MixCoach

You can have the best mics, gear, verbs and eclectic mic pre's... but until you get these 3 things right, Your mix will not be perceived as "good" yet. Easy fixes. Let's do it.

Today I want to show you something that I ALWAYS do when I bounce or print my mix. It has save my Hiney many times. Grab my 7 point mixing checklist here:

I had the pleasure of working with Ira Glylack at Capitol Studios the last 2 times I was there. We sat down after the session for a bit just to catch up and talk shop. We talked about some things that I think are helpful, so of course, I'm sending it to you. I hope you enjoy this conversation.

Seven Ways to improve your very next worship service Next Sunday In this episode, I recorded a conversation with Van Metchke and we talked about leading happy volunteers and working your way DOWN the ladder.

I want to tell you about a mixing hack that I had discovered where I can mix from my car in the parking lot of my studio OR even mix at my home (miles away form my studio). I'm also using it to do real-time question and answer sessions with my mixing students. In this video, I will explain how I mix remotely in real timed a little further. Some links you may want to know: Happy Mixing! Kevin

In this episode... Allow myself to (re)introduce myself. A lot has happened in the past few years and I'm revamping the podcast to reflect all of the new things I'm learning. I'll be talking to some of my smart friends about what I'm doing now and want to teach... Audio, Video, Lighting and Leadership.

In this podcast, I want to pay homage to a musical hero I never got to meet on this side. #ripbusbee  

In this episode Kevin and Jon recap the amazing Experience Weekend 2017 and detal the next event happening March 15-17 in 2018! Sign up to get more info about the next event at: The guys talk about some of the best take aways from the Experience Weekend, as well as what things ONLY events like this can offer.

This episode is part 2 of Kevin's interview with Drew Ramsey! They talk specifically about Drew's experiences co-producing artist Jonny Lang's album "Turn Around" (one of Kevin's absolute favorite albums), as well as Jonny's upcoming album "Signs" (releasing September 8th). Topics include: The creative process and inspirations behind the album, songwriting, what gear was used in the production, how did these albums come about, and more! This podcast is brought to you by MixCoach Pro Member () If you would like to check out an extended video cut with a minute or two of bonus content head over to MixCoach Member. Preorder Jonny Lang's "Signs":

In this episode Kevin interviews Drew Ramsey! They talk specifically about Drew's experiences co-producing artist Jonny Lang's album "Turn Around" (one of Kevin's absolute favorite albums), as well as Jonny's upcoming album "Signs" (releasing September 8th). Topics include: The creative process and inspirations behind the album, songwriting, what gear was used in the production, how did these albums come about, and more! This podcast is brought to you by MixCoach Pro Member () If you would like to check out an extended video cut with a minute or two of bonus content head over to MixCoach Member. Preorder Jonny Lang's "Signs":

  In this episode Kevin and Jon interview Andy Peck! They talk about Kevin's trip to Andy's awesome studio in Niles Michigan, how Andy utilizes his unique space, what Kevin learned on the trip, what Andy got out of Kevin's visit, and what listeners can learn from Andy's experience of opening a studio outside of a large music industry city. Topics include: How to handle recording multiple instruments in a large open space, how great instruments and mic placement can do, how Andy stays busy with work in his studio, and more! This podcast is brought to you by MixCoach Pro Member () Reach out to Andy Peck at You can also find out more about the studio at  

In this episode Kevin interviews Joe West! They talk about Joe's background in the recording industry, his influences, and what led him to the many accolades and awards he has received (including working on a Grammy Award winning project). Topics include: How Joe got his start in the music industry, the difference between learning things right before you need them and having years of experience, his work with the Grammy Award winning "Joey and Rory," mentoring, songwriting, and how being a jack of all trades is like running a triage. This podcast is brought to you by MixCoach Pro Member () Kevin is at his studio in California and Joe is on the porch of his studio "The West Barn" in Tennessee.

Kevin sat down with Ian Shepherd of Production Advice and talked about what it actually means to be "mastered for iTunes".  Ian was really a wealth of information. You can find Ian on his website or check out his highly rated mastering podcast called . Topics include: Mastered for iTunes Why Analog mixes sometimes seem louder LUFS vs. K- Metering How over-compressing can actually sound quieter now in iTunes and Spotify Much More This podcast is brought to you by Links:

A few weeks ago, Kevin flew to Amarillo, TX to do a session in Ron Rankin's new studio.  It's a studio designed by Russ Berger. If you are even close to Amarillo, you should check out this world-class studio.

On this episode, Kevin and Jon talk about what we look for when we do consulting with some of our MixCoacher Studio Owners. We also talk a little about the . Hope you find this helpful.

For the last 4 years, MixCoach has hosted an event in Nashville to help our mixers get "experience" in the studio.  In the past, we've hung out Grammy Award winning producers, hit-making recording engineers, state of the art mastering facilities and we have also recorded some of the best musicians that Nashville (or the world for that matter) has to offer. In this episode, Jon and Kevin talk about the MixCoach Experience Weekend and how it's changed for the better over the years. Click here to find out more about the .

If you've heard anything about my history, you'll know that I got my start in a great studio called .  Crossroads Studios now one of the most well-known and sought-after Bluegrass and Gospel studios around. Van Atkins is at the forefront of their sound.  I sat down with Van recently and we chatted (of course) about mics, gear, and DAWS - but our conversation went pretty quickly to a couple of things that matter WAY more than any of those... confidence and performance. I hope you enjoy the interview with Van. If you like bluegrass, you should check out some too! reach out to Van Atkins at https://www.facebook.com/VanAtkinsProductions/

Kevin and Jon sit down to talk about Kevin's live recording process. Kevin gives tips on getting the best performances from your band... and the audience! This podcast brought to by: Mixcoach member. If you want to really "move the needle" on your mixing, the best way to get better is to Mix Consistently, Ask Questions, and Get Feedback. That's why every month at , we give members a Session Download, a Video Tutorial covering that session, a LIVE Q&A Webinar with Kevin and Jon, and the chance for Mix Feedback from coaches.

I guess there's no denying.... I think using reference mixes to guide you is perhaps one of the best things mixers can do-- to not only learn, but to move your mixes forward. So, here is a conversation that Jon and I had about using reference mixes and even a short list of our favorite mixes. When you get done listening, you should seriously consider joining us at Thanks for listening! Kevin

So Jon and I were on the phone talking about some of the crazy stuff we’ve done to mixes over the years, so we decided to record it for the podcast.     Now, I’ll be the first to say that the quality of this recording is not as good as I had hoped.  We recorded a phone conversation and has a few dropouts, but everything is understandable.     I wanted to go ahead and post it because there’s some information in here that may be useful to you and help you with ideas sometime when you are feeling that a mix needs something but you just don’t know what.     If you want to see what Kevin does to a mix from beginning to end including setup of the DAW, and step by step processes, check out the MixCoach Approach To Mixing. Available now at

I heard a TedX talk recently with one of my favorite musicians.  Victor Wooten spoke about the "Language Of Music".  At first, I discounted it... but man, was it deep. In the Ted Talk, he starts by saying he was "born into a band".  His brothers (The Wooten Brothers) needed a bass player and when he was born, he was groomed for that position. He talks about how they taught him to be a musician like most parents teach their kid to talk. Here are the links that I refer to in my podcast. Take a few minutes and watch them and then let me hear your thoughts below the blog post.        

Do you think you'd be more creative with your mix with unlimited resources? Or do you think your mix would be better if you had some limitations on it. Here's another question- which mix would you feel better about? In my opinion, you absolutely have to have limitations to creatively mix. In this episode of the podcast we talk about using these limitations as inspiration.

What if what you did in your could help you improve your mixes. That's what we're talking about on this episode of the MixCoach Podcast. This episode is brought to you by: If you want to really "move the needle" on your mixing, the best way to get better is to Mix Consistently, Ask Questions, and Get Feedback. That's why every month at MixCoach Member, we give members a Session Download, a Video Tutorial covering that session, a LIVE Q&A Webinar with Kevin and Jon, and the chance for Mix Feedback from coaches.

This podcast is a little different than most of the MixCoach Podcasts.  It's in depth and quite a bit longer than my regular podcasts.  Let me know what you think of the longer format. In this episode, I get the opportunity to talk to David about the parallels of mixing in the studio and mixing Front Of House. We also talk about: The McGurk Effect   Heil PR22 vs. SM57 (you be the judge)   If you have questions, go to  and leave us questions if you have them.   Also, if you'd like some cool files to mix to get the core of mixing under your belt, a GREAT place (in my humble opinion) is at   Thanks for listening    

Sometimes when you've mixed a ton of songs and you have a system dialed in.. your mixes are consistently.. you may want to mix things up a bit (if you will forgive the pun). In this podcast, Jon and I talk about ways to add some newness or freshness to your mixing workflow.  From expensive to free. This podcast is brought to you by MixCoach Member where we completely solve the "style" scenario that we talk about in the episode.  

In this episode of the podcast, Kevin sits down with Joe Carrell of MoeJoeMix and they talk about one strategy in particular that will help interns and new engineers really impress clients... and it's not what you think. Show Sponsor:  

In this episode of the podcast, Kevin Ward and Joe Carrell talk about plugins.  With so many plugin choices out there, which is the absolute best to purchase.  Have you ever NOT mixed a song because you didn't think you had the right plugin for the job?  Joe has some insight to help you over that hump... and the solution is much less expensive than you think. This podcast brought to you by: and

In this episode, Jon and I chat about my recent experience at the 2017 NAMM show in Anaheim, California. I stumbled upon Chris Lord-Alge (one of my favorite mixers) doing a mixing clinic for Mix with the Masters. We also talk briefly about and . If you have , go to  and we will try to answer them. Thanks for listening!    

It's funny how perfection can keep you from doing things.  Last week, I think I named the podcast the wrong episode.  So THIS episode is 106... I think Also, I did this interview with Keith Thomas back several years ago and just never got around to releasing it because I wanted it to be perfect. Anyway, In this episode of the podcast, I interview one of my big musical influences. We talk about how one of his High School teachers literally turned his life around and is still influencing the way Keith produces hit records today. Here are some of the things we talk about in this show: (partial)   Keith's doppleganger - 

In this episode of the podcast, Kevin talks about where he's been in the last few months.... He also covers what you can expect going forward and even a link for you to ask .. who knows, your question could be on the next MixCoach Podcast. We are looking forward to hearing from you.