Production Expert Podcast

In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Matt Lawrence, a Grammy Award-winning mixer, producer, and engineer who has worked on some of the most influential records of the past 20 years. In this first part of a two-part conversation, Matt discusses his journey into the audio industry, his perspective on the current state of the music industry in 2026, and how the landscape has changed for studios, artists, and record labels over his career.Matt brings invaluable insights from two decades of working at the highest levels of music production, having mixed and produced records that have shaped contemporary music across multiple genres. Whether you're an aspiring audio engineer, a music producer, an artist navigating the modern music industry, or a label executive seeking perspective on industry dynamics, this conversation provides honest, experienced insights into how the music business is evolving and what it takes to build a sustainable career in professional audio production. This is Part 2 of a two-part episode exploring the past, present, and future of the music industry.

In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Matt Lawrence, a Grammy Award-winning mixer, producer, and engineer who has worked on some of the most influential records of the past 20 years. In this first part of a two-part conversation, Matt discusses his journey into the audio industry, his perspective on the current state of the music industry in 2026, and how the landscape has changed for studios, artists, and record labels over his career.Matt brings invaluable insights from two decades of working at the highest levels of music production, having mixed and produced records that have shaped contemporary music across multiple genres. Whether you're an aspiring audio engineer, a music producer, an artist navigating the modern music industry, or a label executive seeking perspective on industry dynamics, this conversation provides honest, experienced insights into how the music business is evolving and what it takes to build a sustainable career in professional audio production. This is Part 1 of a two-part episode exploring the past, present, and future of the music industry.In This Episode:Career Journey into Audio Production - How Matt Lawrence got started in the audio industry, the path that led to Grammy recognition, and the formative experiences that shaped his career as a mixer and producerWork on Influential Records - Overview of Matt's extensive discography and the iconic projects he's contributed to over the past 20 years in mixing and productionThe Evolution of the Music Industry (2006-2026) - How the music industry has transformed over the past two decades, changes in recording technology, distribution, and the business model for artists and labelsThe Role of Studios in Modern Music Production - What studios look like in 2026, how the role of physical recording spaces has changed, and why certain aspects of professional studios remain invaluableArtists Navigating the Current Landscape - The challenges and opportunities for musicians and artists in 2026, from recording and production to promotion and distributionRecord Labels and Industry Structure - How record labels are adapting to the modern music ecosystem, their changing role, and what sustainable relationships look like between labels, artists, and production professionalsTechnology and Production Innovation - Advancements in recording technology, production tools, and mixing techniques that have emerged over Matt's 20-year careerProfessional Insights from Industry Veterans - Lessons learned, perspectives on what it takes to succeed in professional audio, and honest assessment of the current state of music productionAbout Our Guest:Matt Lawrence: Matt Lawrence is a Grammy Award-winning mixer, producer, and engineer with an extensive career spanning over two decades in profes

"Behind some of the world's greatest hits lies a great question: does constraint breed genius? In this Podcast Edition, Drummer Steven Gilchrist (Graham Coxon, The Damned, and Boney M) and Grammy winning engineer Liam Nolan (Rihanna, Stormzy, the Black Eyed Peas) sit down with our Host Ashea to reveal the behind-the-scenes of Adele's 'Hello,' the meticulous process behind the legendary Drumopolis project with Tony Visconti, and what it really takes to engineer records that resonate globally.In This Episode:Inside the Adele 'Hello' sessions: The mic chain that captured one of the biggest vocal performances of the decade (U47, Neve 1081, 1176)How Tony Visconti designed Drumopolis: capturing '70s legend with modern flexibility across 29 microphonesThe Decca tree, room mics, and why a tea towel on the snare matters (vintage tone with intention)Why recording vibe, comfort, and 'reading the room' is non-negotiable—and what that looks like in practiceAnalog vs. digital: the tape machine, commitment, and why limitations can raise the stakes for performanceManaging expectations: why clients listening on car stereos ask for mixes that don't exist, and how to set boundariesDemocratizing music production: why tools like Drumopolis matter beyond the studioWorking with Rihanna, Stormzy, the Black Eyed Peas & will.i.am: lessons from sessions with global superstarsAbout Our GuestsLiam NolanLiam Nolan is a recording and mix engineer who has recently transitioned to freelance work after years at Metropolis Studios in Chiswick. Over his career, he's engineered sessions with some of the world's biggest artists, including Adele, Stormzy, Rihanna, AJ Tracey, the Black Eyed Peas, and will.i.am. He was the engineer on Adele's Grammy-winning 'Hello,' credited for his work in a writing session that became chart history. His approach prioritizes artist comfort, technical precision, and understanding the unique sonic demands of each session. He specializes in capturing vocal performances and crafting the sonic identity of records at one of the world's most legendary facilities.Instagram: @liamjnolan | Website: mixedbyliamnolan.comSteven GilchristSteven Gilchrist is an accomplished drummer, percussionist, producer, and engineer. He's performed with legendary artists including Graham Coxon, The Damned, and Boney M. As the owner and operator of Brixton Hill Studios, he works as a session drummer, producer, and engineer. Under his name Stephen Evens, he's currently working on his fifth record, all of which (except the first) have been recorded to tape. He collaborated with Tony Visconti on the Drumopolis project for Toontrack, providing his Ludwig drum kit and his mother's Premier snare for the sound design. Steven is a strong advocate for analog recording, commitment in the studio, and the

The number of women working as audio engineers and music producers is falling, not rising. Ashea is joined by British-Ghanaian producer, rapper and author Nana Ayebi-Kwakye to discuss why the gap is widening, where the signs of hope are, and the thinking behind her children's book Delasi On A Mission, written to show young girls that the studio is a place they belong.Women In Audio: Why The Numbers Are Falling, With Nana Ayebi-KwakyeThe proportion of women working as professional audio engineers and music producers has been moving in the wrong direction for years. The data is uncomfortable, the reasons are tangled, and the industry's response has been inconsistent at best. In this conversation, Ashea sits down with producer, rapper and author Nana Ayebi-Kwakye to talk honestly about what's happening, what's working, and why representation in children's books might matter more than another panel discussion at a trade show.In this episode:Why the percentage of women working in professional audio production is declining rather than growing, and what the available data actually showsThe signs of hope: the initiatives, mentorship structures and visible role models that are starting to shift the picture for the next generationThe principle Nana keeps coming back to: if you can't see it, you can't be it, and what that means in practical terms for studios, schools and parentsThe story behind Delasi On A Mission, the children's book Nana wrote to put a young girl behind the desk rather than in front of the micThe barriers that show up before anyone gets near a studio: perception, language, who appears in the photos, who teaches the classesWhat working professionals can actually do, beyond awareness, to change the numbers in their own corner of the industryAbout Our Guest: Nana Ayebi-Kwakye:Nana Ayebi-Kwakye is a British-Ghanaian music producer, rapper and author. Her debut children's book, Delasi On A Mission, tells the story of a young girl discovering music production and learning to navigate the obstacles that come with it, aimed at readers aged six and up. She is also involved in initiatives including The Leading Vibe and her own Sounds You Make project, both focused on widening access to music production for young people.About Our Host:  Ashea is a platinum selling songwriter, music producer & audio engineer from the UK. Credits & Placements Include… Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM) Steve Smart (Kiss FM) The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, SVT1 (Sweden).

DescriptionIn this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Arnd Kaiser, Product Designer Strategist at Fender Musical Instruments, and Tony Carridi, Global Revenue and Go-To-Market Executive at Fender PreSonus. Together they discuss the strategic rebrand of Fender Studio, exploring what this evolution means for music producers, audio engineers, and musicians using Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software.This conversation goes beyond the surface-level rebrand to explore the vision driving Fender's entry into the DAW market, the future of music production software, and what producers should expect from Fender Studio going forward. Whether you're a guitarist, music producer, audio engineer, or just curious about the future of music production tools, this episode provides insider insights into one of the music industry's most iconic brands' strategic move into professional music production software. Discover why this rebrand matters, what innovations are coming, and why Fender Studio is positioning itself as a game-changer in the competitive DAW landscape.In This Episode:The Fender Studio Rebrand Strategy - Understanding the vision behind Fender's rebrand and repositioning of their DAW product, and what strategic decisions led to this major announcementProduct Design & User Experience Focus - How Fender approaches product design strategy to create intuitive, professional-grade music production software that serves both beginners and experienced producersExpanding Beyond Guitarists - Why Fender Studio is positioning itself as a tool for all music creators, not just guitarists, and how this broadens the addressable market for the productThe Future of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) - Industry perspective on where DAW technology is headed, emerging features, and competitive dynamics in the music production software marketGo-To-Market Strategy & Industry Positioning - Insights into how Fender is launching and marketing Fender Studio to different segments of the music production communityInnovation in Music Production Tools - The technological innovations and features that make Fender Studio a compelling option in a crowded DAW marketplaceCollaboration Between Fender & PreSonus - How the partnership between Fender Musical Instruments and PreSonus creates synergies and advantages for Fender Studio usersWhat Inspires Professional Audio Engineers - Personal insights from industry executives about what drives their passion for music production and innovation in the fieldAbout Our Guests:Arnd Kaiser: Arnd Kaiser is a Product Designer Strategist at Fender Musical Instruments, responsible for shaping the vision and strategic direction of Fender's product offerings in the music production software space. With expertise in product de

In this episode Ashea is joined by Arnd Kaiser and Tony Cariddi of Presonus/Fender for a tense guitar and synth quiz designed to really test your abilities. If you fail it's worth thinking long and hard about your career choice because you're likely an impostor ;) Enjoy!

DescriptionIn this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Stephen Gallagher, an Emmy Award-winning composer and music editor with credits on major film and television productions, and Tilman Sillescu, creative director, co-founder, and principal composer at Sonuscore. This is Part 2 of the Lord Of The Strings, continuing their in-depth exploration of professional film and television scoring.In this episode, Stephen and Tilman delve deeper into the collaborative process between composers and directors, discussing the balance between creative independence and serving the director's vision. They explore the importance of delegation in team environments, managing multiple demands across different projects, and the mindset required to adapt to each director's unique style and creative preferences. Whether you're a composer, music producer, or anyone interested in understanding how professional orchestral scores are crafted in demanding production environments, this conversation reveals the professional and interpersonal skills that separate experienced composers from emerging talents.In This Episode:Balancing Creative Independence and Collaboration - The importance of finding balance between personal creative expression and working collaboratively with directors, producers, and other team members in film and television productionThe Skill of Delegation and Team Leadership - How composers effectively delegate tasks in a team environment, trust collaborators with specific aspects of the score, and manage workflow across multiple projects and deadlinesServing the Director's Vision - Understanding that a composer's primary responsibility is to serve the director's intent and the story they're telling, rather than imposing a personal creative agendaAdapting to Different Directors' Demands - Each director has unique creative preferences, production challenges, and storytelling approaches, requiring composers to be flexible and responsive to varied creative demandsHuman Behavior in Creative Collaboration - Drawing parallels between human relationship dynamics and creative collaboration, understanding how people work individually and collectivelyManaging Micromanagement and Creative Control - The importance of letting go of excessive control, trusting collaborators, and avoiding the pitfall of trying to micromanage every aspect of a productionProblem-Solving Across Diverse Projects - No two film or television projects present the same challenges, requiring composers to develop adaptable problem-solving skills and creative flexibilityBuilding a Professional Composing Career - Insights into how experienced composers navigate the entertainment industry, work with varied production teams, and sustain long-term creative careersAbout Our Guests:

DescriptionIn this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Stephen Gallagher, an Emmy Award-winning composer and music editor with credits on major film and television productions, and Tilman Sillescu, creative director, co-founder, and principal composer at Sonuscore. Together they explore the craft of composing for film and television, diving deep into orchestration techniques, string articulation, music production tools, and the creative workflows that define professional film scoring.Whether you're an aspiring composer, music producer, or audio engineer looking to understand how professional film and TV scores are created, this two-part episode reveals insider insights from Emmy-winning composers who have shaped the soundtracks of iconic productions. Discover the technical and creative approaches that separate professional orchestral music from amateur compositions, and learn how modern digital tools are transforming the composition process while maintaining the richness of orchestral sound.In This Episode:String Ensemble Articulation & Digital Orchestration - Why getting convincing orchestral string parts to sound authentic is challenging, and how modern composition tools like Sonuscore's libraries solve articulation problems that traditionally required live orchestrasFilm Scoring vs. Television Music Production - The unique demands and constraints of scoring for film versus episodic television, including timeline pressures, creative collaboration, and technical requirementsOrchestration Techniques for Professional Composers - Deep dive into how Emmy-winning composers approach orchestration, layering, and arrangement to create emotionally impactful scoresMusic Editing in Post-Production - The critical role of music editing and how composers work with editors and directors to shape final scores in the post-production workflowDigital Tools & Software for Modern Composition - Overview of contemporary music production tools, libraries, and workflows that professional composers use to stay creative and efficientCreative Workflow & Staying in the Creative Flow - How professional composers maintain creative momentum and avoid getting bogged down in technical details during the composition processCollaborating with Directors & Production Teams - How composers navigate feedback, creative direction, and collaborative relationships with directors and producers in film and televisionEmmy Awards & Career Path in Film Scoring - Stephen Gallagher's journey to Emmy recognition and insights into building a sustainable career as a composer in the entertainment industryAbout Our Guests:Stephen Gallagher: Stephen Gallagher is an Emmy Award-winning composer and music editor with extensive credits in film and television. His work has been recognized with Emmy Awards, and

DescriptionIn this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Richard Hilton, an award-winning producer and engineer who has worked extensively with Nile Rodgers and Chic, and Steve DeMott, Grammy-nominated producer and engineer from the acclaimed Tribe Collective. Together they dive deep into compression techniques, mixing workflows, and the art of working backwards in music production.The proportion of modern music production relies heavily on understanding the nuances of audio engineering, and in this conversation, Ashea sits down with two industry veterans to talk honestly about what separates professional-quality mixes from the rest. Whether you're a professional audio engineer, music producer, or aspiring musician looking to elevate your craft, this discussion reveals insider secrets from producers who've worked with legendary artists like Nile Rodgers and Chic, providing invaluable insights into the production techniques and studio workflows that define hit records.In This Episode:Compressor Techniques & Mixing Best Practices - Deep dive into compression, its applications in modern music production, and how top producers use compression to shape sound and achieve professional-quality mixesMix Translation Across Playback Systems - Why mixes that sound great on studio monitors may not translate to other listening environments, and how professional engineers ensure consistency across headphones, car speakers, and mobile devicesWorking Backwards in Production - Unconventional production workflows and creative approaches that yield breakthroughs, straight from producers who've worked at the highest levels of the music industryRecording with Iconic Artists - Insights from Richard Hilton's extensive experience working with Nile Rodgers and the legendary band Chic, and what those collaborations taught him about music productionGrammy-Level Production Standards - Steve DeMott shares the engineering mindsets and technical approaches that earned his work with Tribe Collective Grammy nominationsSong Structure & Great Titles - How producers approach songwriting, track development, and the importance of crafting songs with exceptional titles and sonic qualityAudio Engineering Fundamentals - The tools, monitoring setups, and studio practices that matter most for producing professional recordingsProducer Mentality & Studio Culture - The thinking and approaches that define successful production teams and how to build a sustainable creative practiceAbout Our Guests:Richard Hilton: Richard Hilton is an award-winning music producer, recording engineer, and songwriter with a career spanning decades. Known for his extensive work with industry-leading artists including Nile Rodgers and the iconic band Chic, Hilton brings unparalleled expertise in musi

Today on the Production Expert Podcast, Ashea puts Richard Hilton and Steve De -Mott's compression trivia knowledge to the test.So how did you do you? Let us know.About Our Guests:Steve DeMott: Producer, engineer, songwriter, and musician who has worked with the Grammy nominated Tribe collective Richard Hilton: Musician and producer well known for his work with Nile Rodgers and Chic

DescriptionIn this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Andrew Scheps, a three-time Grammy Award-winning mixer and producer, for Part 2 of their in-depth conversation about professional mixing in the era of immersive audio. Building on the discussions from Part 1, Andrew delves deeper into practical techniques for mixing in Atmos and spatial audio formats, with particular focus on the unique challenges of mixing for headphone playback, binaural rendering, and maintaining mix translation across different monitoring environments.In this episode, Andrew answers listener questions while providing concrete, actionable advice on EQ and panning techniques in immersive formats, the differences between phantom center and actual center speakers in spatial mixes, reverb strategies for Atmos, and insights into where the music production industry is heading. Whether you're a professional mixer looking to expand into immersive audio, a producer curious about Atmos workflows, or an audio engineer wanting to understand the future of spatial mixing, this conversation provides both technical knowledge and strategic industry perspective from one of the world's most respected mixing engineers.In This Episode:Mixing in Atmos with Headphone Monitoring - Practical techniques for creating mixes in Atmos that translate accurately on headphones, including the challenges of binaural rendering and headphone-specific mixing considerationsPanning and Spatial Placement Techniques - How phantom center differs from actual center speakers in immersive mixes, and strategies for placing elements in three-dimensional space effectivelyEQ and Equalization in Immersive Formats - How equalization approaches change in Atmos compared to stereo, maintaining balance in surround configurations, and frequency management across spatial channelsReverb and Spatial Effects in Atmos - Advanced reverb techniques specifically designed for immersive mixing, creating depth and space in three-dimensional mixes, and psychological acoustic principlesBinaural Rendering and Headphone Playback - Understanding how binaural rendering works, the challenges of creating convincing spatial imaging through headphones, and translation between different listening formatsPractical Real-World Mixing Tips and Tricks - Actionable advice from decades of professional mixing experience, workflow optimization, and techniques that immediately improve mixing resultsIndustry Direction and Future of Mixing Technology - Andrew's perspective on where the music production industry is headed, emerging technologies in spatial audio, and how mixers should prepare for future formatsListener Questions and Career Advice - Andrew addresses questions from podcast listeners about mixing, professional development, and navigating the modern music production lan

DescriptionIn this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Andrew Scheps, a three-time Grammy Award-winning mixer and producer renowned for his work with iconic artists and his expertise in both stereo and immersive audio mixing. In this candid conversation, Andrew discusses his career journey, his approach to mixing in Atmos, his creative workflow, dealing with difficult clients, navigating impostor syndrome despite significant achievements, and his perspective on the future of mixing and music production.This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation that covers everything from technical mixing strategies to the personal and professional challenges of working at the highest levels of the music industry. Whether you're an aspiring mixer, an experienced audio engineer, or a music producer looking to expand your skills in immersive audio formats like Atmos, Andrew shares invaluable insights, practical mixing tips, and honest perspectives on the evolving landscape of professional music mixing. Listeners will also get a preview of fan questions that will be answered in Part 2.In This Episode:Mixing in Atmos and Immersive Audio Formats - Deep dive into how Grammy-winning mixers approach mixing for Spatial Audio and Atmos, including technical considerations, creative opportunities, and the future of immersive mixingStereo Mixing Fundamentals and Best Practices - Andrew's approach to creating professional stereo mixes that translate across all playback systems and serve as the foundation for immersive mixesCreative Workflow and Mixing Techniques - Practical insights into how Andrew structures his mixing workflow, uses tools effectively, and maintains creative momentum throughout long mixing sessionsDealing with Difficult Clients and Industry Dynamics - Honest discussion about managing client relationships, handling creative disagreements, setting boundaries, and navigating the business side of professional mixingImpostor Syndrome in Professional Music Production - Despite being a three-time Grammy winner, Andrew discusses feeling like an impostor and how successful professionals manage self-doubt and imposter syndromeLife Balance and Well-being for Audio Professionals - How mixers and producers maintain mental health, work-life balance, and personal fulfillment while working on high-pressure projectsThe Future of Mixing and Music Production - Andrew's perspective on where mixing technology and music production are headed, emerging trends, and how to stay relevant as an audio professionalMixing Tips and Industry Insights - Practical techniques, studio setup advice, and professional insights that can immediately improve listener's mixing approachAbout Our Guest:Andrew Scheps: Andrew Scheps is a three-time Grammy Award-winning mixer and pr

In this week’s episode, Ashea is joined by Hyunkook Lee (Professor of Psychoacoustics and APL founder), Emre Ramazanoglu and Mark Gittins, for part two of The Science Of Listening, where they discuss Psychoacoustics, HRTF, multidimensional audio, virtual reality, the future of immersive in the music and audio industry and what’s in store for VIRTUOSO. About Our Guests:Hyunkook Lee: Professor of audio and psychoacoustic engineering, Founder/director of the APL, & recording/mixing engineerEmre Ramazanoglu: Immersive audio engineer, mixer/producer/drummerMark Gittins: Immersive engineer/mixer/producer/outside broadcast engineer.

To start off the new year in style Ashea is joined by Hyunkook Lee (Professor of Psychoacoustics and APL founder), Emre Ramazanoglu and Mark Gittins, where they discuss Psychoacoustics, mixing in Dolby Atmos and the future of immersive formats both audio and visual.About Our Guests:Hyunkook Lee: Professor of audio and psychoacoustic engineering, Founder/director of the APL, & recording/mixing engineerEmre Ramazanoglu: Immersive audio engineer, mixer/producer/drummerMark Gittins: Immersive engineer/mixer/producer/outside broadcast engineer.

In this edition Ashea is joined by Tony Perrey Director of Audio and co owner of Windmill Lane Recording Studios. Where they discuss the allure of Windmill Lane Studios and why so many legendary artists continue to pass through its teal doors.About Our Guest:Tony Perrey, Director of Audio and co owner of Windmill Lane Recording Studios.Tony has been in the studio business since 1992, setting up a small midi pre production studio. The studios and clients grew bigger until he and his partners Naomi Moore and Aidan Alcock acquired Windmill Lane Studios in 2009.Tony is also the head of Pulse College, whose audio faculty is also located within the iconic building.Tony was one of the original team to develop the Pro Tools world wide .

In this edition Ashea is joined by Mat Pataki and Andreas Pohl from remote collaboration platform Sync DNA. Where they discuss how, Sync DNA is helping  audio professionals and artists get in the zone without being in the room together aka the 'Now' moment.About Our Guests:https://www.syncdna.com/ Mat: Chief Architect Mat Pataki is Chief Architect at SyncDNA™. He's built cloud platforms that serve millions of users at companies like Uken Games and Jam City. But he's also spent years in Toronto music studios on both sides of the glass—as an engineer and a performer. That combination of building massive-scale systems and actually living in professional audio workflows means he knows what creative professionals need, and how to deliver it.Andreas: Chief Architect Andreas brings deep expertise in audio and video networking software and scalable systems, with experience at internet pioneering companies like AOL and Yahoo. As Chief Architect, Andreas designs our core audio/video processing infrastructure, DAW/NLE integration, and hardware integration. Combined with his perspective as a practicing musician, this combination of engineering expertise and artistic insight makes him an ideal fit for SyncDNA. Talking Points:A bit about you and your background.What is Sync DNA and How did you form?Creating the “Now moment” - Synchronization it can be anything from audio software to movies or even a jar of pickle): Mat:For live shows I’ve been using this Allen and Heath SQ-5 digital mixer. Its graphic EQ “fader flip” function is pretty amazing. Andreas:The Commoners Band

In this podcast episode Russ Hughes talks film scoring with Stephen Gallagher & Mark Willsher (Lord Of The Rings).Learn More About Stephen Gallagher Here:https://bio.site/StephenGallagherLearn More About Mark Willsher Here:https://bio.site/pin3hotFinds Of The Week:Mark:Apple & Blackberry Bakewell Tart Stephen: A Sunny Place For Shady People by Mariana EnriquezRuss: The Genius Myth by Helen Lewis

In this episode Ashea is joined by Shane Lavin, founder of Sonic Summit, where they discuss the power that paradise can have on our creative abilities.Learn more about Sonic Summits here:https://linktr.ee/sonic_summit

In this 2 part interview, Ashea chats with Producer, Musician & Immersive Mix Engineer Justin Grey about his new fully immersive album Immersed.Experience the album and learn more about Justin here:https://justingraysound.com/immersed/

In this two part interview, Ashea chats with Producer, Musician & Immersive Mix Engineer Justin Gray about his new fully immersive album Immersed.Experience the album and learn more about Justin here:https://justingraysound.com/immersed/Talking Points:Inspiration for the album & The writing processThe expressive use of space (reverb)Connecting audio and visuals to tell a storyCapturing sound in 3DHow  using a Dolby Atmos playback system helped artists with their creativity

James Richmond and the Production Expert team discuss building a hybrid analogue summing using cascading SSL X Rack chassis and used modules, plus Luke Goddard on the PreSonus StudioLive Series III SE. The conversation moves through Yuzu custom Pro Tools keycaps, experimental tape-and-percussion music finds, and a practical discussion of studio chairs, sit-stand desks, and the cost of poor posture. Useful listening for anyone weighing the cost and benefit of bringing analogue summing back into an in-the-box workflow.Building A Hybrid Console With SSL X Rack Summing, Plus Yuzu Keycaps And Studio ChairsMost engineers running hybrid workflows hit the same wall. Every channel that touches outboard adds a conversion. By the time a kick drum reaches the master, it can have been through eight A to D stages, and the per-channel bus structure that a large format SSL gives you for granted is nowhere in sight. James Richmond's solution, built from used SSL X Rack modules for under £3,000, recreates A/B/C/D bus architecture in ten rack spaces. It's the centrepiece of an episode that also covers PreSonus's StudioLive Series III SE, the software that quietly saved a mix, and the ergonomics question most studio owners are still ignoring.In this episode:James Richmond on cascading SSL X Rack summing mixers, why the used module market made the build viable, and how the record bus on the four-channel modules enables true subgroup compression on drum shells and vocals before they hit the masterLuke Goddard on the PreSonus StudioLive Series III SE 32-channel mixer in three frame sizes, USB 2.0 versus Thunderbolt bandwidth concerns at 64 in/64 out, and the AVB-to-Dante bridge question for facilities already on Dante infrastructureJulian Rodgers on DynAssist solving an unmixed legacy session for a social delivery in minutes, with no automation passes requiredJames on Yuzu Keycaps, custom Pro Tools labelling on a Keychron K5 mechanical keyboard, and why most pre-made Pro Tools keysets look like a bag of sweetsLuke on the Tape Bowing Ensemble by The Open Reel Ensemble, three performers playing magnetic tape stretched across bamboo bowsJulian on Music for One Apartment and Six Drummers, a Swedish percussion film built from found objects across a stranger's houseAshea on a sub-£100 ergonomic studio chair from Amazon as an alternative to the Herman Miller Aeron, with a wider discussion on armrests, sit-stand desks, anti-fatigue mats and the posture problems most producers eventually developTools and products mentioned:PreSonus StudioLive Series III SE, SSL X Rack, SSL X Rack four-channel and eight-channel summing modules, SSL E Series EQ, SSL 9K compressor, SSL XL Desk, Avid S6, ADL 1500 tube compressor, API 550A, Chandler Little Devil, BAE 10DCF, DBX 160A, DBX 160X with Carnhill output transformers, Empirical Labs Fatso, ADR Compex, Dynasys

In this podcast short, Ashea narrates an article by Luke Goddard about the importance of getting a second opinion, even when ‘solo mastering’.Read The Article Here:https://www.production-expert.com/production-expert-1/self-mastering-doesnt-have-to-mean-solo-mastering

In this edition Ashea and Julian are joined by James Richmond (former SSL) & Production Experts Luke Goddard where they walk through Julians checklist from his blog article: Is Your Studio Resilient ?About Our Guests:James Richmons is a producer/engineer based in Oxfordshire, UK.Production Expert’s very own Luke Goddard. Yes that one!

In this podcast short, Ashea narrates an article by Russ Hughes about the dangers of saying yes to everything. Read Along With The Article:https://www.production-expert.com/production-expert-1/drowning-in-ideas-how-audio-pros-can-learn-to-say-no

In this edition, Julian it can be anything from audio software to movies or even a jar of pickle): Julian: Surrounded by Sound: Ray Dolby and the Art of Noise ReductionAshea: https://wiredmasters.co.uk/ (Tape Baking Story)Will: Amazon Pants James:Installation of tone makers in Times Square Max Neuhas -

In this edition Julian and Ashea are joined by Christian Luther of Playfair Audio, where they discuss tips, tricks and gear to assist mix engineers and producers with their creativity.About Our Guest: Christian Luther:Christian is the founder of Playfair Audio and a seasoned audio software developer from Hannover, Germany. With a background in electrical engineering and years of experience at companies like Kemper Amps and Sennheiser, he’s spent his career building tools that make audio production more intuitive. Through Playfair Audio, he focuses on solving the technical challenges so others can focus on being creative.Talking Points:The interplay between creativity and technical ability Using technology for a more seamless creative mixing process Careful consideration vs instinct while mixingHow tools, interfaces and working environments shape the creative processThe role of dynamics when mixing Finds of the week:Each week our guests share something they have found, (usually audio related but it doesn´t have to be, it can be anything from audio software to movies or even a jar of pickle):Ashea: Logic Pro Latest Updates- Stem Splitter ImprovementsChristian: https://www.keybr.com/

In this edition Ashea chats to Alex West (music manager, radio presenter for BBC, KM FM and Reprezents Radio in London) about the pros and cons of being Neurodivergent (ADHD and Autistic) while working in the music industry.

In this episode Ashea and Julian are joined by Auribus CEO Juan Elias and CFO Neal Gustafson where they discuss how AI software is changing the industry, possibly like we've never encountered before. Is it time to embrace change in an ethical way?Talking Points:The AI revolution in the audio industry and why choosing ethical options is so important.A literal game-changer, despite this phrase being embarrassingly over used- let’s discuss the ways that Auribus is changing how we make music.Voice by Auribus Features:Finds of the week:Julian: Air Fryer! - me too… Snootiful Hound sighthound harnessAshea: Monument Valley GameJuan: Anthony Hopkins film Hitchcock - title: “Hitchcock”Neal: Air Fryer, Factotum Movie,

In this podcast short we bring you an informal yet very informative casual chat between Nathaniel Reichman and Mark Donahue of sound mirror on the mysteries of Direct Stream Digital.

In this edition Julian and Ashea are joined by Thomas Lund from Genelec and Stephen Wheatley from HearAngel where they discuss the importance of safe listening levels and how to protect our most valuable asset that we have as audio and music professionals... Our Ears.About our guests:Thomas is convenor of the EU working group to prevent hearing loss in music listening and gaming; and researcher at Finnish monitoring company, Genelec. Out of a medical background, Thomas has worked in Danish healthcare, and contributed to international standardisation on sound.Stephen: Stephen’s company, LimitEar, have supplied hearing safeguarding technologies for headphone users at The BBC, Global Radio, BSkyB, F1, amongst others. He is the Chair of the UK Make Listening Safe Campaign, a WHO initiative, a Trustee of the UK Hearing Conservation Association and an Invited Expert to the ITU’s Safe Listening safety standards groups.  https://www.hearangel.com/the-company/Stephen: History Rage PodcastFinds of the week:Julian: Steinberg SpectraLayersAshea:  Ear Peace Music ProThomas:  https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noise/about/app.htmlhttps://www.museepicassoparis.fr/en/degenerate-art-modern-art-trial-under-nazisStephen: History Rage Podcast

In this podcast episode, Ashea has a candid chat with  Artist, Producer, Singer/Rapper, youth mentor and Big Brother UK 2024 runner up Marcello Spooks, about tough beginnings inspiring creativity, being under immense public scrutiny and whether, being 'delulu' the 'solulu' to making your best  work. Listen To Marcellos New Music Here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_y7BLmHCX9AKeep Up With Marcello's Delusion:https://www.instagram.com/marcellospooks?igsh=MTducHRocGY2Z2QwcQ==

In this edition Ashea and Julian are joined by Source Elements technical co-founder and CEO Rebekah Wilson and principal inventor and co-founder, Robert Marshall, where they deep dive into the beginnings, the middle and the future of Source Elements, and why it's at the forefront of seamless, stress free remote recording.About Our Guests:Robert Marshall: Principal inventor and co-founder, overseas product development concepts and sales & support teams. He is the recording /mixing engineer for SUM1 in Chicago and works daily with our remote tools around the world in that capacity. He also has an extraordinary daughter who just started film school who is showing that the next generation is full of talent and good spirits.Rebekah Wilson: Technical co-founder and CEO, overseas engineering and product teams and general business functions. Originally trained as classical & electronic composer in conservatory-style, before source elements she toured as a composer/performer and worked in an experimental music institute in Amsterdam, work that merged into her interest of using tools such as Source-Connect for networked music performance and avant garde music, primarily as teacher and researcher.

In this edition, Julian and Ashea are joined by Grammy winning producer/engineer and extremely tired touring musician William Wittman and  engineer/producer & indie label owner Steve DeMott, where they discuss the latest things they love and perhaps don't love so much in audio right now.

In this podcast short Ashea narrates an article by Russ Hughes discussing the genius creative work behind the Netflix show Adolescence.Click here to follow along with the article:

In this podcast short Ashea narrates an article by Russ Hughes, discussing the disastrous predictions about the audio and music tech industry that have yet to come true. Read The Article Here:https://www.production-expert.com/production-expert-1/three-music-technology-predictions-that-never-came-true

In this edition Julian and Ashea are joined by Korey Pereira, Mike Thorne and Reid Caulfield, where the guests unpack what they believe helped them develop such successful careers so far, along with sharing some no-nonsense advice about what they would do differently if they were to build an audio business from scratch in 2025. About Our Guests:Korey Pereira is a Dialogue Editor and Sound Supervisor for film and televisionMike Thorne is a studio owner in Kent- Rimshot productions: https://www.rimshotstudio.co.uk/Reid Caulfield is an LA based re-recording mixer & sound editor.Finds Of The Week:Julian: The Synths Behind Don't You Want Me - Video by Alex BallMike: Meter Plugs Perception AB Chord Electronics AltoKorey: Tascam DR-07XP Adjustable mics between AB/XY, 32-bit floatSoundfield ST450mkii

In this podcast short, Julian explains why, unlike some audio pros (who use different DAWs for different tasks such as writing vs mixing) he only uses Pro Tools. Link to the Article:https://www.production-expert.com/production-expert-1/why-i-only-use-pro-tools-as-my-daw-of-choice

In this edition, Julian & Ashea are joined by sound designer, re-recording and score mixer Roger Guerin and Production Expert founder Russ Hughes, where they delve into the past and present of sampling for TV & Film, and discuss industry tips for professional and aspiring sound designers & producers. Talking Points:A history of sampling.Present day sampling practices.Tips and industry insights for sound designers & producers in TV & Film.Finds of the week:Julian: UAD Polymax For Free For Pro Tools Customers Via Inner CircleAshea: Warp- Baby Audio X Andrew HuangRoger:  Silk Vocal from WavesRuss:

In this podcast short, Ashea narrates an article by Russ Hughes, where he delves into his experience with depression and anxiety. Creative people are more likely to experience mental health issues, partly due to the immense pressure we are often put under, so it´s important to take time for ourselves to reflect and be attentive to our mental and physical health. The holidays can be a good time to do this.If you are affected or know someone who is struggling with the issues mentioned in this podcast short, please know that you are not alone and there most definitely is hope.Helpful links:https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/https://www.mind.org.uk/donate/acq-christmas-2024/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1Km7BhC9ARIsAFZfEIv-nrundcUa2BAWKmRI3WnNoK41m4IrGj3aDxZrnlNvNA7bM-Zd1wYaAh3YEALw_wcB

In this podcast short, Ashea narrates an article by Russ Hughes, where he delves into his experience with depression and anxiety. Creative people are more likely to experience mental health issues, partly due to the immense pressure we are often put under, so it´s important to take time for ourselves to reflect and be attentive to our mental and physical health. The holidays can be a good time to do this. If you are affected or know someone who is struggling with the issues mentioned in this podcast short, please know that you are not alone and there most definitely is hope.Helpful links:https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/https://www.mind.org.uk/donate/acq-christmas-2024/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1Km7BhC9ARIsAFZfEIv-nrundcUa2BAWKmRI3WnNoK41m4IrGj3aDxZrnlNvNA7bM-Zd1wYaAh3YEALw_wcB

In this podcast short, Ashea narrates an article by Russ Hughes, on the perils the instant success trend plaguing the audio industry right now, and what we as professionals can do to address it.

Welcome to the Production Expert podcast. In this edition Julian and Ashea are joined by President of the AES Leslie Gaston Bird & audio engineer Ephie De Angelis, where they discuss their journeys into the world of audio and music production. Talking Points:Our journey into audio and productionWhat we get out of itInspiring others- the importance of representation, (you can’t be what you cant see).AES and advocacy. Learn more about AES here:https://aes2.org

In this Podcast Short Julian explains his reasons for nominating 5 skills which he thinks every engineer would benefit from learning, and 3 which, while very worthwhile, don't make the list.The original article can be found here and the article by Damien Kearns referenced in the podcast can be found here.

Welcome to the Production Expert podcast. In this edition Julian and Ashea are joined by Andy Bensley & Marcel Schechter of Genelec. Where they discuss why a great listening environment is the best time saver, and how to get the best setup for our individual needs.About Our Guests:Andy Bensley: joined Genelec as Regional Business Development Manager in 2019. Based in the UK, Andy has huge experience in analysing and tuning the in-room performance of loudspeaker systems in a wide range of studios — from the smallest bedroom to the largest post-production studio.Marcel Schechter: joined Genelec as Customer Experience Specialist in 2021, before that he already spent seven years as a product specialist for the German distributor Audio Pro. He worked for ten years as a sound engineer and uses his practical experience to advise customers on choosing, optimising and calibrating loudspeaker systems. Talking Points:Why a great listening environment is the best time saver and other benefits.What to do about less than ideal rooms.Using referencing to improve our mixes. Finds of the week:Julian: Zennor SoundsAshea: Hydraulic Press ChannelMarcel: The YouTube channel Audio University Andy:  Cory Wong - The Sorcerer

In this edition Julian and Ashea are joined by producer & mega musician Mark Thompson, where they discuss new tips, tricks, and things they generally love (or hate) right now.Talking Points:Good advice or cool production tips you´ve learned that you´d like to share.Plugins or hardware that people need to know about.Finds Of The Week:Julian: Krotos Ambience generatorAshea: Waves CenterMark: Orla Gartland

Russ wonders if all this modern recording technology is actually damaging our creativity rather than enabling us?

Ashea and Julian are joined by Luke Goddard and Luke Stephen Ramsey to break down what actually makes a record memorable, from Kylie Minogue and Madonna to Charlie XCX, Sam Fender and the 1975. The panel digs into signature sounds, vocal timbre, tempo decisions and the production choices that separate songs that fade from songs that stick. A conversation about craft, taste and why some records survive playback systems they were never designed for.The panel works through a set of records spanning four decades and asks a simple question: what is the thing that makes a song stick? Not the marketing, not the moment, the actual production and songwriting decisions. The conversation moves through signature sounds, sparse arrangements, vocal character and the discipline of leaving space.In this episode:Why Can't Get You Out Of My Head still works on laptop speakers and phone tannoys, and what the offbeat bass and strong fifth do for the arrangementThe 1975's O Caroline as an 80s-influenced studio record cut in Peter Gabriel's Real World, and what happens when control room and live room are the same spaceMadonna's Vogue as the first record where the song, the video and the visual identity felt designed as one thing, and the role of a single signature sound in making a record identifiableCharlie XCX's Sympathy Is A Knife and why deliberately unpleasant production choices, watery digital reverbs and a jagged synth verse, can be the right answer rather than a mistakeTears For Fears Sowing The Seeds Of Love as a control room band record, the Beatles comparison, and why this scale of ambition is harder to find in current popSam Fender's Bit Of You and the case for mid-tempo restraint, immediacy over polish, and a Bonham-style drummer holding the backboneChase & Status Backbone with Stormzy, and why a great voice with timbre and rhythmic control carries a record further than technical singing abilityBeastie Boys Sabotage as a record where performance and energy outrank prettiness, and the difference between a great song and a great recordTools and products mentioned:Kylie Minogue Can't Get You Out Of My Head, Wurlitzer electric piano, The 1975 O Caroline, Real World Studios, Madonna Vogue, Madonna Like A Prayer, Human League Fascination, Charlie XCX Brat, Charlie XCX Sympathy Is A Knife, Finn Keane, PC Music, Tears For Fears Sowing The Seeds Of Love, Sam Fender Bit Of You, Lindisfarne, Chase & Status Backbone, Stormzy, Steflon Don, Ashanti, Halsey, Lizzy McAlpine, Beastie Boys Sabotage, Randy Newman, Undertone Audio Unfair Child plugin, Eric Valentine, Sennheiser MD421, Sennheiser MD41 Compact, The Orville, Seth MacFarlane.About the panel:Ashea and Julian host this edition of the Production Expert Podcast. They are joined by Luke Goddard, a regular Production Expert contributor and engineer, and Luke Stephen Ramsey,

In this podcast short Russ Hughes says; "You are going to come up against all sorts of problems when recording and mixing. Occam’s Razor is an indispensable tool we ignore at our peril."

In this edition Julian and Ashea are joined by Luke Goddard and Paul Maunder, where they discuss tried and tested production rules and ask, does anyone care about that anymore and if so, why?Talking Points:Being in the room with the artist/client, is it still necessary? Does it even matter?Have listeners' ears become accustomed to things like Auto tune, heavy compression, would anyone care if we stopped doing these things?Loudness Wars- does anyone care anymore?Mix Assistants E.g EZ mix, is it cheating?Finds of the week:Julian:Using what you already have in the studio (Carbon story, Caldigit Ethernet, audio key on piano)Ashea: Audio Ease- Speakerphone 3Paul: BlackMagic UltraStudio RecorderLuke:  Leaf Audio

In this podcast short Russ Hughes explores how audio professionals can get ahead in marketing. "I remember being on Zoom call with some of the most respected names in music production some time ago. I was talking about marketing strategies to help them get new clients and to grow their businesses. As we went through the Q “What we really want is for you to do this for us!” They weren’t joking, they all knew how important marketing is, but all hate the thought of doing it.If that’s you, then here’s my attempt at helping those of you who want to get ahead in audio when you hate the thought of marketing."