• Achieve Studio-Quality Vocals: Inside Secrets to the Best Mic Path Selection!



    Unlock the secrets to capturing the perfect vocal sound in our latest episode of Inside the Recording Studio! Join hosts George and Jody as they delve into the art and science of choosing the right vocal mic path for your song, helping you achieve professional-quality recordings every time.

    In this episode, we explore the critical factors that influence your choice of vocal microphone and signal chain. From the singer’s voice type and the song’s genre to the desired tone and recording environment, we guide you through the decision-making process to ensure you select the ideal setup for your project.

    Discover the nuances of different microphone types, including dynamic, condenser, and ribbon mics, and how their unique characteristics can enhance or detract from your vocal recording. We also discuss the importance of preamps, compressors, and EQ settings in shaping your vocal sound, providing practical tips for dialing in the perfect tone.

    Learn how to match your mic and signal path to the specific needs of your song, whether you’re aiming for a crisp, modern pop vocal or a warm, vintage-style performance. Hear real-world examples and expert advice on troubleshooting common issues and making the most of your recording equipment.

    Whether you’re a seasoned producer or a budding engineer, this episode offers invaluable insights and hands-on advice to help you make informed decisions and capture stunning vocal recordings. Don’t miss out on this essential guide to choosing the right vocal mic path – tune in now to Inside the Recording Studio and elevate your vocal production skills!

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

    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.

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

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

  • The Ultimate Vocal Chains Breakdown: Mic, Pre, EQ, Compressor – Everything You Need to Know!



    Chris and Jody delve into the warm waters of Vocal Chains. Those oft talked about elusive orders of microphone to final product with vocals. What mic, what pre, what eq, what compressor, what order and so on, and so on, and so on. Never fear they’ve come here this week with an example of a lead vocal out of a chorus and discuss the finer points of each stage along the way. Then to make it even better, there are audio examples to hear the changes on each step.

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

    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.

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

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

  • From Average to Amazing: Transform Your Lead Vocal Mixes with These Techniques



    Chris and Jody get down and dirty with tactics for mixing lead vocals. The prep steps that should be taken. The EQ and compression techniques. The FX used. Plus there’s an extra bit end that helps to really blend a vocal into a song.

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

    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.

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

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

  • Autotune Secrets Revealed: Inside Look at the Best Vocal Tuning Software and Plugins



    Vocal Tuning or Not Vocal Tuning – That Is the Question

    Vocal tuning. Instrument correction. The mere mention of it can spark heated debates in studios and online forums alike. Is it cheating? Is it necessary? Or is it simply part of the modern DNA of music production? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody jump headfirst onto the autobahn of decisions and tackle the hot-button issue: to tune or not to tune.

    Why Talk About Tuning?

    Because love it or hate it, tuning is everywhere. From polished pop vocals to subtle guitar intonation fixes, modern music often leans on tuning tools to achieve professional results. Chris and Jody bring an honest, balanced perspective to a subject many avoid, asking: What’s the line between correction and overcorrection?

    Tools of the Trade

    The duo break down what they personally use for tuning and when they decide to apply it. They talk through the major players in the tuning world, from industry giants like Auto-Tune and Melodyne to DAW-native solutions that make quick fixes possible. Along the way, they offer recording setup tips to help avoid problems at the source, so you’re not relying on tuning as a crutch.

    More Than Just Vocals

    While vocals usually grab the spotlight, Chris and Jody expand the conversation to other instruments too. Bass guitars, strings, horns—anything can drift out of tune, and sometimes subtle correction can save an otherwise stellar take.

    Pitfalls and Possibilities

    Of course, there are pitfalls to watch for: unnatural artifacts, “robotic” vocals when they weren’t intended, or even losing the emotional essence of a performance. Chris and Jody dive into how to avoid these traps and how to decide when tuning serves the song—or when it’s better to leave a little imperfection in for character.

    Why You’ll Want to Listen

    This episode isn’t a lecture—it’s a real conversation about a sensitive but vital part of music-making. With humor, honesty, and the occasional bit of nonsense, Chris and Jody give listeners a toolkit for making informed choices about tuning in their own work. By the end, you’ll understand not just how to tune, but when to tune, and why the decision is ultimately about serving the song.

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

    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.

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

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

© 2020-2025 Inside the Recording Studio