• Percussion in Music Production Tips for Better Grooves



    Let’s get one thing straight. Percussion in music production is not just “extra stuff you throw in at the end.”

    It’s the difference between a track that feels alive and one that just… sits there like it forgot what rhythm is.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody crack open the world of percussion in music production and show you exactly how to use it without turning your mix into a chaotic mess. Because yes, there is a line. And yes, a lot of people cross it. Frequently. Loudly. With cowbells.

    From congas and cabasas to loops and one-shot FX, they walk through how percussion actually fits into your track. Not as decoration, but as a tool to shape groove, build tension, and create movement. The kind of movement that makes people nod their heads instead of skip your track.

    They also dig into recording setup tips and mixing strategies that help you avoid the classic mistakes. Like stacking too many percussion layers, fighting your own drum kit, or panning things so wildly your mix feels like it’s falling apart.

    Here’s the reality. Just because you can add another shaker doesn’t mean you should. Chris & Jody explain how to make smart decisions about what stays, what goes, and what gets turned down before it ruins everything.

    There’s also the eternal battle between live and programmed percussion. Are you a hands-on bongo slapper, or are you locked to the grid clicking in MIDI notes? Either way, they’ve got you covered with practical advice on making both approaches work without sounding stiff or overproduced.

    And of course, they manage to keep things entertaining while doing it. Because nothing says “learning experience” like solid production advice mixed with just enough nonsense to keep you awake.

    Friday Finds makes its return too, featuring gear and tools that might just end up in your next session.

    Bottom line? If your tracks feel flat, percussion might be the missing piece. Or the thing you’ve been overdoing this whole time.

    Hit play, fix your groove, and maybe… just maybe… use less cowbell.

    Subscribe for more home studio gear breakdowns and recording setup tips every week.

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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

  • Life Behind the Kit: Christopher Allis on Being a Career Drummer



    What’s it really like to make a living behind a drum kit? Chris & Jody corner Christopher Allis and get the dirt—from his first bash at the skins to rubbing shoulders (and sticks) with big-name acts. Expect road stories, studio quirks, and a few laughs about the less glamorous side of the music grind. This is Part One of the chat, and it’s loaded with tasty fills, candid confessions, and enough inspiration to make you dust off that snare you’ve been ignoring. Spoiler: yes, we talk about home studio gear and the weird things drummers pack on tour.

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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 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

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