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The Bass Bump: Why Tape, Pultecs and Filters Make Bass Feel Bigger
Tape machines, Pultec EQs and resonant filters all create the same surprising low-end shape. Discover the bass bump, why it works, and how to use it in your own mixes.
Leiam Sullivan
2 days ago5 min read


Subtractive Synthesis Explained: How Synthesisers Really Work
What is subtractive synthesis? Learn how oscillators, filters and envelopes work together to create sound, and understand the signal path at the heart of classic synthesiser design.
Leiam Sullivan
4 days ago4 min read


What Does Reverb Pre-Delay Do? A Simple Explanation for Better Mixes
Confused by reverb pre-delay? Learn how it works, why it improves clarity, and when to use it in your mixes.
Leiam Sullivan
Jun 233 min read


What Compressor Ratio Really Does (Think of It as a Lens)
Stop thinking about compressor ratio as maths. Think of it as a lens that brings sounds into focus without losing their life.
Leiam Sullivan
Jun 223 min read


Scales for Electronic Music: A Simple Guide to Major, Minor and Pentatonic Scales
A practical guide to major, minor and pentatonic scales for electronic music producers who want to stop guessing notes.
Leiam Sullivan
Jun 164 min read


The Dark Art of Mastering: Finishing, Not Fixing
From Abbey Road to Curve Pusher, a reflection on mastering, perspective, and why great masters finish records rather than fix them.
Leiam Sullivan
Jun 104 min read


Soundtoys Decapitator Review: Why This Saturation Plugin Still Holds Up
A practical Soundtoys Decapitator review exploring its saturation styles, workflow, strengths, and why it still earns a place in modern mixes.
Leiam Sullivan
Jun 33 min read


How to Learn Arrangement in Electronic Music
Arrangement starts with studying records and templates. Over time, those patterns become instinct and feel.
Leiam Sullivan
Jun 24 min read


PHONON SMB-02 Review: One of the Best Studio Headphones for Mixing
The PHONON SMB-02 delivers honest low end, speaker-like imaging, and exceptional mix translation for electronic music production.
Leiam Sullivan
May 272 min read


Paralysis From Analysis in Music Production
Paralysis from analysis in music production: why producers lose perspective and how stepping away can save a track.
Leiam Sullivan
May 263 min read


Soothe 3 Review: Is the Upgrade From Soothe 2 Worth It?
Testing Soothe 3 in real sessions – is the upgrade from Soothe 2 actually worth it?
Leiam Sullivan
May 216 min read


Envelope Following: Letting the Sound Open Its Own Filter
Envelope following lets a sound control its own filter movement – creating reactive, dynamic modulation that breathes naturally.
Leiam Sullivan
May 203 min read


Relative Keys in Electronic Music: Change Mood Without Changing Notes
Relative keys let you shift mood without changing notes. A simple way to add contrast and depth to your tracks.
Leiam Sullivan
Apr 272 min read


Why Your Mix Sounds Cluttered (And How to Fix It with a Clear Leader)
If your mix feels cluttered, it’s usually because nothing is leading. Here’s how to create clarity by giving your track a focus.
Leiam Sullivan
Apr 144 min read


Even vs Odd Harmonics: What Makes Tone Feel Smooth, Harsh, or in Between
Even vs odd harmonics explained simply. Learn how waveform shape creates warmth, edge, and tone in your mixes.
Leiam Sullivan
Apr 93 min read


Monitor Your Mix on Your Phone in Real Time with a Free Plugin
Monitor your mix on your phone in real time. No bouncing, no interruption – just instant translation while you’re still in the session.
Leiam Sullivan
Apr 83 min read


Melody and Chords: How to Make Them Work Together in Your Track
Why melody and chords can feel disconnected–and how to make them work together as one piece of music.
Leiam Sullivan
Apr 14 min read


Sidechain Compression Isn’t Just Sidechain Compression Anymore
Sidechain for movement. Soothe 2 for space. Here’s how I separate sounds without killing the energy.
Leiam Sullivan
Mar 312 min read


The Free MPC2000XL Emulator That Might Change How You Think About Beatmaking
VMPC2000XL brings the classic MPC workflow back. A free emulator that shows how limitation shapes better music decisions.
Leiam Sullivan
Mar 243 min read


The Usual Suspects JE-8086: Free JP-8000 Emulation and Why It's Different From Everything Else
JE-8086 isn’t modelling the JP-8000. It’s running the original firmware. Here’s why that changes everything.
Leiam Sullivan
Mar 193 min read
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