Shows
Secret Sonics#256 - The Subtle Art of Layering PercussionBen and Carl share some of the techniques they use to add percussive depth without cluttering your mix. Learn why texture beats rhythm, how to stretch samples for supernatural groove, and the specific workflow for making percussion serve your song instead of competing with it.Discover:Why Carl’s orchestral training taught him to add texture instead of rhythm to modern pop mixesHow time-stretching a sample creates unique transient effects you can’t get any other wayHow adding one extra rhythmic element can destroy the unison power of an entire mixThe Middle Eastern groove Ben cons...2025-08-0526 minSecret Sonics#255 - Energy Vampires Are Killing Your CareerWhat happens when a successful music producer realizes he’s been working with the wrong people for years? Carl reveals the moment everything changed after his first child was born, and why he now prioritizes client personalities over everything else. The conversation gets deep about energy vampires, family priorities, and a surprising truth about word-of-mouth referrals.Discover:Why Carl went from doing 150 shows a year to being extremely picky about clients after having kidsThe exact moment he realized $50 bar gigs weren’t worth his time or energy anymoreWhy that ridiculously talented Berkeley guitarist everyone knows is a...2025-07-2228 minSecret Sonics#254 - The Shelf-Life of Major CreditsLearn the three essential principles that turn your biggest credits into sustainable income, why Grammy winners still struggle to find work, and how to position yourself so clients see your rate as a steal instead of an expense. Carl shares real strategies from working with 15+ Grammy-winning students who came to him for business help.Discover:The uncomfortable reality that major awards have expiration dates for client attractionHow the music industry shifted from 4,000 annual albums in 1970 to 100,000 daily uploadsWhy high-end mixing engineers charge based on peace of mind rather than sound qualityThe four client decision levels...2025-07-0843 minSecret Sonics#252 - The NEW Business of MixingWhat happens when a mixing engineer accidentally builds clients in 30 countries while living in Pennsylvania? Carl discovered that global currency differences and economic crashes might be the secret weapon most audio professionals are completely ignoring.Discover:Why COVID permanently shifted the industry away from big city studiosHow global economic instability can actually stabilize a mixing engineer’s incomeHow mixing engineers became accidental project managers for self-produced artistsThe math behind why international diversification beats local word-of-mouthWhen Carl recommends other engineers to look like a hero to their clientsBen and Carl's Weekly Inspiration Playlist - https://ope...2025-06-1738 minSecret Sonics#251 - Context Context Context (Vocals Pt2)What makes a vocal feel perfectly placed… or totally disconnected?This week, we’re getting way past plugin chains and diving into the real work of vocal mixing: context. We’re talking about how to make vocals live in a mix, not just sit on top of it. Because getting a vocal to shine isn’t just about EQ moves - it’s about storytelling, space, and knowing who gets the spotlight in each moment.We explore how we mix vocals completely differently - yet still aim for the same emotional clarity - and even find ourselves...2025-06-1043 minSecret Sonics#250 - Are We Making Vocals Too Perfect? (Pt1)Two cranky engineers accidentally reveal why your technically perfect vocals sound emotionally deadIn this episode, Ben and Carl dive into why the "mistakes" you're fixing might be the only thing keeping your vocals human. From pre-production psychology to multi-de-esser philosophy, they challenge everything you think you know about processing vocals.Discover:How over-rehearsed bands sabotage their own records (and why pop artists need completely different rules)Reading the room and matching your approach to the artist's psychologyWhy perfect tuning kills emotion and when to leave the "mistakes" inWhy using multiple light processors beats...2025-05-2724 minSecret Sonics#249 - Are We Hearing the Bass, or Just Feeling It? (Pt2)In this episode, Ben & Carl get into the gritty business of making bass actually work in a mix. Not just technically — but emotionally, musically, and physically. We challenge each other’s instincts, admit when we’re wrong, and debate who should own the sub: the bass or the kick?Spoiler: it depends — but we each have our go-to moves and a few spicy disagreements.Discover:Whether bass should be felt, heard… or bothThe kick vs. bass power struggle (and how we each resolve it)Why sub-bass and electric bass don’t always play niceDynamic EQ, sidechai...2025-05-2026 minSecret Sonics#247 - The Drummer's Divide: Two Wildly Different Approaches to Drum ProductionThink there's only one "right way" to record and mix drums? Think again. In this revealing episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into their completely opposite approaches to drum production. Despite working from opposite ends of the spectrum, they discover they're ultimately chasing the same emotional result. This conversation might just give you permission to try that "crazy" technique you've been hesitant to experiment with.Discover:Why conventional drum recording approaches might be limiting your creative options and sonic resultsThe counterintuitive "songs for the deaf" method of tracking drums one element at a time (and why...2025-05-0645 minSecret Sonics#246 - Template Updates: The Unsung Hero of Efficient MixingIn this "nerdy episode," Carl and Ben dive into a topic that affects many producers but rarely gets attention: updating your mixing templates. They explore how these living documents should evolve alongside your workflow, highlighting how small adjustments can lead to significant time savings and creative benefits.Discover:Why templates should evolve rather than remain static for yearsHow to recognize when you're repeatedly making the same changesWhy it's so easy to postpone template maintenance despite its benefitsFinding balance between template efficiency and creative flexibilityThe dangers of adding new plugins to templates before properly evaluating themSpecific examples...2025-04-2927 minSecret Sonics#245 - Why You’re Afraid to Charge More (And What To Do About It)Raising your rates sounds simple… until you actually try to do it. In this special episode,Carl breaks down the real reasons studio pros avoid increasing their prices - and why most of those reasons are based on fear, not facts.Carl pulls from 20+ years of experience helping producers and engineers build sustainable careers outside the traditional music industry hubs. With practical examples and thoughtful analogies, this episode will give you the confidence - and the language - to navigate money conversations without feeling like a sellout.Discover:Why being “affordable” might be hurtin...2025-04-2215 minSecret Sonics#244 - You Don't Need Permission: Why Creatives Hold Back & How to Move ForwardIn this episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into the psychology of permission-seeking that stops so many creative professionals from taking the next step in their careers. Through the story of an artist hesitant to perform her first solo show, they explore why we often wait for external validation before pursuing our goals – whether that's raising our rates, reaching out to dream clients, or sharing our creative work.Discover:Why we fear judgment for actions that most people won't even noticeHow taking risks transforms skeptics into supportersThe assumptions that prevent us from sending that first message to...2025-04-1525 minSecret Sonics#243 - Creating Unforgettable Client ExperiencesHow do you create such an amazing client experience that artists wouldn't dream of working with anyone else? Carl unpacks key insights from Will Guidara's "Unreasonable Hospitality" and explores how to apply these principles to studio businesses. Discover practical ways to transform client interactions from transactional to unforgettable, whether you're working remotely or in-person.Discover:How thoughtful, personalized touches (like remembering a client's favorite tea or writing personalized notes) create deeper connections without breaking the bankSpecific tactics for making remote clients feel valued and appreciatedHow to infuse your personal style into your studio environment (physical or...2025-04-0856 minSecret Sonics#242 - Limitations > CreativityWhy do children create fearlessly while professional producers get stuck staring at blank DAW sessions? In this insightful conversation, Ben and Carl explore the counterintuitive truth that creative freedom comes from embracing constraints, not avoiding them. From Sufjan Stevens' state-themed albums to the natural evolution of decision-making throughout the production timeline, they reveal how limitations spark inspiration rather than stifle it. Whether you're battling decision paralysis with 87,000 clap samples or struggling to maintain a social media presence, this episode offers practical approaches to turning constraints into catalysts for your best work.Discover:How constraints unlock creativity...2025-04-0134 minSecret Sonics#241 - Inspiration: Where to Find It, How to Nurture It, and Why It MattersBen and Carl tackle the all-too-familiar challenge of creative burnout and share surprisingly effective ways to reignite that creative spark. When you're creatively stuck, listening to new music might be more valuable than trying to create. This episode is all about how rediscovering the joy of being a music fan first can lead to fresh inspiration, and they share their personal strategies for breaking out of creative ruts.Discover:Why "just create something" often fails as advice when you're uninspiredThe importance of continuing to discover new music throughout your careerHow to listen like a fan again...2025-03-2533 minSecret Sonics#240 - Forging New Directions: Chasing What Feels Right in Music & CreativityWhat happens when you finally get an ADHD diagnosis at 39 and start noticing real changes in how you work? Or when you realize you’re craving more human energy in a music world that’s feeling increasingly robotic? In this episode, Carl and Ben unpack the creative shifts they’re making—from Carl’s deep dive into remixing in unexpected ways to Ben’s push for more live, unpolished recordings.Discover:Carl’s approach to remixingWhy Ben is moving away from rigid, overly edited music and focusing on live energyThe small creative experiments that lead to real breakthro...2025-03-1837 minSecret Sonics#239 - Reference Mixes: When They Should (and Shouldn’t) Guide UsIn this episode, Ben and Carl dive into that tricky moment we all face: deciding when to follow a reference mix and when to trust your own instincts. Sparked by Carl's current remix project, they get real about the messy balancing act of honoring artist expectations while still trusting your gut.Discover:The challenging balancing act when artists love both their rough mix and reference tracks that sound nothing alikeHow to have patient conversations with self-producing artists about conflicting referencesThe difference between referencing for skill-building versus creative directionPractical approaches to using reference tracks without becoming overly...2025-03-1124 minSecret Sonics#236 - How to Know When Your Song is FinishedIn this deep-dive episode, Ben and Carl explore the challenging question that plagues every music producer: "How do you know when it's done?" Working backwards through the production chain, they break down the decision-making process at each stage of music creation, from mastering to tracking.Discover:Why comparing your mix to the master might be hurting more than helpingThe surprising reason Ben and Carl approach limiters differentlyWhat doing dishes has to do with better mastersWhy your physical response matters more than your analytical mindThe crucial difference between "missing something" and "looking for problems"How to stop yourself...2025-02-1837 minSecret Sonics#232 - Setting (and Resetting) Goals for 2025After an unexpected hiatus, Ben and Carl return with a candid conversation about goal-setting, life challenges, and finding balance in the audio industry. Ben and Carl share their wins, setbacks, and evolving perspectives on what success looks like when juggling multiple priorities.Discover:How Carl exceeded his ambitious 1,000-person outreach goal (and why he stopped counting)Why specific, measurable goals are more achievable than vague aspirationsThe importance of adapting goals when life throws curveballsPractical strategies for balancing health, family, and career growthReal talk about giving yourself grace when plans get derailedLA Wildfire Relief:Musicares - https://d...2025-01-2132 minSecret Sonics#230 - Seasons of GrowthEver 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...2024-12-1032 minSecret Sonics#229 - Mix Like a Producer: Crafting Sonic Depth and DimensionIn 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 tonesHunting for complementary sounds vs. just replacing problem elementsStrategically adding subtle percussive "ear candy" to lift energyThe "2-minute rule" for quickly trying out new production ideasLearn more about Carl's StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p52024-12-0337 minSecret Sonics#228 - Philip Weinrobe Part 2 - Trust and Authenticity in Music ProductionIn 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 StudioThe Importance of Feeling in MusicThe Role of Danger and S...2024-11-2628 minSecret Sonics#227 - Philip Weinrobe Part 1 - Death by Perfection: Bringing Humanity Back to RecordsIn 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 replicateHow breathing sounds act like a conductor's baton for emotional impactThe vocalist, not the rhythm section, often drives the rhythmic feelTrust your gut reactions while casually listening over critical analysisConvert technical "problems" into musical opportunitiesBuild processes that reliably reach higher creative peaks fasterBuilding trust through process and preparationMaintaining flexibility while aiming for ideal scenariosLearn more about Phil - https://www.philipweinrobe.com/2024-11-1946 minSecret Sonics#226 - Why the Client Isn't Always Right (But Their Vision Is)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 tasteThe balance between respecting the artist's vision while providing professional guidanceHow to handle situations when artists' requests conflict with their stated goalsThe importance of clear communication and expectation-setting from the startWhy checking in early and often prevents major revision headaches laterTips for working with artists who communicate in different languages or stylesLearn more about Carl's StudioLand - https...2024-11-1232 minSecret Sonics#214 - Four Years of Growth: Reflections on Our Professional JourneysBen 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 habitsCarl's journey in self-confidence and adaptabilityAdapting to post-COVID industry changesCrafting a sustainable career in music productionThe importance of personal connection with clientsLearning to decline projects that aren't a good fitConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/2024-07-0827 minSecret SonicsReissue: #058 with Carl Bahner - Forging a Creative Path in ProductionHave 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 Notes - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2020/8/9/secret-sonics-058-carl-bahnerConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.ins...2024-07-011h 08Secret Sonics#206 - Using Music Theory to Conquer Common Mixing ChallengesDoes 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 your productions to the next level!Topics we discuss:The #1 mix element that most often requires music theory interventionHow to use your theory chops to create complimentary arrangements that solve masking and clutterThe simple music theory move that can add...2024-05-0616 minSecret Sonics#205 - Consistency Hacks for Reliably Radio-Ready MixesWant 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 frustrating detours and do-overs. Get ready to level up your consistency and mix with confidence!Topics we discuss:The simple monitoring move that will jumpstart your ability to make confident mix decisionsHow your mix bus processing chain could be sabotaging your consistencyA counterintuitive...2024-04-2944 minSecret Sonics#204 - Masking Mayhem: How to Tame the Chaos and Clarify Your MixesIn 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 little-known mixing villain that's sabotaging your mixes (hint: it's not just frequency masking!)How to diagnose and eliminate "rhythmic masking" to unlock airtight groovesThe #1 rookie mixing mistake that's holding your mixes back - and how to break the habit for...2024-04-2220 minSecret Sonics#203 - Embracing Your Inner Weird: Turning Quirks into Career SuperpowersLeaning 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 identityHow to harness your quirky strengths to attract your ideal clients and collaboratorsWhy facing your fears (even the irrational ones) can lead to creative breakthroughsThe underrated power of post-project follow-up in building lasting artist relationshipsConnect with us:Secret...2024-04-1532 minSecret Sonics#202 - AI in Music: Salvation or Doom for Creatives?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-generated content. Buckle up for a mind-bending journey that will leave you pondering the very nature of creativity in the digital age.Topics we discuss:The ways AI is already being used in songwriting and music productionHow AI could revolutionize the creative process by handling menial tasksThe...2024-04-0838 minSecret Sonics#201 - Minimalism: How Audio Engineers Can Create Big Results With LessWhat 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 come from stripping away the excess.Topics we discuss:The surprising power of constraint and how it fuels creativityWhy some hits sound massive despite having fewer elementsPractical tips to achieve clearer, bigger mixes using less processingHow to build a lean, mean studio...2024-04-0134 minSecret Sonics#200 - Mastering: A Mixer's PerspectiveIn 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 earsThe little-known trick for using mastering to diagnose and fix mix problemsThe surprising truth about what really matters when choosing a mastering engineerWhy trying to "fix it in the mastering" is the fastest way to sabotage your mixConnect with us:...2024-03-2539 minSecret Sonics#199 - How to Confidently Raise Your RatesReady 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.Topics we discuss:Why regularly raising rates is crucial to account for inflation and increasing expensesHow to position a rate increase as a loyalty discount for existing clientsThe importance of enthusiastically selling an amazing client experience before presenting your priceSimple ways...2024-03-1852 minSecret Sonics#198 - Cold Outreach That Doesn’t Feel IckyIn 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 transform your career trajectory.Topics we discuss:The key mindset shift that makes outreach effective and non-sleazyHow to get over the fear of rejection and worst-case scenariosTactics to build an outreach habit, even when you're not in the moodWhy proactive client content is...2024-03-1136 min