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Apply for coaching!

👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now.

We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs.

In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own.

With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.

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Episode show notes:

Great recordings don’t start with plugins. They start before you ever hit record.

In Step 4 of the Production Process, Benedikt Hain and Manel Espinosa break down setup and sound check: the often-skipped "day one at the studio".

This step separates frustrating home recordings (with lots of things to fix later) from mixes that fall together effortlessly.

This episode walks you through how professionals capture great tones at the source, why mic placement matters more than mic choice, how room acoustics influence your sound far more than you think, and how small setup decisions can save you hours (or days) of mixing later.

If you’ve ever felt like your recordings are technically fine but never quite sound right — this episode explains why.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why pros don't just “fix it in the mix” — and why you shouldn’t either
• How to find the best recording spot in any room (even untreated ones)
• Simple acoustic tricks that dramatically improve vocal and instrument recordings
• Why instrument setup (strings, heads, tuning) matters more than expensive gear
• How mic placement can change your sound more than swapping microphones
• Real audio examples showing how small mic movements create massive tonal changes
• How proper monitoring improves vocal performances instantly
• Why vibe, lighting, and comfort directly affect the quality of your takes
• How basic checklists prevent session-killing mistakes

Who this episode is for:

• Self-recording musicians and bands
• DIY producers working from home studios or jam spaces
• Artists frustrated by muddy, harsh, boring, or lifeless recordings
• Anyone who wants mixes that come together faster — with less guesswork

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For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/300

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If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com