EP 150: Mike Plotnikoff – The Pursuit of Perfection

master your mix podcast, ep 150 mike plotnikoff

Starting out, Mike assisted on major records for artists such as AC/DC, Cher, and Aerosmith. He also got to work with some of the biggest producers and engineers in the business such as; Bob Rock, Mutt Lange, Chris Thomas, Mike Fraser, Randy Staub, Bob Clearmountian, Tom Lorde, Chris Lord-Alge, and Bruce Fairbairn.

Half way through the recording of Aerosmith’s “Get a Grip” record, Mike was promoted to head engineer for the album.  For the next eight years Mike then went on to be Bruce Fairbairn’s main engineer, recording and mixing records for some of the top artists, including Van Halen, Aerosmith, The Cranberries, INXS, Kiss, Yes, Bryan Adams, Sarah McLachlan, Theory of a Deadman, and Three Days Grace.

In 2001, after the passing of Bruce Fairbairn, Mike Plotnikoff moved to Los Angeles and teamed up with producer Howard Benson. Together they went on to record and mix some of the biggest records of the 2000’s including; Flyleaf, Daughtry, Papa Roach, Three Days Grace, Hoobastank, Buckcherry, Halestorm, Like A Storm, and Kelly Clarkson, to name a few.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Working his way up the ladder
  • Copying other engineer’s settings
  • Reverse engineering sounds with references
  • Why you shouldn’t just focus on close mics when EQing drums
  • Having your own sound
  • Working with In Flames
  • Blending plugins with real amps
  • The pursuit of perfection
  • Knowing when your project is finished
  • How he layers guitars
  • Recording chord by chord
  • Mike’s whitenoise trick for perfect mic placement
  • Why he records bass tracks in 5 layers

To learn more about Mike Plotnikoff, visit: http://mikeplotnikoff.net/

To learn more tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/

Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

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

Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/

Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community

To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.

Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com

Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!

Share