Overcoming the Fears of Mixing with Michael Brauer [SSP

► Want more? Learn to mix better than ever before with our FREE workshop, "The Top 5 Habits of Truly Great Mixers": sonicscoop.com/MixHabits ◀
Legendary music mixer Michael Brauer joins Justin Colletti to talk all about the art of mixing, and how to overcome the fears that have kept so many mixers-including him-from doing their best work early on in their careers.
From Coldplay to John Mayer to Grizzly Bear, Brauer's body of work, spanning more than 40 years, has made him one of the most respected and influential audio engineers on the scene today.
Filled with his incomparable wit and wisdom, this 90 minute journey with Michael Brauer just flies by. From the art and mindset of mixing, to some of Brauer's trademark tools and techniques, Justin and Michael cover a tremendous amount of ground, including how Brauer learned to hear compression, and how he integrates it into his multi-bus mixing setup, now in a new hybrid studio without an analog desk.
Thanks to iZotope, Eventide and Soundtoys for Sponsoring this podcast.
For more from Michael Brauer, visit www.mbrauer.com or MixWithTheMasters.com

[@dksdmusic]

People don’t realize how good Justin is at interviewing people and asking amazing questions. Yes, the guests are sharing a lot of wisdom but gotta give the props to this guy for all his efforts too.

[@morbidmanmusic]

Stop speaking for "people".

[@EliteOnTheBeat]

Once the mix starts "FEELING good" then I start turning on automation. Low end is the feeling, Top end is the ear candy and the Mid range is the message/emotion. What a GEM. 💎

[@sixto6]

One of the most underrated podcasts when it comes to audio!

[@SonicScoop]

We agree! :) If you have the time, please do rate and review on iTunes. It really helps spread the word! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sonicscoop-podcast/id1448330690

[@TikiHorea]

Dude. The podcast is top-tier stuff.

[@yazan4552]

Damn one of the best talks about mixing I’ve listened to, so many gems. Thanks guys

[@alexfont]

I would say this is one of the best podcast/interviews of the whole KZbin audio community. Such an invaluable superb content. Thanks to both & the sponsors to make it possible.

[@ThePearlDrummer10]

Thanks for this - definitely one of the best mixing interviews yet.

[@jordansears3911]

Best interview with Michael I've ever seen. Great job man.

[@jjones7837]

Secretly Fernando must be a beast.

[@rxhx]

I like this idea of re-entering the room and listening to your mix as if you were some other person, producer, client, band, fan, whoever. Doing a more fresh evaluation.

[@williamjacobsen551]

Michael is quickly becoming one of my all time favorite people to listen to and learn from. The honesty coupled with useful information is unrivaled. I have to say this though...Justin you are a phenomenal host and I think you ask THE best questions. I am really thankful for stumbling on this channel a few weeks ago.

[@greganikin7003]

Big respect to Michael. He gets to mix great tracks and his philosophy is pretty simple and proper.

[@seanemmettfullerton]

Justin, what a great interview! We've never seen Brauer like this! Pure gold... :)

[@TheCanaryYellow]

Wealth of his information all in one place! Thanks for doing this so well!

[@pedropittagroz8747]

One of the best interviews I ever saw. Inspiring. Thanks.

[@MICKYHOTPOT]

Thank You Justin Colletti for this brilliant interview and Thank You Michael Brauer for taking the time to share.

[@joeyxl3456]

Michael Brauer is one hell of a mixer/artist.

[@christiangillmann9466]

Wow. You enabled Mr. Brauer to so much substantial information. One of the best interviews out there about mixing. Congrats and thank you!

What an amazing talk! I love that it's all about philosophy and how excellently he presents complex themes with easy to understand words. Thank you very much! Greetings from Germany!

[@anonagain]

Great interview with a great guest - thanks Justin and Michael!

[@realraven2000]

almost everything he says from 40:00 onwards is absolutely what I feel too - emotional mixing, listening through other ears, just so good to hear that from a master.

[@Kazemijazi]

17 people are clearly underestimating this beautiful throw of deep knowledge. This was enlightening, thank you both!

[@DAVEBLISS2007]

Good to see you sharing some of your knowledge Michael. I still remember fondly the times at Olympic in 2000. Bless you.

[@KevinStCroix]

Great questions and awesome responses. Nice to hear the openness of his own learning through the years. So true about listening via other people's ears.

[@mikeymadeit9990]

Thank you, thank you, thank you this is an amazing interview!

[@philpower_]

This is one of the best things I've ever listened to about mixing and about music in general. Wow. Thank you both.

[@danielkisel5661]

Wow what a great perspective of mixing, it will definitely change mine for better, thanks!

[@ali-rezasalehi684]

The best interview, thanks to Justin and Michael.

[@Guitarist33764]

This is a great post! Intuitive and insightful. Thanks!

[@Beatledave7]

Brilliantly candid interview great!

[@jamesmaurimusicvideo]

Omg this is the best - the compressor section is PRICELESS

[@strongtowermuzik5440]

This is such a great video! Thank you for this!!

[@johncore363]

Such a great interview.

[@braincoral9866]

great interview. thanks

[@mikeseder9385]

What we have here is the best Brauer content on youtube, which is saying a lot. Thanks Justin and Michael!

[@yohami]

I was in one of his MWTM - changed my life!

[@LostInAce]

Superb show! Great questions for Michael made very informative and inspiring. Without a doubt, entertaining. Thank you.

[@hebbeversteegh839]

I have had this fear of mixing together with Michael Brauwer for years now and I am so happy to hear i am not the only one!

[@HUERITO818]

This whole interview. 🏆 always throw on blinders. Focus on being a better you.

[@JaVii2010]

damn this interview was so on point !!! Good Job guys

[@jarcau_vegan]

This is a great interview. Thank you both.

[@okay1904]

Was getting back to a lot of music I love - Change and Luther Vandross and Coldplay, Aretha Franklin - Jump to It. many of these songs I have danced to when I was younger, lots of memories, only to discover that a lot of the music I love was mixed by this chap - M,Brauer. This is the greatest endorsement - results that speak for themselves. Music that people can really enjoy without struggling - clean, clear music, yet warm and thick - punchy - man I am really in love with Michaels work, and I only discovered this today. Amazing.....that a lot of music I have enjoyed was mixed by him....

[@iam_geyed]

Love it!

[@rickdomina]

What a great interview! Michael is awesome. Thank you

[@bryanmclellan1588]

Great interview. I was lucky enough to have Michael mix my band back in the day. We had a hoot at his place in NYC and played a lot of ping pong.

[@joeking9760]

this was fun. thanks for the video!

[@Alejandro-we2yv]

Excellent informative interview. Thank you

[@rickdeaguiar-musicreflecti7692]

Watched this interview again. Man, so darn inspiring. Love it :)

[@SonicScoop]

❤️ He's so good!! -Justin

[@DannyTaylorHintonOK]

Finally saw this interview. Great stuff!

[@SonicScoop]

Awesome, glad you found it! -Justin

[@D-One]

So humble! 👍🏽

[@oliverpinelli3334]

Thank you so much for your open insights. It´s very sympathetic and helpful.

[@alanmaxwell4945]

Sounds good in the bath on my iPad Air.

[@user-kk3or2mb8c]

Thank you ! Dope !!

[@bluematrix5001]

Thank You !!!!

[@tylorgurley6679]

Love this channel!

[@Tom475475]

great interview! Big ups, scoop

[@powlobo.m.b.]

Awesome interview!

[@JJ-nd9zt]

Awesome stuff guys 👌🏽👌🏽

[@Guitarist33764]

Loved the NS10 Tissue reference ;-)

[@dinmentor]

I didnt really get it, care to fill me in? ;)

[@cleedev]

The tweeters on Yamaha NS10 monitors were harsh sounding so many engineers would place a piece of Kleenex over the tweeter to knock down the highs a bit. Known as the “tissue paper mod”.

[@hiddennotesberlin]

what an interesting conversation.great interview.thanks a lot!

[@jmaldonado2]

This was increíble! THANK YOU!

[@tomallon9866]

Really enjoying it

[@unoowoo]

oh man, you guys just addressed all the skeletons in my closet . . . i feel so much better and ready to attack my next mix now !! thank you !! 🤘🏼

[@agondistortion]

Most of all Michael has a great sense for Humor 👆

[@insidedastudio7539]

great interview. Thanks!

[@blueslsd]

All the crown jewls are in here. So much to learn.🥲🥲🥲

[@MikeBalk]

Great conversation, thank you!

[@bhargavdobhal5327]

Thank You Michael Brauer 🙌🙌 and Sonic Scoop Very Helpful Episode 🔥🔥🔥🔥.

[@mikewhiteman23]

Great sharing 👏👏👏

[@MrVleker]

I love Micheal Brauers work! Especially on Coldplay :)

[@AudioReplica2023]

Michael Brauer was the guy who encourage Dave Derr from Imperical Labs to put the Distressor out there and helped thru the development process. "He was the only one i knew for sure had the ears to test it" . Dave Derr. Interviewed by Bobby Owsinski podcast #223

[@MCEEZR]

Also, this was great! Thank you

[@e.apollis2877]

great job Sonicscoobydooby!!!

[@rickdeaguiar-musicreflecti7692]

Nice interview Justin. Wow! Inspirational! Your channel is always classy and valuable :)

[@SonicScoop]

Thanks so much Rick. So glad to hear!

[@stupendousmusic4190]

Justin: Thank you for this, it was excellent ❗️👍🏻 I watch your videos from time to time, and the are quite good, in that the direction you offer tends to be sensible and practical, and your presentation is very down to earth. Now, as for living and working in Los Angeles versus New York ??? Well, I'm a New Yorker who lives and works in Tokyo. I love visiting southern California, especially, Los Angeles. I stay there for about a week on my way back to New York every year or two. I love going to NAMM ! The weather is spring all year long, the scenery is beautiful, even driving there is nice, as long as you don't hit any traffic ( 🤣) on the freeways. The Mexican food is spectacular; but, the driving everywhere is so damn time consuming, it'll kill ya ‼️ I also feel that unless you're right by The Strip, or the West Hollywood-Laurel Canyon, area, L.A. is basically a dump❗️I'm I actually sorry I feel this way, as I always enjoy my stays out there. Furthermore, much to the chagrin of those who chose to move to L.A. (and Nashville), the industry is still primarily headquartered in New York. And like M.B. said, New York is convenient, and has EVERYTHING ❣️

[@everize]

Спасибо за прекрасное интервью

[@MSM5500]

*thanks!*

[@Skimatik_DnB]

My gooodness this is a great video 🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯 thank you 🙏

[@benrivers2570]

Epic

[@johnchase8510]

Great interview, guys... Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and philosophy, Michael! I'm left with one nagging question though. What is best eaten before blowing your nose in the NS-10 tweeter tissue?

[@Archaic1Eye]

I'm getting so much from this ...

[@jjones7837]

Sony Boombox might the key to his midrange...lol. Searching ebay now. You guys are great. As usual

[@filipdinevmusic]

I wish more mixing engineers were more artistically, emotionally and aesthetically oriented as Mike.

[@zmix]

I had no idea that people were afraid of mixing with Michael Brauer..!!!

[@JustinColletti]

Haha, in hindsight, we could have added a comma to the title.

[@zmix]

@@JustinColletti ..or a hyphen..

[@crisnla1]

I'm in hip hop and learned from this episode. Do you think you could get "Young Guru" on in the future?? He's worked with Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Drake, Rick Ross, Rihanna, Snoop Dogg. Thanks, i'm a big fan!

[@icecreamforcrowhurst]

22:28 that’s very interesting because as a musician I tend toward avoiding listening to contemporary players on my instrument. I know they’re doing great stuff but I don’t want to get discouraged or confused about my own musical direction. Interesting to know that engineers have the same hang up lol

[@amdenis]

I love this video and find your interviews so compelling and informative. I have a question, why do you think those are must know names of music producers, mixers and related people one should know by first name alone, versus the many dozens of others like Quincy (Jones), Rick (Rubin), Nile (Rodgers), Susan (Rogers), Bob (Ludwig), Tom (Lord-Alge), Alan (Parsons), Tony (Visconti), Steve (Albini), Tony (Maserati), Phil (Spector), Just (Blaze), Jimmy (Douglass), Trina (Shoemaker), Greg (Wells), Greg (Penny), George (Martin), and I could go on for hours. How many of those last names would you have been able to fill in if I just said their first names? Not to diminish the creative work of the people you mentioned, but several still have to pay their dues compared to many of the masters, trend-creators, and industry-powerhouses I noted- and sadly more than one of the people you mention actually have real hearing problems (severe tinnitus), due to how they listened and mixed for several years, which shows-up in their recordings depending on who does the mastering of their mixes. Am I missing your point? Please, I mean that genuinely.

[@EliteOnTheBeat]

AMAZING interview! Great Podcast! This earned you a loyal subscriber and hit that bell. *SIDENOTE* Michaels mixing console cost more than the average Americans home. LOL.

[@jacobharley7117]

Awesome stuff guys! Can we get Adam "Nolly" Getgood for MWTM? :D

[@athuairush235]

Wondering if you'd recommend Audeze LCD-X headphone for mixing & mastering? Thanks!

[@KudaKwashe]

The irony is I've been listening to Continuum all month not realizing that Michael Brauer engineered it. Please note that I will proceed to study every fucking this man has done. One money tip for me is how Michael identifies the 3 most important elements instead of starting with drums.

[@thzbeatz]

what reference in ear monitor is Brauer using ??

[@barkupatree6871]

justin, just realized the beard was gone! :) really enjoyed this show.

[@nero008]

28:12 I respectfully disagree with with premise. I think an individual should do both, look back on their past and look to people who have achieved greatness. Yes, it's true that all of us have unique hurdles of our own but history shows, the qualities which allow to cross these hurdles are not unique among individuals.

[@rodrigodeltoro7220]

Where is the podcast?

[@SonicScoop]

This is the podcast! But you can also find it on iTunes here: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sonicscoop-podcast/id1448330690 Or wherever else you get your podcasts.

[@GuroPivazi]

1:20:08

[@torpedroboy679]

What are your head phones ?!

[@JustinColletti]

I answer this question in episode #022 of the podcast here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6DFlJmbfdaijsU

[@Czyszy]

TBH I've never been afraid to mix with Michael Brauer.

[@bluematrix5001]

So how is MB summing now? as seems that his Multibus system is not hapenning yet to be ITB???

[@JustinColletti]

I know you already got the answer to this from us Blue, but for anyone else who wants to know the answer to this question, see the follow up Q&A episode here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6DFlJmbfdaijsU

[@MCEEZR]

Smoking weed occasionally while I mix helps me feel like a new person walking into the studio