Kevin Antreassian is an American musician, producer, engineer, and studio owner based in New Jersey. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Audio Engineering from William Paterson University and is the founder and operator of Backroom Studios, a multifaceted recording and rehearsal facility established in 2007. Over his career, Antreassian has worked with a wide range of artists across rock and metal genres, providing production, recording, mixing/mastering, and technical services for both emerging and established acts.

As a guitarist, he is best known for his tenure with the influential mathcore band The Dillinger Escape Plan, performing with the group through their later period and contributing to their final shows and recordings, as well as other groups like The Sawtooth Grin and Knife the Glitter. In addition to his work in the studio and on stage, Antreassian has served as a touring guitar technician for notable acts, and he teaches music production and guitar tech at William Paterson University.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

1. Choosing between touring, corporate audio, and running a studio
2. Why multiple income streams matter if you want long-term stability
3. The not-so-glamorous truth about life on the road
4. Avoiding burnout when you’re obsessed with making records
5. How starting with minimal gear actually sharpens your skills
6. Why he keeps outboard gear set to fixed settings
7. How he uses templates for speed and consistency rather than tone
8. Tuning out the marketing noise around gear so you can stay focused
9. Creating clarity and focus in chaotic music
10. How editing impacts the energy and feel of a performance
11. When live-off-the-floor beats isolated tracking
12. Why automation is the biggest separator between amateur and pro mixes

To learn more about Kevin Antreassian, visit: https://backroom.studio/

Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

Want additional help with your music productions?

For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/

Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:

1. The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com

Shane Slack is an Emmy-nominated mastering and post-production engineer, and the owner of Mono Theory, Inc., a Florida-based studio specializing in mastering, sound design, and Foley for music, television, and film. With credits spanning Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+, CBS, and Showtime, Shane has helped shape the sound of high-profile projects including Ted Lasso, The Umbrella Academy, NCIS: LA, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. A graduate of Valencia College’s Sound & Music Technology program, he’s also a member of the Recording Academy and the Audio Engineering Society, where he’s active in mastering education and diversity initiatives.

Drawing from early influences like Motown, reggae, and classic video game soundtracks, Shane’s work combines deep technical expertise with an ear for emotional storytelling. Whether mastering indie releases or handling sound for major media productions, he’s passionate about translating creative intent into mixes that connect across every playback system. Through Mono Theory, he continues to bridge the gap between art and acoustics—helping artists, producers, and filmmakers bring their sonic visions to life.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

1. Why learning about mastering first is a smart decision
2. Production and mixing mistakes that often need to be fixed by a mastering engineer
3. Understanding psychoacoustics
4. How to double-track instruments for better translation and phase
5. Why phase correction is so crucial for proper mix translation
6. Checking mixes in mono
7. Using mid-side EQ
8. How to make mixing easier, simply by being careful with instrument voicing
9. Why it’s better to use multiple compressors, rather than only one
10. Developing your audio skills faster by taking your time
11. Asking yourself “why” when you’re making the moves you’re making

To learn more about Shane Slack, visit: https://www.instagram.com/slackshane/

Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

Want additional help with your music productions?

For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/

Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:

1. The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com

Aaron Rubin is a mix engineer, producer, writer, manager and musician who has worked with some big names in the industry including Ilan Rubin, Angels & Airwaves, Frank Turner and Blink-182.

Aaron has worn many hats in the industry and got his start working with his brother Ilan playing in bands and later managing his music career. He has always been interested in the production side of music, which has led to his work with Tom Delonge and his various projects.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

1. Broadening your network
2. Proving your value
3. Working with Tom Delong and Blink-182
4. Disagreeing with artists
5. Recording the new Blink-182 record with an Axe FX
6. How to get the Tom Delonge guitar tone
7. Blending amp sounds
8. The challenges of working on a record being made in multiple studios
9. Session organization
10. Updating mixes after an album has been released
11. How AI is going to change the game for mixing
12. The art of committing to sounds

Notable gear mentioned in this episode:

Stereo Manley Pultec: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/darLBk

To learn more about Aaron Rubin, visit: http://www.thisiscommand.com/

Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

Want additional help with your music productions?

For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/

Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:

1. The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com
2. The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/

Check out our Sponsors:

Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

Subscribe to the show:

1. Apple...