production

This episode is long, deep, and practical - designed to give you a repeatable mental framework you can return to every time you start a new song or record.

What You’ll Learn

• Why vision and intention matter more than gear
• How to define what your record actually needs to sound like
• The difference between writing, arrangement, and production (and why it matters)
• How to avoid over-complicating songs with unnecessary layers
• Why “done is better than perfect” in the early phases
• How lyrics, melody, arrangement, and emotion work together
• How experienced producers think about groove, space, contrast, and impact
• Why clarity in the foundation makes recording and mixing faster and easier

Key Takeaway

If you don’t know what you’re aiming for, every decision later becomes a guess.

This episode helps you define the target before you hit record.

Listen / Watch

• Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, all major platforms
• YouTube: Full video version available

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/298

--

Send us Fan Mail

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

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. 

We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. 

In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. 

With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.

Sounds interesting?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

In this episode, we’re joined by Connor Daniel - an LA-based writer, producer, and engineer, working closely with John Feldmann, while also producing and mixing records from his own home studio.

Connor has worked on projects involving artists like Avril Lavigne, Yellowcard, Simple Plan, and collaborations featuring Travis Barker - but what makes this conversation especially relevant is that Connor still self-records his own band, socialghosts, and produces much of his work outside of big studios.

This episode is a deep, honest conversation about:

• What actually matters in modern rock and pop production
• Why song and taste beat gear every time
• How to navigate self-recording without overthinking gear and setups
• When polished production helps - and when raw honesty wins
• How to collaborate better as a producer, engineer, or artist

No hype. No dogma. Just real-world insight from someone working at the highest level and in a bedroom studio.

Topics We Cover

• Connor’s unexpected path from artist to producer/engineer
• Learning production by necessity
• Getting hired at a major studio via Instagram
• What really makes assistants stand out in pro environments
• Why producing your own band is harder than producing others
• Templates, workflows, and staying organized without killing creativity
• Mixing in untreated rooms (and how to make it work)
• Translation vs. perfection when checking mixes
• Genre-blending, modern rock trends, and authenticity
• Why listeners don’t care about your gear choices
• The psychology of collaboration and producer communication
• When to trust instinct - and when to just try the idea

Listen / Watch

• Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, all major platforms
• YouTube: Full video version available

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/297

--

Send us Fan Mail

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

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. 

We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. 

In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. 

With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.

Sounds interesting?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

Making a great record isn’t about plugins, presets, or expensive gear.

It’s about following a clear, repeatable process — every single time.

In this episode, Benedikt and Manel break down the 10-step process that goes into every record, regardless of genre, budget, or studio size. This is the big-picture overview that most artists never get. And the starting point for a full upcoming series where each step will be explored in depth.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Where do I actually start?
• What comes next?
• Which steps can I do myself - and where do I need help?

This episode gives you the full map.

🔟 The 10 Steps Covered in This Episode

1. Foundation – Vision, taste, identity, songwriting & creative direction
2. Picking The Right Gear – What actually matters (and what doesn’t)
3. Pre-Production – Turning ideas into a clear blueprint
4. Recording Setup – Soundcheck, instruments, room, microphones
5. Recording – Capturing emotion, performances & momentum
6. Session Cleanup – Comping, organization, preparation
7. Post-Production – Layers, effects, samples & enhancements
8. Editing – Timing, tuning, cleanup (without killing the vibe)
9. Mixing – Turning many tracks into one emotional statement
10. Mastering – Final delivery, quality control, translation & release-ready formats

This isn’t about doing everything perfectly.

It’s about not skipping steps.

🎯 Why This Matters

Most self-recording artists struggle because:

• they jump between phases
• they already mix while they're still writing
• they buy gear instead of building foundations
• they don’t know what “done” actually means

This framework gives you clarity, confidence, and momentum. Whether you want to do everything yourself or build a team.

🔗 Next Steps & Resources

• 📌 Explore related episodes for each step on the show notes page
• 🎧 Listen to future episodes as we go step-by-step through the process
• 🎓 Want guidance while making your own record? 👉 Apply for coaching at theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/296

--

Send us Fan Mail

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