Mixing Yelawolf's "Made In The U.S.A." with Leslie Brathwaite

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Full Sail University Recording Arts graduate/Grammy-winning Mix Engineer Leslie Brathwaite returned to campus in 2011 for the school's Hall of Fame ceremony. During his visit, he set up shop in the campus flagship recording studio the Audio Temple for a mix session demonstration of Yelawolf's "Made In The U.S.A." Two Recording Arts students were selected to be his assistant engineers on the session, and students were able to watch a live broadcast of the session inside the Full Sail Live Venue. In this demonstration, Leslie walks students through his mixing process and offers tips for running a smooth session.
After graduating from Full Sail's Recording Arts program, Leslie relocated to Atlanta and soon developed a working relationship with acclaimed producer Dallas Austin, with whom he'd assist on such '90s classics as Boyz II Men's 'II' and Outkast's 'Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.'
Since that breakthrough, Leslie's credits have spanned the world of rap and R&B, and include collaborations with artists such as Jay Z, Mary J. Blige, Ludacris, Akon, Madonna, T.I., Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, Ciara, and Young Jeezy. In addition to chart success, he has also been recognized with multiple Grammy statues, including nods for his work on the
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Located in Winter Park, Florida, Full Sail University offers associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees designed for the world of entertainment, media, arts, and technology. Full Sail's creative approach to education provides an immersive, fast-paced, and relevant learning experience that mirrors the workflow and collaboration found throughout today's rapidly evolving industries.
Full Sail’s areas of study include music and recording, games, art and design, film and television, technology, media and communications, business, and sports marketing. Full Sail graduate credits include work on OSCAR®, Emmy®, GRAMMY®, ADDY®, MTV Video Music Award, and Video Game Award nominated and winning projects.

[@TheShpmusic]

I love the fact that he gave his assistant a credit for pointing out that static sound in the instruments. Great job guys.👈

[@Shawngthegreat]

he wasn't scared to speak up I can appreciate that

[@odoublexisthebestfr]

amazing! can't believe he's a alum of full sail, definitely gives me something to work for and look forward to. Makes me proud to be a student at Full Sail!

[@fullsailuniversity]

Staying motived!

[@OdinOfficialEmcee]

I have watched this whole thing 6-8 times in my life. Every rewatch yields something new to learn and remember. I learned so much about mixing a song properly from this

[@LegendaryLiri]

This is the type of video that you wouldnt appreciate if you dont actually mix and work on music constantly. He provides GEMS in terms of the mindset and subtle things that really increase work flow and quality. Especially the "dont make things a problem that arent one'.

[@EdwardBlairII]

This was a very good video and I love how Leslie broke down his process and made it feel like a personal teaching session. The inclusion of the assistants was another great touch and he even credited one of them for pointing out some odd clipping noises. I left inspired and can’t wait to starting mixing and mastering sessions to cement my legacy as an engineer. Hope to meet Leslie some day!

[@fullsailuniversity]

So well said! Your legacy has no bounds!

[@Seftr]

Dude's got some great advice concerning workflow and problem solving.

[@AyJayOhny]

wow. this was 2 years ago. felt like yesterday. That was me who asked the first question :)

[@codeinekydd6950]

Hey I'm a artist/producer, that needs a good mix engineer, hmu if your interested (Cody Epley)

[@BALTAOFC]

o AiR J10 o I’m from Brazil and my dream is to study at this university

[@ShellyBBird]

The official KZbin page of Codeine Kydd still in need of an engineer?

[@88Doug]

Nice! Check me out you may enjoy it! J learned in my own!

[@AfricanGirl]

@@BALTAOFC go online

[@caliraisedproductions]

Hand clap for the dynamic range at which you recorded. We need more engineers like that. Those that love to max out the dynamics can learn from this guy. More quality less loudness. Thank you Leslie.

[@fullsailuniversity]

It's truly refreshing to see engineers like you who prioritize preserving the full range of dynamics!

[@Robjohnnetwork]

This is the most best explainable mixing advise, leslies workflow is incredible, and he really takes the time out to teach, and give the artists the vision there looking for!!

[@fullsailuniversity]

We're glad you enjoyed it so much! He definitely is incredible in so many ways.

[@karatzbeatz]

Glad to be at full sail. I keep watching this to brush up on my mixing skills. Glad he is an alumni! My favorite engineer!

[@fullsailuniversity]

Leslie's hard work is so inspiring!! We're glad you can be inspired by him again and again!

[@benja303]

He really only scratches the surface, but this is what i learned -He fills up the gaps with the delays -Constant delays vs automated -Don't be afraid to use a bunch of different timings -He uses the big speakers when it comes to mixing the music -Make sure nothing is clashing in bass

[@isaiflores5001]

benja303 It makes sense

[@danya144]

Leslie Brathwaite is unselfish..thats why he will be one of the Greats

[@ALEXANDER_WAYNE]

HES ALREADY 1 OF THE GREATS BUT I LOVE YOUR THOUGHT!1

[@CashFuelzCFXstudio]

TOO ALL THE HATERS...Regardless how he looks... He is getting PAID to do what he loves... ARE YOU?

[@lee_the_underground_producer]

They wouldn't listen anyway Bro Lol u know how they are

[@diregremo]

You're right! Isn't affirmative action great?

[@seriosmusic]

I don't get it, what's wrong with how he looks?

[@indigoround9935]

yes

[@mixedbystitch254]

This is why he is the GOAT!

[@kobejordan3420]

Excellent video. Simply because it shows you that even the best of the best apply the most basic rules to mixing. Rule 1. Does it sound good and rule 2. Keep it simple stupid. Even though I am a self taught producer/mixing engineer and I have been doing some of the stuff he's teaching, on my own, without any school, it's reassuring to see a top 10 engineer keep it so simple. He doesn't do the extras & try to go all out on songs when he doesn't "need" to. & this guys catalog is DEEP. So if you ever think, "oh I'm not being complicated enough" Come back to this video and reassure yourself that you don't have to be too complicated. Just make sure it sounds good. Good video 👌🏽

[@blackout.X]

thanks

[@TheHeelflipg]

bro they have 2k dollar mics and multi thousand dollar rooms these vocals are recorded in. and trust me it he applied hella shit that he's not showing.

[@lilpatofficial]

Very informative video! Thanks for sharing this for the people who can't afford to go to a school this prestige! I laughed when he said he has to take a lot of Rick Ross' breaths out tho! lol

[@darylbentley7240]

I go to full sail, its an awesome school, ill probably be debt forever but its worth it

[@lilpatofficial]

lol yea I can only imagine man all that money is gonna have to go to my son's college fund not mine! haha

[@darylbentley7240]

yeah, but you get a good job after school then you don't have to worry about it then man. I don't care that I'm debt. I will be first person in my family to go to college, i have a daughter and I'm trying to follow my dream so i can supply for her in the long run. make your dreams happen man.

[@wolfscreek6106]

***** the school is a great foundation but you have to make an effort. Nothing is just handed to you if you grind make connects get internships and actually make music rather than just goto class like reg college you can get a job doing what you like. if not those non motivated people work at walmart game stop and are in debt.

[@AfricanGirl]

U can go to this school. I’m attending it now in 2021. Not thinking about it being expensive or not lol but good luck with your dreams

[@corypilgrim7477]

Wow I am so glad I stumbled across this video it's a blessing to be sitting here watching bigg slimes I'm learning so much just from this one video

[@mangoeater5624]

Really nice to know how they work, thanks for this FREE video

[@cultivistbeats1862]

+utter fisk right

[@ReillyWestOfTFP]

+utter fisk fullsail

[@protooler7]

Mannn, I like his personality! Cool, confident, and not cocky.

[@KennyLauderdale]

I love the whole setup where there's a class and a studio separate... kinda like a go to meeting or facetime

[@miquelkustner6831]

The dude who mixed Pharrel William's Happy. Thanks for the tips and keep on doing the good work

[@88Doug]

I'm so glad I mix my own songs for these music videos on my channnel!

[@LJAYTHATRUTH]

every fucking things is right i love this video

[@XHale]

He makes the end and different mixes sound so simple

[@fullsailuniversity]

It took so much time and work to get to that point though!

[@geebone37]

Do a lot of you not really know who Leslie Brathwaite is in the music world? I'm reading through some of the comments on here and I can see that many of you will probably not accomplish 1/10 of what he's already done. Don't think for one minute that he didn't know how to do everything he was doing but he allowed the interns to have a moment and the audience and got them involved. His wall alone of Platinum and Gold records from songs he's mixed will impress you. A simple test would be to ask engineers that you know in the game who is Leslie Brathwaite. Thats like some of you saying Tony Royster Jr. is an ok drummer!!!

[@BlackSupremist]

hoo tha fuck Tony Roysta?

[@Rakma1]

I will to know WHO he is cuz I have a full album I need to get mix and master and looking for the best producer to work with hit me up please 5618028167 SHINE

[@therealmosthated]

im one one the best hmbu if you want me to sample a song

[@Rakma1]

Let's work

[@therealmosthated]

For sure you will love how i mix i have the best vst plugin tex my phone at 505 3575751

[@OG_Kountry]

Wow I had no idea this was a part of my assignment at Full Sail... I was watching this the other day... Love Leslie.... Hope to work with or for him one day...

[@gabba7954]

Blass, love the advice!!! "The more subtracting than adding to something you don't like in a sound, will give your mix better results" :) Gunna take that to heart thank you for this video! :)

[@TheKriticalBeats]

Wow this helped me out a lot when it comes to the thought process

[@rawman34]

haha leslie is so cool. jus a chill guy

[@THEDEALERMANTV]

for him to ask how to erase the plug-ins at 1 time showed humbleness, most wouldn't asked just erased 1 by 1 and just acted as if that's the best way it showed even though your a teacher your always a student #thedealerman

[@diveyez]

Seems like a great character to work with. Can't wait!

[@coltonjenkins932]

this guy defiantly knows what is up... idk if i heard something i didn't already know... but its good knowledge

[@politicsequalsgarbag]

there will always be hate in every youtube comments section. Why? Cuz kids.

[@harithalfadhil4715]

2024 in dis bih

[@JahZilla_inc]

I appreciate him sharing his mix perspectives and techniques. I’m going to try a few of these things.

[@AfricanGirl]

I AM ALWAYS WATCHING Leslie Brathwaite videos ON HERE. HE'S GREAT

[@fullsailuniversity]

So many 💎's to find!

[@AfricanGirl]

@@fullsailuniversity Exactly. I love these videos along with other videos like hall of fame to. 💜🖤💚

[@fullsailuniversity]

We're so happy to hear it!!🧡

[@BSEmadcow]

Nice that the finished track still has dynamics and isn't squashed to hell.

[@nomorevidz4418]

The question he asked @ 12:15 yes there is a way to bypass all the plugins at once. You can bypass all plugins on the same level by holding option down then command and just click one plugin and then every track with a plug in at the level in which you just bypassed will bypass as well.

[@R3BBiT]

This video was great! Learned a lot.

[@lokboxx]

This stuff is actually pretty solid. I've not taken any courses at Full Sail, but I'm going to a 4 year school for audio engineering and these guest lectures are informative. Also develop that "command-s" pro tools twitch.

[@joelonsdale]

I really enjoyed his tutorial - very relaxed and funny, good insights into some of the pitfalls he encounters. He is obviously a great success and I wish I had his ears! All this negativity in the comments is strange - there's nothing wrong with going to college is there? If any graduates turn out to be any good, they'll get a job, if not, they won't - no different to any other industry. If Full Sail or any other educational establishment was so bad, it wouldn't attract new, paying, students and would go bust.

[@OICRECORDS]

Joe Lonsdale Two Elements You Need To Get A Killer Studio Vocal Performance Great vocals make great recordings. Period. wp.me/P5pOu7-6M

[@michaelm6115]

Ooh when that verse dropped I had to grab the extinguisher 🔥🔥

[@kylescott2067]

Leslie Brathwaite is such a beast

[@NotAt4]

Always listen to successful people.

[@mickeybreezy]

That mixing board is insane.

[@patrickrobinson3751]

I've been in the Music Production program at Full Sail for the last 13 months. Honestly, all debt aside, this school is the best school to attend for this kind of work. I have learned more in this school in the 13 months I have attended than I have anywhere else. All the naysayers that are posting their rude and crass comments about the program or what this ONE video was teaching, are ingrates that will most likely be flipping a burger at Sonic or McDonalds for the remainder of their days acting like the wanna be producer living in their moms trailer sound proofing with carpet pad and Windows 98.

[@lamarrlarry1662]

Patrick Robinson Yes! I am also attending Full Sail for music production, and in all the years that I had been doing my own music, Full Sail has definitely checked me and set me straight! I have learned more in these past 15 months than on my own. Great school!

[@natrichmond7942]

Yes!

[@OZZOZZ]

Haha you’re relaying too much on traditional education. The thing is that you’re not really promised a job and to be honest you can get this knowledge for free, anywhere & everywhere. You’re most likely going to end up flipping burgers too because you need experience a thing that you don’t have, you’re not going to be making money because you’re a intern and interns don’t make money. You need to get that ego down because even though you got education theres producers that can completely out perform you that didn’t go to a traditional school such as Curtis King, LifestyleDidIt & Decap. All these producers have placements with major artists and they’re all self thought engineers. No debt no nothing. I hate these comments because some people think that the only way to make money is by going to college and collecting huge amounts of debt just to end up working at burger sonic or McDonalds because they overpaid for free knowledge. Sheesh

[@Jay-jb2vr]

@@OZZOZZ Dr Dre

[@yeahbro_foreal]

sucks for u guys, i never went to school for any of this all i spent money on was my studio equipment and taught myself how to mix, i never understood why people wanna be in debt to learn something u can learn online , although i understand back then it was different

[@matrixate]

8:22 - I like that. I have to say, he gave about 3 good tips IMHO. Keep searching guys and god luck.

[@YourSinger4]

Thank you very much for uploading this. I feel like i`m back at school again!

[@blaker.8272]

that diffuser is beast yo!!

[@beautifulyoung23]

This was great, felt like I was in the room learning with Leslie!

[@brucegaminglee5685]

Still refreshing facts ☝️❤👊.

[@fullsailuniversity]

Everyone needs a good refresher!

[@werapasomupauldjtaziisangi7676]

I like the session very much

[@RandolphadamsII]

this was amazing broke everything down plan and simple

[@SnipySnob]

Wow. Thanks for putting this on here. Education for free is great.

[@TheShpmusic]

I enjoyed watching this humble engineere. We have lots in common which is music. I love his mindset.great job.👊

[@Dynamoy13]

very good

[@__Leon__]

amazing video! i learn so much from these kinds of video's

[@casandradijkhoff9578]

This guy is amazing!

[@ginotarabotto]

Thank you Leslie, and Full Sail! Great tutorial.

[@nengstro]

I am impressed by this guy

[@TonyKrav]

GREAT VIDEO.

[@DJDickieH]

Nice to see the process of one of the tracks, on such a great album! I will always think about this video now every time I play my vinyl of Radioactive, and when this songs comes on. Great work! Great video. :)

[@major6461]

fact fact with the SAVE PART every Second

[@DjTravi876]

They have a good song, but he made it, definitely filling, you know. Shouts out to Fullsaill!! I'm online doing MP.

[@adriansmith4513]

this was pretty cool man I cant wait to get enrolled and start living in the world of music which makes more sense to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bigsykedaddy999]

Did you end up going to Full Sail? If so how did it go?

[@playmode3976]

this was a great session to watch!!

[@loocheenah]

A lot of commentators complain about how simple those mixing tips are, not what they expected. Well, from a musician point, the track is also extremely simple, but I don't yell that I was waiting for a gazillion note per second guitar solo or super fast rap on super complex philosophical themes - it won't make a hit, actually it will preserve a song from becoming a hit. Mixing actually should be simple because is a utilitarian routine about making people hear actual musical material without any unwanted sounds. If the material is shit, mixing won't help. Mixing is on top of the process but you don't have to be a god, just have ears, logic, and patience. If you want complex stuff - go underneath, dive into what's coming first - try composing music, playing an instrument, constructing a guitar/mic/amp, programming a plugin that recreates real hardware, building a studio where it'll all work and sound good together.

[@lennyluzitano8920]

Thanks for shearing .i hope the kids catch on.for doubling vocals

[@AlejoChris73092]

I remember going to this presentation.

[@emerson5077]

sounds incredibly dope

[@hurleybeatz4184]

this guy is amazing

[@ColinSlippers]

they got a trap engineer straight from the migos bedroom, and got him speaking to a college full of kidds... lets take a minute to appreciate how far hip hop // trap, has come

[@rohanvijaykumar]

Lol he's only been doing trap recently. He came up mixing Akon

[@tsom5216]

@@rohanvijaykumar Bruh..even Michael Jackson

[@keewezzy312]

This is so awesome! Great mix

[@TheTwistedMystic]

I was taught at IPR in Minneapolis by an engineer who worked with Prince at Paisley Park, mostly on Prince's "Graffiti Bridge" and "Come" albums.

[@warnutztheloser]

This was Amazin'

[@JamesMesidor]

skilled and informative good stuff

[@TheRealCalijokes01]

Not sure if that was a quick fix or a personal choice, but it sounds good either way man her voice is beautiful

[@gorillachilla]

very formative good engineer and a teacher

[@merkadioe9806]

WOW LES! awesome video bruh

[@dazedconfuzed6]

God that girls voice is awesome.

[@TheHeelflipg]

i beg to differ. sound too white and poppy

[@seancpp]

how does someone sound "white?" racism breeds racism dude

[@jonbenson680]

I can't do that squeak at the end of every line....

[@Tinyltd]

Great tutorial, gives a good insight to how things are done at the top level.

[@planetbeatmobb1762]

I am a "pro tools operator" of many years. I studied under Tony Daigle, winner of 3 grammies as an engineer. I have a project called "Da Bunny Hop" on Universal that Leslie post mixed. Another way i use to not lose tracks is to name and consolidate each track instead of having them in pieces. I also clear out my unused regions from my audio file folder to save space. Then i do a save session copy in with copy all audio files selected. Trust me it's fool proof.

[@geebone37]

+Planet Beat Mobb you know he didn't really lose the file. He did that to show how you can use what you have if that ever becomes an issue and alot of times it does. He did a couple of other things on purpose to look like there were problems to show how and what to do to get through them. My younger brother has worked with Leslie on many occasions as a writer and producer and he will tell you Leslie is on point!!!

[@RoundtableKingsMedia]

My OG Leslie. big up

[@hapshan]

Good work holding the camera Phelipe!

[@Potent1al]

Very informative! Thanks for the video

[@ndzalamangobeni4412]

Super Leslie

[@biturbo]

The problem in every single video like this is the quality sound, everything is really well, i would like to see in pre raw mix, if i can't set-up my synths very well i would like to see how he "clean the sound", that would be a great video.

[@jonvincentmusic]

Look at 45:06 at how beautiful that mix is, before some mastering engineer compresses and maximizes it to fuck, sucking every essence of life and dynamics out of it in the name of the #loudness-war

[@doncgarner]

GREAT TIPS!!!!!!!!!! And Session.

[@fullsailuniversity]

Glad you found the information useful!

[@doncgarner]

Thanks. Blessings-Don

[@jtonthatrack3984]

This is so cool

[@fullsailuniversity]

It is the coolest! 😎

[@patrickalves7561]

really good advice thanks for tips on a different work flow! I always have a different approach but i think im going to try starting with vocals for now on always to see the difference.

[@Sbabalwe33]

One thing i observed bout Leslie He really enjoys mixing

[@fullsailuniversity]

It is in his soul!!

[@b3at2]

reminds of me my days with duke the god in quad studios.. when i made beats for dipset back in high school 2004 days.

[@rapidfiremuzik_official]

i almost thought that was @Wondagurl in the Background lol

[@greenassassin97]

aye your here. haha me too

[@lotusbloomingmusic7886]

9 years later

[@prawcess651]

This was still a dope ass video.

[@BennyParcher]

This is amazing

[@justinmendez4533]

this guy is pretty good music arittis

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

good seminar.

[@Earth2Ross]

Great video!!

[@fullsailuniversity]

🤝 🧡