• How To Use Music Theory To Become A Better Producer (And Mix Engineer)



    Do You Really Need to Know Music Theory?

    Music theory. Just saying the phrase can spark strong opinions. For some, it’s the foundation of all great songwriting and performance. For others, it’s a straightjacket that limits creativity. So where does the truth lie? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody roll up their sleeves and dive into the sometimes murky, sometimes hilarious debate: should producers, musicians, or mix engineers know music theory?

    They start with the basics: what does “knowing theory” really mean? Is it understanding chord progressions and scales? Recognizing harmonic movement? Or just knowing enough to keep from getting lost in a jam session? From there, they explore how music theory can affect the writing process, the studio workflow, and collaboration between artists and engineers.

    On the pro side, music theory can:

    • Help producers communicate clearly with musicians.
    • Speed up writing sessions by offering ready-made solutions.
    • Provide a framework for mixing decisions, especially when arranging complex tracks.

    On the con side, too much reliance on theory can:

    • Intimidate or frustrate artists who prefer instinct over intellect.
    • Create “paralysis by analysis” where creativity gets stuck in the rules.
    • Cause unnecessary tension between collaborators who speak different musical languages.

    Chris and Jody also weigh in on how much theory knowledge actually matters for a mix engineer. Does understanding harmony help you EQ a vocal or compress a drum bus? Maybe not directly—but knowing the musical context can definitely inform smarter choices in balancing and dynamics.

    And, because this is Inside the Recording Studio, the conversation isn’t just technical—it’s fun. Expect anecdotes, humor, and some nonsense along the way (because even when talking about scales and chords, Chris and Jody keep things lively).

    To wrap it all up, they consider the practical reality: you don’t need to be a music theory professor to make great tracks, but knowing the basics could save you time, reduce friction, and help you get the best out of your home studio gear and collaborations.

    So, should you brush up on circle-of-fifths flashcards? Or just trust your ears and instincts? Hit play and find out where Chris and Jody land on the great music theory debate.

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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

  • The Return Of Side Chaining: What Is The Best Way To Use Side Chain In Your Mix?



    Unlocking the Power of Side Chaining

    Side chaining is one of those techniques that, once you “get it,” completely changes how you approach mixing. It’s subtle, powerful, and sometimes downright magical. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody take a deep dive into the world of side chaining—what it is, how it works, and why it can make your mixes breathe, move, and come alive.

    At its core, side chaining is about control. By using one signal to influence how another reacts, you can create space, movement, and dynamic changes that keep your track interesting. While it’s often thought of in the classic “kick drum ducking the bass” context, Chris and Jody explore a range of creative applications that go far beyond EDM clichés.

    Expect a lively discussion on:

    • The basics: What side chaining is and how it functions inside compressors, gates, and other processors.
    • Mix improvements: How side chaining can clear up muddiness, tighten grooves, and emphasize key elements.
    • Creative uses: Adding rhythmic movement, dynamic effects, and ear-grabbing changes.
    • Methods and workflow tips: How Chris and Jody set up their side chains effectively in both pro studios and home studio gear setups.
    • Pitfalls to avoid: Why overusing side chaining can lead to pumping, distraction, or mix imbalance.

    And, of course, there’s some humor and nonsense along the way—it wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio otherwise. Add in the weekly Friday Finds, and this episode balances technical depth with fun, approachable conversation.

    By the end of the episode, you’ll not only understand side chaining but also feel confident using it to add clarity, excitement, and personality to your mixes. Whether you’re an experienced mixer or just exploring recording setup tipsfor the first time, this episode gives you both the fundamentals and the creative spark to try side chaining in new ways.

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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

  • How To Add Warmth In Your Mixes, From Recording To Post



    How to Add Warmth to Your Mixes

    Every engineer has heard it: “Can you make it sound warmer?” But what does warmth really mean, and how do you actually achieve it in a mix? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive into the inviting pool of warmth in audio production—exploring when you should chase it, when you shouldn’t, and the many ways to bring it into your sound.

    Warmth is one of those elusive qualities: not quite measurable, but instantly recognizable when you hear it. It can mean harmonic richness, smooth mids, softened highs, or the subtle glow that makes a mix feel alive instead of sterile. Chris and Jody break down the different interpretations of warmth and explain why context is key—what works on one track might muddy another.

    They walk through methods for adding warmth, starting with the source:

    • Microphones and how choice, placement, and polar patterns affect tonal character.
    • Plugins and hardware emulations that add analog-style saturation, tape color, or tube harmonics.
    • Using EQ to gently sculpt highs and lows without crushing the natural tone.
    • Workflow tricks (yes, even “mojo”) that bring mixes to life without overcooking.

    But it’s not just about gear—it’s about intention. Chris and Jody highlight how recording setup tips at the tracking stage can reduce the need for heavy-handed fixes later. They also share common pitfalls to avoid, like adding so much warmth that clarity disappears or stacking multiple “warmth plugins” until the mix feels woolly.

    And of course, they sprinkle in humor, anecdotes, and the occasional nonsense while making the technical feel approachable. Plus, don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds, where they highlight tools and ideas that might just add the warmth you’re chasing.

    By the end of the episode, you’ll know not just how to get warmth in your mixes—but also when it’s the right move. Whether you’re working with vintage gear, boutique plugins, or home studio gear, this episode gives you the confidence to add warmth without losing balance.

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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

  • Pro Audio File Management: How to Keep Projects Organized




    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, we explore the often-overlooked but crucial aspect of file management and delivery methods in the world of audio production. Join hosts Chris and Jody as they demystify the process of organizing your audio files and choosing the most effective method to deliver them to clients.

    Discover the essential principles of file organization, including naming conventions, folder structures, and metadata tagging, to ensure your projects remain organized and easily navigable. Learn how to streamline your workflow and prevent the headache of searching for misplaced files by implementing smart file management practices from the outset.

    But that’s just the beginning – we also delve into the various methods of delivering audio files to clients and collaborators. From cloud-based sharing platforms to FTP servers and physical media, we discuss the pros and cons of each delivery method and help you determine which option best suits your project’s needs and your client’s preferences.

    Whether you’re a freelance audio engineer or working in a professional studio environment, mastering the art of file management and delivery is essential for ensuring smooth collaborations and client satisfaction. Tune in now to Inside the Recording Studio and gain valuable insights into optimizing your file management workflow and delivering audio files with confidence!

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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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