Chris and Jody decide it’s time to think about mono compatibility. With so many smart speakers on the market these days, it’s a wise choice to start thinking about how a mix will translate on them. What are the reasons for mono compatibility? How to check for mono compatibility? What are some of the pitfalls that can ruin mono compatibility? All this and more this time around. It’s also not unlikely that there will be some nonsense discussed.
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Time Management For A Better Studio Schedule, To Help You Be More Productive.
Mastering Time Management and Studio Scheduling
In the world of recording, time isn’t just money—it’s creativity, productivity, and sanity rolled into one. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody pull into the station on a listener request to tackle one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of running a studio: time management and scheduling.
When you’re juggling recording, mixing, mastering, and all the behind-the-scenes prep work, it’s easy to swing to extremes. One week you’re drowning in deadlines, the next you’re scrambling for projects. Chris and Jody share strategies for building a studio schedule that keeps you busy but not burned out, flexible but not fragile.
Staying Balanced
The duo dig into how to set realistic booking schedules, block out creative time, and avoid the trap of overscheduling. They also cover why being under-booked can hurt more than your wallet—it can lead to stress, rushed decisions, and underpricing your work.
Tracking Your Time
Chris and Jody highlight the importance of tracking how long tasks actually take. From setting up mics to bouncing final mixes, understanding your true time investment gives you two big wins:
- Better scheduling accuracy—so you can say “yes” or “no” with confidence.
- Smarter pricing—knowing what your time is worth so you can charge appropriately.
They even share hints on using calendars, timers, and digital tools to simplify this process. And yes, they sprinkle in recording setup tips and workflow hacks that save precious hours in the studio.
The Studio Life Reality Check
It’s not just about fitting in clients—it’s about fitting in your life. Chris and Jody remind us that time management also means carving out space for rest, family, and yes, even nonsense. Because no matter how efficient your home studio gearsetup is, burnout kills creativity.
And since this is Inside the Recording Studio, expect laughs, tangents, and a few ridiculous asides to keep it all from feeling like a lecture.
By the end of the episode, you’ll know how to:
- Build a balanced schedule that supports creativity.
- Track and value your time effectively.
- Avoid common time-wasting pitfalls.
- Approach scheduling as part of your overall professional growth.
If you’ve ever wondered how to manage your hours without losing your mind—or your inspiration—this episode is a must-listen.
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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
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Strymon BigSky Reverb Plugin. Why You Need To Know About This Amazing Plugin
First Look at the Strymon BigSky Reverb Plugin
For years, the Strymon BigSky pedal has been one of the most beloved tools for guitarists, producers, and sound designers alike. Its lush reverbs, expansive atmospheres, and tweakable textures have made it a studio staple. But now, Strymon has taken a bold step into the world of software with its very first plugin release: the BigSky Reverb Plugin. And Chris and Jody are here to put it through its paces.
In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody give an early bird worm look at the plugin and explore how BigSky translates from pedalboard favorite to DAW powerhouse. They don’t just skim the surface—they dive deep into all of the reverb playgrounds this plugin offers, from classic halls and plates to the more experimental shimmer and cloud algorithms.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
- A breakdown of the plugin’s interface and workflow, and how it integrates with your DAW and home studio gear.
- An in-depth tour of BigSky’s 12 reverb playgrounds, with extra focus on standout modes that make it unique.
- Practical recording setup tips on where and how to use BigSky in your mixes—vocals, guitars, synths, and beyond.
- For the first time ever on Inside the Recording Studio: audio examples, so you can actually hear BigSky in action as Chris and Jody test it out.
- Honest impressions of how the plugin stacks up against the legendary hardware version.
Of course, it wouldn’t be an episode without a little nonsense, humor, and tangents along the way. But at the core, this one’s about helping you decide: is the BigSky plugin worth adding to your sonic arsenal?
By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clear sense of what makes Strymon’s BigSky plugin different, how it can expand your creative palette, and whether it deserves a spot in your DAW toolkit. For anyone who loves reverb—or just loves hearing Chris and Jody geek out about gear—this episode is a must-listen.
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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
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