Magic Marmalade Machine

 

New site: https://www.marmalizer.com/ 

Gospels by Magic Marmalade Machine is now available on the major streaming platforms and Bandcamp

 

Thoughts on Mixing 

Recording mixing tips & advice 

• Gainstage (quickly) to approx -18db = 0dbfs as a first step - fader levels in mixing will make sense and vintage emulations will work better.
• Aim for unity gain for the entire mix initially. (Where the output level is equal to the input level).
• Quickly set overall volume levels for all tracks initially. Just get it sounding about right, in mono, first. This should be your main primary goal.
• Use VU meters for gain staging (https://www.tbproaudio.de/products/mvmeter2) 
• Try automating gain staging (https://www.hornetplugins.com/plugins/hornet-vu-meter-mk4/) create a track template that includes a utility plugin and a VU.
• Work fast with intent. A valid cliché. Experiment later, try to get things sounding appropriate quickly.
• Check against to reference tracks throughout the process. Reference tracks will reset your hearing perception and should be tracks you are very familiar with. (Metric A/B is a good plugin for this https://www.plugin-alliance.com/products/metric-ab).
• Use a spectrogram (spectrum analyser) to check lowest frequencies, compare to the energy levels in your reference track. (https://www.voxengo.com/product/span/) Set the spectrogram to visualise changes slowly.
• Take a short break during mixing; where you are not listening to music. Reset your hearing perception.
• Minimise the amount of processing on most channels. Focus on getting the best sound at source.
• If you have built an overly complex chain of effects on a channel and it still doesn’t sound right. Delete or mute all the plugins and try using a single EQ and perhaps a compressor to start with - don’t chase your tail tweaking. 
• Use channel strips for speed and character.
• Save channel settings combinations of plugins as a preset if you use particular combinations frequently (Racks in Ableton live).
• Place a pre amp emulation on every channel. This could be via a vintage style channel strip (e.g. Voosteq N Channel for Neve style https://www.voosteq.com/model-n-channel/ ) or a separate plugin.(e.g. kazrog True Iron https://kazrog.com/products/true-iron/ or similar) Keep it subtle.
• Mix in mono initially.
• EQ after compression most of the time for reasons of simplicity and speed. EQ before compression can lead to needing more EQ afterwards. As ever, it depends on the source material.
• Automate volume rather than relying on (perhaps multiple) compressors. Particularly for vocal tracks.
• Don’t worry about what looks right in EQ; simply what sounds right in the mix.
• Avoid reliance on the visually orientated EQ plugins - EQ with ears not eyes.
• Lean towards cutting rather than boosting in EQ. 
• Ask yourself what you want to achieve before applying EQ.
• Does the channel actually need EQ or compression? Leave it alone if it sounds fine.
• If a plugin has auto gain on output make sure it is turned on.
• Many mixing issues can be solved in the arrangement, not in the mix.
• If a plugin has oversampling control, turn it on. (At least for final rendering).
• Avoid EQs that are known to have EQ cramping. (https://youtu.be/lqOBgt4DX20?si=IIJT7vUElwgbr_Gn) At least, be aware if the EQ you use often cramps.
• Any frequency can sound awful if boosted enough. Don’t sweep frequencies to find what to cut.
• Remember to high pass channels appropriately. Do this in the mix not in solo.
• Don’t sit in solo for too long, make changes in the mix.
• Check detail with headphones; use a headphone processor (Dsoniq Realphones etc.).
• Listen to the finished mix on various systems likely to be used by your typical listener. Earbuds, bluetooth speakers - whatever is current etc.
• After a plugin is added, try to level match the output to avoid the "louder is better" trap. Many presets will boost volume - look out for this.
• Bounce MIDI tracks to audio for mixing. Commit.
• Look away from the screen for a moment and just listen. Close your eyes when using headphones.
• Does the mix sound good from another room? What’s the loudest channel that stands out?
• What’s the last channel you hear if you  slowly fade out the mix in the middle of the recording or on the chorus?
• Don’t ignore applying occasional binaural effects. Many of your listeners will be using headphones or earbuds.
• Set the level of reverb so you can hear it clearly, then turn it down a little.
• Master through a high end (Studer 80 type) mastering tape machine emulation. Subtle high quality settings; head bump etc.
• Ensure enough high frequencies are present in bass sound to enable small speakers to produce some indication of the bass track (check on phone speakers).Often the attack of a bass note can be enhanced which achieves this balance.
• Don’t bother with compression on heavily distorted guitar tracks.
• Use reverb consistently to hold together a number of tracks - same acoustic space. E.g. ideally plugins that emulate a recording studio live room such as those from IK Multimedia, UA, Softube etc.
• Use outlandish reverbs as an insert for emphasis occasionally - e.g. EOS2, Supermassive, Blackhole
• Use the “Abbey Road trick” on reverb sends. EQ out the lower <600Hz and higher freq. >10kHz prior to the reverb on the send channel.
• Try atypical, illogical combinations of effects reverb into a delay into a fuzz etc. Experiment.
• Learn to hear compression by using extreme settings and variations on drums, percussion and bass. Compression is more about transients and feel than volume management (use mix fader automation for significant volume management).
• Bus together the main groups of instruments. Shape the mix using the bus faders. Limit the amount of effects you place on each bus channel - don’t over process.
• Be consistent in the use of effects avoid having a different character EQ or vintage compressor on each track.
• Choose period appropriate effects. According to the genre and style of the track. E.g. RE201 delay, Lexicon reverbs for eighties, Gates Sta Level, Pultec for sixties etc.
• Remember effects on each track build across the whole mix - use saturation sparingly if set on every channel.
• Have in mind what you want the mix to achieve - for the genre of the track. Aggressive? Relaxing? Exciting? Sad? Mix to that goal.
• Create and use templates.
• Monitor at low levels. Only occasionally check the mix at loud volumes.
• Back everything up. Try backing up to the cloud automatically as you work (e.g. Dropbox or similar)
• Use versioning, either manually rename during mix stages, or use your DAW’s particular system.

List of useful mainly free or open source Mac Applications - utilities etc. 2026

 Useful Mac Apps...

 

Good, been around for ages :

OnyX is a multifunction utility that you can use to verify the structure of the system files; perform cleaning and computer maintenance tasks; uninstall applications; configure parameters in the Finder, Dock, Safari, and some Apple applications; delete caches; remove certain problematic folders and files; rebuild various databases and indexes; and more. It is a reliable application that provides a clean interface to many tasks that would otherwise require complex commands to be typed using a command–line interface. (Free) https://titanium-software.fr/en/onyx.html (ensure you download the version specific to your macOS version)

Text editor BBEdit (the one I like, there are loads of alternatives) free version is good: (been on the Mac for 30 odd years) https://www.barebones.com/products/bbedit/index.html

Keka free compression zip software if the built in one isn’t to your taste, enough options https://www.keka.io/en/
(I use Betterzip https://betterzip.com/ )

Finder replacement Marta which allows side by side browsing etc. Free: https://marta.sh (NB turn on tabs in the standard apple finder if you haven’t already)

Suspicious Package is a free application for macOS that allows users to inspect installer packages (.pkg files) to see what files will be installed and what scripts will run during the installation. It provides detailed information about the contents of the package, helping users ensure their system's security - not essential but good to have. https://www.mothersruin.com/software/SuspiciousPackage/

Paid for but very good:

Finder replacement - Pathfinder - uber nerd version, does loads, been around since the nineties : https://cocoatech.io/
Default Folder X again been going for decades - first thing I install on a new Mac: https://www.stclairsoft.com/DefaultFolderX/
Stats everywhere https://bjango.com/mac/istatmenus/ v good but here’s a free version open source https://mac-stats.com/

Free Mac app remover which will find dependant files and delete more thoroughly than dragging the app icon to the trash. Useful for more complex apps. https://freemacsoft.net/appcleaner/

Terminal alternatives: (free) if you prefer a more flexible terminal
iTerm - https://iterm2.com/
Ghostly - https://ghostty.org/ (v Good)

Probably won’t need this much but it has its uses, like the install process on Linux: Homebrew is a free and open-source package manager designed for macOS and Linux. It simplifies the process of installing, updating, and managing software from the command line. Homebrew allows users to install software that is not included with macOS by default, such as developer tools and applications.
https://brew.sh/  mainly about handling open source apps.


Mac mouse software if your fancy mouse doesn’t have Mac software or the manufacturers’ software is poor:
https://better-mouse.com/
https://macmousefix.com/en/

Cute works well note clip type menu bar app free https://tot.rocks/

Excellent open source video encoder that has often better performance than paid for apps handbrake https://handbrake.fr/ good for transcoding etc.

Remember WinAmp? Recreated for modern Macs https://re-amp.ru/ free

Another simple music file player: free https://www.pine-player.com/

Audio file tagger kid3 https://kid3.kde.org/

Free audio converter https://www.freac.org/
Another free audio converter with a nicer interface https://www.mediahuman.com/audio-converter/

Audio plugin info https://www.thinkersnacks.com/pluginfo/  low price started from conversations on gearspace - I use it all the time. Useful for removing AAX etc checking versions
Free plugin lister creates a CSV one version for VST and another for AU https://github.com/lmt3210/AudioPluginInfo

Finetune - audio router - open source. https://swiftuisnippets.wordpress.com/2026/02/22/finetune-the-powerful-free-volume-mixer-macos-has-needed-for-years/
Route zero latency audio between standalone apps (free) https://existential.audio/blackhole/

Image compressor free https://imageoptim.com/mac
Another one https://imageoptim.com/mac (also open source)

Discover what’s using up storage space (free) https://www.omnigroup.com/more (alternatively use the commercial daisyDisk) 

Emergence - The Gospels - Magic Marmalade Machine

 

One of the pieces from the new three album extravaganza Gospels...

 Basic Recording  - Incredible Tractors

The Mid Eighties Return...

Wizards of Mass Distraction on Bandcamp

Songs from the Wizards are available on Bandcamp - free or pay what you like...

Some new remixes have been added, take a listen!

https://wizardsofmassdistraction.bandcamp.com/

Dystopia - Wizards Music Video

Pay Attention remixed with a new video:

Available at BandCamp: https://wizardsofmassdistraction.bandcamp.com/

Delia Derbyshire Day 2021

 https://deliaderbyshireday.com/delia-derbyshire-day-2021/

Electronic music charity Delia Derbyshire Day has announced a feast of activity taking place on Delia Derbyshire Day 2021, fixed in the cultural calendar as 23 NOVEMBER — the date Delia’s revolutionary realisation of Ron Grainer’s Dr Who theme first beamed into British living rooms (in 1963).

The main focus of DD Day 2021 will be the Livestream premiere of two new audio-visual works produced by four commissioned North West England-based artists, inspired by Delia and her archive in Manchester. 

The online content to be published on 23 November will include:

ONLINE LIVESTREAM EVENT - 7-8pm - supported by Bluedot, the commissioned artists present their new work. To be presented on Bluedot's YouTube and Facebook channels.

WEBSITE CONTENT - including publishing the transcripts from our popular series of masterclasses/expert talks unpacking the work, working methods and archive of Delia Derbyshire.

VIDEO PREMIERE – of a specially commissioned track from 2020 featuring
sounds from the DD Archive and the voice of an inimitable British actor.

COMPETITION – Public are invited to post a photo with your favourite DD Day merch on your social media on DD Day 2021 (23 NOV) for the chance to win a copy of a re-issue of Tape Leaders, the bookby Ian Helliwell - of course including Delia. Tag us to join in. Remember, imagination is the theme for this year!

Full details on the website https://deliaderbyshireday.com/delia-derbyshire-day-2021/

This year's Livestream will be hosted with the support of Bluedot (Winner medium UK Festival, 2019 at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire), who will provide live streaming of this year's event via their YouTube and Facebook channels.

https://deliaderbyshireday.com/delia-derbyshire-day-2021/

 

 

 

Outbreak to the New Normal Part 1

Part one of the Coronavirus

Josephine's Rain (2018 remix)

Josephine's Rain by Robert Minhinnick.
'Josephine's Rain' is a thirty minute evocation of a storm that damaged Porthcawl in 1995.



Robert Minhinnick, - vocals, poetry

Richard Thomas, Peter Morgan - musical shenanigans

17 Million F*ck Offs - A Song About Brexit

Ffair Y Bala

'Ffair y Bala - Nineties drone classic.