Riff to Radio

Have you ever double-tracked your guitars, panned them hard left and right… and they still sound stuck in the middle?No matter what you do, they feel small, buried, and kind of lifeless, like one big mono blob instead of two massive walls of sound.I see this all the time.Bands will come to me convinced they need a new amp sim, different pickups, or better IRs… when in reality, the problem has nothing to do with gear.It’s usually a width issue, not a tone issue.In this week’s episode, I’m breaking down 3 simple techniques you can use to make your guitars sound wide, clear, and professional, without ruining mono compatibility.The main things I cover include:Why panning alone doesn’t create real widthHow low-end buildup secretly collapses your stereo imageUsing subtle EQ differences to create separationWhen (and how) to use stereo wideners without wrecking your mixIf your guitars sound huge solo’d but fall apart in the mix, this episode will clear things up fast.🔥 Hire me to mix your next track: https://liquidstudiosli.com/offer-video-2📥 Free Resources For Metal Bands: https://liquidstudiosli.com/resources👉 Subscribe for more metal production tips: https://youtube.com/@danielthabet?sub_confirmation=1

You spent months writing, recording, and releasing new music.You post it everywhere.You hit submit on Spotify.And then… nothing.Here’s the uncomfortable truth most bands avoid:It’s probably not the algorithm.It’s probably not promotion.Most of the time, the real reason nobody is listening has everything to do with how your music sounds.Listeners decide whether your band is worth their time in the first 10 seconds. If the mix sounds amateur, sterile, or flat, they skip, and the algorithm quietly learns to ignore you too.I see this constantly with DIY metal bands. Great ideas. Solid riffs. But the production creates a wall new listeners won’t cross.In this week’s episode, I break down why nobody is listening to your metal band, and the specific production and songwriting mistakes that are killing your momentum.The main topics I cover include:Bad mixes and amateur productionWhy “music for musicians” turns listeners offHow generic sounds make bands invisibleWhat actually makes listeners stay past the first 10 secondsThese problems are uncomfortable, but they’re fixable once you know what to listen for.🔥 Hire me to mix your next track: https://liquidstudiosli.com/offer-video-2📥 Free Resources For Metal Bands: https://liquidstudiosli.com/resources👉 Subscribe for more metal production tips: https://youtube.com/@danielthabet?sub_confirmation=1

For years, I followed the same bass mixing advice everyone else did."Split your bass into multiple layers."One for subs.One for mids.One for grit.On paper, it sounds like the “pro” way to do things.In reality? It caused endless phase issues, bloated low end, and bass tones that never felt like one cohesive instrument.I spent hours tweaking layers instead of actually making music.So I tried something different.I deleted all the layers and rebuilt my bass tone using one single track and a carefully ordered plugin chain.The result was tighter, clearer, and way more aggressive than anything I got from layering.In this week’s episode, I walk you through that exact process step by step.The main topics I cover include:Why bass layering often makes mixes worseHow to get aggressive metal bass tone from one trackThe exact plugin order I use and why it mattersHow to make bass cut through guitars without mudHow to simplify your low-end workflow without sacrificing powerThis approach works especially well for modern metal, metalcore, and heavy bands recording at home.It’s faster, more repeatable, and way less frustrating.👉 Download my free Bass and Guitar DI Recording Guide here: https://liquidstudiosli.com/guitar-bass-guide🔥 Hire me to mix your next track: https://liquidstudiosli.com/offer-video-2📥 Free Resources For Metal Bands: https://liquidstudiosli.com/resources👉 Subscribe for more metal production tips: https://youtube.com/@danielthabet?sub_confirmation=1

Your band finally books studio time.You’ve written the riffs. You’ve rehearsed for months. You’re ready to make the record.But deep down, there’s a fear you don’t want to admit…What if it comes out sounding weak? Sloppy? Like an amateur demo instead of the crushing record you hear in your head?I’ve seen this happen to so many DIY metal bands. Not because they aren’t talented, but because they skip one critical phase before hitting record.Pre-production.In this week’s episode, I’m breaking down 5 non-negotiable pre-production steps that will save you time, money, and frustration (and help your recordings sound tight, powerful, and professional).Inside the episode, I cover things like:Making sure everyone is actually playing the same partsWhy sloppy tempo kills even the best riffsHow to build better arrangements before trackingDeciding the right production vibe before you recordWhen outside feedback can make or break a songThis isn’t about buying better gear or booking a more expensive studio.It’s about walking into a session prepared, confident, and ready to capture killer performances, instead of fixing preventable problems under pressure.If you’re planning to record anytime soon, this is one episode you don’t want to skip.🔥 Hire me to mix your next track: https://liquidstudiosli.com/offer-video-2📥 Free Resources For Metal Bands: https://liquidstudiosli.com/resources👉 Subscribe for more metal production tips: https://youtube.com/@danielthabet?sub_confirmation=1

What if I told you that one tiny knob on your amp sim is responsible for 90% of the muddy, amateur-sounding guitar tracks I get from DIY bands?It’s true, and almost everyone is doing this without realizing it.I can’t tell you how many sessions I’ve opened where a band sends me DI’s with their “final tone,” only for me to hit play and get blasted with a wall of fizz, mush, and zero definition. They’re tight players, great riffs… but the tone? Completely falling apart.And here’s the crazy part:They think they’re making their tone heavier.But what they’re actually doing is destroying clarity, punch, and mixability before I even get the files.In this week’s episode, I break down the #1 mistake killing your home metal recordings, and how a simple pro technique can fix it instantly.The main topics I cover include:Why too much gain actually makes your tone smallerHow high gain kills pick attack and dynamicsWhy double-tracked guitars fall apart when oversaturatedThe pro trick for tight, modern metal rhythm tonesThe exact settings I use on my amp and boost pedalIf you’ve ever wondered why your guitars sound huge in solo but turn to mud the second you double-track them… this episode will change everything.🎸 FREE GUIDE: Record Guitar & Bass DI's Like a Pro: https://liquidstudiosli.com/guitar-bass-guide💿 NEED YOUR TRACKS MIXED PROFESSIONALLY?I apply these exact techniques to every metal mix I do. 🔥 Hire me to mix your next track: https://liquidstudiosli.com/offer-video-2📥 Free Resources For Metal Bands: https://liquidstudiosli.com/resources👉 Subscribe for more metal production tips: https://youtube.com/@danielthabet?sub_confirmation=1

Would you believe that you could get crushing, professional metal tones without spending a single dollar on plugins?This week, I put three free amp sims to the test, and the results might surprise you.I recorded the exact same riff, using the same DI and the same free IR, and ran it through all three amp sims. No EQ. No post-processing. Just the raw tones.Then at the end of the episode, I reveal which tone belongs to which amp sim… and which one I believe is the clear winner.Once you listen, drop a comment with “Tone 1,” “Tone 2,” or “Tone 3.” I’m curious if your ear matches mine.🎸 DOWNLOAD LINKS:Neural Amp Modeler (NAM): https://www.neuralampmodeler.com/Amplitube Free: https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/amplitube5cs/LePou LeCto: https://plugins4free.com/plugin/960/IR from Bogren Digital: https://bogrendigital.com/pages/free-ir-pack🔥 Hire me to mix your next track: https://liquidstudiosli.com/offer-video-2📥 Free Resources For Metal Bands: https://liquidstudiosli.com/resources👉 Subscribe for more metal production tips: https://youtube.com/@danielthabet?sub_confirmation=1

What if I told you that you could make your metal vocals sound bigger, cleaner, and more aggressive without buying new plugins, switching DAWs, or rebuilding your entire workflow from scratch?Sounds too good to be true, right?Well… in this week’s episode, I’m breaking down my exact metal vocal processing chain. The same chain I use on both screaming and clean singing vocals in modern metal mixes.And the best part?You can literally copy and paste this chain onto your own vocals and get instant results.Here’s what I cover step-by-step:How I shape and control the vocal tone using the SSL channel stripHow I slam aggressive screams with an 1176Why I stack compressors for warmth and consistencyHow I use saturation to add grit without thinning out the vocalCleaning up harshness with SootheCreating space with tape saturation and automationMy reverb + delay setup for massive clean chorusesHow I keep vocals upfront using sidechain duckingWhether you’re tracking screams, cleans, or both, this chain will give you a reliable, repeatable way to get pro-level vocals without guesswork.Huge thanks to Within These Walls for letting me use their song for this video: https://www.instagram.com/withinthesewallsmetal?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==🔥 Hire me to mix your next track: https://liquidstudiosli.com/offer-video-2📥 Free Resources For Metal Bands: https://liquidstudiosli.com/resources👉 Subscribe for more metal production tips: https://youtube.com/@danielthabet?sub_confirmation=1

What if I told you that the “pro studio sound” you’re chasing doesn’t come from some magical plugin or secret setting……but from a repeatable, intentional mix bus chain that shapes your entire mix from the very first fader move?Over the past 12+ years, I’ve refined a 6-step hybrid analog/digital chain that I use on every single professional metal mix. It’s the backbone of that aggressive, punchy, crystal-clear sound that hits you right in the chest.And in this week’s episode, I’m breaking down the exact mix bus chain I use on every metal mix. Hardware, software, settings, philosophy… everything.The main topics I discuss include:• Why top-down mixing instantly gives you a more cohesive, powerful sound • The software tools I use to clean up muddiness and harshness before touching any analog gear • How I shape the midrange and high end using hardware EQs to add aggression, clarity, and depth • The analog coloration, saturation, and smoothing that make a mix feel “expensive” • The compressor settings that create punchy, modern glue • How I get competitive loudness without destroying dynamicsIf you’ve ever wondered how to get that professional, explosive, modern metal sound, this breakdown will give you the exact blueprint I rely on for every record I mix.🔥Need professional mixing for your metal project? I offer mixing services for bands that want to sound HUGE: https://liquidstudiosli.com/offer-video-2Check Out Anas' Music... YouTube: https://youtube.com/@anasabidofficial?si=p9BnoJWCviW4kaCqBandcamp: https://anasabid.bandcamp.com/📥 Free Resources For Metal Bands: https://liquidstudiosli.com/resources👉 Subscribe for more metal production tips: https://youtube.com/@danielthabet?sub_confirmation=1

Drums are the backbone of every great metal recording — but if they’re loose, messy, or out of time, your mix is doomed before it even starts. In this episode, Dan walks you through his complete drum editing process inside of Reaper, showing the exact steps he uses on every client project to get those tight, hard-hitting results that make your mix sound pro.Whether you’re new to editing or just want to refine your workflow, this tutorial will help you lock in your drums and prep your sessions for mixing like a professional.What You’ll LearnHow to fix phase issues between drum micsThe right way to remove bleed from close mics using DeBleed or SilencerHow to quantize drums to the grid without destroying the feelThe importance of creating guide tracks for tight timingHow to generate MIDI for kick and snare for sample reinforcementKey Takeaways✅ Tight drum editing separates amateur mixes from pro ones.✅ Always check and fix phase before doing anything else.✅ Clean up bleed before editing to make timing work easier.✅ Use MIDI prep to give yourself flexibility at mix time.Arms Like TeethFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16T4zhmU87/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armsliketeeth_603?igsh=b3Z5MXp0cXcxemFmTheropod Underground:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theropodundergroundInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theropod_underground?🔥 Hire me to mix your next track: https://liquidstudiosli.com/offer-video-2📥 Free Resources For Metal Bands: https://liquidstudiosli.com/resources👉 Subscribe for more metal production tips: https://youtube.com/@danielthabet?sub_confirmation=1

Let me guess — you’ve spent hours tuning, miking, and recording your drums, but when you hit playback… they sound weak, right?They’re thin, flat, and have none of the power you hear on your favorite metal records.Here’s the good news — it’s totally fixable.In this week’s episode, I’m breaking down five reasons your drum recordings sound amateur and giving you a step-by-step guide to fix each one.Here’s what I cover:Why your room is the biggest instrument you own (and how it’s killing your tone)The right way to tune and maintain your kit so it actually sounds proMic placement secrets that separate pros from amateursThe missing element that makes your recordings sound smallWhy performance and consistency matter more than pluginsIf you’ve ever wondered why your drums sound flat and lifeless, this episode will show you exactly how to get that massive, professional, and punchy sound — right from your own studio. Want a deeper breakdown of mic placement and room setup? Grab my free Metal Drum Recording Guide Here: https://liquidstudiosli.com/drum-recording-guide📥 Free Resources For Metal Bands: https://liquidstudiosli.com/resources👉 Subscribe for more metal production tips: https://youtube.com/@danielthabet?sub_confirmation=1🔥 Hire me to mix your next track: https://liquidstudiosli.com/get-started

You’ve got the riffs, the gear, and the passion… but when you hit record, your guitar tone somehow sounds flat, harsh, or lifeless.It’s one of the most frustrating parts of recording at home — and it’s not your amp’s fault.In this week’s episode of Riff to Radio, I’m breaking down 5 simple recording mistakes that are killing your guitar tone and showing you exactly how to fix them.The main topics I cover include:Why old strings make your recordings sound deadThe tuning habit every pro guitarist swears byHow to eliminate the noise and mud from your takesWhy too much gain is destroying your toneThe performance trick that separates pros from beginnersThese are the same fundamentals I use when working with metal bands in my studio to get tight, aggressive, pro-level tones that actually cut through a mix.If you’ve ever wondered why your recorded guitars don’t sound as big as the pros, this episode will show you why — and how to fix it today.📥 Free Resources For Metal Bands: https://liquidstudiosli.com/resources👉 Subscribe for more metal production tips: https://youtube.com/@danielthabet?sub_confirmation=1🔥 Hire me to mix your next track: https://liquidstudiosli.com/get-started

Ever spend hours mixing your track only to end up with something that sounds flat, muddy, and lifeless?You crank the volume hoping it’ll hit harder—but it just turns into a wall of mush.I’ve been there.And it sucks.In this week’s episode of Riff to Radio, I’m breaking down why your metal mixes sound flat and exactly how to fix it. We’ll dive into the four biggest mistakes that are killing your mix’s punch and clarity—and more importantly, how to make your mixes sound massive again.Here’s what I cover:How to clean up mud in your low end without thinning your toneThe “pancake effect” from over-compression (and how to avoid it)Simple ways to create width and depth so your mix feels 3DThe one crucial thing no plugin can fix—but pros never skipIf you’ve been wondering why your mixes never sound as huge as your favorite records, this one’s gonna open your eyes.📥 Free Resources For Metal Bands: https://liquidstudiosli.com/resources👉 Subscribe for more metal production tips: https://youtube.com/@danielthabet?sub_confirmation=1🔥 Hire me to mix your next track: https://liquidstudiosli.com/get-started

In the age of endless plugins and digital perfection, it’s easy to forget that some of the best-sounding records ever made were created with gear you could physically touch. In this episode, I break down why analog gear still matters in 2025, and how using real hardware can reignite your creativity, improve your workflow, and make your mixes feel alive.This isn’t another “analog is warmer” rant. It’s about rediscovering connection, feel, and commitment in your mixes... the stuff that plugins can’t replicate.In This Episode You’ll Learn:How analog gear adds musical depth and harmonic characterWhy the hands-on experience makes you a better mixerHow creative limitations push you toward bolder, more emotional decisionsIf your mixes ever feel a little too clean or lifeless, this episode might just change how you approach making music.📥 Free Resources For Metal Bands: https://liquidstudiosli.com/resources👉 Subscribe for more metal production tips: https://youtube.com/@danielthabet?sub_confirmation=1🔥 Hire me to mix your next track: https://liquidstudiosli.com/get-started

Have you ever wondered why so much modern music sounds flat, harsh, or fatiguing — even when it’s mastered to be loud?In this episode, I break down the Loudness War — the decades-long industry obsession with volume that’s stripped the life and emotion out of music.I explain how compression and limiting went from useful tools to destructive habits, why streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music have made the loudness race pointless, and what you can do to make your mixes sound powerful without crushing the dynamics.If you’ve ever thought “something just feels off” when comparing modern tracks to older albums… this episode will open your ears.What You’ll LearnHow our brains are wired to think “louder = better”The history of the Loudness War and how it ruined dynamicsThe difference between loud and powerfulHow Spotify’s loudness normalization changed everythingWhy punch, clarity, and emotion always beat raw volumeIf you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend in a band who’s chasing volume instead of vibe. And don’t forget to subscribe for more tips to make your mixes hit harder, sound clearer, and keep their energy intact.📥 Free Resources For Metal Bands: https://liquidstudiosli.com/resources👉 Subscribe for more metal production tips: https://youtube.com/@danielthabet?sub_confirmation=1🔥 Hire me to mix your next track: https://liquidstudiosli.com/get-started

You’ve spent hours layering riffs, quad tracking guitars to get that massive wall of sound… so why does the final mix still feel flat and disconnected?Here’s the truth: it’s not about recording more guitars, it’s about how you mix and glue them together.In this episode of Riff to Radio, I walk you through exactly how I mix quad-tracked rhythm guitars to make them sound huge, wide, and powerful — without losing clarity or stepping on the rest of the mix.We’ll cover:🎸 Main vs. supplemental tones – How to balance aggression with texture 🎚️ EQ + multiband compression – My go-to moves for tight low-end and no fizz 🖇️ Bus processing – Gluing four guitars into one massive wall of sound 🌌 Stereo widening & sidechaining – Subtle tricks that add width and space for drums 🥁 Making room for the snare – The secret to letting your guitars slam without masking the punchIf you’ve ever wondered how pro mixers get that wide, crushing rhythm guitar sound that still leaves space for bass and drums, this episode is a must-listen.Check out Cytokine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cytokineband_nh?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MWN0dDliZzB0NnJraQ==📥 Free Guitar/Bass Recording Guide: https://liquidstudiosli.com/guitar-bass-guide👉 Subscribe for more metal production tips: https://youtube.com/@danielthabet?sub_confirmation=1🔥 Hire me to mix your next track: https://liquidstudiosli.com/get-started

Have you ever nailed a vocal performance, only to hit play and realize it just sounds… flat?Dull, lifeless, and buried in the mix, no matter how much EQ or compression you throw at it.I see this all the time, and here’s the thing: the problem usually isn’t your voice, and it’s not your plugins either. It’s about fixing the core issues that suck the life out of a great performance.In this week’s episode of Riff to Radio, I break down 5 simple fixes that will instantly make your vocals sound bigger, clearer, and more professional.The main topics I discuss include:Why your recording space is killing your vocal toneMic technique mistakes that ruin otherwise great takesUsing subtractive EQ to carve clarity instead of boosting highsHow to stack compressors for aggressive, upfront vocals in metalThe “secret sauce” pros use to add warmth, edge, and energyThese aren’t about buying new gear—they’re about nailing the fundamentals that actually matter. Once you know them, your vocals will finally have the depth and power you’ve been chasing.Don’t forget to grab your free vocal recording guide HERE. It’s your complete roadmap to getting pro vocals at home—from treating your room, to capturing your best take, to exporting clean tracks.📥 Free Resources For Metal Bands: https://liquidstudiosli.com/resources👉 Subscribe for more metal production tips: https://youtube.com/@danielthabet?sub_confirmation=1🔥 Hire me to mix your next track: https://liquidstudiosli.com/get-started

If your band’s recordings sound muddy, undefined, and nothing like the raw power you bring live—your problem isn’t performance, it’s gear. In this episode of Riff to Radio, I break down how to choose the right microphones to capture brutal screams, crushing guitars, and thunderous drums with studio-quality clarity.What You’ll Learn:Why dynamic mics dominate metal recording — and how they handle insane volume without falling apart.Frequency response explained — how the right mic accentuates lows, mids, and highs for maximum impact.Polar patterns & room control — the simple trick to reduce bleed and echo, even in untreated spaces.Vocals: Why the Shure SM7B is the industry standard and why the SM58 is a killer budget option.Guitars: How to get pro-level tones with the legendary SM57 (and how mic placement changes everything).Drums: Go-to mics for kick, snare, toms, and overheads to build a powerful metal foundation.Pro tips: Gain staging, pop filters, mic placement, and one budget-friendly mic that can do it all.Bonus Tip 💡I reveal the one microphone every band should buy first if money is tight—and how it can cover vocals, guitars, and drums without compromise.Whether you’re recording in a pro studio or a bedroom, this episode will help you capture your band’s sound with clarity and power.📥 Free Resources For Metal Bands: https://liquidstudiosli.com/resources👉 Subscribe for more metal production tips: https://youtube.com/@danielthabet?sub_confirmation=1🔥 Hire me to mix your next track: https://liquidstudiosli.com/get-started

You’ve spent a small fortune on mics, interfaces, and plugins—so why does your home studio still sound like trash?Here’s the truth: it’s not your gear that’s holding you back. It’s the hidden mistakes in your recording process that are sabotaging your sound before the mix even starts.In this episode of Riff to Radio, I break down the four biggest mistakes that make home studios sound bad—and show you exactly how to fix them so you can finally get pro-level mixes from your own space.We’ll cover:🏠 Your Room – The #1 reason your expensive gear sounds cheap (and how to treat your space without dropping thousands) 🎙️ Your Source – Gain staging and mic placement tips to capture clean, powerful tracks from the start 🎛️ Your Gear – Why the “right” tool isn’t always the priciest, and how to pick what actually works for your music 🧠 Your Process – How to avoid the “fix it in the mix” trap and stop overloading your tracks with unnecessary pluginsIf you’ve ever been frustrated with muddy, lifeless mixes that fall apart outside of your headphones, this episode will give you the roadmap to turn your home studio into a weapon.📥 Free Resources For Metal Bands: https://liquidstudiosli.com/resources👉 Subscribe for more metal production tips: https://youtube.com/@danielthabet?sub_confirmation=1🔥 Hire me to mix your next track: https://liquidstudiosli.com/get-started

If your riffs sound thin, fizzy, or lifeless when you record them, this episode is for you.I’m breaking down exactly how to capture crushing, professional-quality guitar tones, right from your home studio, with the gear you already own.What You’ll Learn:✅ How to record a perfect DI (and why it’s the foundation of every great tone)✅ The biggest gain mistake most guitarists make — and how to fix it✅ How to dial in modern amp sim tones that punch through a dense mix✅ Simple EQ moves to kill fizz, carve out mud, and boost aggression✅ The secret to wide, massive guitars using double-tracking and panningWhether you’re working with amp sims or a real amp, these techniques will help you transform thin, fizzy recordings into a wall of sound that hits hard.🔗 Listen now and get the full step-by-step breakdown. Plus, grab my FREE guide on how to capture perfect guitar and bass DIs every single time right here: https://liquidstudiosli.com/guitar-bass-guide👉 Subscribe to my YT channel for more metal production tips: https://youtube.com/@danielthabet?sub_confirmation=1🔥 Hire me to mix your next track: https://liquidstudiosli.com/get-started

Think you need expensive gear, a perfect mix, and endless plugins to make professional-sounding music? Think again. In this episode of Riff to Radio, I tear down the 5 biggest myths in music production that are holding you back from making your best music yet.Whether you’re producing metal, rock, or anything heavy, these common lies create confusion, frustration, and wasted time in the studio. I show you how to break free from outdated rules and focus on what actually makes a mix hit hard.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why you don’t need high-end, vintage gear to get a pro soundHow intentional clipping can add energy and loudness to your mixesThe truth about “more is more” vs. “less is more” in productionWhy mastering can’t fix a bad mix (and what to do instead)How perfectionism silently kills creativity, and how to overcome itIf you’ve ever felt stuck chasing advice from forums or YouTube tutorials that just don’t work, this episode is your permission to throw out the rulebook and trust your ears again.Listen now and start making music that actually sounds like you.📥 Free Resources For Metal Bands: https://liquidstudiosli.com/resources👉 Subscribe to my YT channel for more metal production tips: https://youtube.com/@danielthabet?sub_confirmation=1🔥 Hire me to mix your next track: https://liquidstudiosli.com/get-started