• The Return Of Side Chaining: What Is The Best Way To Use Side Chain In Your Mix?



    Unlocking the Power of Side Chaining

    Side chaining is one of those techniques that, once you “get it,” completely changes how you approach mixing. It’s subtle, powerful, and sometimes downright magical. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody take a deep dive into the world of side chaining—what it is, how it works, and why it can make your mixes breathe, move, and come alive.

    At its core, side chaining is about control. By using one signal to influence how another reacts, you can create space, movement, and dynamic changes that keep your track interesting. While it’s often thought of in the classic “kick drum ducking the bass” context, Chris and Jody explore a range of creative applications that go far beyond EDM clichés.

    Expect a lively discussion on:

    • The basics: What side chaining is and how it functions inside compressors, gates, and other processors.
    • Mix improvements: How side chaining can clear up muddiness, tighten grooves, and emphasize key elements.
    • Creative uses: Adding rhythmic movement, dynamic effects, and ear-grabbing changes.
    • Methods and workflow tips: How Chris and Jody set up their side chains effectively in both pro studios and home studio gear setups.
    • Pitfalls to avoid: Why overusing side chaining can lead to pumping, distraction, or mix imbalance.

    And, of course, there’s some humor and nonsense along the way—it wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio otherwise. Add in the weekly Friday Finds, and this episode balances technical depth with fun, approachable conversation.

    By the end of the episode, you’ll not only understand side chaining but also feel confident using it to add clarity, excitement, and personality to your mixes. Whether you’re an experienced mixer or just exploring recording setup tipsfor the first time, this episode gives you both the fundamentals and the creative spark to try side chaining in new ways.

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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

  • How To Add Warmth In Your Mixes, From Recording To Post



    How to Add Warmth to Your Mixes

    Every engineer has heard it: “Can you make it sound warmer?” But what does warmth really mean, and how do you actually achieve it in a mix? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive into the inviting pool of warmth in audio production—exploring when you should chase it, when you shouldn’t, and the many ways to bring it into your sound.

    Warmth is one of those elusive qualities: not quite measurable, but instantly recognizable when you hear it. It can mean harmonic richness, smooth mids, softened highs, or the subtle glow that makes a mix feel alive instead of sterile. Chris and Jody break down the different interpretations of warmth and explain why context is key—what works on one track might muddy another.

    They walk through methods for adding warmth, starting with the source:

    • Microphones and how choice, placement, and polar patterns affect tonal character.
    • Plugins and hardware emulations that add analog-style saturation, tape color, or tube harmonics.
    • Using EQ to gently sculpt highs and lows without crushing the natural tone.
    • Workflow tricks (yes, even “mojo”) that bring mixes to life without overcooking.

    But it’s not just about gear—it’s about intention. Chris and Jody highlight how recording setup tips at the tracking stage can reduce the need for heavy-handed fixes later. They also share common pitfalls to avoid, like adding so much warmth that clarity disappears or stacking multiple “warmth plugins” until the mix feels woolly.

    And of course, they sprinkle in humor, anecdotes, and the occasional nonsense while making the technical feel approachable. Plus, don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds, where they highlight tools and ideas that might just add the warmth you’re chasing.

    By the end of the episode, you’ll know not just how to get warmth in your mixes—but also when it’s the right move. Whether you’re working with vintage gear, boutique plugins, or home studio gear, this episode gives you the confidence to add warmth without losing balance.

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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

  • Mid-Side EQ: A Step-by-Step Tutorial of the Important Stuff



    Demystifying Mid-Side EQ

    EQ is one of the most powerful tools in a mix engineer’s arsenal, but once you step into the world of Mid-Side EQ, things can feel a little murky. Is it voodoo? Is it magic? Or just another way to shape sound? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody break down the history, mechanics, and real-world applications of Mid-Side EQ—making it approachable, useful, and maybe even fun.

    First, they trace where the concept stems from—born in the analog world but finding new relevance in today’s digital production landscape. With modern DAWs, Mid-Side EQ has become easier to apply than ever before, but it also introduces unique opportunities—and pitfalls—for shaping your stereo image.

    Chris and Jody explain the nuts and bolts of how Mid-Side EQ works in stereo:

    • What the “mid” and “side” signals actually are.
    • How separating them allows you to process the center of your mix differently from the edges.
    • Why this technique can unlock new clarity, width, and control.

    Then comes the fun part: why you might want to use Mid-Side EQ. From carving space for vocals in a busy mix to adding width to guitars or cleaning up muddy low end, the technique offers powerful results when used intentionally. But like all tools, it has its risks. Chris and Jody also caution against common mistakes, like over-processing the stereo field or creating phase issues that can collapse your mix.

    And because gear talk is inevitable, the duo shares some of their favorite plugins for Mid-Side EQ, giving listeners practical recommendations they can put to work in their own sessions—whether they’re using high-end pro audio gear or experimenting with home studio gear setups.

    Of course, it wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio without the usual banter, humor, and the occasional nonsense sprinkled in to keep things lively. Add in the weekly Friday Finds, and this episode offers both technical insight and entertainment value in equal measure.

    By the end, you’ll not only understand what Mid-Side EQ is and how it works, but you’ll also know how to wield it confidently without wrecking your stereo image.

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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.

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

    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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