• Do Different DAWs Sound Different? The Truth Revealed



    Which DAW Should You Use? The Truth Behind the Interface

    In the eternal question of digital audio workstations (DAWs), Chris & Jody dive into the debate every producer, engineer, and home studio wizard has faced: Does it really matter which DAW you use?

    Spoiler alert: it’s less about the name on the software and more about how you interact with it.

    This episode explores the essential elements of a recording setup—from how your workflow responds to different GUIs and platform preferences, to whether there’s actually a sonic difference between DAWs (yes, we’re going there). Chris & Jody unpack how to choose a DAW that matches your goals—not your friend’s, not your bandmate’s, not some guy on Reddit.

    Expect insight, nuance, and yes, a dash of the usual nonsense. Whether you’re Team Logic, Pro Tools loyalist, Studio One convert, or Reaper renegade—this one’s for you.

    Plus: Friday Finds and gear tips to sharpen your setup.
    Tune in and get a clearer view on your DAW decision.

    Make sure you enter our giveaway thanks to the wonderful people at Fishman.

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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

  • Creating Giant Background Vocal Productions


    In this Tuesday Tip, Jody walks you thru an example of a song with 18 tracks of background vocals. How he’s grouped them. How he’s panned them. How he bussed them. What processing he’s used to make them sit in the mix. All in a name of getting the background vocals to provide a big plate of support for the lead vocals.

  • 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

  • Tuesday Tip: Pay Attention to Your Sample Rate


    In this video, Chris shows why it’s important to make sure you pay attention to your sample rate in your projects, and what happens if you don’t. Whether you’re importing loops, getting files from for a client, or laying down tracks for a producer, make sure you communicate and know which sample rate to use.

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