• What Is Phase Cancellation? How It Affects Your Mix and How to Fix It



    Phase Cancellation: What It Is and Why Your Mix Might Hate You

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive into one of the most subtle yet mix-killing topics in audio engineering: phase cancellation.

    Whether you’re miking a guitar cab, tracking drums with multiple microphones, or layering synths, phase issues can sneak in and hollow out your sound — even when your levels and EQ look just right. Chris and Jody break down what phase cancellation is, how it happens, and what it actually sounds like when it’s ruining your tone.

    They’ll walk you through the science behind waveforms clashing, show you how to recognize phase problems in your DAW or monitoring environment, and most importantly — how to fix or avoid them with smart mic placement, polarity tools, and good ol’ fashioned listening skills.

    You’ll come away with real-world recording setup tips and insights into how phase impacts not just instruments but entire mixes. And yes — expect a bit of Chris & Jody humor and some light nonsense along the way.

    This one’s a must-listen if your tracks sound thinner than expected or your snare suddenly vanishes when you solo the overheads.

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

    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

  • Tuesday Tip: Dialing In Amp Sim Guitar Tones


    In this quick video, Chris shows how he dials in guitar tones quicker by starting with an appropriate Impulse Response.

    Shoutout to: Plugin-Alliance

  • Recording Setup Tips: Clarifying Roles For Better Workflow



    Producer vs. Mix Engineer: Who Does What (and Why It Matters)

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody take on a listener-submitted topic and unpack one of the most commonly misunderstood distinctions in music production: the difference between a Producer and a Mix Engineer.

    What do these roles actually mean? Are they interchangeable? And what happens when they blur — or clash — in a session?

    Chris and Jody trace the traditional “old-school” definitions of both roles, and explore how the responsibilities have shifted (or expanded) in today’s modern, often home-based, recording setups. Whether you’re working with an entire team or wearing multiple hats yourself, understanding these distinctions can sharpen your workflow, improve your collaborations, and make your final product more cohesive.

    You’ll also hear some classic studio anecdotes and personal insights into how Chris and Jody approach these roles in their own work — all with their signature wit, wisdom, and a dash of nonsense.

    Plus: this week’s Friday Finds are packed with practical picks for producers and mixers alike. And yes, the Gold Star word is in there too — are you listening closely?

    Shoutout to: James Clear

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

    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

  • Tuesday Tip: Setting a Good Gain Stage Value


    In this Tuesday Tip we discuss the importance of a reasonable gain value for your mutli-tracks in a tracking session. Why do we suggest this gain value and how it will benefit your mixes and your music.

© 2020-2025 Inside the Recording Studio