Best Carl Bahner Podcasts (2024)

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#220 - Dave McNair Part 1 - The Perpetual Balance of Taste and Technique 50:49

5h ago50:49

50:49

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…

1
#219 - Dana Nielsen Part 2 - Vocal Production Mastery 37:22

1d ago37:22

37:22

In this second part of our interview with Dana Nielsen, we dive deep into the world of vocal production. Dana shares his expertise on working with singers, from capturing great performances to the intricacies of vocal editing and comping. He offers invaluable insights into creating a comfortable environment for artists, reading the room, and knowin…

1
#218 - Dana Nielsen Part 1 - The Art of Studio Diplomacy 43:20

8d ago43:20

43:20

Grammy-nominated recording engineer and producer Dana Nielsen reveals the crucial "soft skills" that elevate great engineers above the rest. Drawing from his experiences working with industry giants like Rick Rubin, Rihanna, Adele, Linkin Park, Red Hot Chili Peppers (and countless more), Dana shares insights on reading the room, adapting to artists…

1
#217 - Nick Nagurka Part 2 - The Psychology of Live Recording 39:36

15d ago39:36

39:36

In this second part of our interview with Nick Nagurka, we dive deeper into the human side of Nick’s approach to live band recording. Nick shares insights on creating a comfortable environment for artists, managing the pressure of performance, and maintaining the delicate balance between technical excellence and capturing raw, authentic moments. Fr…

1
#216 - Nick Nagurka Part 1 - Capturing Magical Moments (Live in the Room) 40:12

22d ago40:12

40:12

Welcome to the first interview episode of Secret Sonics 2.0! We're kicking off our revamped format with a bang, pulling back the curtain on the art and science of live band recording with engineer extraordinaire Nick Nagurka. Known for his work with Theo Katzman and Vulfpeck, Nick brings a fresh perspective to the age-old challenge of capturing lig…

1
#215 - Future-Proofing Your Music Business: Essential Strategies for Sustainable Success 34:10

29d ago34:10

34:10

Ben and Carl discuss key strategies for creating a sustainable and future-proof music production business. They explore topics like consistent lead generation, maintaining client relationships, adapting to industry trends, and differentiating yourself in a crowded market. Topics we discuss: The power of consistent lead generation, even during busy …

1
Quick Announcement: The Platinum Pitch (Free Class) 0:42

1M ago0:42

0:42

“The Platinum Pitch: Proposals Clients Can’t Refuse” FREE CLASS Register today: https://branding.carlbahner.com/offers/eL9EmmUL/checkoutBy Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner

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#214 - Four Years of Growth: Reflections on Our Professional Journeys 27:51

2M ago27:51

27:51

Ben and Carl discuss their professional evolution since their first podcast encounter four years ago. They explore significant changes in equipment, mindset, and industry practices that have shaped their careers in music production and mixing. Topics we discuss: How better equipment revealed Ben's bad mixing habits Carl's journey in self-confidence…

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Reissue: #058 with Carl Bahner - Forging a Creative Path in Production 1:08:10

2M ago1:08:10

1:08:10

Have a listen to the very first episode of Secret Sonics featuring Carl Bahner! Back in August 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Ben and Carl formed a friendship. We thought it would be fun to revisit this episode and explore Carl's origin story while we take a break to prepare for bringing new guests onto the show. Enjoy! Original Show Note…

1
#213 - How to Mix an Arena-Ready Backing Track 32:26

2M ago32:26

32:26

In this episode, Carl shares his recent experience creating a backing track for a high-stakes live event. Discover how mixing for a live venue requires a complete shift in priorities and techniques compared to crafting tracks for streaming platforms. From exaggerating dynamics to strategically reinforcing rhythmic elements, you'll learn about how t…

1
#212 - How Our Instrumental Backgrounds Shape Our Production & Mixing 22:35

2M ago22:35

22:35

In this episode, Ben and Carl discuss how their respective backgrounds as a bassist and a drummer shape their approach to music production and mixing. They delve into the influence of their live performance experiences and traditional training on their production techniques, emphasizing intentionality and minimalism. Topics we discuss: Intentionali…

1
#211 - On-Stage Lessons for Studio Success 32:54

3M ago32:54

32:54

In this episode, Ben and Carl discuss the transition from being live performers to working in the studio. They share personal anecdotes and insights into the skills and experiences that have informed their studio work, such as checking egos, understanding tempo, effective communication, conflict resolution, and the importance of arrangement. They a…

1
#210 - Your Opinion Wanted: The State of the Podcast 22:00

3M ago22:00

22:00

Join Ben and Carl for a peek behind the podcast curtain as they reflect on the journey of Secret Sonics and explore exciting new directions for the show. In this candid conversation, they share their vision for weaving in fresh perspectives through guest interviews while preserving the magic of their duo dynamic. Discover the thought process behind…

1
#209 - Building Your Dream Team: How to Collaborate in Music Production 28:40

3M ago28:40

28:40

Teamwork really DOES make the dream work. In this episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into assembling a roster of pros who can take your projects to the next level. From identifying the right specialists for each song to fostering a culture of trust and creative alchemy, you'll learn how to build a team that amplifies your strengths and delivers even b…

1
#208 - Overcoming the Curse of Perfectionism 33:24

3M ago33:24

33:24

Are you constantly chasing the elusive "perfect" mix or agonizing over every tiny detail in your productions? In this episode, Ben and Carl share their hard-won insights on overcoming perfectionist tendencies that can stifle creativity and slow progress to a crawl. They share practical strategies for breaking free from the perfectionist's curse, tr…

1
#207 - Our Go-To Reference Mixes (and Why We Chose Them) 35:20

3M ago35:20

35:20

Ben and Carl delve into their go-to songs for mix references across various aspects of sound including bottom end, top end, mid-range, depth, stereo field, dynamic range, and transients. They explore a wide range of music from artists like Radiohead, Adele, Daft Punk, and Billie Eilish, to name a few, providing insights into why these tracks serve …

1
#206 - Using Music Theory to Conquer Common Mixing Challenges 16:52

4M ago16:52

16:52

Does music theory belong in the mixing engineer's toolbox? In this rapid-fire episode, Ben and Carl explore the surprising ways a solid grasp of music theory can elevate your mixes from amateur to awesome. Discover how to wield the power of harmony, melody, and chord progressions to troubleshoot tricky mix issues, enhance arrangements, and take you…

1
#205 - Consistency Hacks for Reliably Radio-Ready Mixes 44:25

4M ago44:25

44:25

Want to know how to create release-ready mixes with confidence every single time? In this episode, Ben and Carl reveal their approaches for achieving reliable mix consistency no matter the song. Discover the mindset shifts, little-known technical tricks, and proven workflow strategies that will help you nail your mix vision faster, with fewer frust…

1
#204 - Masking Mayhem: How to Tame the Chaos and Clarify Your Mixes 20:19

4M ago20:19

20:19

In this week's episode, Ben and Carl unmask the mystery of masking (pun very much intended). They talk about frequency masking, rhythmic masking, transient masking, and more. There are plenty of "aha!" moments that will change the way you approach mixing, so tune in now and elevate your mixes from cluttered to crystal-clear! Topics we discuss: The …

1
#203 - Embracing Your Inner Weird: Turning Quirks into Career Superpowers 32:05

4M ago32:05

32:05

Leaning into your authentic self, flaws and all, can become your greatest asset in building a standout career. In this offbeat episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into the quirky traits and tendencies that make them unique as music professionals. Topics we discuss: Why your quirks are more than just personality traits - they shape your artistic identit…

1
#202 - AI in Music: Salvation or Doom for Creatives? 38:58

5M ago38:58

38:58

In this thought-provoking episode, Ben and Carl dive headfirst into the complex world of artificial intelligence and its impending impact on the music industry. Discover how AI is already transforming music creation and production, and explore the philosophical quandaries that arise as technology blurs the line between human artistry and machine-ge…

1
#201 - Minimalism: How Audio Engineers Can Create Big Results With Less 34:00

5M ago34:00

34:00

What if the secret to standout mixes was doing less, not more? In this episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into the art of minimalism in audio engineering. Discover how applying minimalist principles, from streamlined plugin chains to intentional gear choices, can elevate your sound and simplify your workflow. Learn why sometimes the biggest results co…

1
#200 - Mastering: A Mixer's Perspective 39:06

5M ago39:06

39:06

In this episode, mixing engineers Ben and Carl dive into the vital yet often misunderstood role of mastering in the music production process. Topics we discuss: The single biggest reason mastering can make or break your mix (it's not what you think) How to harness the power of objectivity to hear your mix with fresh ears The little-known trick for …

1
#199 - How to Confidently Raise Your Rates 52:59

5M ago52:59

52:59

Ready to start earning what you're really worth as an audio professional? In this eye-opening episode, Ben and Carl talk about proven strategies for tactfully raising your rates with both new and existing clients. Discover how to showcase your unique value, frame your pricing in a compelling way, and confidently ask for the rates you deserve. Topic…

1
#198 - Cold Outreach That Doesn’t Feel Icky 36:38

6M ago36:38

36:38

In this episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into the often uncomfortable but crucial topic of cold outreach for audio professionals. Carl shares his proven methodology for finding and connecting with potential clients and collaborators in a genuine, non-sleazy way. Learn how to move past the discomfort, build the habit of regular outreach, and transfor…

1
#197 - Why the Goal Posts of Success are Always Moving 47:35

6M ago47:35

47:35

In this week's episode of Secret Sonics, Ben and Carl explore the evolving nature of career success. Topics we discuss: Early unrealistic dreams transform into sustainable career visions over time Realizing that artistic purpose can fuel and expand your goals as it connects with listeners ⁠Life priorities reshape definitions of success at different…

1
#196 - Taking Criticism Like a Pro 41:00

6M ago41:00

41:00

In this week's episode, Ben and Carl talk about taking criticism as an audio professional. Topics we discuss: Getting constructive vs unhelpful criticism and feedback Building a "circle" of trusted people to give feedback Characteristics to look for in people you ask criticism from Receiving criticism during different stages of production Dealing w…

1
#195 - How Templates Can Enable (Not Stifle) Creativity 22:51

6M ago22:51

22:51

Have a listen as Ben and Carl have an in-depth conversation about using templates for efficient mixing and production workflows. They talk about how they structure their templates by routing tracks, buses, and FX stacks to allow for maximum flexibility when mixing. They discuss setting expectations with clients about initial mixes as well as favori…

1
#194 - Don’t Get Suckered By The Sale: What We ACTUALLY Look For When Buying Plugins 42:26

6M ago42:26

42:26

Tune in as Ben and Carl talk about what it takes to convince them to buy new plugins - from usefulness to inspiration and everything in between. They discuss the plugins they can’t live without, the plugins that were a total disappointment, and the future of subscription payment models. Topics we discuss: ⁠Prerequisites for buying a new plugin Mark…

1
Your Studio's Website (Probably) Sucks - Here's How To Fix It 13:15

7M ago13:15

13:15

Who Is Your Website Actually For? Is your studio website helping you attract the right clients? Most producer/engineer websites focus too much on factoids and accomplishments rather than showing your ideal customers how you can solve their specific problems. In this video, I explain why your website should be focused on serving your ideal clients, …

1
#193 - How the Role of the Mixing Engineer is Changing in 2024 49:15

7M ago49:15

49:15

Ben and Carl discuss the role of a mixing engineer in 2024. They talk about how the role has changed over the years as well as the importance of communication with artists and producers to bring their vision to life. They also explore the impact of technological changes and how it has impacted the mixing process and made it more efficient. This dis…

1
Overcoming Social Media Content Creation Anxiety 10:24

7M ago10:24

10:24

Struggling with fear, nerves or uncertainty about creating social media content? Learn how I overcame my own overwhelming anxiety about filming YouTube, TikTok and Instagram videos. I'll share actionable tips for managing vlogging stress, including the game-changing video editing web app helping me rapidly transform messy first drafts into polished…

1
#192 - Moving Forward: Ben & Carl Chart Their 2024 Game Plan 38:49

7M ago38:49

38:49

Get ready for 2024. Ben and Carl kick off their rebooted Secret Sonics podcast - as new co-hosts - by doing a goal-setting session for the new year. Ben shares his plans to realign his audio career, while Carl reveals his strategy to have over 1000 conversations in 2024 (yes, seriously). Money, mindfulness, and family take priority, too as they set…

1
Talking To One Thousand Strangers 10:36

8M ago10:36

10:36

As we take on the new year, many of us set lofty financial goals that end up falling flat. If that sounds familiar, tune in as I share my surprising plan for career and income growth in 2024 that does NOT rely on a specific dollar figure. After expanding my family and missing last year’s money goals thanks to an adorable (but time-sucking) new baby…

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Secret Sonics 191 - Matt Huber - The Hyper-Focused Mixing Engineer 1:35:40

8M ago1:35:40

1:35:40

Matt Huber is a mix engineer based out of LA, CA, USA! In our conversation Matt and I go deep on the following: His journey from Arkansas to LA (via Nashville) Delegation & scaling Niching down Atmos His approach to mixing Getting bright (but not harsh) vocals Mixing into a limiter Why he buys every single plugin The quality of high vs. low track-c…

1
Bonus Episode - 10 Must-Have Mindsets for Music Professionals - With Travis Ference of Progressions 19:58

10M ago19:58

19:58

This conversation first appeared as episode 98 of Progressions: Success in the Music Industry - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/episode/10-mindsets Credits: Guest: Ben Wallick Host: Travis Ference Editor: Stephen Boyd Learn more about Secret Sonics - https://www.benwallick.com/podcastBy Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner

1
A Brief Message from Jerusalem 3:23

10M ago3:23

3:23

By Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner

1
Sorry for Going AWOL 2:00

11M ago2:00

2:00

Sorry for dropping the ball there, wanted to keep you in the loop.By Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner

1
The 10,000 Failures Rule 14:49

11M ago14:49

14:49

An adaptation to Malcolm Gladwell's "10,000 Hours" rule, where we consider collecting failures like trophies on the path to mastery and fearlessness. Intro music: “Gingerly” (instrumental) by Surname. Mixed by yours truly. Focus music by Pink Coyote. Outro music: “Futurism” (instrumental) by mrnoname. Produced and mixed by yours truly. @CarlBahner …

1
Risk is Not a Four-Letter Word 18:03

11M ago18:03

18:03

Change will happen whether we're ready or not. In this episode, I talk about how seizing opportunities outside my comfort zone completely reshaped my music career. Intro music: “Gingerly” (instrumental) by Surname. Mixed by yours truly. Focus music by Pink Coyote. Outro music: “Futurism” (instrumental) by mrnoname. Produced and mixed by yours truly…

1
Secret Sonics 190 - John Velasquez - Fostering a Community Around Music 1:25:36

12M ago1:25:36

1:25:36

John Velasquez is a music producer, mixer, and songwriter based out of LA, CA, USA! In our conversation John and I go deep on the following: The importance of humility How he has built a community of creatives that he collaborates with Mindfulness Being real Patience Working with a team Getting artists to deliver great vocal performances The cry te…

1
Secret Sonics 189 - Enoch Yang - Future-Proofing Your Audio Business with Systems 54:33

1y ago54:33

54:33

Enoch Yang is a systems and operational management specialist (in addition to being a music producer and artist), based out of Charlotte, NC, USA! In today's episode, Enoch offers a hands-on roadmap for implementing effective systems within your audio business. This approach can help you streamline your business and focus more energy on your core w…

1
Secret Sonics 188 - Daniela Rivera - Letting the Music Shine in the Mix 1:36:41

1y ago1:36:41

1:36:41

Daniela Rivera is an Emmy-nominated and multiple-Grammy participating audio and mixing engineer based out of Atlanta, GA, USA! She's also the Governor of the Recording Academy's Atlanta Chapter. In our conversation Daniela and I go deep on the following: Her Journey starting with a Korg Triton keyboard Assisting for legendary mixer Phil Tan Coming …

1
Secret Sonics 187 - Stephen Cole - Making Eclectic Records 1:45:45

1y ago1:45:45

1:45:45

Stephen Cole is a music producer, mixing engineer, musician, and the owner of What Studio based in Liverpool, England, UK! In our conversation Stephen and I go deep on the following: Being a self-taught product of the bedroom recording boom Building up a palette of sounds and recognizing the context of a sound Building a studio in a church Getting …

1
Secret Sonics 186 - Travis Ference - Strategic Audio Workflows 1:46:13

1y ago1:46:13

1:46:13

Travis Ference is a Grammy-nominated mixing engineer and the host of Progressions, a podcast about finding success in the music industry. Travis is based out of LA, CA, USA! In our conversation Travis and I go deep on the following: Fatherhood and time management Soundflow, scripts, and other shortcuts Is AI coming for mixing engineers? Content cre…

1
Secret Sonics 185 - Dave McNair - An Audiophile's Approach to Mastering 1:46:11

1y ago1:46:11

1:46:11

Dave McNair is a multiple Grammy Award-winning mastering engineer based out of Winston-Salem, NC, USA! In our conversation Dave and I go deep on the following: His journey in audio and mastering Why mastering engineers work so quickly How bass and vocals are paramount in a mix Mastering with mixing in mind and vice versa Correcting a good mix made …

1
Secret Sonics 184 - Noam Levinberg - Manifesting Successful Pivots in Audio 1:21:41

1y ago1:21:41

1:21:41

Noam Levinberg is a mastering engineer and the owner of the brand-new plugin company, Safari Pedals! He's based out of Tel Aviv, Israel. In our conversation Noam and I go deep on the following: Lessons from building the audio department at a sync company You don’t have to smash the dynamics for sync music Headroom and dynamics Things are getting qu…

1
Mix_Notes 008 - My Approach to Electric Guitars 9:03

1+ y ago9:03

9:03

Mix_Notes are a chance for Ben to talk about the topics on his mind and share what's been happening in his studio - beyond the scope of the usual interviews that take place on Secret Sonics. Here are some links based on what I referenced: Neural DSP's Wong amp - https://neuraldsp.com/plugins/archetype-cory-wong?g_acctid=332-563-6797&g_adgroupid=&g_…

1
Secret Sonics 183 - Philip Weinrobe - Music Production's Unorthodox Thinker 1:27:16

1+ y ago1:27:16

1:27:16

Philip Weinrobe is a record producer, mixing engineer, and the owner of Sugar Mountain Recording in Brooklyn, NY, USA. He's worked with talented artists such as Adrianne Lenker (Big Thief), Theo Katzman (Vulfpeck), Alanis Morissette, and many others! In our conversation Philip and I go deep on the following: Accidentally getting into recording by b…

1
Mix_Notes 007 - These are a few of my favorite things - The Saturator Edition! 11:52

1+ y ago11:52

11:52

Mix_Notes are a chance for Ben to talk about the topics on his mind and share what's been happening in his studio - beyond the scope of the usual interviews that take place on Secret Sonics. Here's a link to the video version - https://youtu.be/EOhQzrS2BaA Here are some links based on what I referenced: Black Box HG2 - https://www.plugin-alliance.c…

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