• Unlock the Secrets of Drum Programming vs. Live Drums!



    Ready to settle the score between drum programming and live drums? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive deep into the pros, cons, and surprising secrets of both worlds. From the unmistakable human feel of live drums to the precision and creativity of programmed beats, we explore:

    • Which music styles thrive with live drums and which ones are a match made in heaven for drum programming.
    • When to hit record on live drums for that larger-than-life sound—and when to let your DAW handle the groove.
    • Avoiding robotic rhythms: Common pitfalls of drum programming and how to keep it feeling fresh.
    • Why program drums anyway? Cost, control, and those tiny apartments that don’t fit a drum kit.
    • The best of both worlds: Tips for blending live and programmed drums or samples to craft a killer hybrid sound.

    Plus, there’s a mysterious Friday Finds that you won’t want to miss. And let’s be real—it’s also not unlikely that some nonsense will be discussed along the way.

    Whether you’re a purist who swears by sticks and skins or a MIDI maestro, this episode is packed with insights to level up your drum game!

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
    Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
    Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.

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    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

  • Unlock the Secret to Punchy Drums: Master Dual Drum Busses



    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive into a powerful mixing technique for drums—setting up two separate drum busses to take your drum mix to the next level. Specifically, we’ll cover how to use one bus for shell-style drums (kick, snare, toms) and a second bus for metal-style drums (hi-hats, ride, cymbals).

    If you’ve ever struggled to get clarity and punch from your drum recordings, this episode is for you. We’ll break down:

    • Why Two Drum Busses?: Discover the benefits of splitting your drum kit into two busses—how it allows for greater control over the dynamics, EQ, and processing of the different types of drums, from heavy, punchy kicks to shimmering cymbals.
    • Setting Up the Shell Drum Bus: Learn how to treat your shell-style drums (kick, snare, toms) as a unified group, from EQ and compression settings to how much low-end punch and midrange power to dial in.
    • Processing the Metal Drum Bus: We’ll guide you through processing your hi-hats, rides, and cymbals separately, emphasizing top-end sheen, clarity, and space without overwhelming the mix.
    • Balancing the Two Busses: Once both busses are dialed in, we’ll discuss how to balance them for maximum impact in your mix, ensuring that your drums sit perfectly in your track without competing frequencies.
    • Advanced Techniques: Explore creative options like parallel compression and reverb settings that are bus-specific, enhancing the separation and power of your drum elements.

    Whether you’re working on a dense rock mix or a more spacious, dynamic track, this episode will help you achieve a clean, balanced, and powerful drum sound. Tune in now to Inside the Recording Studio and revolutionize how you mix drums!

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
    Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
    Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.

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    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

  • From Zero to Pro: Unlocking the Secrets of Expressive MIDI Drum Editing!


    Chris and Jody delve into the intricate world of MIDI drum programming and editing, unlocking the secrets to crafting dynamic and expressive drum tracks in your productions.

    🥁 Mastering MIDI Drum Programming: Techniques and Tips

    Join us as we explore the art of MIDI drum programming from start to finish. From selecting the right sounds to crafting realistic grooves, we’ll guide you through the essential techniques that breathe life into your virtual drum performances.

    🎛️ Precision Editing: Fine-Tuning Drum Sequences

    Dive deep into the editing process as we demonstrate how to refine MIDI drum sequences with precision and finesse. Learn how to adjust timing, velocity, and articulations to sculpt the perfect groove that complements your music.

    🔧 Advanced Drum Programming Tools and Tricks

    Discover advanced tools and techniques for taking your MIDI drum programming to the next level. From drum maps and drum replacement to humanization and groove quantization, we’ll share insider tips that add depth and authenticity to your drum tracks.

    🎚️ Mixing MIDI Drums: Balancing and Processing

    Explore the nuances of mixing MIDI drums as we discuss strategies for balancing, EQing, and processing virtual drum instruments. Whether you’re aiming for punchy rock beats or lush electronic textures, we’ll show you how to sculpt the perfect drum sound for your mix.

    🎵 Creative Applications: Thinking Outside the Beat

    Unleash your creativity as we explore unconventional approaches to MIDI drum programming. From layering textures and creating custom drum kits to experimenting with rhythmic patterns and fills, we’ll inspire you to push the boundaries of traditional drum programming.

    And, as always, be prepared for some light-hearted banter and a touch of nonsense, because in the world of audio engineering, a sprinkle of humor can make even the most technical discussions entertaining!

    Join us on this enlightening journey into the realm of MIDI drum programming and editing, where we equip you with the knowledge and skills to elevate your drum tracks to new heights. Welcome to Inside the Recording Studio!

  • Drum Programming vs Live Drums: How to Know When to Use Which?



    Chris and Jody delve into the idea of drum programming vs live drums. What styles are prone to each. When is it ideal to record with live drums. Things to watch out for when programming drums. Why might you want to program drums. And finally enhancing live drums with programmed drums or samples. Don’t forget our Friday Finds for this week and… It’s also not unlikely that there will be some nonsense discussed.

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