Production Expert Podcast
- Episodes
- 361
- Released
- every two weeks
- Latest episode
- Sep 28, 2026
About the podcast
Practical advice for working audio professionals - mix engineers, music producers, post-production specialists and studio owners. Every episode covers real workflow decisions, craft technique, industry analysis and the tools that actually matter in professional sessions. Hosted by the Production Expert team, with guests including credited engineers, producers and industry specialists. Topics include mixing, music production, post-production, immersive audio, Atmos, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Studio One, DAW workflow, compression, EQ, session management, and the business of professional audio.
Contributors
- AsheaHost
- Julian RodgersHost
Episodes 361
Running a Commercial Recording Studio: Vocal Production, Mic Techniques & Client Relationships.
In this edition, Host & audio engineer Ashea is joined by platinum-selling engineer, producer and Moorcroft Studios owner Tom Fox to talk about the day-to-day reality of running a commercial recording studio …
Show notes
In this edition, Host & audio engineer Ashea is joined by platinum-selling engineer, producer and Moorcroft Studios owner Tom Fox to talk about the day-to-day reality of running a commercial recording studio. Tom has spent around 25 years behind the desk, and he shares the workflow, psychology and practical tricks he has developed while running his Yorkshire based studio.
The conversation covers how to prepare artists before they arrive, how to put nervous first-timers at ease, and how to judge a great take. They also discuss tuning with Melodyne, comping in Cubase, and why a good vocal engineer is part producer, part coach and part therapist. This episode is essential listening for any engineer, producer or studio owner who wants to get the best performance out of every artist.
In This Episode:
- Tom Fox's Journey: From Metal Bands to Rap and Bassline: How a bedroom recording setup and a degree in sound technology led to Moorcroft Studios in West Yorkshire
- Specialising in Vocal Production: Why focusing on vocals rather than doing a bit of everything sharpened Tom's skills and reputation
- A Week in the Life of a Commercial Studio: Working half days, juggling multiple artists and moving between acoustic sessions and heavy drill
- The Bassline Scene: The West Yorkshire genre, its mainstream moment and the studio as a social meeting hub
- Remote Mixing vs. Start-to-Finish Projects: Why Tom prefers creative involvement from the first take to the final mix
- Pre-Session Preparation: Asking artists for voice notes or rough guides to fix wording, phrasing and breathing before the session
- Warming Up Artists and Recording Guide Takes: Using early takes when artists don't feel like they're being recorded, especially with first-timers
- Putting Artists at Ease: Reading the room, building trust and being part producer, part agony aunt
- What Makes a Good Take: Emotional conviction, believability and tuning, and the fine line between polishing and overworking a performance
- Tuning Philosophy: Melodyne and Natural Vocals: Repairing a great performance rather than settling for a flat one, and avoiding the over-tuned sound
- Recording in Shorter Sections: How working in small chunks keeps energy up, makes corrections easier to remember and strengthens the vocal
- Comping Workflow in Cubase: Colour-coding takes so you can comp as you go and review with the artist
- Vocal Coaching and Mic Technique: Why reading lyrics off a phone pulls artists off-axis, and how that hurts consistency when comping
- The Visual Aid Trick: A duplicate screen facing the booth so artists can see drop-ins and weaker sections
- Navigating Different Personalities: Working with shy artists, perfectionists and those who want feedback straight away
- Managing Expectations Around the Process: Explaining EQ, compression, comping and tuning so indie artists don't judge their raw takes too harshly
- Using Melodyne to Reassure Artists: Quickly tuning a passage to show it's fine so they can move on
About Our Guest:
Tom Fox:
Platinum-selling recording engineer, producer and owner of Moorcroft Studios in West Yorkshire. Tom began recording as a teenager in his bedroom, went on to earn a degree in sound technology, and has run Moorcroft Studios ever since. He started out working with metal bands nearly 20 years ago and now specialises in vocal production and engineering, primarily for rap and bassline artists.
www.moorcroftstudios.co.ukAbout Our Host:
Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning notable artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast.
https://asheamusicofficial.comWhy Every Audio Professional Should Care About the EU AI Act: Inside Look at Compliance Requirements, Platform Accountability & Industry Standards
In this edition, Host & audio engineer Ashea is joined by Production Expert Founders Mike Thornton and Russ Hughes & post-production audio engineer Paul Maunder, to address one of the most significant …
Show notes
In this edition, Host & audio engineer Ashea is joined by Production Expert Founders Mike Thornton and Russ Hughes & post-production audio engineer Paul Maunder, to address one of the most significant regulatory changes affecting the audio and music production industry: the new EU AI Act. With implementation now in force, this episode cuts through the hype and confusion to explain exactly what the law requires, how it applies to audio professionals, and what both individuals and platforms must do to comply.
The conversation covers the practical implications for anyone using AI voice generation (like 11 Labs), AI-assisted editing tools, or working with platforms like Spotify and YouTube. The team breaks down machine-readable marking requirements, disclosure obligations, audio watermarking technology, platform accountability, and what the experience with GDPR implementation can teach us about enforcement. This episode is essential for every audio professional seeking clarity on regulatory compliance and industry integrity in the AI era.
In This Episode:
- EU AI Act Overview: GDPR for AI — How the EU AI Act functions as 'GDPR for artificial intelligence,' applying to any content played in the European Union regardless of where it was created
- Deepfakes Defined: Beyond Celebrity Videos — The law's broad definition of 'deepfakes' as anything that could be misconceived as human-made but is AI-generated, including voice synthesis, video, and images
- Machine-Readable Marking Requirements — How AI system providers must embed technical metadata into AI-generated content so it can be automatically detected by machines and platforms
- Disclosure Requirements for Deployers — Content creators and distributors must explicitly disclose to audiences when content contains AI-generated or manipulated audio/video
- The Disclosure Chain: Creators to Audience — How disclosure cascades through the value chain: if you use 11 Labs for voiceover, you tell your client, who tells their audience
- AI Cleanup Tools Exemption — The law doesn't apply to AI-assisted editing or enhancement tools unless the regenerated content becomes the primary focus
- Pro Tools Generative Features Impact — Real-world example: if you use generative AI to regenerate missing words in a voiceover dropout, you must disclose this
- Spotify's Rapid Implementation — Within days of the EU Act coming into force, Spotify implemented labeling showing listeners when content uses AI
- YouTube's Platform Immunity Defense — YouTube's claim that they're merely a platform; how this misinterprets the law and shifts burden inappropriately
- Platform Responsibility vs. Creator Responsibility — Why YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram should be held accountable as publishers of content, not just neutral platforms
- Claude's Watermarking Response — How Claude added digital watermarking to AI text within days, demonstrating rapid compliance by major AI providers
- Machine-Readable vs. Human-Perceptible Disclosure — The distinction between technical watermarking (for machine detection) and human-friendly disclosure (text/audio announcements)
- Audio Watermarking Technology: Silent Cypher — Sony's deep audio watermarking technology that embeds imperceptible marks in audio frequency ranges
- Audio Brain for Mac: Emerging Audio Watermarking — New tools providing audio watermarking specifically for Mac OS, representing rapid tool development for compliance
- Complex Mixes and Watermarking Challenges — How tracking individual AI-generated elements within massive film mixes presents technical detection challenges
- GDPR as Enforcement Precedent — Since 2018, GDPR fines total ~€7 billion; this historical data proves regulatory enforcement intention
- Big Players vs. Small Businesses — Enforcement targets Spotify, YouTube, Facebook—not individual creators; the law aims to bring major platforms into compliance
- Copyright Protection Gaps — The EU Act and US No Fakes Act don't adequately address copyright of training data and content protection
- US Copyright Office Stance: Prompt-Driven AI — US Copyright Office denies copyright to purely prompt-driven AI output; Invoke AI's successful appeal shows lines are still being drawn
- Creative Use of AI vs. Deceptive Use — Distinguishing between legitimate transparent creative use (like T-Pain's autotune) vs. deceptive undisclosed use
- Professional Responsibility: Setting Standards — How professionals in audio should embrace the law and set standards themselves rather than waiting for enforcement
- Why Imperfect Laws Still Matter — No law is perfect, but laws represent our best effort at improvement and societal standards
- Race to the Bottom Without Standards — How lack of regulatory enforcement creates industry pressure to adopt AI, lower rates, and compromise quality
- Hypocrisy in Industry: The MPSE Poster Incident — Example of major audio professionals organization using generative AI while advocating against AI job displacement
- YouTube's Selective Compliance — How YouTube selectively enforces responsibility when reported violations occur, claiming external responsibility
About Our Guests:
Mike Thornton:
Co-founder of Production Expert and host of the Production Expert Podcast. Mike serves as industry commentator and facilitator of important conversations between technology companies and the professional audio community. In this episode, Mike moderates discussions on AI regulation and compliance.
Russ Hughes:
Co-founder of Production Expert. Russ provides deep technical and regulatory expertise on the EU AI Act, explaining how it differs from GDPR and what the law actually requires of audio professionals and platforms. Russ has researched the act thoroughly for audience guidance.
Paul Maunder:
Longstanding team member at Production Expert and post-production audio engineer. Paul contributes practical experience on how the new law applies in real-world audio workflows, including examples of Pro Tools, audio watermarking solutions, and the realities of tracking AI-generated elements within complex mixes.
About Our Host:
Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning notable artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast. Her commitment to discussing both the creative and business sides of audio production, including regulatory and compliance issues affecting the industry, makes her an ideal facilitator for important professional conversations.
The Watercooler Podcast: Grammy-Winning Producers Dom Morley, Matt Lawrence & Adrian Hall on Peer Support, Industry Rates & Why Audio Professionals Need Community to Survive
In this special "Watercooler Podcast" edition, host Ashea is joined by producers and mixers Dom Morley, Matt Lawrence, and Adrian Hall—for a candid conversation about the isolation of solo audio professionals …
Show notes
In this special "Watercooler Podcast" edition, host Ashea is joined by producers and mixers Dom Morley, Matt Lawrence, and Adrian Hall—for a candid conversation about the isolation of solo audio professionals and the critical importance of peer support and collaboration.
Dom, Matt, and Adrian have maintained a monthly "water cooler chat" since working together at Metropolis Studios. This episode explores how this simple monthly ritual became essential to their careers and mental health, discussing rates, client management, creative practice, and why building trusted peer groups creates space for radical honesty impossible in larger organizations.
In This Episode:
- The Isolation Paradox — How modern technology enables solo work while creating profound isolation and mental health challenges
- The Water Cooler Concept — Forced community structure for distributed solo entrepreneurs; monthly peer gatherings inspired by business literature
- 30 Years Experience: Age & Creativity — How experience builds confidence while youth brings innovation; the myth that creativity declines with age
- Trust & Peer Equality — Why working with peers at similar levels enables radical honesty impossible in hierarchies
- Knowing Each Other Deeply — How decades of shared history allow direct feedback without offense or ego
- Business Conversations — Discussing rates, pricing strategies, client negotiations, margin protection in trusted circles
- Artist Management Challenges — Navigating changing expectations, revision limits, sign-off procedures, scope creep
- Protecting Industry Standards — Responsibility to maintain rates and distinguish between discounts and day rates
- Abundance Mindset vs. Competition — Approaching work from 'enough for everyone' perspective; collaborative vs. protective attitudes
- Sharing Knowledge Across Specializations — Cross-disciplinary learning: live broadcast, Atmos, mastering, specialized tools
- Social Media & Curated Reality — Everyone posts only best work; false impressions of constant high-profile projects
- Big Names Doing Smaller Work — Industry secret: established professionals work on smaller projects but don't publicize it
- Rates as Fluid Not Fixed — Why publishing single rates creates problems; complexity of varying work types and discounts
- Teaching as Professional Practice — How education bookends isolation with human connection and community
- Professional Jealousy — Acknowledging competitive feelings while managing them constructively
- Transition from In-House to Freelance — How Metropolis experience shaped expectations differently than freelance work
- Client Respect & Communication — File delivery, respecting artist bandwidth, maintaining boundaries without being difficult
About Our Guests:
Dom Morley:
Grammy-winning producer and engineer (Amy Winehouse "Rehab"). Founder of Mix Consultancy and multiband.io session organization tool. Previously taught at Leeds Conservatoire. Initiated the monthly peer collaboration concept discussed in this episode.
Matt Lawrence:
Grammy-winning producer, mixer, and engineer (Mumford & Sons "Babel"). Specializes in live sound, mixing major festivals for BBC broadcasts. Extensive experience with 5.1 and Atmos formats. Combines high-pressure broadcast environments with meticulous studio production.
Adrian Hall:
Accomplished mixer, engineer, and producer. Grammy-nominated. Brings extensive mixing expertise and band production experience. Contributes perspective on professional growth, confidence building, and collaborative practice.
About Our Host:
Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning notable artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations to the Production Expert Podcast, discussing both creative and business sides of audio production.
Rock and Roll Scientists: Flow Studio,Pre-Production Planning, Modern Music Production, AI & Education. (Part 2)
In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Todd Urban, General Manager at Softube, educator at Passaic County Community College, and creator of the Urban Sound Studio YouTube channel. With over 30 years of …
Show notes
In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Todd Urban, General Manager at Softube, educator at Passaic County Community College, and creator of the Urban Sound Studio YouTube channel. With over 30 years of experience in audio production, Todd discusses Softube's philosophy of being "rock and roll scientists," the evolution from Console One to the groundbreaking Flow Studio hardware, and how creative workflow and intentional pre-production can transform recording and mixing practices.
Todd shares insights into Flow Studio's design philosophy of facilitating "flow state" rather than perfectionism, the importance of committing to decisions in tracking, the balance between hardware and software in hybrid workflows, and how understanding mixing principles makes tracking engineers more effective.
In This Episode:
- Pre-Production Planning and Intention — Establishing emotional objectives and sonic goals before tracking
- Tracking Conservative, Mixing Creative — Capturing intentional raw material for successful mixing
- Teaching Audio Production: Learning from Students — Educators staying current with trends while maintaining principles
- The Role of Recording Engineers in Modern Production — Why understanding mixing makes tracking engineers more effective
About Our Guest:
Todd Urban:
Todd Urban is the General Manager at Softube with 10+ years at the company across product education, development, management, and marketing. With over 30 years of professional audio experience, Todd holds degrees in orchestral arranging, music education, jazz performance, music management, and a production master's from UC Berkeley. He is the creator of the Urban Sound Studio YouTube channel and teaches at Passaic County Community College in New Jersey.
Stream Todd Urban's Music Here:https://open.spotify.com/album/3JWFSrFxOdt4KdVKfd3AXp?si=ZvcmY6u2QiS_hzC_S-PSlA
About Our Host:
Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning notable artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast.
Krotos CEO Orfeas Boteas Addresses Community Backlash: Why Video to Sound Released for Adobe, Not DAWs, Misleading Marketing, Social Media Backlash & How the Company Plans to Support Audio Professionals in 2026
In this Production Expert Podcast Special Edition, Mike Thornton, co-founder of Production Expert invites Orfeas Boteas, founder and CEO of Krotos, and Matthew Collins, head of product, to address significant …
Show notes
In this Production Expert Podcast Special Edition, Mike Thornton, co-founder of Production Expert invites Orfeas Boteas, founder and CEO of Krotos, and Matthew Collins, head of product, to address significant community concerns following the release of Video to Sound integration for Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve.
This candid conversation tackles difficult questions about the company's strategic direction, the role of AI in sound design, misleading social media practices, and Krotos' commitment to the professional audio community. Orfeas and Matthew respond directly to concerns from industry professionals and clarify misconceptions about generative AI, product positioning, and future roadmap.
In This Episode:
- Why Video to Sound Released for Adobe Premiere Before DAWs — Technical constraints preventing DAW video track access, with integrations coming later in 2024
- Addressing 'Abandonment' Concerns from Audio Professionals — Krotos is expanding markets, not abandoning professionals
- The Core Mission: Making Sound Important Earlier — Bringing sound into creative workflows as an equal partner rather than afterthought
- AI is Not Generative: The Truth About Krotos Technology — All sounds are professionally recorded; AI is assistive, not generative
- AI as Automation, Not Replacement — Automating tedious tasks like auditioning thousands of sounds, not replacing human creativity
- Evolution from Specialised Tools to Krotos Studio Platform — Journey from Dehumanizer, Reformer, Weaponizer to unified Krotos Studio
- Misconceptions About Social Media Posts and Credits — Addressing posts implying Krotos involvement in Jurassic World, House of the Dragon, and Nolan films
- Sound Redesign vs. Official Production Credits — Distinguishing creative sound redesign exercises from official product involvement claims
- Social Media Clarity and Labelling Issues — Acknowledging unclear messaging in fast-scrolling social feeds, committing to better labelling
- Industry-Wide Social Media Challenges — Platforms encouraging content reuse without explicit permission creates attribution confusion
- Marketplace and Collaboration Possibilities — Vision for professionals to contribute assets and create ecosystem marketplace
- Industry Change with New Technology — Technological disruption requires community to work as united front, not adversarially
- Communication Missteps on Product Roadmap — Acknowledgement of moving too quickly without explaining technical constraints and timeline to community
About Our Guests:
Orfeas Boteas:
Founder and CEO of Krotos, leading sound design software company. Founded Krotos with a passion for sound, guiding the company through evolution from specialised tools to the broader Krotos Studio platform. Deeply committed to understanding and supporting the audio production community.
Matthew Collins:
Head of product at Krotos, responsible for product development and strategy. Works with both the professional audio community and content creators to develop streamlined sound design tools. Actively communicates technical roadmap and product philosophy to industry stakeholders.
About Our Host:
Mike Thornton has been involved in the broadcast audio industry for all his working life, some 45 years. Mike has worked with Pro Tools since the mid-1990s, recording, editing, and mixing documentaries, comedy, and drama for both radio and TV, as well as doing the occasional music project. He was the co-founder of Pro Tools Expert and has now retired, taking up the role of Chairman of Production Expert Ltd., bridging innovative companies and the professional audio industry.
Rock and Roll Scientists: Softube's Todd Urban on Pre-Production Intention, Philosophy & Facilitated Creative Momentum for Tracking and Mixing (Part 1).
In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Todd Urban, General Manager at Softube, educator at Passaic County Community College, and creator of the Urban Sound Studio YouTube channel. With over 30 years of …
Show notes
In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Todd Urban, General Manager at Softube, educator at Passaic County Community College, and creator of the Urban Sound Studio YouTube channel. With over 30 years of experience in audio production, Todd discusses Softube's philosophy of being "rock and roll scientists," the evolution from Console One to the groundbreaking Flow Studio hardware, and how creative workflow and intentional pre-production can transform recording and mixing practices.
Todd shares insights into Flow Studio's design philosophy of facilitating "flow state" rather than perfectionism, the importance of committing to decisions in tracking, the balance between hardware and software in hybrid workflows, and how understanding mixing principles makes tracking engineers more effective.
In This Episode:
- 30+ Years in Audio: From DIY to Industry Leadership — Journey from musician with minimal resources through education to industry leadership
- The 'Rock and Roll Scientists' Philosophy — Combining musical edge with scientific rigor for innovation and challenge
- Console One: Redefining Mixing in the Box — 2014 breakthrough introducing hardware control for digital channel strips
- Flow Studio: From Zero to 80% Mixes — Facilitating flow state and creative momentum through intelligent design
- Flows and Presets as Creative Tools — Pre-configured signal chains enabling quick professional-sounding starting points
- The Omni Knob: Macro Control Design — Five knobs with main macro control addressing real workflow needs
- Hybrid Workflow Philosophy — Balancing hardware summing and analogue gear with in-the-box mixing
- Decision Fatigue vs. Creative Exploration — When to commit during tracking versus maintaining flexibility during mixing
- Pre-Production Planning and Intention — Establishing emotional objectives and sonic goals before tracking
- Tracking Conservative, Mixing Creative — Capturing intentional raw material for successful mixing
- Teaching Audio Production: Learning from Students — Educators staying current with trends while maintaining principles
- The Role of Recording Engineers in Modern Production — Why understanding mixing makes tracking engineers more effective
About Our Guest:
Todd Urban:
Todd Urban is the General Manager at Softube with 10+ years at the company across product education, development, management, and marketing. With over 30 years of professional audio experience, Todd holds degrees in orchestral arranging, music education, jazz performance, music management, and a production master's from UC Berkeley. He is the creator of the Urban Sound Studio YouTube channel and teaches at Passaic County Community College in New Jersey.
About Our Host:
Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning notable artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast.
From Tomorrowland to Broadcast: Pieter Doms & Mark Gittins on Building the AREAL SR1 Headphones, Upmix Algorithms & Why Binaural HRTFs Are Limiting
In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Mark Gittins, immersive audio engineer and owner of SenSound studios, currently working on broadcast for a major international football tournament, and Pieter Doms …
Show notes
In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Mark Gittins, immersive audio engineer and owner of SenSound studios, currently working on broadcast for a major international football tournament, and Pieter Doms, co-founder of AREAL Technologies from Belgium. Together they discuss the invention and development of immersive audio monitoring technology, the AREAL SR1 headphones, and how spatial audio is transforming professional audio production.
Pieter shares the fascinating origin story of how AREAL Technologies was born during the pandemic, starting as a Tomorrowland festival request to convert stereo music to immersive audio in real time. Mark discusses his experience using the headphones for remote mixing during high-pressure broadcast work, and both explore the challenges and opportunities in immersive audio adoption.
In This Episode:
- The Origin of AREAL Technologies — How Pieter Doms and his team created an upmix algorithm during the pandemic
- The SR1 Headphones Development — The creative journey from a joke about building a studio in a headphone to a functioning solution
- Non-Binaural Immersive Monitoring — How the SR1 achieves 3D soundscape representation without relying purely on HRTFs
- Remote Mixing for Broadcast — Mark's experience using the headphones while working on tournament broadcasts
- Challenges in Getting Started with Immersive Audio — Infrastructure requirements, learning curve, and barriers for engineers
- Binaural Monitoring Limitations — Why traditional binaural platforms struggle with height representation
- Room Simulation & Personalization — Head width parameter optimization, EQ customization, and virtual room simulation
- The Chicken-and-Egg Problem of Adoption — Why immersive audio adoption is slow and the role of content availability
- Immersive Audio in Mainstream Media — Dolby Atmos prevalence in streaming, TV, and film
- The Future of Spatial Audio — Wearable and augmented reality applications
About Our Guests:
Mark Gittins:
Immersive audio engineer and owner of Sensound, a professional mixing studio specialising in immersive projects. Originally from Birmingham, England.
Pieter Doms:
Co-founder of AREAL Technologies from Belgium, with over 20 years of professional sound engineering experience. As a live sound engineer for major events including Tomorrowland, his technical expertise in algorithm design led to the creation of AREAL Technologies during the pandemic.
About Our Host:
Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning notable artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast. Instagram: @iamashea
Resources & Links
- AREAL Technologies — https://areal.world/
- SenSound Studios — https://www.sensoundaudio.com/
- Megatone Studios — Birmingham-based tracking and control room
- Tomorrowland — Festival featuring immersive audio experiences
- Dolby Atmos — Immersive audio format for streaming and broadcast
- Virtuoso — Binaural monitoring software
- Genelec UNIO — genelec.com/unio
Sponsorship
This episode is brought to you by Genelec. If you've ever been disappointed with the way your mixes sound on other playback systems, check out Genelec's UNIO monitoring ecosystem. Visit genelec.com/unio to learn more.
QUIZ TIME: How Well Do You Know Your World Cup Music?
Quiz Time! In this podcast episode, immersive audio engineer Mark Gittins joins Ashea from Kansas City to go head-to-head with AREAL co-founder and audio engineer Pieter Doms for our World Cup Music …
Show notes
Quiz Time! In this podcast episode, immersive audio engineer Mark Gittins joins Ashea from Kansas City to go head-to-head with AREAL co-founder and audio engineer Pieter Doms for our World Cup Music Quiz.
England vs Belgium just took on a new, immersive meaning!How AI is Ruining Dialogue Production: Award-Winning Producers on Descript, Pacing Loss & Preserving Audio Craft
In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Eloise Whitmore and Tony Churnside, award-winning sound designers and co-founders of Naked Productions, for a frank discussion on how AI tools like Descript are …
Show notes
In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Eloise Whitmore and Tony Churnside, award-winning sound designers and co-founders of Naked Productions, for a frank discussion on how AI tools like Descript are fundamentally changing audio production—and not always for the better. Eloise and Tony address the critical issue of how AI-assisted editing is eroding the art of natural dialogue pacing, how younger generations of producers are losing foundational skills, and what audio professionals must do to preserve the human artistry in sound design.
This conversation tackles the uncomfortable truth about AI tools in professional audio production: while tools like Descript and Adobe Enhance can be lifesavers in certain situations, their overuse is removing the nuance, emotion, and natural rhythm that makes dialogue compelling. For audio engineers, music producers, podcast creators, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and craft, this episode provides critical perspective on maintaining quality and authenticity in an increasingly automated creative landscape.
In This Episode:
- Descript and AI Transcription Tools - How Descript revolutionized transcription and some aspects of production workflow, but also introduced new challenges by allowing producers to work with text instead of raw audio
- The Loss of Natural Pacing in Audio - Why younger producers and sound designers lack the ability to recognize and preserve natural human pacing, leading to robotic, emotionless dialogue that immediately signals AI involvement
- Working with Words vs. Raw Audio - The fundamental difference between editing based on text transcripts versus listening to and editing raw audio, and why working with raw audio teaches critical production skills
- Descript's Limitations - What Descript cannot do: it cannot pace dialogue naturally, it removes meaningful silences and hesitations that convey emotion and authenticity, and it simplifies complex storytelling nuances
- AI Audio Enhancement Tools (Adobe Enhance, Studio Sound) - How tools like Adobe Enhance sterilize vocals by removing the characteristics that make voices unique, and why these should be backups rather than primary solutions
- The Impact of Time Constraints and Budgets - How production timelines have expanded while budgets remain static, forcing producers to take shortcuts that compromise quality and craft
- Building a Sound Library - Why aspiring sound designers should create personal sound libraries instead of relying on free or YouTube-sourced sounds, and how this develops a distinctive sonic identity
- Advice for Emerging Producers - The importance of learning to listen, understanding speech pacing, recording raw interviews and mixing them properly, and not relying on automation to replace human judgment
About Our Guests:
Eloise Whitmore: Eloise Whitmore is an award-winning radio producer and sound designer with 20 years of experience in professional audio production. She won the Radio Sound Designer and Producer of the Year award in 2013, and co-founded Naked Productions with Tony Chernside. Her experience spans BBC dramas, documentaries, features, and international projects, giving her deep insight into how production workflows have evolved and the critical importance of preserving craft in an age of automation.
Tony Churnside: Tony Churnside is a multi-award-winning sound designer and technical producer with a PhD in audio production. His background in acoustics combined with decades of practical production experience makes him uniquely positioned to understand both the technical capabilities and limitations of AI tools. As co-producer of the acclaimed BBC Radio 4 satire The Skewer, Tony understands the demands of professional audio production under pressure.
About Our Host:
Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning notable artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast. Credits & Placements Include… Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, SVT1 (Sweden).
Resources & Links Mentioned
- Descript - AI-powered transcription and editing software. Visit: descript.com
- Adobe Enhance - AI audio enhancement tool from Adobe
- Descript Studio Sound - AI audio processing feature within Descript
- Pro Tools - Digital audio workstation used by both producers
- Altiverb - Convolution reverb plugin by Audio Ease
- Zoom H4N - Portable audio recorder for field recording
- Sony D100 - Portable audio recorder
- Naked Productions - Award-winning sound design and audio production company. Visit: nakedproductions.co.uk
- Genelec UNI-O Monitoring Ecosystem - Professional audio monitoring solution providing seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring for consistent mix translation. Visit: genelec.com/unio
Subscribe & Follow
Subscribe to the Production Expert Podcast on:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- YouTube
- All major podcast platforms
Follow us:
Instagram: [@production_expert_podcast]
Website: [productionexpertpodcast.com]
Sponsorship
This episode is brought to you by Genelec. If you've ever been disappointed with the way your mixes sound on other playback systems, check out Genelec's UNI-O monitoring ecosystem. By providing a seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring, UNI-O allows you to quickly create great sounding mixes that translate consistently wherever you choose to work. No more guesswork, no more surprises — just truthful, accurate audio monitoring from stereo to immersive. Visit genelec.com/unio to learn more.
Radio Drama Production & Sound Design: Award-Winning Producers Eloise Whitmore & Tony Churnside on Location Recording, BBC Dramas & The Skewer
In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Eloise Whitmore and Tony Chernside, co-founders of Naked Productions, an award-winning sound design and audio production company specializing in BBC radio dramas and …
Show notes
In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Eloise Whitmore and Tony Chernside, co-founders of Naked Productions, an award-winning sound design and audio production company specializing in BBC radio dramas and acclaimed audio content. Eloise won the Radio Sound Designer and Producer of the Year award in 2013, and Tony is a multi-award-winning sound designer and technical producer behind the acclaimed satirical BBC Radio 4 comedy series The Skewer.
Together, Eloise and Tony discuss the evolution of radio drama production in 2026, innovative location recording techniques for achieving authentic sound, the craft of sound design and storytelling, and the contrasting workflows between long-form drama and fast-turnaround satire productions. Whether you're interested in audio drama, sound design, radio production, podcasting, or understanding how award-winning audio content is created, this conversation provides insider insights into professional audio production, creative collaboration, and the technical approaches that define modern radio and audio storytelling.
In This Episode:
- Radio Drama Production Techniques and Evolution - How radio drama production has changed over 20 years, the shift from traditional studio recording to innovative location-based approaches, and the impact of lockdown on production methods
- Location Recording for Authentic Sound - Documentary-style recording techniques that capture real actor movement and ambient sound, using handheld microphones to follow action like a camera, and achieving authenticity through immersive recording
- Sound Design and Storytelling - The philosophy of "painting sound worlds" and "telling stories with sound," creating immersive audio experiences, and the importance of sound design in radio drama
- Naked Productions: From Concept to Broadcast - Overview of award-winning projects including BBC dramas like Putin and Lockerbie, sound installations, and the diverse range of audio content the company produces
- The Skewer: Fast-Turnaround Satire Production - How The Skewer is produced on an extremely tight deadline, the concept of a "river of sound," building flexible structures for last-minute changes, and the collaborative creative process
- Actor Performance and Immersive Recording - Why actors deliver better performances when physically engaged in their scenes, the advantages of recording with movement versus traditional studio recording, and how modern techniques benefit acting quality
- Pro Tools Workflow and Audio Engineering - Shared session structures, favorite plugins (Altiverb, speakerphone, Avid Pro Limiter), automation techniques, and the evolution from baked-in mixing to real-time automation
- Day in the Life of Radio Producers - Comparing the workflows of long-form drama production versus fast-turnaround satire, time allocation between recording and mixing, and the demands of professional audio production
About Our Guests:
Eloise Whitmore: Eloise Whitmore is an award-winning radio producer and sound designer with 20 years of experience in radio production. She won the Radio Sound Designer and Producer of the Year award in 2013, recognition of her innovative approach to audio production and storytelling. As co-founder of Naked Productions, Eloise leads the creative vision for the company's diverse projects, from BBC radio dramas to audio installations, bringing expertise in location recording, sound design, and the technical and creative demands of professional audio production.
Tony Churnside: Tony Chernside is a multi-award-winning sound designer and technical producer with a background in acoustics and audio production. He holds a PhD in audio production and has expertise in object-based audio formats and audience consumption. As co-founder of Naked Productions and the technical producer behind the critically acclaimed BBC Radio 4 satire The Skewer, Tony brings both deep technical knowledge and creative production expertise to professional audio projects.
About Our Host:
Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning notable artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast. Credits & Placements Include… Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, SVT1 (Sweden).
Resources & Links Mentioned
- Naked Productions - Award-winning sound design and audio production company. Visit: nakedproductions.co.uk
- The Skewer - BBC Radio 4 satirical comedy series. Available on BBC Sounds
- BBC Radio Dramas - Putin, Lockerbie, and BBC Scotland productions
- Pro Tools - Digital audio workstation used by both producers
- Altiverb - Convolution reverb plugin by Audio Ease
- Speakerphone - Dialogue processing plugin
- Genelec UniO Monitoring Ecosystem - Professional audio monitoring solution providing seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring for consistent mix translation. Visit: genelec.com/unio
Subscribe & Follow
Subscribe to the Production Expert Podcast on:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- YouTube
- All major podcast platforms
Follow us:
Instagram: [@production_expert_podcast]
Website: [productionexpertpodcast.com]
Sponsorship
This episode is brought to you by Genelec. If you've ever been disappointed with the way your mixes sound on other playback systems, check out Genelec's UniO monitoring ecosystem. By providing a seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring, UniO allows you to quickly create great sounding mixes that translate consistently wherever you choose to work. No more guesswork, no more surprises — just truthful, accurate audio monitoring from stereo to immersive. Visit genelec.com/unio to learn more.
No More Labels. Grammy Winning Mixer & Producer Matt Lawrence On The Music Industry For Studios, Artists & Labels In 2026 Part 2
In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Matt Lawrence, a Grammy Award-winning mixer, producer, and engineer who has worked on some of the most influential records of the past 20 years. In this first part of …
Show notes
In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Matt Lawrence, a Grammy Award-winning mixer, producer, and engineer who has worked on some of the most influential records of the past 20 years. In this first part of a two-part conversation, Matt discusses his journey into the audio industry, his perspective on the current state of the music industry in 2026, and how the landscape has changed for studios, artists, and record labels over his career.
Matt brings invaluable insights from two decades of working at the highest levels of music production, having mixed and produced records that have shaped contemporary music across multiple genres. Whether you're an aspiring audio engineer, a music producer, an artist navigating the modern music industry, or a label executive seeking perspective on industry dynamics, this conversation provides honest, experienced insights into how the music business is evolving and what it takes to build a sustainable career in professional audio production. This is Part 2 of a two-part episode exploring the past, present, and future of the music industry.
No More Labels. Grammy Winning Mixer & Producer Matt Lawrence On The Music Industry For Studios, Artists & Labels In 2026
In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Matt Lawrence, a Grammy Award-winning mixer, producer, and engineer who has worked on some of the most influential records of the past 20 years. In this first part of …
Show notes
In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Matt Lawrence, a Grammy Award-winning mixer, producer, and engineer who has worked on some of the most influential records of the past 20 years. In this first part of a two-part conversation, Matt discusses his journey into the audio industry, his perspective on the current state of the music industry in 2026, and how the landscape has changed for studios, artists, and record labels over his career.
Matt brings invaluable insights from two decades of working at the highest levels of music production, having mixed and produced records that have shaped contemporary music across multiple genres. Whether you're an aspiring audio engineer, a music producer, an artist navigating the modern music industry, or a label executive seeking perspective on industry dynamics, this conversation provides honest, experienced insights into how the music business is evolving and what it takes to build a sustainable career in professional audio production. This is Part 1 of a two-part episode exploring the past, present, and future of the music industry.
In This Episode:- Career Journey into Audio Production - How Matt Lawrence got started in the audio industry, the path that led to Grammy recognition, and the formative experiences that shaped his career as a mixer and producer
- Work on Influential Records - Overview of Matt's extensive discography and the iconic projects he's contributed to over the past 20 years in mixing and production
- The Evolution of the Music Industry (2006-2026) - How the music industry has transformed over the past two decades, changes in recording technology, distribution, and the business model for artists and labels
- The Role of Studios in Modern Music Production - What studios look like in 2026, how the role of physical recording spaces has changed, and why certain aspects of professional studios remain invaluable
- Artists Navigating the Current Landscape - The challenges and opportunities for musicians and artists in 2026, from recording and production to promotion and distribution
- Record Labels and Industry Structure - How record labels are adapting to the modern music ecosystem, their changing role, and what sustainable relationships look like between labels, artists, and production professionals
- Technology and Production Innovation - Advancements in recording technology, production tools, and mixing techniques that have emerged over Matt's 20-year career
- Professional Insights from Industry Veterans - Lessons learned, perspectives on what it takes to succeed in professional audio, and honest assessment of the current state of music production
About Our Guest:Matt Lawrence:
Matt Lawrence is a Grammy Award-winning mixer, producer, and engineer with an extensive career spanning over two decades in professional music production. His work has touched some of the most influential records released over the past 20 years, earning him recognition and respect throughout the music industry. With deep experience working across multiple genres and with diverse artists and labels, Lawrence brings authentic perspective on how the music industry operates and the evolution of music production in the modern era.
About Our Host:Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning notable artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast. Credits & Placements Include… Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, SVT1 (Sweden).
Resources & Links Mentioned- Matt Lawrence - Grammy Award-winning mixer, producer, and engineer
- Genelec UniO Monitoring Ecosystem - Professional audio monitoring solution providing seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring for consistent mix translation. Visit: genelec.com/unio
Subscribe & FollowSubscribe to the Production Expert Podcast on:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- YouTube
- All major podcast platforms
Follow us:
- Instagram: [@production_expert_podcast]
- Website: [productionexpertpodcast.com]
SponsorshipThis episode is brought to you by Genelec. If you've ever been disappointed with the way your mixes sound on other playback systems, check out Genelec's UniO monitoring ecosystem. By providing a seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring, UniO allows you to quickly create great sounding mixes that translate consistently wherever you choose to work. No more guesswork, no more surprises — just truthful, accurate audio monitoring from stereo to immersive. Visit genelec.com/unio to learn more.
Note: This is Part 1 of a two-part episode with Matt Lawrence exploring the music industry landscape of 2026 and his insights on studios, artists, and labels.
Smash Hit- Recording Adele's 'Hello' & Tony Visconti/Toontrack's 'Drumopolis' at Metropolis.
"Behind some of the world's greatest hits lies a great question: does constraint breed genius? In this Podcast Edition, Drummer Steven Gilchrist (Graham Coxon, The Damned, and Boney M) and Grammy winning …
Show notes
"Behind some of the world's greatest hits lies a great question: does constraint breed genius? In this Podcast Edition, Drummer Steven Gilchrist (Graham Coxon, The Damned, and Boney M) and Grammy winning engineer Liam Nolan (Rihanna, Stormzy, the Black Eyed Peas) sit down with our Host Ashea to reveal the behind-the-scenes of Adele's 'Hello,' the meticulous process behind the legendary Drumopolis project with Tony Visconti, and what it really takes to engineer records that resonate globally.
In This Episode:
- Inside the Adele 'Hello' sessions:
- The mic chain that captured one of the biggest vocal performances of the decade (U47, Neve 1081, 1176)
- How Tony Visconti designed Drumopolis: capturing '70s legend with modern flexibility across 29 microphones
- The Decca tree, room mics, and why a tea towel on the snare matters (vintage tone with intention)
- Why recording vibe, comfort, and 'reading the room' is non-negotiable—and what that looks like in practice
- Analog vs. digital: the tape machine, commitment, and why limitations can raise the stakes for performance
- Managing expectations: why clients listening on car stereos ask for mixes that don't exist, and how to set boundaries
- Democratizing music production: why tools like Drumopolis matter beyond the studio
- Working with Rihanna, Stormzy, the Black Eyed Peas & will.i.am: lessons from sessions with global superstars
About Our Guests
Liam Nolan
Liam Nolan is a recording and mix engineer who has recently transitioned to freelance work after years at Metropolis Studios in Chiswick. Over his career, he's engineered sessions with some of the world's biggest artists, including Adele, Stormzy, Rihanna, AJ Tracey, the Black Eyed Peas, and will.i.am. He was the engineer on Adele's Grammy-winning 'Hello,' credited for his work in a writing session that became chart history. His approach prioritizes artist comfort, technical precision, and understanding the unique sonic demands of each session. He specializes in capturing vocal performances and crafting the sonic identity of records at one of the world's most legendary facilities.
Instagram: @liamjnolan | Website: mixedbyliamnolan.com
Steven Gilchrist
Steven Gilchrist is an accomplished drummer, percussionist, producer, and engineer. He's performed with legendary artists including Graham Coxon, The Damned, and Boney M. As the owner and operator of Brixton Hill Studios, he works as a session drummer, producer, and engineer. Under his name Stephen Evens, he's currently working on his fifth record, all of which (except the first) have been recorded to tape. He collaborated with Tony Visconti on the Drumopolis project for Toontrack, providing his Ludwig drum kit and his mother's Premier snare for the sound design. Steven is a strong advocate for analog recording, commitment in the studio, and the philosophy that limitation breeds creativity.
Instagram: @thestephenevens | Brixton Hill Studios: brixtonhillstudios.com
About Our Host
Ashea
Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. Her production and mixing credits include work with Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, and SVT1 (Sweden). Through the Production Expert Podcast, she brings industry insiders together to explore the craft, process, and philosophy behind the world's greatest records.
Website: asheamusicofficial.com Instagram: @iamashea
Featured In This Podcast:
- Metropolis Studios: metropolisstudios.com
- Toontrack Drumopolis SDX: toontrack.com
- Brixton Hill Studios: brixtonrecording.com
- Genelec UNIO Monitoring: genelec.com/unio
- Source Elements Suite: sourceelem
Chapters
Loading chapters …
Women In Audio: Why The Numbers Are Falling, With Nana Ayebi-Kwakye
The number of women working as audio engineers and music producers is falling, not rising. Ashea is joined by British-Ghanaian producer, rapper and author Nana Ayebi-Kwakye to discuss why the gap is widening …
Show notes
The number of women working as audio engineers and music producers is falling, not rising. Ashea is joined by British-Ghanaian producer, rapper and author Nana Ayebi-Kwakye to discuss why the gap is widening, where the signs of hope are, and the thinking behind her children's book Delasi On A Mission, written to show young girls that the studio is a place they belong.
Women In Audio: Why The Numbers Are Falling, With Nana Ayebi-KwakyeThe proportion of women working as professional audio engineers and music producers has been moving in the wrong direction for years. The data is uncomfortable, the reasons are tangled, and the industry's response has been inconsistent at best. In this conversation, Ashea sits down with producer, rapper and author Nana Ayebi-Kwakye to talk honestly about what's happening, what's working, and why representation in children's books might matter more than another panel discussion at a trade show.
In this episode:
- Why the percentage of women working in professional audio production is declining rather than growing, and what the available data actually shows
- The signs of hope: the initiatives, mentorship structures and visible role models that are starting to shift the picture for the next generation
- The principle Nana keeps coming back to: if you can't see it, you can't be it, and what that means in practical terms for studios, schools and parents
- The story behind Delasi On A Mission, the children's book Nana wrote to put a young girl behind the desk rather than in front of the mic
- The barriers that show up before anyone gets near a studio: perception, language, who appears in the photos, who teaches the classes
- What working professionals can actually do, beyond awareness, to change the numbers in their own corner of the industry
About Our Guest: Nana Ayebi-Kwakye:
Nana Ayebi-Kwakye is a British-Ghanaian music producer, rapper and author. Her debut children's book, Delasi On A Mission, tells the story of a young girl discovering music production and learning to navigate the obstacles that come with it, aimed at readers aged six and up. She is also involved in initiatives including The Leading Vibe and her own Sounds You Make project, both focused on widening access to music production for young people.
About Our Host: Ashea is a platinum selling songwriter, music producer & audio engineer from the UK. Credits & Placements Include… Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM) Steve Smart (Kiss FM) The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, SVT1 (Sweden).
Not Just For Guitarists! The Fender Studio Rebrand & The Future Of DAWs (With Fender/PreSonus)
DescriptionIn this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Arnd Kaiser, Product Designer Strategist at Fender Musical Instruments, and Tony Carridi, Global Revenue and Go-To-Market Executive at Fender PreSonus …
Show notes
DescriptionIn this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Arnd Kaiser, Product Designer Strategist at Fender Musical Instruments, and Tony Carridi, Global Revenue and Go-To-Market Executive at Fender PreSonus. Together they discuss the strategic rebrand of Fender Studio, exploring what this evolution means for music producers, audio engineers, and musicians using Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software.
This conversation goes beyond the surface-level rebrand to explore the vision driving Fender's entry into the DAW market, the future of music production software, and what producers should expect from Fender Studio going forward. Whether you're a guitarist, music producer, audio engineer, or just curious about the future of music production tools, this episode provides insider insights into one of the music industry's most iconic brands' strategic move into professional music production software. Discover why this rebrand matters, what innovations are coming, and why Fender Studio is positioning itself as a game-changer in the competitive DAW landscape.
In This Episode:- The Fender Studio Rebrand Strategy - Understanding the vision behind Fender's rebrand and repositioning of their DAW product, and what strategic decisions led to this major announcement
- Product Design & User Experience Focus - How Fender approaches product design strategy to create intuitive, professional-grade music production software that serves both beginners and experienced producers
- Expanding Beyond Guitarists - Why Fender Studio is positioning itself as a tool for all music creators, not just guitarists, and how this broadens the addressable market for the product
- The Future of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) - Industry perspective on where DAW technology is headed, emerging features, and competitive dynamics in the music production software market
- Go-To-Market Strategy & Industry Positioning - Insights into how Fender is launching and marketing Fender Studio to different segments of the music production community
- Innovation in Music Production Tools - The technological innovations and features that make Fender Studio a compelling option in a crowded DAW marketplace
- Collaboration Between Fender & PreSonus - How the partnership between Fender Musical Instruments and PreSonus creates synergies and advantages for Fender Studio users
- What Inspires Professional Audio Engineers - Personal insights from industry executives about what drives their passion for music production and innovation in the field
About Our Guests:Arnd Kaiser:
Arnd Kaiser is a Product Designer Strategist at Fender Musical Instruments, responsible for shaping the vision and strategic direction of Fender's product offerings in the music production software space. With expertise in product design and strategic planning, Kaiser brings deep understanding of how to create tools that resonate with musicians and producers across different skill levels and genres.Tony Carridi:
Tony Carridi is a Global Revenue and Go-To-Market Executive at Fender PreSonus, overseeing the commercial strategy and market positioning of Fender Studio. With extensive experience in revenue growth and market strategy, Carridi brings insights into how Fender is approaching the competitive music production software market and building a sustainable business around innovative music tools.
About Our Host:Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning notable artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast. Credits & Placements Include… Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, SVT1 (Sweden).
Resources & Links Mentioned- Fender Studio - Fender's professional music production DAW software. Visit: fender.com/studio
- PreSonus - Digital audio workstation and music production technology company. Visit: presonus.com
- Fender Musical Instruments - Iconic manufacturer of guitars and music production equipment. Visit: fender.com
- Genelec UniO Monitoring Ecosystem - Professional audio monitoring solution providing seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring for consistent mix translation. Visit: genelec.com/unio
Subscribe & FollowSubscribe to the Production Expert Podcast on:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- YouTube
- All major podcast platforms
Follow us:
- Instagram: [@production_expert_podcast]
- Website: [productionexpertpodcast.com]
SponsorshipThis episode is brought to you by Genelec. If you've ever been disappointed with the way your mixes sound on other playback systems, check out Genelec's UniO monitoring ecosystem. By providing a seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring, UniO allows you to quickly create great sounding mixes that translate consistently wherever you choose to work. No more guesswork, no more surprises — just truthful, accurate audio monitoring from stereo to immersive. Visit genelec.com/unio to learn more.
How Well Do You Really Know Your Guitars/Synths? Quiz Time
In this episode Ashea is joined by Arnd Kaiser and Tony Cariddi of Presonus/Fender for a tense guitar and synth quiz designed to really test your abilities. If you fail it's worth thinking long and hard …
Show notes
In this episode Ashea is joined by Arnd Kaiser and Tony Cariddi of Presonus/Fender for a tense guitar and synth quiz designed to really test your abilities. If you fail it's worth thinking long and hard about your career choice because you're likely an impostor ;) Enjoy!
The Lord Of The Strings- Emmy Winning Composers Discuss Composing For Film & TV (Part 2)
DescriptionIn this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Stephen Gallagher, an Emmy Award-winning composer and music editor with credits on major film and television productions, and Tilman Sillescu, creative …
Show notes
DescriptionIn this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Stephen Gallagher, an Emmy Award-winning composer and music editor with credits on major film and television productions, and Tilman Sillescu, creative director, co-founder, and principal composer at Sonuscore. This is Part 2 of the Lord Of The Strings, continuing their in-depth exploration of professional film and television scoring.
In this episode, Stephen and Tilman delve deeper into the collaborative process between composers and directors, discussing the balance between creative independence and serving the director's vision. They explore the importance of delegation in team environments, managing multiple demands across different projects, and the mindset required to adapt to each director's unique style and creative preferences. Whether you're a composer, music producer, or anyone interested in understanding how professional orchestral scores are crafted in demanding production environments, this conversation reveals the professional and interpersonal skills that separate experienced composers from emerging talents.
In This Episode:- Balancing Creative Independence and Collaboration - The importance of finding balance between personal creative expression and working collaboratively with directors, producers, and other team members in film and television production
- The Skill of Delegation and Team Leadership - How composers effectively delegate tasks in a team environment, trust collaborators with specific aspects of the score, and manage workflow across multiple projects and deadlines
- Serving the Director's Vision - Understanding that a composer's primary responsibility is to serve the director's intent and the story they're telling, rather than imposing a personal creative agenda
- Adapting to Different Directors' Demands - Each director has unique creative preferences, production challenges, and storytelling approaches, requiring composers to be flexible and responsive to varied creative demands
- Human Behavior in Creative Collaboration - Drawing parallels between human relationship dynamics and creative collaboration, understanding how people work individually and collectively
- Managing Micromanagement and Creative Control - The importance of letting go of excessive control, trusting collaborators, and avoiding the pitfall of trying to micromanage every aspect of a production
- Problem-Solving Across Diverse Projects - No two film or television projects present the same challenges, requiring composers to develop adaptable problem-solving skills and creative flexibility
- Building a Professional Composing Career - Insights into how experienced composers navigate the entertainment industry, work with varied production teams, and sustain long-term creative careers
About Our Guests:Stephen Gallagher:
Stephen Gallagher is an Emmy Award-winning composer and music editor with extensive credits in film and television. His work has been recognized with Emmy Awards, and he has contributed music to major television and film productions that have reached global audiences. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Gallagher brings deep expertise in orchestration, music editing, and the interpersonal skills required to collaborate effectively with directors and production teams in demanding entertainment environments.Tilman Sillescu:
Tilman Sillescu is a creative director, co-founder, and principal composer at Sonuscore, a leading company known for developing advanced digital orchestral libraries and composition tools. As an award-winning composer in his own right, Sillescu combines deep musical knowledge with innovative technology and practical production experience. His perspective bridges the gap between creative composition and the practical realities of professional film and television scoring.
About Our Host:Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning notable artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast. Credits & Placements Include… Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, SVT1 (Sweden).
Resources & Links Mentioned- Sonuscore - Digital orchestral libraries and composition tools. Visit: sonuscore.com
- Stephen Gallagher - Emmy-winning composer and music editor
- Genelec UniO Monitoring Ecosystem - Professional audio monitoring solution providing seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring for consistent mix translation. Visit: genelec.com/unio
Subscribe & FollowSubscribe to the Production Expert Podcast on:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- YouTube
- All major podcast platforms
Follow us:
- Instagram: [@production_expert_podcast]
- Website: [productionexpertpodcast.com]
SponsorshipThis episode is brought to you by Genelec. If you've ever been disappointed with the way your mixes sound on other playback systems, check out Genelec's UniO monitoring ecosystem. By providing a seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring, UniO allows you to quickly create great sounding mixes that translate consistently wherever you choose to work. No more guesswork, no more surprises — just truthful, accurate audio monitoring from stereo to immersive. Visit genelec.com/unio to learn more.
Note: This is Part 2 of a two-part episode. Be sure to listen to Part 1 for the complete conversation with Stephen Gallagher and Tilman Sillescu.
The Lord Of The Strings- Emmy Winning Composers Discuss Composing For Film & TV (Part 1)
DescriptionIn this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Stephen Gallagher, an Emmy Award-winning composer and music editor with credits on major film and television productions, and Tilman Sillescu, creative …
Show notes
Description
In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Stephen Gallagher, an Emmy Award-winning composer and music editor with credits on major film and television productions, and Tilman Sillescu, creative director, co-founder, and principal composer at Sonuscore. Together they explore the craft of composing for film and television, diving deep into orchestration techniques, string articulation, music production tools, and the creative workflows that define professional film scoring.
Whether you're an aspiring composer, music producer, or audio engineer looking to understand how professional film and TV scores are created, this two-part episode reveals insider insights from Emmy-winning composers who have shaped the soundtracks of iconic productions. Discover the technical and creative approaches that separate professional orchestral music from amateur compositions, and learn how modern digital tools are transforming the composition process while maintaining the richness of orchestral sound.
In This Episode:
- String Ensemble Articulation & Digital Orchestration - Why getting convincing orchestral string parts to sound authentic is challenging, and how modern composition tools like Sonuscore's libraries solve articulation problems that traditionally required live orchestras
- Film Scoring vs. Television Music Production - The unique demands and constraints of scoring for film versus episodic television, including timeline pressures, creative collaboration, and technical requirements
- Orchestration Techniques for Professional Composers - Deep dive into how Emmy-winning composers approach orchestration, layering, and arrangement to create emotionally impactful scores
- Music Editing in Post-Production - The critical role of music editing and how composers work with editors and directors to shape final scores in the post-production workflow
- Digital Tools & Software for Modern Composition - Overview of contemporary music production tools, libraries, and workflows that professional composers use to stay creative and efficient
- Creative Workflow & Staying in the Creative Flow - How professional composers maintain creative momentum and avoid getting bogged down in technical details during the composition process
- Collaborating with Directors & Production Teams - How composers navigate feedback, creative direction, and collaborative relationships with directors and producers in film and television
- Emmy Awards & Career Path in Film Scoring - Stephen Gallagher's journey to Emmy recognition and insights into building a sustainable career as a composer in the entertainment industry
About Our Guests:
Stephen Gallagher:
Stephen Gallagher is an Emmy Award-winning composer and music editor with extensive credits in film and television. His work has been recognized with Emmy Awards, and he has contributed music to major television and film productions that have reached global audiences. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Gallagher brings deep expertise in orchestration, music editing, and the technical and creative demands of professional film and television scoring.Tilman Sillescu:
Tilman Sillescu is a creative director, co-founder, and principal composer at Sonuscore, a leading company known for developing advanced digital orchestral libraries and composition tools. As an award-winning composer in his own right, Sillescu combines deep musical knowledge with innovative technology, creating solutions that help composers achieve professional-quality orchestral sounds in the digital realm. His work with Sonuscore has made advanced composition tools accessible to a global community of music producers and composers.About Our Host:
Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning legendary artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast. Credits & Placements Include… Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, SVT1 (Sweden).
Resources & Links Mentioned
- Sonuscore - Digital orchestral libraries and composition tools. Visit: sonuscore.com
- Genelec UniO Monitoring Ecosystem - Professional audio monitoring solution providing seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring for consistent mix translation. Visit: genelec.com/unio
Subscribe & Follow
Subscribe to the Production Expert Podcast on:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- YouTube
- All major podcast platforms
Follow us:
- Instagram: [@production_expert_podcast]
- Website: [productionexpertpodcast.com]
Sponsorship
This episode is brought to you by Genelec. If you've ever been disappointed with the way your mixes sound on other playback systems, check out Genelec's UniO monitoring ecosystem. By providing a seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring, UniO allows you to quickly create great sounding mixes that translate consistently wherever you choose to work. No more guesswork, no more surprises — just truthful, accurate audio monitoring from stereo to immersive. Visit genelec.com/unio to learn more.
Note: This is Part 1 of a two-part episode. Part 2 continues the conversation with Stephen Gallagher and Tilman Sillescu.
Chapters
Loading chapters …
Producer Lunch Talk: Compressors, Mix Translation & Working Backwards with Chic's Richard Hilton & Steve DeMott"
DescriptionIn this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Richard Hilton, an award-winning producer and engineer who has worked extensively with Nile Rodgers and Chic, and Steve DeMott, Grammy-nominated producer …
Show notes
DescriptionIn this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Richard Hilton, an award-winning producer and engineer who has worked extensively with Nile Rodgers and Chic, and Steve DeMott, Grammy-nominated producer and engineer from the acclaimed Tribe Collective. Together they dive deep into compression techniques, mixing workflows, and the art of working backwards in music production.
The proportion of modern music production relies heavily on understanding the nuances of audio engineering, and in this conversation, Ashea sits down with two industry veterans to talk honestly about what separates professional-quality mixes from the rest. Whether you're a professional audio engineer, music producer, or aspiring musician looking to elevate your craft, this discussion reveals insider secrets from producers who've worked with legendary artists like Nile Rodgers and Chic, providing invaluable insights into the production techniques and studio workflows that define hit records.
In This Episode:- Compressor Techniques & Mixing Best Practices - Deep dive into compression, its applications in modern music production, and how top producers use compression to shape sound and achieve professional-quality mixes
- Mix Translation Across Playback Systems - Why mixes that sound great on studio monitors may not translate to other listening environments, and how professional engineers ensure consistency across headphones, car speakers, and mobile devices
- Working Backwards in Production - Unconventional production workflows and creative approaches that yield breakthroughs, straight from producers who've worked at the highest levels of the music industry
- Recording with Iconic Artists - Insights from Richard Hilton's extensive experience working with Nile Rodgers and the legendary band Chic, and what those collaborations taught him about music production
- Grammy-Level Production Standards - Steve DeMott shares the engineering mindsets and technical approaches that earned his work with Tribe Collective Grammy nominations
- Song Structure & Great Titles - How producers approach songwriting, track development, and the importance of crafting songs with exceptional titles and sonic quality
- Audio Engineering Fundamentals - The tools, monitoring setups, and studio practices that matter most for producing professional recordings
- Producer Mentality & Studio Culture - The thinking and approaches that define successful production teams and how to build a sustainable creative practice
About Our Guests:Richard Hilton:
Richard Hilton is an award-winning music producer, recording engineer, and songwriter with a career spanning decades. Known for his extensive work with industry-leading artists including Nile Rodgers and the iconic band Chic, Hilton brings unparalleled expertise in music production and professional studio engineering. His experience capturing world-class recordings and crafting hit records provides invaluable insights into the production process, audio engineering best practices, and what it takes to work at the highest levels of the music industry. His collaborations with Nile Rodgers and Chic have shaped modern music production standards.Steve DeMott:
Steve DeMott is a multi-talented music producer, engineer, and songwriter whose work with the Grammy-nominated group Tribe Collective has earned him recognition as one of the industry's most meticulous audio engineers. Known for his deep understanding of compression and mixing techniques, DeMott is passionate about crafting songs with exceptional titles and sonic quality. His expertise spans advanced audio engineering, music production strategies, and creative direction. His contributions to Grammy-nominated work demonstrate the level of precision and artistry required in professional music production.
About Our Host:Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning legendary artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast. Credits & Placements Include… Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, SVT1 (Sweden).
Resources & Links Mentioned- Genelec UniO Monitoring Ecosystem - Professional audio monitoring solution providing seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring for consistent mix translation. Visit: genelec.com/unio
- Nile Rodgers - Legendary producer and guitarist who continues to influence modern music production
- Chic - Iconic band known for groundbreaking work in funk, disco, and popular music
- Tribe Collective - Grammy-nominated music group showcasing cutting-edge production and engineering
Subscribe & FollowSubscribe to the Production Expert Podcast on:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- YouTube
- All major podcast platforms
Follow us:
- Instagram: [@production_expert_podcast]
- Website: [productionexpertpodcast.com]
SponsorshipThis episode is brought to you by Genelec. If you've ever been disappointed with the way your mixes sound on other playback systems, check out Genelec's UniO monitoring ecosystem. By providing a seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring, UniO allows you to quickly create great-sounding mixes that translate consistently wherever you choose to work. No more guesswork, no more surprises — just truthful, accurate audio monitoring from stereo to immersive. Visit genelec.com/unio to learn more.
Chapters
Loading chapters …
How Well Do You Really Know Your Compressors? Quiz Time
Today on the Production Expert Podcast, Ashea puts Richard Hilton and Steve De -Mott's compression trivia knowledge to the test.So how did you do you? Let us know.About Our Guests:Steve DeMott: Producer …
Show notes
Today on the Production Expert Podcast, Ashea puts Richard Hilton and Steve De -Mott's compression trivia knowledge to the test.
So how did you do you? Let us know.
About Our Guests:
Steve DeMott: Producer, engineer, songwriter, and musician who has worked with the Grammy nominated Tribe collective
Richard Hilton: Musician and producer well known for his work with Nile Rodgers and Chic
Chapters
Loading chapters …
Professional Mixing in Stereo & Atmos: Grammy-Winning Mixer Andrew Scheps on Workflow, Impostor Syndrome & Industry Insights (Part 2)
DescriptionIn this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Andrew Scheps, a three-time Grammy Award-winning mixer and producer, for Part 2 of their in-depth conversation about professional mixing in the era of …
Show notes
DescriptionIn this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Andrew Scheps, a three-time Grammy Award-winning mixer and producer, for Part 2 of their in-depth conversation about professional mixing in the era of immersive audio. Building on the discussions from Part 1, Andrew delves deeper into practical techniques for mixing in Atmos and spatial audio formats, with particular focus on the unique challenges of mixing for headphone playback, binaural rendering, and maintaining mix translation across different monitoring environments.
In this episode, Andrew answers listener questions while providing concrete, actionable advice on EQ and panning techniques in immersive formats, the differences between phantom center and actual center speakers in spatial mixes, reverb strategies for Atmos, and insights into where the music production industry is heading. Whether you're a professional mixer looking to expand into immersive audio, a producer curious about Atmos workflows, or an audio engineer wanting to understand the future of spatial mixing, this conversation provides both technical knowledge and strategic industry perspective from one of the world's most respected mixing engineers.
In This Episode:- Mixing in Atmos with Headphone Monitoring - Practical techniques for creating mixes in Atmos that translate accurately on headphones, including the challenges of binaural rendering and headphone-specific mixing considerations
- Panning and Spatial Placement Techniques - How phantom center differs from actual center speakers in immersive mixes, and strategies for placing elements in three-dimensional space effectively
- EQ and Equalization in Immersive Formats - How equalization approaches change in Atmos compared to stereo, maintaining balance in surround configurations, and frequency management across spatial channels
- Reverb and Spatial Effects in Atmos - Advanced reverb techniques specifically designed for immersive mixing, creating depth and space in three-dimensional mixes, and psychological acoustic principles
- Binaural Rendering and Headphone Playback - Understanding how binaural rendering works, the challenges of creating convincing spatial imaging through headphones, and translation between different listening formats
- Practical Real-World Mixing Tips and Tricks - Actionable advice from decades of professional mixing experience, workflow optimization, and techniques that immediately improve mixing results
- Industry Direction and Future of Mixing Technology - Andrew's perspective on where the music production industry is headed, emerging technologies in spatial audio, and how mixers should prepare for future formats
- Listener Questions and Career Advice - Andrew addresses questions from podcast listeners about mixing, professional development, and navigating the modern music production landscape
About Our Guest:Andrew Scheps:
Andrew Scheps is a three-time Grammy Award-winning mixer and producer with an extensive discography that includes work with some of the world's most influential artists. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, innovative mixing techniques, and expertise in both traditional stereo and immersive audio formats like Atmos, Scheps has established himself as one of the most sought-after mixers in the music industry. His technical knowledge combined with artistic sensibility has made him a mentor figure to many aspiring audio engineers and producers.
About Our Host:Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning notable artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast. Credits & Placements Include… Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, SVT1 (Sweden).
Resources & Links Mentioned- Andrew Scheps - Three-time Grammy Award-winning mixer and producer
- Atmos and Spatial Audio - Apple Music, Amazon Music, and other platforms offering immersive audio mixes
- Genelec UNIO Monitoring Ecosystem - Professional audio monitoring solution providing seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring for consistent mix translation. Visit: genelec.com/unio
Subscribe & FollowSubscribe to the Production Expert Podcast on:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- YouTube
- All major podcast platforms
Follow us:
- Instagram: [@production_expert_podcast]
- Website: [productionexpertpodcast.com]
SponsorshipThis episode is brought to you by Genelec. If you've ever been disappointed with the way your mixes sound on other playback systems, check out Genelec's UNIO monitoring ecosystem. By providing a seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring, UNIO allows you to quickly create great sounding mixes that translate consistently wherever you choose to work. No more guesswork, no more surprises — just truthful, accurate audio monitoring from stereo to immersive. Visit genelec.com/unio to learn more.
Note: This is Part 2 of a two-part episode. Be sure to listen to Part 1 for the beginning of the conversation with Andrew Scheps on mixing fundamentals, impostor syndrome, and career insights.
Chapters
Loading chapters …
Professional Mixing in Stereo & Atmos: Grammy-Winning Mixer Andrew Scheps on Workflow, Impostor Syndrome & Industry Insights (Part 1)
DescriptionIn this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Andrew Scheps, a three-time Grammy Award-winning mixer and producer renowned for his work with iconic artists and his expertise in both stereo and immersive …
Show notes
DescriptionIn this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Andrew Scheps, a three-time Grammy Award-winning mixer and producer renowned for his work with iconic artists and his expertise in both stereo and immersive audio mixing. In this candid conversation, Andrew discusses his career journey, his approach to mixing in Atmos, his creative workflow, dealing with difficult clients, navigating impostor syndrome despite significant achievements, and his perspective on the future of mixing and music production.
This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation that covers everything from technical mixing strategies to the personal and professional challenges of working at the highest levels of the music industry. Whether you're an aspiring mixer, an experienced audio engineer, or a music producer looking to expand your skills in immersive audio formats like Atmos, Andrew shares invaluable insights, practical mixing tips, and honest perspectives on the evolving landscape of professional music mixing. Listeners will also get a preview of fan questions that will be answered in Part 2.
In This Episode:- Mixing in Atmos and Immersive Audio Formats - Deep dive into how Grammy-winning mixers approach mixing for Spatial Audio and Atmos, including technical considerations, creative opportunities, and the future of immersive mixing
- Stereo Mixing Fundamentals and Best Practices - Andrew's approach to creating professional stereo mixes that translate across all playback systems and serve as the foundation for immersive mixes
- Creative Workflow and Mixing Techniques - Practical insights into how Andrew structures his mixing workflow, uses tools effectively, and maintains creative momentum throughout long mixing sessions
- Dealing with Difficult Clients and Industry Dynamics - Honest discussion about managing client relationships, handling creative disagreements, setting boundaries, and navigating the business side of professional mixing
- Impostor Syndrome in Professional Music Production - Despite being a three-time Grammy winner, Andrew discusses feeling like an impostor and how successful professionals manage self-doubt and imposter syndrome
- Life Balance and Well-being for Audio Professionals - How mixers and producers maintain mental health, work-life balance, and personal fulfillment while working on high-pressure projects
- The Future of Mixing and Music Production - Andrew's perspective on where mixing technology and music production are headed, emerging trends, and how to stay relevant as an audio professional
- Mixing Tips and Industry Insights - Practical techniques, studio setup advice, and professional insights that can immediately improve listener's mixing approach
About Our Guest:Andrew Scheps:
Andrew Scheps is a three-time Grammy Award-winning mixer and producer with an extensive discography that includes work with some of the world's most influential artists. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, innovative mixing techniques, and expertise in both traditional stereo and immersive audio formats like Atmos, Scheps has established himself as one of the most sought-after mixers in the music industry. His technical knowledge combined with artistic sensibility has made him a mentor figure to many aspiring audio engineers and producers.
About Our Host:Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning notable artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast. Credits & Placements Include… Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, SVT1 (Sweden).
Resources & Links Mentioned- Andrew Scheps - Three-time Grammy Award-winning mixer and producer
- Atmos and Spatial Audio - Apple Music, Amazon Music, and other platforms offering immersive audio mixes
- Genelec UNIO Monitoring Ecosystem - Professional audio monitoring solution providing seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring for consistent mix translation. Visit: genelec.com/unio
Subscribe & FollowSubscribe to the Production Expert Podcast on:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- YouTube
- All major podcast platforms
Follow us:
- Instagram: [@production_expert_podcast]
- Website: [productionexpertpodcast.com]
SponsorshipThis episode is brought to you by Genelec. If you've ever been disappointed with the way your mixes sound on other playback systems, check out Genelec's UNIO monitoring ecosystem. By providing a seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring, UNIO allows you to quickly create great sounding mixes that translate consistently wherever you choose to work. No more guesswork, no more surprises — just truthful, accurate audio monitoring from stereo to immersive. Visit genelec.com/unio to learn more.
Note: This is Part 1 of a two-part episode. Andrew answers listener questions in Part 2, which continues the conversation on mixing, career advice, and the future of music production.
Chapters
Loading chapters …
The Science of Listening: Psychoacoustics & Immersive Audio Explained (Part Two).
In this week’s episode, Ashea is joined by Hyunkook Lee (Professor of Psychoacoustics and APL founder), Emre Ramazanoglu and Mark Gittins, for part two of The Science Of Listening, where they discuss …
Show notes
In this week’s episode, Ashea is joined by Hyunkook Lee (Professor of Psychoacoustics and APL founder), Emre Ramazanoglu and Mark Gittins, for part two of The Science Of Listening, where they discuss Psychoacoustics, HRTF, multidimensional audio, virtual reality, the future of immersive in the music and audio industry and what’s in store for VIRTUOSO.
About Our Guests:
Hyunkook Lee: Professor of audio and psychoacoustic engineering, Founder/director of the APL, & recording/mixing engineer
Emre Ramazanoglu: Immersive audio engineer, mixer/producer/drummer
Mark Gittins: Immersive engineer/mixer/producer/outside broadcast engineer.
Chapters
Loading chapters …
The Science of Listening: Psychoacoustics & Immersive Audio Explained" (Part One).
For 25 years, Professor Hyunkook Lee has been researching surround sound and immersive audio. Since 2010, his focus has been on height perception—specifically, how we perceive and localize sounds coming from …
Show notes
For 25 years, Professor Hyunkook Lee has been researching surround sound and immersive audio. Since 2010, his focus has been on height perception—specifically, how we perceive and localize sounds coming from above. His discoveries have fundamentally changed how we approach immersive mixing. One critical finding: time differences don't work in the vertical domain the way they do in stereo. Instead, height perception relies almost entirely on spectral cues and the pitch-height effect, where higher frequencies are perceived as more elevated, regardless of speaker placement.
Emre Ramazanola brings 25 years of stereo mixing and engineering experience and has completed over 3,000 Atmos mixes—a staggering volume that gives him unique insight into what actually works in immersive mixing. Mark Gittins has been pioneering immersive audio since Apple Music launched Spatial Audio, and runs his own immersive studio, Send Sound. Together, these three experts explore the psychoacoustic principles that govern immersive audio, the limitations of current technology (particularly HRTFs and binaural delivery), and practical solutions they're using today.
You'll learn why phantom centre sounds more natural than real centre (even though it's technically more distorted), why preserving tonality is one of the biggest challenges in immersive mixing, and how APL Virtuoso—Professor Lee's binaural monitoring software—uses geometric acoustic modelling rather than impulse responses to create neutral, spatially accurate headphone monitoring. The conversation covers the 'room divergence effect' (why your brain gets confused when virtual acoustics don't match your physical room), the limitations of personal HRTFs, and exciting new immersive technologies on the horizon that could revolutionize audio delivery across all platforms.
In This Episode:
- Why height perception works completely differently from horizontal stereo localization—and what that means for immersive mixing
- The pitch-height effect: how frequency content determines perceived elevation, not panning or level
- Time vs. level differences: why time differences are 'useless' in vertical stereo (and how barn owls solve this problem)
- The fundamental problem with conventional panning tools: they colour the sound and don't provide accurate localization
- HRTFs (Head-Related Transfer Functions): what they are, why personal HRTFs don't work as well as you'd think, and the limitations of current measurement methods
- Binaural rendering and the 'cone of confusion': why you can't accurately localize sounds behind you without head movement
- Tonality vs. spatiality: why immersive engineers obsess over preserving tonal balance when delivering Atmos content
- The room divergence effect: why listening to binaural audio recorded in one room while sitting in another room causes your brain to reject it
- APL Virtuoso explained: geometric acoustic modelling vs. impulse responses, customizable presets, and why visual cues matter more than you'd think
- Mark's real-world story: mixing an Atmos song on holiday using Virtuoso and delivering it in two days (and having it translate perfectly back in the studio)
- The limits of individual HRTFs: why Emre uses Virtuoso instead, and why artists won't accept binaural mixes with tonal colouration
- Emerging technology: new immersive delivery methods beyond Atmos that remove timbre change and offer unprecedented spatial control
- Why cognition matters as much as perception: how the brain adapts to different environments, HRTFs, and how we use context clues to make sense of sound
- The future of binaural: head tracking, personalized HRTFs with virtual reality, and solving the standardization problem
About Our Guests
Professor Heung-Kuk Lee
Professor Heung-Kuk Lee is a Professor of Audio and Psychoacoustic Engineering at the University of Huddersfield and founder and director of the Applied Psychoacoustics Lab (APL). For 25 years, he has been conducting research on surround sound and immersive audio. Since 2010, his primary focus has been on understanding height perception and how to capture height information in immersive recording. He has conducted extensive psychoacoustic listening tests to determine how time and level differences work in the vertical domain and has designed microphone arrays specifically for capturing height. Based on his research findings, Professor Lee developed APL Virtuoso, a binaural monitoring tool, and other software tools used by professional mixing and mastering engineers worldwide. He is also a freelance recording engineer specializing in immersive audio.
Applied Psychoacoustics Lab (APL): apl.ac.uk | APL Virtuoso: apl.ac.uk/virtuoso
Emre Ramazanola
Emre Ramazanola is an immersive audio engineer, mixer, producer, and drummer with 25 years of experience in stereo mixing, mastering, score mixing, and production. He became interested in immersive audio before Atmos officially launched through a connection with Genelec, and was one of the first engineers able to perform stereo-to-Atmos conversions at scale. To date, he has completed over 3,000 immersive mixes—the majority of which are conversions that preserve the original artist's vision rather than full creative rebuilds. He has worked extensively with major record labels on converting new music into immersive formats and is known for his expertise in retaining tonal and artistic integrity while delivering spatial dimension. He is actively exploring emerging immersive technologies beyond Atmos and works closely with mixing engineers on standardization and delivery challenges.
Instagram: @emreramazanola
Mark Gittins
Mark Gittins is an immersive audio engineer, mixer, producer, and outside broadcast engineer with over 20 years of experience as a freelance sound engineer working across multiple formats. He has worked extensively in front-of-house mixing and owns a studio in Birmingham where he records and produces local bands. Since immersive audio launched on Apple Music approximately three to four years ago, Mark has focused on immersive mixing and founded Send Sound, his dedicated immersive audio studio. He has completed hundreds of Atmos mixes and is known for his innovative approach to immersive mixing, particularly his focus on tonality and how to overcome the limitations of current binaural delivery systems. Mark actively collaborates with other immersive engineers on emerging technologies and best practices.
Send Sound: sendsound.co.uk
About Our Host
Ashea
Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. Her production and mixing credits include work with Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, and SVT1 (Sweden). Through the Production Expert Podcast, she brings together world-class audio professionals, researchers, and innovators to explore the science, craft, and philosophy of recording, mixing, and the future of immersive audio.
Website: asheamusicofficial.com
Key Resources & Links
- Applied Psychoacoustics Lab (APL): apl.ac.uk
- APL Virtuoso (Binaural Monitoring Software): apl.ac.uk/virtuoso
- Send Sound (Immersive Studio): sendsound.co.uk
- University of Huddersfield - Audio & Music Technology: hud.ac.uk
- Dolby Atmos for Music: dolby.com
- Genelec UNIO Monitoring: genelec.com/unio
- Apple Spatial Audio: apple.com/music/spatial-audio
- ITUR 1116 (Critical Listening Room Standards): itu.int
- Aura 3D Format: auralync.com
- Source Nexus Suite: sourceelements.com
- RSPE Audio Solutions: rspeaudio.com
Chapters
Loading chapters …
Windmill Lane Recording Studio Dublin: Inside the Most Legendary Studio in Ireland
Windmill Lane Recording Studios has hosted some of the most significant recordings in music history. But what is it about this legendary Dublin facility that keeps world-class artists and producers returning? …
Show notes
Windmill Lane Recording Studios has hosted some of the most significant recordings in music history. But what is it about this legendary Dublin facility that keeps world-class artists and producers returning? In this episode, Tony Perry takes us on a journey through three distinct studios, each with its own character and sonic signature. Studio One—designed by Andy Munro—features a 144-input Neve console and was built to work beautifully with orchestras. Studio Two, housed in what was once an art deco electricity supply hub, features a 40-channel SSL G Series and has become the go-to room for rock and pop. Studio Three is a smaller, intimate space perfect for vocals and voiceover work.
But the real story isn't about the gear—it's about the people. Tony explains how the studio's three directors (Tony, Naomi Moore, and Aidan Alcock) have built a culture of excellence from top to bottom. The team goes the extra mile. The interns are treated as valued members of the community. Engineers and producers who work there become part of something bigger than themselves. Tony also shares the critical role that mentorship and education have played, from founding Pulse College in 1994 to developing Ireland's first formal audio engineering degree program.
You'll hear about the importance of institutional knowledge—techniques for miking orchestras that have been passed down over generations, the nooks and crannies of each room, and the lessons learned from working alongside world-class producers and engineers. Most importantly, you'll understand why the vibe in a control room matters just as much as the equipment, and what it really takes to build and maintain a legendary recording facility in 2026.
In This Episode:
- The legendary artists who've recorded at Windmill Lane: U2, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, Metallica, and many more
- Studio One: The 144-input Neve console, orchestral recording, and why 'if an orchestra sounds good in a room, anything can sound good in a room'
- Studio Two: The art deco heritage, the SSL G Series, and why Tony prefers working with rock and pop there—plus the 18-month transformation by mixer Spike Stent
- Studio Three: The journey to creating the perfect vocal booth through trial, error, and acoustic expertise from Pat McCall
- Institutional knowledge: How legendary techniques for miking orchestras and understanding room acoustics are passed down through generations
- The role of Genelec monitoring systems in eliminating guesswork and resonant frequencies
- Building a culture of excellence: the three directors' philosophy and how they've created an environment where interns and assistant engineers thrive
- From imposter syndrome to ownership: Tony's journey from engineer to co-owner and the responsibility that comes with it
- The importance of mentorship and education: developing Ireland's first audio engineering degree program and why teaching matters as much as doing
- Studio etiquette and tension management: using Irish humour to ease high-pressure recording sessions while maintaining professionalism
- The difference between pre-production era sessions (quick turnarounds) and the old model (full projects from start to finish)
- Why passion is non-negotiable in this industry—and what happens when you stop caring
About Our Guests
Tony Perry
Tony Perry is Director of Audio and co-owner of Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin, alongside Naomi Moore and Aidan Alcock. He began his career in the late 1980s working in a music shop, where he discovered a passion for MIDI and sampling technology. This led him to establish Fourth Floor Productions, which eventually evolved into his acquisition and operation of the legendary Windmill Lane facility in 2009. Over his career, Tony has recorded and worked with artists including Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, New Order, and Bryan Adams. He is deeply committed to the craft of engineering, the mentorship of young professionals, and the development of audio education in Ireland. Tony is also a co-founder of Pulse College and has been instrumental in bringing formal qualifications and degree programs in audio engineering to Ireland. He continues to engineer sessions and work on music technology while overseeing one of Europe's most respected recording facilities.
Windmill Lane Recording Studios: windmilllanerecording.com
About Our Host
Ashea
Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. Her production and mixing credits include work with Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, and SVT1 (Sweden). Through the Production Expert Podcast, she brings industry insiders together to explore the craft, process, and philosophy behind the world's greatest records and the facilities that make them possible.
Website: asheamusicofficial.com
Key Resources & Links
- Windmill Lane Recording Studios: windmilllanerecording.com
- Pulse College: pulsecollege.ie
- Genelec UNIO Monitoring: genelec.com/unio
- University of Central Lancashire (UCLan): uclan.ac.uk
- Spike Stent (mixer/engineer): spikestent.com
- Abbey Road Studios: abbeyroad.com
- Ocean Way Recording (Los Angeles): oceanwayrecording.com
Creating A 'Now' Moment With Sync DNA
In this edition Ashea is joined by Mat Pataki and Andreas Pohl from remote collaboration platform Sync DNA. Where they discuss how, Sync DNA is helping audio professionals and artists get in the zone without …
Show notes
In this edition Ashea is joined by Mat Pataki and Andreas Pohl from remote collaboration platform Sync DNA. Where they discuss how, Sync DNA is helping audio professionals and artists get in the zone without being in the room together aka the 'Now' moment.
About Our Guests:
Mat: Chief Architect
Mat Pataki is Chief Architect at SyncDNA™. He's built cloud platforms that serve millions of users at companies like Uken Games and Jam City. But he's also spent years in Torontomusic studios on both sides of the glass—as an engineer and a performer. That combination of building massive-scale systems and actually living in professional audio workflows means he knows what creative professionals need, and how to deliver it.
Andreas: Chief Architect
Andreas brings deep expertise in audio and video networking software and scalable systems, with experience at internet pioneering companies like AOL and Yahoo. As Chief Architect, Andreas designs our core audio/video processing infrastructure, DAW/NLE integration, and hardware integration. Combined with his perspective as a practicing musician, this combination of engineering expertise and artistic insight makes him an ideal fit for SyncDNA.
Talking Points:- A bit about you and your background.
- What is Sync DNA and How did you form?
- Creating the “Now moment” - Synchronization & Latency
- Sync DNA & Track Record
- Why choose Sync DNA?
Finds of the week:
Each week our guests share something they have found, (usually audio related but it doesn´t have to be; it can be anything from audio software to movies or even a jar of pickle):
Mat:
For live shows I’ve been using this Allen and Heath SQ-5 digital mixer. Its graphic EQ “fader flip” function is pretty amazing.
Andreas:The Commoners Band
What's The Score? With Stephen Gallagher & Mark Willsher
In this podcast episode Russ Hughes talks film scoring with Stephen Gallagher & Mark Willsher (Lord Of The Rings).Learn More About Stephen Gallagher Here:https://bio.site/StephenGallagherLearn More About Mark …
Show notes
In this podcast episode Russ Hughes talks film scoring with Stephen Gallagher & Mark Willsher (Lord Of The Rings).
Learn More About Stephen Gallagher Here:
https://bio.site/StephenGallagher
Learn More About Mark Willsher Here:
https://bio.site/pin3hot
Finds Of The Week:
Mark:
Apple & Blackberry Bakewell Tart
Stephen:
A Sunny Place For Shady People by Mariana Enriquez
Russ:
Production In Paradise- With Sonic Summit
In this episode Ashea is joined by Shane Lavin, founder of Sonic Summit, where they discuss the power that paradise can have on our creative abilities.Learn more about Sonic Summits here:https://linktr.ee/sonic_summit
Let's Get Immersed: With Grammy Winning Immersive Mixer & Producer Justin Gray (Part 2)
In this 2 part interview, Ashea chats with Producer, Musician & Immersive Mix Engineer Justin Grey about his new fully immersive album Immersed.Experience the album and learn more about Justin …
Show notes
In this 2 part interview, Ashea chats with Producer, Musician & Immersive Mix Engineer Justin Grey about his new fully immersive album Immersed.
Experience the album and learn more about Justin here:
https://justingraysound.com/immersed/
Let's Get Immersed: With Grammy Winning Immersive Mixer & Producer Justin Gray
In this two part interview, Ashea chats with Producer, Musician & Immersive Mix Engineer Justin Gray about his new fully immersive album Immersed.Experience the album and learn more about Justin …
Show notes
In this two part interview, Ashea chats with Producer, Musician & Immersive Mix Engineer Justin Gray about his new fully immersive album Immersed.
Experience the album and learn more about Justin here:
https://justingraysound.com/immersed/
Talking Points:
- Inspiration for the album & The writing process
- The expressive use of space (reverb)
- Connecting audio and visuals to tell a story
- Capturing sound in 3D
- How using a Dolby Atmos playback system helped artists with their creativity
These are the latest 40 of 361 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
Similar podcasts
More Education podcasts
Is this your podcast?
Confirm it with an entry in your feed: you get a code here, add it as podcast:txt to the channel of your feed, and we check it. Your podcast is then shown as “verified” on SoundNode.