EP 159: Jon Kaplan – Problem Solving Your Mixes

master your mix podcast, ep 159 jon kaplan

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 totalling 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

Notable gear mentioned in this episode:

1176 – https://sweetwater.sjv.io/AWE4MR

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

For 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 request a demo: 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

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

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