#199: The Hidden Production Habits You’re Probably Ignoring (At Your Own Risk)

Music Production and Mixing Tips Podcast for DIY Producers and Artists | Inside The Mix

Ever wondered why your mixes don’t sound professional, even with decent gear and endless YouTube tutorials? In this episode, Marc Matthews and Tim Benson, AKA Aisle9, reveal the overlooked production habits that separate amateur mixes from polished tracks.

Discover how using reference tracks, including your own successful work, can instantly level up your sound. The duo also expose their most cringeworthy recording mistakes, from misaligned mics to monitor mishaps, underscoring why getting things right at the source is critical.

You'll also learn the workflow most producers ignore: poor project organisation. Marc and Tim share practical tips on track naming, grouping, and DAW session structure that boost efficiency, and no new gear is required.

Whether on your first track or your fiftieth, this candid, tip-packed conversation will help you overcome common mixing hurdles, avoid overprocessing, and finally achieve that clean, professional sound you’ve been chasing.

Tune in to transform your studio sessions and start producing music that truly translates.

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Chapters

1. Welcome to Inside the Mix Podcast (Music Production Tips for Beginners) (00:00:00)

2. 5 Common Music Production Mistakes to Avoid in Your Home Studio (00:02:26)

3. How to Use Reference Tracks for Better Mixing Results (00:05:09)

4. Why Recording at the Source Matters in Music Production (00:07:48)

5. Track Labelling & Session Organisation: Boost Your DAW Workflow (00:11:47)

6. How to Avoid Over-Processing in Mixing and Mastering (00:22:29)

7. Studio Setup Checklist: Technical Tips for Smooth Recording Sessions (00:29:11)

8. Final Takeaways: Music Production Best Practices You Can Apply Today (00:36:09)