Inside The Recording Studio - Unlock remarkable tips and tricks for improved recordings in your studio. Unusually great for beginners and professionals.

January 14, 2022

General, Workflow

Control Surfaces: What They Are And Why You Need To Be Aware Of Them

Control surfaces: lifesaving workflow boosters or just overpriced desk ornaments? Chris & Jody take a no-nonsense, slightly cheeky look at the world of control surfaces in music production in this week’s Inside the Recording Studio.

They’ll give you the lowdown on where these things came from (spoiler: some of them are older than your favorite plug-in), the types available, and the times they’ve actually found them useful. You’ll hear about single-fader toys that feel like glorified volume knobs all the way to massive boards that look like you’re piloting a spaceship.

But are they worth the cash? Chris & Jody argue both sides—pointing out the real workflow benefits, but also calling out when a mouse and keyboard might do the job just as well. And yes, they’ll name names on a few favorites they’d actually recommend.

Add in the usual dose of nonsense, laughs, and this week’s Friday Finds, and you’ve got an episode that makes even knobs and faders sound exciting. If you’ve ever been tempted by slick marketing videos for control surfaces—or wondered why your buddy’s studio looks like mission control—this one’s for you.

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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
January 11, 2022

Guitars, Tuesday Tips

Tuesday Tip: Adding Life to D.I. Guitar Tracks

In this video, Chris shares some tips on how to use reverb to add some life into dry guitar tracks. Including what type of reverb, decay time as well as EQ-ing the reverb return.
January 7, 2022

Guitars

The Complete Guide to Stringing a Guitar: Gauge, Intonation, Height, and Care

A new year is the perfect time to refresh your sound, and nothing changes your guitar’s feel and tone more directly than new strings. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody kick off the year with a deep dive into the world of guitar strings and recording—from gauges to tone to string care, and everything in between.

They start with the basics: how string gauge impacts playability and sound. Heavier gauges may give you a beefier tone and tighter intonation, but they demand more from your fingers. Lighter gauges make bends easier but can sacrifice stability. Which is right for you? Chris & Jody break it down, not only for live playing but also for how it translates into recorded tracks.

Next, they explore string types—nickel, steel, coated varieties—and how subtle material differences can change your tone and feel. They discuss how string height, intonation, and setup all interact, and why neglecting these elements can derail an otherwise great session. Along the way, you’ll get practical recording setup tips, plus reminders about hidden features in studio gear that can help bring out the best in your guitar sound.

And it’s not just about performance—care matters too. They share tips on basic string maintenance, cleaning routines, and when it’s time to ditch that dead-sounding set. All of it is delivered with their signature mix of expertise, humor, and yes, some nonsense.

As always, the episode wraps with Friday Finds, highlighting tools, resources, or freebies that can improve your workflow and creative spark.

If you’ve ever wondered how much your choice of strings really matters—or you’re just ready to start the year with better tone and playability—this episode will set you on the right path. Whether you’re jamming at home with home studio gear or dialing in pro tones in a commercial setup, this conversation gives you the knowledge and confidence to choose wisely.

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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