• The Secret To Giant Background Vocals In Pop, Rock & More



    The Art of Big, Bold Background Vocals

    What do Queen, Bon Jovi, and your next killer mix have in common? Background vocals that are bigger than life.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody take a deep dive into the lush world of giant background vocal production—from soaring stacks to rhythmic gang vocals. They explore what types of BGVs work across genres, how to craft blends that elevate a chorus, and why some producers obsess over timing, others pitch, and some… both.

    You’ll get real-world production tips, including how to treat massive vocal stacks, when to go mono vs stereo, what effects bring vocals to life, and which common mistakes can turn a “wall of sound” into “mud on toast.” They’ll name-check iconic BGV-heavy producers and bands who mastered the technique—plus share their own strategies for keeping chaos organized in a dense mix.

    Whether you’re recording in a bedroom studio or a world-class vocal booth, you’ll come away with actionable recording setup tips, and a better understanding of how to get those background vocals to sparkle, punch, or explode—whatever your track needs.

    Don’t miss their Friday Finds, the Gold Star word, and of course, a healthy dose of nonsense.

    Shoutout: T-Ride, Eric Valentine, Steve Ouimette, Steve Lukather, Mutt Lange, Roy Thomas Baker, Queen

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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

  • Vocal Reverb Pre Delay


    Vocals, vocals, vocals. We mixing engineers always want to make sure we’re getting the proper space for a vocal. In this Tuesday Tip, Jody explains the use of Pre Delay on a lead vocal for a alternative rock song. What to listen for and why he chose what he did for the mix in this tip.

    Shoutout: Universal Audio Lexicon 224.

  • 2 Minute Tuesday Tip: Cleaning Up Vocal Files


    In this video, Chris walks you through how he starts his workflow of cleaning up vocal tracks, prior to mixing. His process involves destructive editing, so make sure you back up your files before you try this technique.

  • Discover the Secrets to Epic Vocal Tracks! Get Excited About Cleaning Up Your Sound!



    Chris and Jody, your audio architects, guide you through a transformative episode unraveling the intricate process of cleaning up vocal tracks before they hit the mix engineer’s desk.

    Vocal Elegance: Navigating Cleanup Essentials

    Embark on this sonic journey as we delve into the crucial steps of preparing pristine vocal tracks for the mix engineer. From subtle edits to comprehensive cleanup, we explore the essentials that ensure your vocals shine in the mix. Discover the art of creating a polished canvas for the mixing stage.

    Plugin Panorama: Tools for Vocal Perfection

    Dive into the diverse world of plugins designed to elevate your vocal cleanup game. We’ll discuss the specific tools, from noise reduction to surgical EQs and de-essers, that can address common issues and enhance the overall quality of your vocal recordings. Uncover the secrets of achieving professional-grade vocal cleanliness.

    ️ Editing Elegance: Techniques for Seamless Cleanup

    Explore the nuanced techniques employed in editing vocals for optimal cleanup. From surgical edits to timing adjustments, we’ll share insights into crafting a flawless vocal performance. Learn how to navigate the editing process, ensuring that your vocals are not only clean but also dynamic and expressive.

    Vocal Hygiene: Addressing Common Issues

    Delve into the common issues that plague vocal recordings and how to address them effectively. We’ll share practical tips for eliminating unwanted noise, managing breaths, and maintaining consistency across vocal takes.

    Preparing for the Mix Engineer: Seamless Collaboration

    Gain insights into the best practices for preparing your vocal tracks for the mix engineer. From organizing your session to providing clear documentation of your editing choices, we’ll guide you through the steps that foster a smooth collaboration between the recording and mixing stages.

    And, as always, be prepared 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 share the secrets of cleaning up vocal tracks, equipping you with the knowledge and techniques to present your vocals in their best light to the mix engineer.

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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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