Inside Blackbird

A reverb doesn't just create space. It can completely change how a listener experiences a performance.

In this clip, producer and mix engineer Thai Long Ly demonstrates how reverb size, depth, and balance can create a dreamy atmosphere without overwhelming a mix.

Watch the full episode:
https://insideblackbird.com/series/professional-mixing-techniques-with-thai-long-ly

Delay can add depth, emotion, and atmosphere to a mix. It can also create harmonic clashes if notes continue ringing into the next chord change.

In this clip, producer and mix engineer Thai Long Ly explains why professional mixers think about musical context, not just effects settings, when building a mix.

Watch the full episode:
https://insideblackbird.com/series/professional-mixing-techniques-with-thai-long-ly

What makes a mix truly engaging?

Producer and mix engineer Thai Long Ly walks through his complete mix of "Misunderstood" by Pops Magellan and demonstrates how an experienced mixing engineer use automation, depth, space, stereo imaging, reverb, delay, and creative decision-making to create clarity, emotion, impact, and listener engagement.

More than a technical walkthrough, this episode explores the artistic side of mixing and how professionals keep listeners engaged from beginning to end.

Watch the full episode here:
https://insideblackbird.com/series/professional-mixing-techniques-with-thai-long-ly

“When the chorus hit, my knees almost gave out and I started crying.”

Legendary producer, engineer, and mixer Niko Bolas reflects on recording Neil Young's "Children of Destiny" with Promise of the Real, a full orchestra, and more than 100 musicians.

The experience remains one of the most emotional and meaningful moments of his career.

Watch more Niko Bolas on Inside Blackbird:
https://insideblackbird.com/search?q=niko&sort=date

Grammy-winning producer and engineer Ross Hogarth explains how he uses SCHOEPS Mikrofone overhead microphones to capture ambience, detail, and stereo width while recording drums at Blackbird Studio.

This episode explores professional drum recording techniques including overhead placement, room microphones, ribbon mics, phase alignment, compression, ambience, and analog recording workflows used on major records.

Watch the full episode:
https://insideblackbird.com/series/how-to-record-drums-with-ross-hogarth/

Grammy-winning producer and engineer Ross Hogarth explains how ribbon microphones shape the low end, ambience, and natural tone of a live drum recording at Blackbird Studio.

This episode explores professional drum recording techniques including ribbon mics, room microphones, overhead placement, phase alignment, ambience, compression, and analog workflows used on major records.

Watch the full episode:
https://insideblackbird.com/series/how-to-record-drums-with-ross-hogarth/

Grammy-winning producer and engineer Ross Hogarth explains how he listens to the room, the low end, and the natural tone of a drum kit before deciding on microphone placement at Blackbird Studio.

This episode explores professional drum recording techniques including room microphones, overheads, ribbon mics, phase alignment, ambience, compression, and analog workflows used on major records.

Watch the full episode:
https://insideblackbird.com/series/how-to-record-drums-with-ross-hogarth/

Grammy-winning producer and engineer Ross Hogarth breaks down how he used a Blumlein Pair stereo recording setup to capture an entire drum kit using only two microphones at Blackbird Studio.

Watch the full episode now on Inside Blackbird:
https://insideblackbird.com

Legendary producer and guitarist Dan Huff shares his perspective on teamwork, listening, and serving the song as a studio musician.

More conversations with legendary producers, musicians, and engineers always available at InsideBlackbird.com

Producer and engineer Gustavo Celis shares the unusual recording process behind Shakira’s “She Wolf” after she refused to wear headphones in the studio.

More stories like this about at www.InsideBlackbird.com