• Transform Your Tracks: Exciting Techniques for Mic’ing Digital Instruments!



    In this electrifying episode of Inside the Recording Studio, hosts Chris and Jody explore the fascinating world of recording electric pianos, synths, and virtual instruments with hardware amps and mics. Join us as we dive into innovative techniques that blend the digital and analog realms to create rich, dynamic recordings.

    Discover how running electric pianos and synths through hardware amplifiers and capturing the sound with microphones can add warmth, character, and depth to your tracks. We’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, from setting up your gear to dialing in the perfect amp settings and mic placements.

    But that’s not all – we also delve into the unique challenges and creative opportunities presented by recording virtual instruments. Learn how to breathe new life into your digital sounds by re-amping them through classic hardware and capturing the nuances with high-quality microphones.

    Chris and Jody will share their expert tips and tricks for optimizing your recording setup, selecting the best amps and mics for different instruments, and achieving a cohesive and compelling sound. Whether you’re aiming for vintage vibes or modern textures, this episode offers invaluable insights to elevate your recordings.

    Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for recording electric pianos, synths, and virtual instruments with hardware amps and mics. Tune in now to Inside the Recording Studio and discover how to transform your digital sounds into captivating audio masterpieces!

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – ApolloUA 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 – ApolloUA – 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 2iZotope 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

  • Unleash Your Musical Creativity: The Thrilling World of MIDI Explained!



    Join Chris and Jody in this illuminating episode of Inside the Recording Studio as they delve deep into the world of MIDI, demystifying its complexities and unlocking its creative potential.

    MIDI Unveiled: Understanding the Basics

    Embark on a journey of discovery as we unravel the fundamental concepts of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). From its inception to its role in modern music production, we’ll explore how MIDI revolutionized the way we create and manipulate musical sounds.

    MIDI Setup Essentials: From Hardware to Software

    Dive into the practical aspects of MIDI setup, from connecting MIDI controllers and keyboards to configuring software instruments and virtual MIDI routing. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, we’ll provide valuable insights to streamline your MIDI workflow.

    Creative MIDI Applications: Beyond Note Triggering

    Explore the boundless creative possibilities of MIDI beyond simple note triggering. From expressive MIDI controllers to advanced MIDI effects and modulation, we’ll showcase how MIDI can be used to sculpt unique sounds and performances.

    MIDI in the Studio and Live Performance: Versatility Unleashed

    Discover how MIDI bridges the gap between studio production and live performance. We’ll discuss MIDI’s role in virtual instruments, hardware synthesizers, and live performance setups, empowering you to harness its versatility in any musical context.

    And, as always, brace yourselves for a touch of humor and a sprinkle of nonsense because, in the world of audio engineering, a dash of laughter can make even the most technical discussions entertaining!

    Tune in to this enlightening episode as we unravel the mysteries of MIDI, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to master this indispensable tool in the recording studio and beyond. Welcome to Inside the Recording Studio!

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – ApolloUA 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 – ApolloUA – 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 2iZotope 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

  • Pros & Cons: Hardware vs Software Synths – Let’s Talk Now!



    Let’s be honest: nothing splits a room of producers faster than the words “hardware vs. software synths.” On one side you’ve got the purists—the diehards who wax poetic about analog circuits, wood panels, and “the warmth you can feel in your bones.” On the other, you’ve got the digital disciples, clicking their way through infinite presets, grinning about recall and asking, “Do I really need to dust my synth if it lives in a laptop?”

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody stroll straight into the controversy with the confidence of two guys who’ve twisted enough knobs (both real and virtual) to know what’s hype and what’s useful. They’re not afraid to admit that both sides have their perks—and their pain points.

    First up: hardware. Ah, the romance of plugging in a Moog, Prophet, or Juno and letting the voltage flow. There’s nothing quite like the tactile feel of turning a real knob, hearing a filter sweep morph under your fingertips, or watching lights flicker as the room vibrates with analog mojo. But let’s not kid ourselves—hardware comes with baggage. It’s heavy. It’s expensive. It doesn’t fit in your carry-on. And heaven forbid you need to recall yesterday’s patch in a session—good luck recreating that happy accident.

    Now, software synths. The underdogs that grew up to dominate modern production. VSTs like Serum, Omnisphere, Diva, and countless others can live inside your laptop, ready to summon entire orchestras or alien soundscapes at 2 a.m. Software is flexible, affordable, and infinitely expandable. But it’s not without flaws. Clicking a mouse doesn’t exactly scream “rock star performance,” and let’s face it: sometimes the presets can feel a little… sterile.

    Chris and Jody don’t just stop at pros and cons—they dig into practical applications. Hardware tends to shine in live setups where the immediacy of hands-on control adds energy (and spectacle) to the performance. Software, meanwhile, thrives in the studio, where instant recall, layering, and endless sound design options keep the creative flow moving. The duo shares which side of the fence they personally lean toward, how they combine both worlds, and why the smartest producers aren’t picking a fight—they’re picking the right tool for the job.

    And let’s not ignore what the big-name producers are doing. Some swear by walls of vintage synths like shrines to electronic gods, while others make chart-topping hits entirely “in the box.” Spoiler alert: it’s not about bragging rights, it’s about results.

    Expect some laughs, some jabs at both camps, and a few hot takes that may ruffle feathers. (Yes, we said it: sometimes your $199 plug-in sounds better than your $5,000 analog beast. Deal with it.) But underneath the jokes is solid advice: don’t let the gear debate derail your creativity. Hardware or software, knobs or mouse clicks—use whatever gets you to the sound in your head.

    At the end of the day, music isn’t about which side of the fence you’re on. It’s about what comes out of the speakers. Chris and Jody are here to remind you that whether you’re twiddling a knob, clicking a mouse, or doing both at the same time, the point is the same: make something that moves people.

    So grab your favorite synth—hardware, software, or both—and get ready for some laughs, some insight, and maybe a little controversy. This episode is proof that in the war of synths, the only side that matters is yours.

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – ApolloUA 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 – ApolloUA – 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 2iZotope 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

  • The Rise And Fall And Rise Of The Mini Moog (And Why It’s Still Important)



    Wood panels. Black knobs. Three oscillators humming like electricity in a dream. The Mini Moog was not just a synthesizer—it was an invitation to imagine.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody explore the myth and the machine. They tell of its birth: modular monsters made small, sound sculpting compressed into something a musician could carry, touch, play. They describe its magic—filters that sing, oscillators that roar, warmth that feels alive.

    They recount the artists who gave it a voice: Stevie Wonder weaving melodies, Kraftwerk building machine symphonies, funk bands sending basslines into orbit. The Mini Moog became not just an instrument, but a movement.

    Between laughter and nonsense, between history and humor, Chris & Jody remind us why certain tools transcend their time. Their Friday Finds punctuate the journey—modern discoveries alongside vintage legend.

    The Mini Moog is not just a relic. It is a story still unfolding in studios, homes, and hearts.

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – ApolloUA 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 – ApolloUA – 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 2iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.

    ******************************

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