Episode 159

Jon Kaplan: Problem Solving Your Mixes

Jon Kaplan is a Grammy award-winning Mixer, Producer and Composer who has enjoyed every minute of the past 25+ years working in the studio.

Following a dream-defining stretch in the 1990s as a member of Atlantic Records’ band The Hatters, his career behind the glass began in NYC as an engineer on hit records for *N Sync, Jennifer Lopez, LL Cool J, Mariah Carey, and others.

As a producer and mixer, he has lent an ear to records across the musical spectrum for artists including Paul McCartney, Elton John, Neon Trees, Bebe Rexha, Jonas Brothers, Black Pumas, Brittany Howard, Allen Stone, Sara Bareilles, Upsahl, Ray LaMontagne, Zach Williams, Gavin DeGraw, and Brett Young.

To date, his name has appeared on albums totaling over 25 million in sales, as well as eight Grammy-nominated recordings and the one shiny little gold statue on the mantle.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Figuring out your passions and niche in audio
  • Navigating the old music industry model vs. the current one
  • Using the rough mix as the foundation of what you do
  • Problem-solving balance issues in a mix
  • Making a vocal sit right 
  • Having a repeatable process for mixing so you know when you’re done with it
  • Tuning kick drums to match the key of the song
  • Saturating bass
  • Using references to learn your speakers
  • Why gain-matching is so important throughout a mix
  • Using mono vs stereo reverbs
  • Delay vs reverb

To learn more about Jon Kaplan, visit: https://jfkmix.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/

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About the Podcast

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About your host

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Mike Indovina

Mike Indovina is a recording, mixing, and mastering engineer who has worked with hundreds of artists in multiple genres ranging from acoustic, pop/rock, hip hop, and more. In his time, he's been fortunate to work alongside artists such as KISS, Collective Soul, Ed Robertson (Barenaked Ladies), David Usher, and many more.

He's also the author of two Amazon #1 Bestsellers on music production, "The Mixing Mindset" and "The Recording Mindset.