#220 - Dave McNair Part 1 - The Perpetual Balance of Taste and Technique

Secret Sonics

In this episode of Secret Sonics, mastering engineer extraordinaire Dave McNair shares his deep insights into the world of music production, mixing, and mastering. From the importance of taste in mastering to the technical nuances that can make or break a track, Dave offers invaluable advice for producers at all levels. Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned pro, this conversation is packed with wisdom to elevate your craft. Tune in to discover how to blend artistic intuition with technical precision, and why mastering is more crucial than ever in today's music landscape.
Topics we discuss:

• Why your aesthetic intuition is just as important as your technical skills
• The small adjustments that can have a big impact on the final sound of your tracks
• Analog vs. Digital
• Why mastering always starts with mid-side EQ
• Always prioritizing with the vocal
• Leaving headroom (and not lying about it ;))

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