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Techniques
Discover the production techniques I use as a professional producer to craft and refine tracks. From mixing and sound design to creative workflow strategies and unique processing methods, this section covers the real-world techniques that shape my sound. Learn how I apply EQ, compression, layering, modulation, and advanced effects to achieve polished, professional results. Whether refining a mix or pushing creative boundaries, these techniques provide insight into my production process.
Finding Your Groove DNA
The SP1200 16 Swing 54 from Samples From Mars shows how groove and riff can lock into something more than timing – a living feel.
Leiam Sullivan
5 days ago2 min read
How to Get Balance in Music Mixing: Build from the Anchor
Balance in mixing isn’t just about levels – it’s about connection. Build from your anchor and let every sound find its space.
Leiam Sullivan
Oct 282 min read
Compressing Reverbs: Keeping the Space Under Control
Compression keeps reverb steady and musical – holding space in place without losing depth or emotion.
Leiam Sullivan
Oct 142 min read
Why Music Theory Matters for Electronic Music Producers
Master keys, chords, and melodies. Music theory made simple for electronic music producers – write tracks with emotion and intention.
Leiam Sullivan
Sep 244 min read
AI in Music Production: The Biggest Shift Since the Sampler
AI is revolutionising music production. Explore how tools like Suno and Logic’s stem splitter give sampling a whole new future.
Leiam Sullivan
Sep 173 min read
Tighten Your Midi Timing by Slowing Down Your Sequencer
Slow your DAW down to tighten MIDI timing. Hear every detail, fix errors, and return to full speed for a locked-in groove.
Leiam Sullivan
Sep 153 min read
Compression Is Density
Compression is more than volume control – it’s density. Learn how to shape punchy, cohesive mixes with depth and clarity.
Leiam Sullivan
Sep 112 min read
The Musical Sweet Spot of EQ Filter Slopes: Why 12 dB/Oct Keeps Turning Up
12 dB/oct EQ slopes: why they’re the musical sweet spot, from Pultec to Kirchhoff, FabFilter, SSL, Neve & Harrison.
Leiam Sullivan
Aug 124 min read
Mix Knob on a Compressor: A Must Know for Better Mixing
Compression can flatten your mix. The mix knob brings it back to life. Here’s why blending dry signal changes everything.
Leiam Sullivan
Jul 293 min read
The Art of Mixing by David Gibson: A Trip-Worthy Teaching Tool
A trippy, visual journey into the stereo field. David Gibson’s Art of Mixing still hits decades later—and I used it in class.
Leiam Sullivan
Jul 223 min read
Low-Pass Filtering: The Unsung Mixing Essential
Low-pass filtering shapes warmth, depth, and clarity in your mix. Here’s why it deserves as much attention as high-pass filtering.
Leiam Sullivan
Jul 92 min read
New Gear, New Ideas: Why the Unknown Sparks Creativity
New music gear breaks your routine. It’s not about control — it’s about discovery. The unknown often sparks your best tracks.
Leiam Sullivan
Jul 41 min read
Compression in Mixing: Letting Just Enough Through for Clarity in Busy Mixes
Compression isn’t about loudness—it’s about clarity. Let a sliver of sound cut through and the brain will do the rest.
Leiam Sullivan
Jul 32 min read
When I Thought the Attack Was Too Slow (But It Was the Release All Along)
I thought the attack wasn’t fast enough. Turns out, it was the release all along. Here’s how I heard it—and fixed it.
Leiam Sullivan
Jun 262 min read
It’s the Space In-Between That’s Important
It’s not just the notes–it’s the space between. Reverb, silence, and scale shape how a track floats, breathes, and lands.
Leiam Sullivan
Jun 252 min read
The Sweet Spot: Using Saturation and Drive to Anchor Your Mix
Learn how to use saturation and drive to shape your master bus. Hit the sweet spot without muddying your mix.
Leiam Sullivan
Jun 172 min read
Why Pre-’90s Music Sounds So Good (And How To Get That Feel Today)
Why does old music sound so warm? It’s not nostalgia - it’s physics, tape, vinyl, and tubes. Here’s how to bring that feel back.
Leiam Sullivan
Jun 123 min read
Conversations Within the Music
A good production isn’t just layered - it listens and responds. Your track is a conversation. Here’s how to make the parts speak.
Leiam Sullivan
Jun 102 min read
Track Delay: The Hidden Key to a Locked Groove
Track delay helps your grooves lock in. It’s not just timing correction — it’s how you put the music into electronic music.
Leiam Sullivan
Jun 73 min read
Mastering ADSR: How Envelope Shaping Makes Your Mix Flow
ADSR envelopes control the shape of your sound. Get them right, and your mix flows. Here’s how each stage works - and why it matters.
Leiam Sullivan
Jun 62 min read
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