MIX PROTÉGÉ | Dana Nielsen | Activity https://mixprotege.com/members/dana/activity/ Activity feed for Dana Nielsen. Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:40:07 -0700 https://buddypress.org/?v=2.21.0 en-US 30 hourly 2 cc4201483b72dbaa646d093644033403 Dana Nielsen posted a new post. https://mixprotege.com/?p=17222 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:33:58 -0700
Mix Anywhere: How I Use Virtual Monitoring Pro for Reliable Mix Translation

Mixing outside your studio can throw off even the most confident decisions. In this post, Dana Nielsen shares how he uses Sonarworks Virtual Monitoring Pro to stay grounded, trust his ears, and achieve…

]]> 0 3d8833f414cdd9501732383c7f4ec5fe Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion mic test in the forum Mics & Outboard Gear https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/mic-test/#post-17204 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:42:51 -0700 Reply to mic test

Right on, man – yeah, they all sounded great! You can’t lose with any of those great options. Thanks again for sharing this cool comparison! 🙏🏻🤘

]]> 7c963c00227c34a983cdc73537133067 Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion mic test in the forum Mics & Outboard Gear https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/mic-test/#post-17198 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 22:11:25 -0700 Reply to mic test

What an awesome experiment, @pat – and great job with your level matching and consistent performance on each mic!

Man, to me, these all sound very similar to each other. Like … REAL similar!

And I’m happy with the sound of all 3 of those vocal recordings ✅ ✅ ✅

If I had to put them in order, fav to least fav, for your voice on this…

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]]> 22424a0a17a20d402ed7b6e5be1d46bc Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Mix Review in the forum Mixing https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/mix-review-3/#post-17196 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 21:53:24 -0700 Reply to Mix Review

So true!

]]> 182811db26c50ab2d050c4a713ee2b6d Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion mic test in the forum Mics & Outboard Gear https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/mic-test/#post-17184 Tue, 24 Mar 2026 08:34:38 -0700 Reply to mic test

Patrick! Dude, thanks so much for sharing this valuable resource!! You rule.

Can’t wait to give these a listen in the morning in the studio 🤘

Hey, when u get a sec, can you re-upload your photos using the camera icon instead of the document (paperclip) icon?

For some reason, our platform here doesn’t accept photos as “documents”…. doh!

Thanks man!

]]> da11c87cdaf4d592214b855f359bfaa2 Dana Nielsen posted a new activity comment https://mixprotege.com/2026/03/22/home-studio-qna-mic-placement-analog-warmth/#comment-473 Sun, 22 Mar 2026 08:50:37 -0700 f317210b13e6fb70673236fc3fc0b32b Dana Nielsen posted a new post. https://mixprotege.com/?p=17127 Sun, 22 Mar 2026 08:41:41 -0700
Home Studio Q&A: Mic Placement, Analog Warmth & Committing to Sounds

Real questions from real producers—covering mic placement, analog warmth, gain staging, and how to make better decisions in your home studio.

]]> 3 c5384ee545fa0f17beb5900ef9fc391f Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Mid/Side for solo Guitar & Vocal in the forum Recording Techniques https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/mid-side-for-solo-guitar-vocal/#post-17118 Fri, 20 Mar 2026 02:24:40 -0700 Reply to Mid/Side for solo Guitar & Vocal

I’d love to talk about MS for guitars and vocals on the Zoom tomorrow! Hope yall can make it 🤞

https://www.addevent.com/event/szn3n4ywg7tt

addevent.com

Mix Protégé Meetup

Bring a question, share a recent win, or just hang out!  Whether you’re recording vocals in a closet, building your first mix template, or trying to get your songs to jump out of the speakers — this hour is for … Continue reading

]]> 0d524140a0727a28af320d5c860705d5 Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Mix Review in the forum Mixing https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/mix-review-3/#post-17117 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 21:34:03 -0700 Reply to Mix Review

Wow, Patrick – super cool, man! Feels like 1 complete SIDE A of a 12″ vinyl release … 🤩

I’m still hoping for more bass gtr, and more booty on that kick drum.

In the 5-9min instrumental section: when drummer hits the cymbals I can hear your gate chopping off the cymbal decay. Sometimes in those situations I’ll automate the gate’s…

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]]> e86e607213efd68491838d42079be96c Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Headphone Level Question in the forum Mics & Outboard Gear https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/headphone-level-question/#post-17094 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 06:07:37 -0700 Reply to Headphone Level Question

Hahaha – well, now you know you should let us know when it’s your bday, Paul! We’re all ‘here for it’, as the kids say. 💜🧁

]]> 2a739a40f23753729811ef9cd1c77115 Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Headphone Level Question in the forum Mics & Outboard Gear https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/headphone-level-question/#post-17092 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:58:35 -0700 Reply to Headphone Level Question

Ooh, that’s sounds like a great tool, Joe, thanks!

I find in-ears to be especially deceptive when it comes to loudness and fatigue. I love ’em – don’t get me wrong – but yeah, when I’m in them for a long time, taking them out sometimes leaves me feeling aurally exhausted. 👂😮‍💨

Thanks for the great tip!

Adding a link here for anyone…

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sensaphonics.com

DB Check Pro Sound Level Analyzer

The dB Check Pro in-ear sound level analyzer is the key to safe listening when using in-ear monitors & headphones. It measures audio levels with both earpieces inserted and displays the average level & safe exposure time under both NIOSH … Continue reading

]]> 0a9fde755e1cc185d1867151e2b5a746 Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Mid/Side for solo Guitar & Vocal in the forum Recording Techniques https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/mid-side-for-solo-guitar-vocal/#post-17091 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:51:39 -0700 Reply to Mid/Side for solo Guitar & Vocal

O….M….G, @joerobinson – you are incredible! What an unbelievable rendition of this song, with playing and soloing and changes and modulations to make a person’s face MELT! 🫠⚡️

Amazing video production as well, homey, wow.

Love your M/S setup – what a great idea, and it sounds excellent on my laptop. I’ll give it a proper listen in the…

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]]> 10ed4118e3476485d569fa004e5287ff Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Headphone Level Question in the forum Mics & Outboard Gear https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/headphone-level-question/#post-17079 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 20:50:58 -0700 Reply to Headphone Level Question

Ohhh interesting – hmm, it may be that the headphone amp itself isn’t very powerful, as you alluded to in your original post.

One simple, low-budget workaround would be to “supplement” the interface’s built-in HP amp with a powered splitter like this one from Mackie.

DISCLAIMER: Your hi-fi audiophile friends will mock you cause you’d…

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]]> ef7b6129dd2a9093dde53b5dc4aac149 Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Headphone Level Question in the forum Mics & Outboard Gear https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/headphone-level-question/#post-17075 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 20:12:17 -0700 Reply to Headphone Level Question

WOAH – @-PT – I didn’t put it together that it’s your birthday!! Happy birthday “dude OHMs”!!! 🎉👯‍♂️🪩🍣

]]> eb8e14e07ef1855623c97b03fc22557a Dana Nielsen posted a new activity comment https://mixprotege.com/2026/03/13/how-to-add-reverb-to-acoustic-instruments-without-muddying-your-mix/#comment-472 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:48:30 -0700 600bfeef5950f0b3e29ed1882d57a181 Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Mix Review in the forum Mixing https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/mix-review-3/#post-17070 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:46:02 -0700 Reply to Mix Review

Lookin forward to hearing, @pat! And good work on the Clip Gain-ing!!

]]> 207d0e47281cdde1a6e649e0ce0bd7af Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Headphone Level Question in the forum Mics & Outboard Gear https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/headphone-level-question/#post-17069 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:42:57 -0700 Reply to Headphone Level Question

Jesse!

Great troubleshooting and thanks for all the info you provided 👌

I don’t know that interface specifically, but I’m 99% certain I understand what’s going on and how to fix it.

Many audio interfaces have their own software-level control like the one you mentioned in your post. This volume control happens in the software before the signal…

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]]> a0485f55ddb846d9c146499fb684fd71 Dana Nielsen posted a new post. https://mixprotege.com/?p=17059 Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:55:41 -0700
How to Add Reverb to Acoustic Instruments Without Muddying Your Mix

Learn 6 simple tricks for adding reverb to acoustic instruments without muddying your mix, including EQ, pre-delay, and send techniques.

]]> 2 17d41a33c4673d133feafdd090ebe376 Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Mix Review in the forum Mixing https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/mix-review-3/#post-17054 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:08:00 -0700 Reply to Mix Review

Beni Swa … LOLOL. Love my alter-ego’s French alter-ego! 🇫🇷

Great points, Paul – and yeah, such an awesome emotional ride, @pat!

]]> f01567f0003ad121cc1e0269ba1d7de4 Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Mix Review in the forum Mixing https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/mix-review-3/#post-17052 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 08:47:25 -0700 Reply to Mix Review

Sounding real good, @pat 🤘

My main thought is to turn up the bass gtr throughout. That cool, wily piano with all it’s charm and disparite harmonies/voicings, could be nicely anchored with a stronger “root” in the mix – i.e. fundamental chord tone.

Along with those beefy badass steady rockin drums, a solid louder bass guitar will help the…

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]]> ef4d6b3040e71d4c3589df56f582951b Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Mix Review in the forum Mixing https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/mix-review-3/#post-17046 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 10:20:19 -0800 Reply to Mix Review

Awesome, Patrick!! I cranked this in the car today while doing errands – love it!

I’ll circle back when I’ve had a chance to check it in the studio this weekend or monday.

Killer song and performance – and really digging your mix. You’ve come a long way, baby! When those drums came in I was like, “okaaay, Patrick!” 🔥

]]> 73671356f2b95b73f90292e6568eb796 Dana Nielsen posted a new activity comment https://mixprotege.com/news-feed/p/2719/#acomment-2721 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 10:15:32 -0800 Hey @Nick – WELCOME!! Stoked you’re here. Please make yourself right at home – and when u have a sec, complete your profile so we can get to know ya! 👋

In reply to - Nik Prakash became a registered member ]]> ce609ac06fe30ad193a4989c4eba87ec Dana Nielsen posted a new post. https://mixprotege.com/?p=17012 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:05:23 -0800
Fixing DI Acoustic Guitars in a Mix (Real Example + Plugin Tools)

A Mix Protégé member’s Red Rocks recording sparks a discussion on fixing harsh DI acoustic guitars in a mix.

]]> 1 5a2e970cae8f2afa428773278e3ef871 Dana Nielsen posted a new activity comment https://mixprotege.com/2026/02/26/how-to-know-when-your-mix-is-done-fresh-ears/#comment-466 Fri, 27 Feb 2026 07:17:20 -0800 2c3721146ad1da7a549e103f4dd53716 Dana Nielsen posted a new activity comment https://mixprotege.com/news-feed/p/2694/#acomment-2697 Fri, 27 Feb 2026 01:07:16 -0800 Welcome, @felixerstudios! Make yourself at home – and when you have a moment, update your profile so we can get to know ya better 🤓. Glad you’re here, man!

In reply to - Kevin Viner became a registered member ]]> 0417a75ddfb26b7a997a21170692b3d1 Dana Nielsen posted a new post. https://mixprotege.com/?p=16953 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:31:35 -0800
How to Know When Your Mix Is Done (Fresh Ears Test)

One of the hardest parts of mixing isn’t EQ or compression — it’s knowing when your mix is actually done. In this member story, we explore how fresh ears and trusted feedback helped turn an “almost…

]]> 3 1b263ddd2baa8573385672287abe4d14 Dana Nielsen posted a new post. https://mixprotege.com/?p=16752 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 21:12:26 -0800
The Loudness Test You’re Not Using

Forget LUFS for a moment. This real-world loudness test uses your ears, not meters, to tell you if your mix is actually working.

]]> 1 4321519450ba03361e2d2328e1261b7a Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Lining up audio from different recorders in the forum Mixing https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/lining-up-audio-from-different-recorders/#post-16747 Sun, 08 Feb 2026 08:01:51 -0800 Reply to Lining up audio from different recorders

Wooo! Yeah, @JLew! I love this, man – congrats on the release!! Gonna add the Spotify versions to the Mix Protégé playlist!

Thank you so much for all your incredible musical contributions here, your thoughtful questions and sonic curiosities, and your thoroughly pozzy* MP vibes! You rule!

_________________
*I had a great session in…

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]]> 325106fe40cdbc36f8ea622c81c6db4f Dana Nielsen posted a new activity comment https://mixprotege.com/news-feed/p/2627/#acomment-2634 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:28:49 -0800 Welcome, @Ako! Glad to have you with us here :-). When u have a moment, update your profile so we can get to know ya 👋 – and make yourself at home!

In reply to - Terande Ako became a registered member ]]> da101225609e5ab6e38ed73b3f3363a8 Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Free Waves Curves Resolve Plugin in the forum Plugins, Virtual Instruments, Samples https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/free-waves-curves-resolve-plugin/#post-16692 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 20:32:30 -0800 Reply to Free Waves Curves Resolve Plugin

Oh awesome- glad to hear it’s good! I just did the whole Waves Central runaround and think I’m finally set up to try it out. 😮‍💨

And wow – you’re like DJ Khaled, droppin free plugins like it’s The Oprah Winfrey Show! Love it man – thanks!! 👏

]]> 8520a3d4e3d61daf98cf2aede0fe9551 Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Free Waves Curves Resolve Plugin in the forum Plugins, Virtual Instruments, Samples https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/free-waves-curves-resolve-plugin/#post-16689 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 19:53:49 -0800 Reply to Free Waves Curves Resolve Plugin

You rule, Kirk – thanks for sharing! 🔥

I downloaded this sweet freebie the other day and am excited to check it out – appreciate the reminder!

Have you tried it yet yourself? Is it cool?

]]> 0d4115f7f442966cf11fab23844a0ead Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Mastering process question in the forum Mixing https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/mastering-process-question/#post-16657 Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:57:06 -0800 Reply to Mastering process question

Hahaha – Obi-Wan quote for the win. We defs don’t want to lose you to Imperial entaglements!

Huh, that is bizarre you’re seeing energy below your cutoff, post-processing. Is there anything else in your signal path between the 48dB/Oct hi-pass and the limiter? Just curious if there’s some kind of ‘analog modeling’ tape or console plugin…

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]]> b6857c7696d6935ebf33856e46aaf288 Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Mastering process question in the forum Mixing https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/mastering-process-question/#post-16653 Fri, 09 Jan 2026 10:10:39 -0800 Reply to Mastering process question

Late-night tutorial-ramble response incoming!

#PT4Prez

💜

]]> 5483d43a944c6e6f7befc770f9f76586 Dana Nielsen posted a new activity comment https://mixprotege.com/news-feed/p/2588/#acomment-2592 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 21:28:02 -0800 Wudup, @-PT! I moved your post into the Mixing forum for easier discussion – great question! Also.. there have been some excellent discussions and music shared recently by @nits and @Kirk in the Member Spotlight forum – jump in and add your thoughts and support!

Note: For some reason I don’t get notified either when new discussions and…

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In reply to - Paul Tucci to Paul Tucci

Geez, it’s been quiet around here lately. I’ll throw up a question that plagued me last night. I’m mastering a song for my son’s band and ran across an issue to figure out.

We have a […]

]]> a7ce216184360ceac510fe08114b5b9d Dana Nielsen posted a new activity comment https://mixprotege.com/news-feed/p/2583/#acomment-2585 Tue, 06 Jan 2026 20:49:45 -0800 Wooooo!!! 🎉 So glad you’re here, @Sofia!! SLS in da houuuuuse! Make urself at home :-). The Newsletter tab is a fun way to get acquainted with what we get into here. Oh, and feel free to update your profile so others can get to know ya!

In reply to - Sofia Staedler became a registered member ]]> 45565f1af429c60cee8c9dc2eab5e17a Dana Nielsen posted a new activity comment https://mixprotege.com/news-feed/p/2570/#acomment-2579 Tue, 06 Jan 2026 05:22:12 -0800 Welcome, @XXSavages!

In reply to - Khumalo Xolane became a registered member ]]> 08f02f7adeae406ee52f9f574b113bee Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Universal Audio Free Plugins in the forum Plugins, Virtual Instruments, Samples https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/universal-audio-free-plugins/#post-16602 Tue, 30 Dec 2025 01:49:16 -0800 Reply to Universal Audio Free Plugins

@Kirk !! Good lookin out man, thanks for sharing this!! Hope your holidays (and freebies) have been great!

]]> f2755578c1a5912971891960d1391d3d Dana Nielsen posted a new activity comment https://mixprotege.com/news-feed/p/2555/#acomment-2557 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 01:37:30 -0800 Welcome, @wahdey!! Glad you’re here!

In reply to - Wade Newbern became a registered member ]]> ef7d975e0297a530712f61338bcd3eb4 Dana Nielsen posted a new activity comment https://mixprotege.com/2025/12/17/free-metering-plugin-i-actually-use-no-joke/#comment-456 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 02:46:29 -0800 02cd7ce53ce10659606036057104c242 Dana Nielsen posted a new post. https://mixprotege.com/?p=16570 Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:54:29 -0800
🔊 FREE Metering Plugin I Actually Use (No Joke)

Meter nerds, this one’s for you. A genuinely useful free metering plugin I use all the time for loudness and mix checks.

]]> 2 c32bcc949b0018a9d70c4d7ed116fa45 Dana Nielsen posted a new activity comment https://mixprotege.com/news-feed/p/2544/#acomment-2548 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 08:57:20 -0800 Hey, @Kirk! Welcome, man!!

In reply to - Kirk Reedstrom became a registered member ]]> ecb6a891e3691612056e15c29f171ba1 Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Sonarworks Virtual Monitoring software in the forum Mics & Outboard Gear https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/sonarworks-virtual-monitoring-software/#post-16563 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:09:39 -0800 Reply to Sonarworks Virtual Monitoring software

Hey, @-PT!

I’m super excited to try out the new Virtual Monitoring Pro. I’m looking at the box right now, haha! They sent me their new binaural measurement headphones mic to check out, and I’m so excited to do just that. I’m working out the routing for my setup so I can listen on headphones with and without virtual monitoring, which is…

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]]> ea54616848287f954901adba26bb9527 Dana Nielsen posted a new post. https://mixprotege.com/?p=16540 Sun, 14 Dec 2025 10:34:14 -0800
REALmix Live: Mixing “Veronica” (Notre Dame Folk Choir feat. Emma Frank)

Watch Dana Nielsen mix “Veronica” in real time with the songwriters present. Stereo acoustic guitars, vocal focus, and real mix decisions—no edits.

]]> 0 be9fb6653fce53981c6676e0d31c7b9d Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion red blue life mix feedback in the forum Member Spotlight https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/red-blue-life-mix-feedback/#post-16522 Tue, 09 Dec 2025 23:02:14 -0800 Reply to red blue life mix feedback

This is awesome, Bar!!

I think you could turn your vocal up significantly. Like 3db or so, given the level of the other instruments. At first I felt like the bass was way too loud, but then the other instruments entered “too loud” also, and I realized that I think if u really boost the vocal (or turn everything else but the vocal down) it…

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]]> 7126e803b7ecac55d0b7250d7aa33de6 Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Thoughts on 88M? in the forum Mics & Outboard Gear https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/thoughts-on-88m/#post-16518 Tue, 09 Dec 2025 22:26:28 -0800 Reply to Thoughts on 88M?

😊

]]> 7c4cb8a17f37ddcba6f9467771c1010d Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Looking for another set of ears, what do u hear - Hip Hop Mix & Master by Me! =) in the forum Member Spotlight https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/looking-for-another-set-of-ears-what-do-u-hear-hip-hop-mix-master-by-me/#post-16510 Fri, 05 Dec 2025 09:08:55 -0800 Reply to Looking for another set of ears, what do u hear - Hip Hop Mix & Master by Me! =)

Mike! Hit us with a link to your release when it’s out! 🤘💜. Congrats!! And glad that Dale vid was helpful. He rules!

]]> 659522ab033be4fb51d20b64ff0d73ee Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Sometimes all you need to do is hit the Record button and stay out of the way. in the forum Member Spotlight https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/sometimes-all-you-need-to-do-is-hit-the-record-button-and-stay-out-of-the-way/#post-16509 Fri, 05 Dec 2025 09:07:45 -0800 Reply to Sometimes all you need to do is hit the Record button and stay out of the way.

Sames!

]]> 9fdf8d7485d88a9b9ceef71e589a9b82 Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Sometimes all you need to do is hit the Record button and stay out of the way. in the forum Member Spotlight https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/sometimes-all-you-need-to-do-is-hit-the-record-button-and-stay-out-of-the-way/#post-16508 Fri, 05 Dec 2025 09:07:29 -0800 Reply to Sometimes all you need to do is hit the Record button and stay out of the way.

What?? Oh no way! That is so sick, man! She’s awesome. (err, well, I haven’t mixed her shows or hung out with her like you have … so “I hope she’s awesome!” haha)

]]> 6223d1a340e5508c217f8c89a7e19cfc Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Silent Killer Low End Mix HELP! in the forum Member Spotlight https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/silent-killer-low-end-mix-help/#post-16488 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 05:44:45 -0800 Reply to Silent Killer Low End Mix HELP!

💜😂

]]> d8df60e2fd1d0f1b9e4dd0908c27b236 Dana Nielsen replied to the discussion Silent Killer Low End Mix HELP! in the forum Member Spotlight https://mixprotege.com/forums/discussion/silent-killer-low-end-mix-help/#post-16487 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 05:44:20 -0800 Reply to Silent Killer Low End Mix HELP!

“Mix like Greg! … If I could mix like Greg!” lol – totally works!

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