• Loops: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly



    Loops: Lazy Shortcut or Secret Weapon? You Decide.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody unravel the loop-shaped mystery behind one of music production’s most debated tools: loops. Whether it’s a killer drum groove, chopped vocals, or a moody synth riff, loops have found their way into every corner of modern music—and this episode explains why that’s not a bad thing.

    Is using loops cheating? Spoiler: It’s not that simple. Chris & Jody share production tips, creative strategies, and a bit of loop history to help you better understand how to use loops ethically, legally, and effectively. You’ll hear real-world examples, insider tricks, and even some copyright pitfalls to avoid if you’re slicing, dicing, or sampling your way to a hook.

    From beginner beatmakers to seasoned engineers, anyone working with home studio gear or navigating recording setup tips will come away with a deeper appreciation of how loops can elevate—or sink—a production.

    Also, don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds, the elusive Gold Star Word, and a dose of loop-induced nonsense that only Chris & Jody could deliver.

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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

  • Tuesday Tip: Using ‘Dream Strips’ in Slate Digital’s ‘Virtual Mix Rack’


    In this short video, Chris shows you how to create ‘Dreams Strips’ in the Virtual Mix Rack from Slate Digital. A quick way access strips that get heavy use.

    Note: There is a maximum of 8 Dream Strip slots available, so you may have to delete some to make space for yours. You do this by simply clicking the star in the preset menu of the Dream Strip you want to remove.

  • Top 5 Must Have Plugins For Writing, Tracking & Balance



    Stranded on a Desert Island… With a DAW? These Are the Plugins We’d Bring

    What if you could only choose five plugins for the rest of your music-making life? In this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody unpack their top 5 desert island plugins—the essential tools they swear by for writing, recording, and mixing, even if marooned in a remote, coconut-shelled control room.

    From amp sims to synths, channel strips to creative FX, they reveal which plugins make the cut and why. Expect heated debates, a few self-imposed rule bends, and some good ol’ fashioned plugin lust. Whether you’re building your own minimalist toolkit or just love a good showdown of gear opinions, this episode offers tons of recording setup tips and hard-earned wisdom.

    You’ll also catch the latest Friday Finds, and—as always—a healthy dose of lighthearted banter and probably some nonsense. Because if you’re stuck on a desert island with just a laptop and headphones, you might as well laugh while you’re EQing.

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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

  • Getting Started In The Recording World


    Keep things simple with getting started in the recording world. A laptop and an audio interface are two essential parts that you would need. You don’t need the latest and greatest laptop. You don’t need the latest audio interface. These two items along with a pair of headphones are what you need to get started.

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