A Mixing Workshop with Scoobert Doobert
Love Music More · hosted by Luke F. Walton (Scoobert Doobert) · Solo episode
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Topics discussed
Host note
Mixing is a taste sport, every engineer is building an argument, not following a spec. In this solo workshop, I run through how to choose a mixing engineer (hire for taste, not gear list), why contrast does more work than any single plugin, and how a mono reverb gets heard when a stereo reverb disappears.
There's also time on song intros and outros, the entry and exit that most people phone in, and how early layering decisions paint you into creative corners later. The through-line: trust your instincts, because that's what the whole craft is actually about.
Selected moments
- Intro to Mixing Wisdom 0:00 I introduce journey in mixing and the objectives of the episode.
- Learning Through Experience 1:33 I discuss the subjective nature of mixing and the tools available to engineers.
- Taste vs. Technique 3:03 The understanding that mixing is about personal taste and advocating for it.
- Hiring the Right Engineer 3:46 Advice on how to choose a mixing engineer based on their taste and instincts.
- Creating Meaningful Intros and Outros 7:32 Insights on crafting intentional song beginnings and endings.
- The Art of Layering 11:18 I explain how to feature key sounds and manage layers in a mix.
- The Importance of Contrast 13:30 Discussing how to use contrast in mixing to enhance emotional impact.
- Evolving Mix Parts 14:21 Advice on allowing mix parts to evolve for better integration.
- The Illusion of Width 21:49 How mono tracks can create a wider sound experience when mixed correctly.
- Final Mixing Thoughts 24:00 Wrapping up key takeaways from the mixing process and encouraging ongoing growth.
Selected excerpts
Every time I do another one, I learn a bunch of stuff... there’s no right answer at all. All of it is a matter of taste.
A mixing engineer takes the recorded tracks and mixes them up into a radio-friendly format that can hold up against other stuff in that genre.
What I would recommend is hire your mixing engineer based on their taste... develop your instincts, because that’s what the whole process is about.
The way that it comes into the world should be really intentional. Make a count. Make the beginning and end really, really count.
Sometimes having something like a mono reverb can add so much depth because it’s coming to you in a specific direction.
FAQ
What should I look for when hiring a mixing engineer?
It's important to hire a mixing engineer based on their taste and instincts, as your collaboration will heavily depend on their understanding of music.
What are tips for creating effective song intros and outros?
Make sure that your song's beginning and end offer a compelling reason for existence, rather than being generic.
How can contrast enhance a mix?
Using contrast in your mix by varying the levels of different elements can captivate the listener's attention and enhance emotional impact.
Curated notes only — no public transcript. Listen on the links above.