Master Your Mix Podcast: EP 304: Austin Seltzer: Breaking the Loudness Rules

Austin Seltzer is a multi-platinum mixing and mastering engineer whose work bridges the gap between modern pop polish and emotionally impactful, dynamic sound. After getting his start in electronic ghost production, Austin refined his craft through formal studio training at The Blackbird Academy in Nashville. During his time there, he learned from renowned engineers and producers who appeared as guest mentors, including Andrew Scheps, Jacquire King, Vance Powell, and Dave Pensado. After graduating, he expanded into cinematic music, further developing the sense of depth, scale, and emotion that now defines his mixing style. Now based in Oklahoma, he has built a reputation for creating mixes that feel simultaneously expansive, powerful, and deeply musical. Austin’s profile rose significantly after mixing and mastering Dasha’s global breakout hit “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’),” one of the defining crossover records of 2024. In addition to his work with Dasha, he has collaborated with artists including LE SSERAFIM, Maggie Lindemann, Natalie Jane, BloodPop, A.G. Cook, and Hudson Mohawke. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: - Why he starts every mix with the loudest section - Why he intentionally clips his mixes six dB over zero during the entire mixdown - How to balance your low end while intentionally clipping the output - Why most limiters destroy the punch in your kick and snare - How to create cinematic width without using the LCR method - Why treating people well matters more than your technical skills - How he completes professional mixes in 90 minutes or less - Why he only listens to the full mix once during the mixing process - The next-morning routine that catches problems before sending to clients - How he uses multiband stereo width to create cinematic depth - How hitting compressors 10-20 dB actually makes vocals sound better - Why he moved from LA to Oklahoma, and his work increased TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro & Podcast Overview 15:56 - Heavy Vocal Compression Secrets (10-20 dB Reduction) 24:27 - Audio Business Growth: Moving from LA to Oklahoma 35:05 - How to Break Into Movie Trailer Music Production 43:59 - Mixing Workflow: Starting with the Loudest Section 49:40 - Creating Immersive Cinematic Width Without LCR Panning 58:15 - Speed Mixing: Finishing Professional Mixes in 90 Minutes 01:01:54 - Hard Clipping Technique: Driving Mixes 6 dB Over Zero 01:03:49 - Fix Limiter Transient Damage with the L4 Workaround 01:15:20 - AirPods Mixing Trick: The Next-Morning Reference Routine To learn more about Austin Seltzer, visit: https://www.instagram.com/seltzersounds/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio: Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/ Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/ Slapshot Delay: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/ Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/ Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!