In this extract from PureMix, Mark Needham demonstrates how he creates energy and aggression in a lead vocal by using an 1176 with a de-esser before and after the compressor, two different equalisers and Decapitator from Soundtoys.

Mark Needham

Throughout his impressive career, Mark Needham has been trusted by artists like Imagine Dragons, The 1975, Walk The Moon, Blue October, and The Killers to create the exciting and in-your-face mixes he is known for.

In this puremix.net exclusive, see how he carries this legacy over to Mona’s hit single “In The Middle”.

During this 2 hour tutorial, Mark will show you how he creates his energetic mixes using techniques like parallel compression, harmonic saturation, creative effects and how he splits up the heavy lifting of tasks like EQ and compression across multiple plugins.

After you watch Mark mix the track with his signature techniques, you can download the multi-track and mix the song yourself.

Equipment & Software

• Altiverb 7
• FabFilter Pro-MBPro-DS
• Relab Development LX480 Complete
• Softube Saturation Knob
• Soundtoys Decapitator
• UAD API 560
• UAD Ampeg B15N
• UAD Ampeg SVTV
• UAD Ampex ATR-102
• UAD Chandler Curve Bender
• UAD EL7 Fatso Sr.
• UAD Maag EQ4
• UAD Manley Variable Mu
• UAD Neve 1081
• UAD Oxford Envolution
• UAD Oxford Limiter
• UAD Precision De-Esser

• UAD Precision K-Stereo
• UAD Precision Maximizer
• UAD Precision MultiBand
• UAD Pultec Legacy
• UAD SPL TwinTube
• UAD SPL Vitalizer
• UAD SSL 4k Bus compressor
• UAD Shadow Hills Compressor
• UAD Telectronix LA-2A S
• Waves API2500
• Waves CLA-76
• Waves Kramer PIE
• Waves Kramer Tape
• Waves L3
• Waves PuigTec MEQ5
• Waves SSLChannel
• Waves VEQ 4

How To Watch The Full Video

This video tutorial is available to Pro PureMix members and can be accessed by signing up to a PureMix subscription for $29 a month.

Sign up to get advanced audio tutorials where Grammy-winning engineers teach you mixing concepts by showing you their techniques and tricks while mixing song by Pharrell, Imagine Dragons, Ziggy Marley and more. 

If you would like to watch more free tutorials you can sign up for free at pureMix or browse the entire pureMix tutorial video library and choose the individual videos that appeal to you.