#3: Mixing Keys and Synths | With Special Guest Joe Rodwell

Podcast Summary

In this episode, we bring you Joe Rodwell, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, composer, and producer, to talk about mixing keys and synths.

Joe is a composer/arranger, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. His work has featured alongside the likes of Ed Sheeran, Craig David, Chase & Status, JP Cooper, Shy FX, Sam Smith, Rag’n’Bone Man, London Grammar and Protoje, and his own compositions have been featured on MTV, BBC One, Channel 5, and many films.

Today, you’ll hear about hardware vs software synths, how Joe mixes synths, using various plugins and chains, layering synths, mixing in mono vs stereo, the importance of timing, using FX, having countless unused plugins, automation, and get Joe’s valuable advice.

Episode Timestamps

• [01:13] A bit about Joe.
• [04:15] The rough mix.
• [07:33] Hardware and software synths.
• [10:14] Mixing synths.
• [12:43] Using plugins.
• [17:50] Joe’s go-to chain.
• [24:16] Layering synths.
• [25:13] Mono vs stereo mixing.
• [29:30] High-passing synths.
• [32:57] Timing.
• [35:56] Synth FX.
• [39:17] Joe’s recommended spring reverb.
• [40:36] Unused plugins.
• [42:50] Automation.
• [47:00] Joe’s advice.

Notable Quotes

• “If there’s a rough mix, more often than not, that artist loves that rough mix.”
• “If something’s not working for you, instead of trying to work o that sound, add another sound.”
• “The more stuff you have, the more you’re high-passing.”
• “Get used to mixing not in solo.”
• “Timing is the most important thing.”
• “Abstain from soloing anything.”

Connect with Joe

Website:www.joerodwellmusic.com.

SoundCloud:Joe Rodwell.

YouTube:Joe Rodwell.

Twitter:@JoeRodwellMusic.

Instagram:@joerodwell.