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. Originally coming from a background in electronic ghost production and cinematic music, Austin later refined his craft through formal studio training at The Blackbird Academy in Nashville, where he studied under legendary engineers and producers including Andrew Scheps, Jacquire King, Vance Powell, and Dave Pensado. Now based in Los Angeles, 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. Known for his fast workflow systems, low-end clarity, and modern hybrid mixing approach, Austin has also become a respected educator through platforms like Puremix and Evenant, where he teaches engineers how to achieve professional-quality results from home and project studios.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Why he starts every mix with the loudest sectionWhy he intentionally clips his mixes six dB over zero during the entire mixdownHow to balance your low end while intentionally clipping the outputWhy most limiters destroy the punch in your kick and snareHow to create cinematic width without using the LCR methodWhy treating people well matters more than your technical skillsHow he completes professional mixes in 90 minutes or lessWhy he only listens to the full mix once during the mixing processThe next-morning routine that catches problems before sending to clientsHow he uses multiband stereo width to create cinematic depthHow hitting compressors 10-20 dB actually makes vocals sound betterWhy he moved from LA to Oklahoma, and his work increasedTo 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.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to questions@masteryourmix.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/Thanks for listening!