Secret Sonics

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 better results. Let your ego take a backseat to the...

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, trusting your instincts, and embracing the imperfect...

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 as the perfect benchmarks for assessing and achiev...

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 your productions to the next level! Topics we discuss...

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 frustrating detours and do-overs. Get ready to level up...

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 little-known mixing villain that's sabotaging your...

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 identity How to harness your quirky strengths to attract...

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 jour...

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 come from stripping away the excess. Topics we discu...

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 using mastering to diagnose and fix mix problems T...

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. Topics we discuss: Why regularly raising rates is cruci...

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 transform your career trajectory. Topics we discuss: The k...

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 stages ⁠Liberation from standardized metrics free...

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 with well-intended but unhelpful feedback Handling...

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 favorite plugins to include. The hosts also share some h...

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 Marketing and sales tactics that might work on us Expe...

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 discussion highlights the evolving nature of the mixi...

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 a mix of professional and personal goals. With in...

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-count Advice for those getting started And so m...

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/podcast

Sorry for dropping the ball there, wanted to keep you in the loop.

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 test Limitations are good The mix = the arrangement...

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 work. In our conversation, Enoch and I go deep on t...

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 up the traditional studio route The Atlanta music...