• Drum Programming vs Live Drums: How to Know When to Use Which?



    Drum Programming vs Live Drums

    Few topics in music production inspire more debate than drum programming versus live drums. On this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody unpack the pros, cons, myths, and must-knows of both approaches.

    Drums are the backbone of most songs—so how you capture them can make or break a track. Should you reach for a drum kit and microphones, or open up your favorite drum plugin? Chris and Jody dive into when live drums are ideal—from rock and jazz to genres where feel and nuance matter most—and when programmed drums shine in styles like pop, EDM, and hip-hop.

    They share recording setup tips for getting the most out of live drums, from room considerations to mic placement pitfalls. On the programming side, they reveal what to watch out for—like robotic timing, unrealistic velocity layers, and sounds that don’t match the vibe of the track.

    But it’s not always one-or-the-other. Chris and Jody discuss the growing trend of hybrid drumming: enhancing live kits with programmed elements or layering samples to add punch and clarity. Think real drummer feel + machine consistency.

    Expect candid takes, a few workflow hacks, and of course, this week’s Friday Finds—because who doesn’t like discovering cool new tools and ideas for the studio? And yes, a little nonsense sneaks in too—it’s how they roll.

    Whether you’re deep into home studio gear, troubleshooting your audio interface, or just wondering why your drum track sounds flat, this episode gives you a clearer path. You’ll come away knowing when to program, when to mic up, and how to blend the two for a modern, professional sound.

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

    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

  • Layering Instruments: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly



    Layering Similar Instruments — Smart or Sonic Overload?

    Layering is one of those techniques that can make a mix feel massive… or make it fall apart in a messy pile of frequencies. In this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody tackle the age-old question: when does layering similar instruments enhance your track, and when does it sabotage it?

    We’ve all been tempted—stacking multiple guitars for thickness, doubling synths for shimmer, or adding vocal takes until the hard drive cries uncle. But does it always help? Chris and Jody walk you through the pros and cons of layering guitars, synths, bass, drums, and vocals, with practical recording setup tips for each.

    You’ll discover:

    • Why layering guitars can add depth and stereo spread… but also create mud if not EQ’d carefully.
    • When synth layering works wonders for texture, and when it just sounds like two presets fighting.
    • The trap of doubling bass lines and why it often creates more confusion than clarity.
    • Drum layering secrets that can give punch to snares or kicks—if you avoid phase problems.
    • Vocals stacked for harmony vs. clutter, and how to know when enough is enough.

    Throughout the episode, Chris and Jody highlight both workflow wins and sonic risks, giving you a balanced look at this common production choice. They sprinkle in some humor (because why not?), and as always, wrap it up with their Friday Finds—fresh tools, tricks, or tracks worth checking out.

    Whether you’re a home studio gear enthusiast or a pro with years behind the console, you’ll walk away with a sharper ear for layering decisions. Learn how to spot the difference between intentional fullness and unintentional chaos, so your next production feels big, clear, and compelling.

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

    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

  • How To Use Your DAW Like A Console: 3 Pro Bits for Channel Strips vs Individual Plugins



    In the world of recording and mixing, few debates are as enduring—or as workflow-defining—as the choice between channel strips and individual plugins. On this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody roll up their sleeves and dive straight into the signal path to unpack what makes these two approaches so different.

    If you’ve ever wondered why some engineers swear by all-in-one channel strips while others stack plugins like a buffet plate, this episode is your roadmap.

    A channel strip is like having a miniature console channel living inside your DAW: EQ, compression, gating, and sometimes saturation all bundled together. Chris and Jody break down exactly what components are included, why they’re modeled after the legendary consoles that defined decades of records, and how modern digital developers—from Waves and Universal Audio to Brainworx and Plugin Alliance—have reimagined them for today’s producers.

    On the other side of the fader are individual plugins—the modular approach where you cherry-pick a specific EQ, compressor, or limiter to build your own custom chain. The flexibility is undeniable, but so are the rabbit holes of option paralysis. Which EQ plugin works best with which compressor? How many tape saturators does one session really need? Chris and Jody debate the pros and cons with equal parts technical wisdom and a splash of studio humor.

    Expect a conversation that blends workflow hacks, recording setup tips, and candid opinions. You’ll learn why a channel strip can be a lifesaver in the heat of tracking, where individual plugins shine for precision and experimentation, and how to strike the right balance in your own projects. Plus, the guys share thoughts on whether treating your DAW like a console can actually speed up your mixing, or if it just locks you into habits you might not need.

    And of course—it wouldn’t be an Inside the Recording Studio episode without some playful banter and this week’s Friday Finds.

    Whether you’re a home studio gear enthusiast or a seasoned pro, this episode will give you a sharper perspective on how to streamline your signal chain and make your mix decisions with more confidence.

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

    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

  • HOW TO FIX A MUDDY MIX: 5 Favorite Ways To Reduce The Mud



    Every producer has faced it—the dreaded muddy mix. The low end is messy, the mids are cluttered, and no matter how you tweak, it never sounds quite right. In this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody break down proven strategies to remove mud from mixes and bring clarity back to your sound.

    They begin with the often-overlooked foundation: arrangement. If too many instruments are fighting for the same space, no plugin will fix it. Chris & Jody share ways to think critically about instrumentation, layering, and voicing to set up your mix for success.

    From there, it’s all about dynamics. Over-compressed tracks can kill separation and exaggerate low-mid clutter. You’ll hear recording setup tips for using compression wisely to tighten, not smother, your sound.

    Of course, EQ is central to cleaning up mud. Chris & Jody highlight frequency ranges to watch out for, carving techniques to make room for each instrument, and how high-pass filters can be your best friend. They also dive into specialized tools—like dynamic EQs and multiband processors—that go beyond the basics to tame problem areas.

    They round out the discussion with a look at software that can identify and reduce muddiness automatically, while reminding listeners why ears matter more than meters. Along the way, expect candid stories, humor, and a dose of nonsense.

    And yes, the episode wraps up with their Friday Finds—this time spotlighting gear, plugins, or resources you’ll want to add to your own arsenal.

    Whether you’re mixing on home studio gear or in a professional facility, these insights will help you achieve clarity, separation, and impact in your tracks.

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

    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