In this episode, Ben and Carl reveal why blindly pushing boundaries isn't the answer - and share their framework for intentionally shifting your comfort zone instead. Plus: real talk about raising rates without feeling like a jerk, why some producers thrive in chaos, and the art of making business changes without losing your soul.

Some topics we cover:
•⁠  ⁠The sneaky way comfort zones can kill your growth (without you noticing)
•⁠  ⁠How to raise your rates without losing clients (including the exact script)
•⁠  ⁠Why some "uncomfortable" moves are just bad ideas (and how to tell the difference)
•⁠  Turning intimidating changes into your new normal.


Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5

Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing


Connect with us:

Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/

Learn more:

https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/


This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

Ever feel like you're juggling too many transitions at once? In this episode of Secret Sonics, Carl and Ben get real about the challenges (and unexpected opportunities) of major life and business changes. From moving studios to streamlining services, they dive into what happens when your personal and professional worlds collide.

Whether you're thinking about delegating tasks, moving your studio, or just feeling stuck in a transition period, this candid conversation explores how successful studio pros navigate seasons of growth without losing their minds (or their creative spark).

Plus, get a sneak peek at StudioLand - Carl's new educational platform helping thoughtful music production professionals become irresistible to their ideal clients.

Sometimes the scariest changes lead to the biggest breakthroughs. Time to embrace the chaos?

In this episode:

• Why delegation isn't just about saving time - it's about focusing on what only YOU can do
• The truth about training others (and why "I'm too busy" is a trap)
• How physical moves can spark creative and business reinvention
• Why streamlining services doesn't always mean doing less
• Real talk about work-life separation when you work from home
• The unexpected benefits of forced change

Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5

Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing


Connect with us:

Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/

Thanks to our sponsors!

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen


Learn more:

https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/


This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

In this episode, Ben and Carl pull back the curtain on their approach for taking good mixes to the next level by implementing additional production. You'll get a peek into their fast-paced workflow, trying out new ideas without overthinking and how they get experimental with sound design.

• Blending multiple sources to craft dream guitar, piano, and other instrument tones
• Hunting for complementary sounds vs. just replacing problem elements
• Strategically adding subtle percussive "ear candy" to lift energy
• The "2-minute rule" for quickly trying out new production ideas

Learn more about Carl's StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5


Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing

Ben's Sample Packs (mentioned in the episode):
Shofar - https://app.filepass.com/s/pvJPG4jsmD06VOoo/f/405031/Shofar%20Samples%20(Wallick).zip
Discord Pack - https://app.filepass.com/s/rESekl0tfZvFE7KG/f/487763/Sample%20Pack%20%231

Connect with us:

Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/

Thanks to our sponsors!

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen


Learn more:

https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/


This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

In this episode, Ben and Carl continue their conversation with Phil Weinrobe and dive deep into the intricacies of trust-building and authentic music production in the studio. They explore the importance of clear and direct communication, the challenges of balancing perfection with creative spontaneity, and unique practices like limiting playback to foster trust and focus on performance. The discussion also touches on the psychological aspects of music creation, managing interpersonal dynamics within a band, and the significance of vulnerability and stakes in producing impactful music. 

• Building Trust in the Studio
• The Importance of Feeling in Music
• The Role of Danger and Stakes in Art

Learn more about Phil - https://www.philipweinrobe.com/

Follow Phil - https://www.instagram.com/philipweinrobe/

Learn more about Carl's StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5

Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing


Connect with us:

Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/

Thanks to our sponsors!

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen


Learn more:

https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/


This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

In this episode, Ben and Carl reconnect with Phil Weinrobe to challenge common recording assumptions and share his refreshingly human-centered approach to music production.

• Why live tracking creates musical magic that overdubs can't replicate
• How breathing sounds act like a conductor's baton for emotional impact
• The vocalist, not the rhythm section, often drives the rhythmic feel
• Trust your gut reactions while casually listening over critical analysis
• Convert technical "problems" into musical opportunities
• Build processes that reliably reach higher creative peaks faster
• Building trust through process and preparation
• Maintaining flexibility while aiming for ideal scenarios

Learn more about Phil - https://www.philipweinrobe.com/

Follow Phil - https://www.instagram.com/philipweinrobe/

Learn more about Carl's StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5

Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing


Connect with us:

Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/

Thanks to our sponsors!

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen


Learn more:

https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/


This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

In this episode, Ben and Carl dive into the delicate art of handling mix revisions and collaborating with artists. After a brief hiatus, they return with fresh insights on:

• Why mix revisions aren't personal attacks on your skills or taste
• The balance between respecting the artist's vision while providing professional guidance
• How to handle situations when artists' requests conflict with their stated goals
• The importance of clear communication and expectation-setting from the start
• Why checking in early and often prevents major revision headaches later
• Tips for working with artists who communicate in different languages or styles

Learn more about Carl's StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5

Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing


Connect with us:

Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/

Thanks to our sponsors!

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen


Learn more:

https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/


This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

In this candid episode, Ben and Carl open up about their personal struggles with burnout and overwhelm. This episode offers a raw, honest look at the realities of burnout in the audio industry, reminding listeners they're not alone in these struggles.


Topics we discuss:

• The challenges of balancing work, family, and other life stressors
• Managing communication overload across multiple platforms
• Strategies for dealing with burnout

Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing


Connect with us:

Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/

Thanks to our sponsors!

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

“The Platinum Pitch: Proposals Clients Can’t Refuse” FREE CLASS Register today: https://branding.carlbahner.com/offers/eL9EmmUL/checkout


Learn more:

https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/


This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

In this enlightening follow-up, Matt Huber dives deeper into the collaborative nature of audio engineering, sharing insights on collective learning, building community, and evolving mixing techniques. Discover how fostering relationships with fellow engineers can accelerate your growth, why a competitive mindset holds you back, and Matt's latest revelations about multiband processing on the mix bus.


Topics we discuss:

• How Matt and his collaborators deep-dive into topics like loudness for streaming platforms
• The unexpected benefits of viewing other engineers as peers rather than competitors
• Matt's innovative "5% better" exercise for group mixing sessions
• Why understanding the 'why' behind plugin choices is crucial for intentional mixing
• Matt's evolving perspective on multiband processing and how to use it more effectively

Learn more about Matt - https://matthuber.co/
Connect with Matt - https://www.instagram.com/mattjhuber/

Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing


Connect with us:

Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/

Thanks to our sponsors!

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

“The Platinum Pitch: Proposals Clients Can’t Refuse” FREE CLASS Register today: https://branding.carlbahner.com/offers/eL9EmmUL/checkout


Learn more:

https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/


This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

In this illuminating episode, mixing engineer Matt Huber shares his deep dive into the complex world of loudness for streaming platforms. Discover the surprising factors that influence perceived loudness on Spotify, the unexpected benefits of strategic quietness, and how to craft mixes that translate beautifully across all mediums. Whether you're a mixing novice or a seasoned pro, you'll gain valuable insights on balancing artistic integrity with the demands of the modern streaming landscape.


Topics we discuss:

• Why brightness, not just compression, plays a crucial role in perceived loudness on streaming
• The unexpected impact of vocal, kick, and snare levels on how "loud" a track feels
• How Spotify's normalization changes based on playlist context
• Strategies for communicating with clients about loudness without compromising mix quality
• Genre-specific loudness "targets" that help maintain musical impact and excitement

Learn more about Matt - https://matthuber.co/
Connect with Matt - https://www.instagram.com/mattjhuber/

Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing


Connect with us:

Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/

Thanks to our sponsors!

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

“The Platinum Pitch: Proposals Clients Can’t Refuse” FREE CLASS Register today: https://branding.carlbahner.com/offers/eL9EmmUL/checkout


Learn more:

https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/


This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

If you could start your audio career over in 2024, what would you do differently? Ben and Carl explore this thought-provoking question, sharing hard-won wisdom on striking the delicate balance between artistic growth and business savvy in today's music industry landscape. Discover practical strategies for developing your craft while building the entrepreneurial skills needed for long-term success. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your career, this episode offers a roadmap for thriving as a creative professional in the modern audio world.


Topics we discuss:

• ⁠⁠Why mastering your craft alone isn't enough to build a sustainable career
• ⁠How to cultivate your artistic community while developing business acumen
• ⁠The unexpected benefits of embracing social media for audio professionals
• Why lifelong learning is crucial for both creative and entrepreneurial growth
• Practical steps for finding your unique balance between art and commerce

Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing


Connect with us:

Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/

Thanks to our sponsors!

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

“The Platinum Pitch: Proposals Clients Can’t Refuse” FREE CLASS Register today: https://branding.carlbahner.com/offers/eL9EmmUL/checkout


Learn more:

https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/


This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

In part two of our conversation with mastering legend Dave McNair, Dave offers a treasure trove of practical advice for aspiring mastering engineers. Hear why lifelong learning is the key to audio excellence and how to develop your critical listening skills to create timeless mixes and masters. Get ready for a masterclass in audio wisdom that will transform the way you approach your craft!


Topics we discuss:

• ⁠Why mastering to vinyl might be the ultimate audio challenge (and how Dave plans to tackle it in retirement)
• The surprising power of broad EQ curves in crafting a polished, professional sound
• How to recreate the magic of analog tape compression in the digital realm
• Dave's secret weapon for taming harsh sibilance (hint: it's not a traditional de-esser)
• Why studying classic recordings from the mid-90s is crucial for developing your "internal reference"
• and more!

To learn more about Dave - https://davemcnairmastering.com/

Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing


Connect with us:

Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/
Dave - https://www.instagram.com/mcsnare/

Thanks to our sponsors!

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

“The Platinum Pitch: Proposals Clients Can’t Refuse” FREE CLASS Register today: https://branding.carlbahner.com/offers/eL9EmmUL/checkout


Learn more:

https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/


This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/