top of page
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.
The Bell EQ Trick: A More Musical Alternative to High- and Low-Pass Filters
High- and low-pass filters tidy mixes quickly, but wide bell EQs often sound more musical. Sometimes shaping beats removing.
Leiam Sullivan
Dec 20, 20253 min read
Why Reference Tracks Matter in Mixing: How to Use Them for Better Translation
Reference tracks help your mixes translate. Here’s how to choose them, trust them, and use tools like Metric AB to get your mix over the line.
Leiam Sullivan
Dec 10, 20252 min read
Why Gain Staging Matters: How Hot Levels Make Plugins Distort
Hot levels make plugins distort in subtle ways. Here’s why gain staging still matters – and how to keep your mix sounding clean and musical.
Leiam Sullivan
Dec 4, 20254 min read
Fast Attack and Fast Release: What They Really Mean in Compression
Fast attack and fast release shape punch, movement, and tone. Here’s how different compressors handle timing–and what those speeds really sound like.
Leiam Sullivan
Dec 1, 20253 min read
Channel Link: Finding the Sweet Spot Where Music Starts to Move
Channel Link shapes how a mix breathes. Linked = unity. Lower linking = subtle movement and life. Here’s how it works in audio.
Leiam Sullivan
Nov 29, 20253 min read
Introducing the Tempo Division Engine: A Precise BPM-to-Time Calculator for Producers
A simple, precise BPM-to-time calculator with ms, samples, Hz, tap tempo and tiny divisions down to 1/256. Built for real production workflows.
Leiam Sullivan
Nov 25, 20251 min read
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
Nov 4, 20252 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 28, 20252 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 14, 20252 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 24, 20254 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 17, 20253 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 15, 20253 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 11, 20252 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 12, 20254 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 29, 20253 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 22, 20253 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 9, 20252 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 4, 20251 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 3, 20252 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 26, 20252 min read
bottom of page