A quick tip showing how I combine the Roland V-Drums with Live Cymbals when artists want a different type of sound control on a live performance. Witness how I combine the audio of live overhead mics for cymbals and hi hats with the midi performance from the Roland V-Drum kit. Then export the audio from the midi capture to create the audio for the shells of the kit.
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Side-Chaining: What It Is and How To Use Side-Chaining In Your Mixes
The Power of Side-Chaining: How to Control Dynamics Like a Pro
In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody dive headfirst into the world of side-chaining—one of the most powerful (and often misunderstood) tools in music production. Whether you’re ducking a bass under a kick or carving space in a dense vocal mix, understanding how to properly use side-chaining can transform your tracks from cluttered to crystal clear.
Chris & Jody break down what side-chaining actually is, walk you through how to set it up in your DAW, and even show you how to use it on the MPC Live hardware. Expect practical tips, creative techniques, and their signature banter as they explore multiple side-chaining methods and reveal common mistakes to avoid.
If you’re ready to tighten your low-end, add groove to your synths, or just learn why everyone keeps talking about compression, this episode will give you the tools and know-how to make side-chaining work for you.
Oh, and don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds—you just might discover your next studio obsession. And yes, a bit of nonsense is included at no extra charge.******************************
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 -
Tuesday Tip: The Importance of Good File Management
In this video, Jody gives a couple of examples of why good file management, as well as the printing of virtual instruments before mixing, should always be a part of your workflow.
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Recording Advice: Why No Rules Is Bad Advice
Why “There Are No Rules in Recording” Might Be Hurting You
This week, Chris & Jody tackle one of the most overused phrases in music production: “There are no rules—just use your ears!” Sound familiar? While the sentiment may seem freeing, it can be confusing—or downright harmful—for beginners trying to improve their recording skills.
In classic Inside the Recording Studio style, Chris & Jody dissect why this advice misses the mark, especially for those who actually want to learn the craft, not just “wing it.” They’ll share real-world examples of when rules do matter—like gain staging, monitoring, and audio interface troubleshooting—and how understanding foundational principles can actually make your creativity more powerful.
Expect thoughtful insights, a few contrarian hot takes, and as always… a side order of well-seasoned nonsense.
Whether you’re a newcomer lost in forums or a DIY producer trying to level up, this episode will help you understand when to trust your ears—and when to know better.
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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