Secret Sonics  By  cover art

Secret Sonics

By: Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner
  • Summary

  • Join mix engineers Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner as they team up to discuss the real-world trials and triumphs of music production. Tactical advice on skill development, mixing mindsets, personal branding, and achieving work-life rhythm in an evolving industry. The motivation and strategic insights you need to build your dream creative career in music and audio. Fresh episodes every other week.
    Copyright Ben Wallick
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Episodes
  • #206 - Using Music Theory to Conquer Common Mixing Challenges
    May 6 2024
    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:
    • The #1 mix element that most often requires music theory intervention
    • How to use your theory chops to create complimentary arrangements that solve masking and clutter
    • The simple music theory move that can add instant harmonic interest and sophistication to basic progressions
    • Why experimenting with keys and tempos is a critical (but often overlooked) part of the production process
    • How to leverage your knowledge of scales and intervals to melodically Melodyne your way out of any mix disaster


    Connect with us:

    Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
    Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
    Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/

    Thanks to our sponsors!

    Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

    Learn more:

    https://www.benwallick.com/
    https://www.carlbahner.com/

    370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-prompts


    This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

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    17 mins
  • #205 - Consistency Hacks for Reliably Radio-Ready Mixes
    Apr 29 2024
    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 your consistency and mix with confidence!


    Topics we discuss:
    • The simple monitoring move that will jumpstart your ability to make confident mix decisions
    • How your mix bus processing chain could be sabotaging your consistency
    • A counterintuitive mix approach that ensures your choruses always deliver the right emotional impact
    • Why your favorite mix engineers never mix a song from start to finish
    • The critical mix buss metering insights that take the guesswork out of gain staging and balancing


    Connect with us:

    Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
    Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
    Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/

    Thanks to our sponsors!

    Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

    Learn more:

    https://www.benwallick.com/
    https://www.carlbahner.com/

    370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-prompts


    This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

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    44 mins
  • #204 - Masking Mayhem: How to Tame the Chaos and Clarify Your Mixes
    Apr 22 2024
    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 mixes (hint: it's not just frequency masking!)
    • How to diagnose and eliminate "rhythmic masking" to unlock airtight grooves
    • The #1 rookie mixing mistake that's holding your mixes back - and how to break the habit for good
    • Why muting is the most underrated weapon in your mixing arsenal (and how to wield it like a pro)
    • The simple stereo field trick that can eliminate muddiness and clutter in seconds flat
    Connect with us:

    Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
    Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
    Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/

    Thanks to our sponsors!

    Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

    Learn more:

    https://www.benwallick.com/
    https://www.carlbahner.com/

    370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-prompts


    This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

    Show more Show less
    20 mins

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