• Reference Tracks: What You Need to Know for a Professional Mix



    Reference Tracks – Friend or Foe?

    Every producer, mix engineer, and musician has heard about them—reference tracks. But are they the magic bullet for better mixes, or just another rabbit hole of second-guessing? In the first episode of 2023, Chris and Jody dive into the world of reference tracks, unpacking why they matter, how to use them effectively, and the pitfalls you’ll want to avoid.

    At their core, reference tracks are simply professionally mixed and mastered songs that you compare your own work against. They’re a tool to help gauge tonal balance, loudness, dynamics, and overall vibe. But, as Chris and Jody point out, like any tool, they’re only as useful as the way you apply them.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode

    • What reference tracks are and how they can shape your workflow.
    • Why Chris and Jody do (or don’t) use them in their own mixing processes.
    • The point of reference tracks: when they help you calibrate your ears and when they can distract you.
    • Pitfalls to avoid, like obsessing over matching a mix too literally, or choosing the wrong references for your style.
    • Where reference tracks fit into the bigger picture of mixing and mastering—without derailing creativity.

    Balancing Workflow and Creativity

    Chris and Jody stress that while reference tracks can keep your ears honest, they shouldn’t become a crutch. For example, comparing a home recording done on home studio gear to a million-dollar studio production requires context. Instead, the key is knowing when to listen critically and when to trust your instincts.

    They also share a few recording setup tips that help make referencing smoother: setting up quick A/B comparisons in your DAW, keeping volume levels consistent, and using spectrum analyzers or meters to double-check what your ears are telling you.

    A Few Laughs Along the Way

    Of course, this wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio without Chris and Jody injecting some humor. Expect some playful back-and-forth as they poke fun at their own habits and joke about the fine line between using references wisely and chasing your tail with endless comparisons.

    By the end of the episode, you’ll walk away knowing not just how to use reference tracks, but how to avoid the common mistakes that can lead to frustration. Whether you’re mixing your first demo or polishing a record for release, this episode gives you the perspective to use references as a tool, not a trap.

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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

  • ,

    2022 Year-End Review: Goal Setting for Producers and Engineers



    Year-End Review of 2022 and Setting Goals for the Future

    The end of a year always brings reflection, and in the world of recording, that means lessons learned, habits changed, and goals set for what’s next. In this special wrap-up episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody take a thoughtful (and sometimes hilarious) look back at 2022—talking about the things they’ve learned, the adjustments they’ve made, and the directions they see the studio world heading in.

    From gear choices to workflow refinements, Chris and Jody unpack the small changes that made a big difference in their own approaches. They discuss the importance of adapting in an industry that’s always moving forward, and how new tools, techniques, and perspectives reshaped their workflows over the past year.

    But this isn’t just a look back—it’s also a look ahead. The conversation naturally shifts toward goal setting for the future, whether it’s learning new plugins, upgrading home studio gear, diving deeper into recording setup tips, or just remembering to clean music gear once in a while. Chris and Jody frame their goals in a way that’s not only relatable but also actionable for listeners who want to set themselves up for success in the year ahead.

    Highlights include:

    • What Chris and Jody learned in 2022 about workflow, creativity, and client management.
    • Changes they made in their own studios that saved time and improved results.
    • Predictions for the future, from trends in gear to the evolving role of producers and engineers.
    • The importance of setting clear, realistic goals to keep improving both technically and creatively.
    • Personal anecdotes, light-hearted banter, and a bit of nonsense to keep it fun.

    Whether you’re an engineer, producer, or musician, this episode is the perfect way to close out your own year. You’ll come away with inspiration to reflect on your journey, practical ideas to improve your setup, and motivation to step into the new year ready to level up your sound.

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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

  • ,

    Mixing Secret Revealed: Learn How To Master Parallel Compression



    Parallel Compression Explained

    As 2022 winds down, Chris and Jody take a side street and head down the alley of one of mixing’s most trusted (and sometimes misunderstood) techniques: parallel compression. Whether you call it New York compression, “upward compression,” or just “squash and blend,” this method can add punch, depth, and presence to a mix—without flattening dynamics into oblivion.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive into the what, why, and how of parallel compression. They explain not only the mechanics but also the artistic reasoning behind using it.

    What You’ll Learn

    • How to do parallel compression step by step, whether you’re working with outboard gear, console routing, or in-the-box plugins.
    • The methods that can achieve it, from aux sends and buses to dedicated parallel processors.
    • Why you’d want to use it: bringing drums forward, adding vocal energy, or thickening bass without losing transient snap.
    • Pitfalls to watch out for, like phase issues, over-compression, or muddying the mix.
    • Which compressors Chris and Jody reach for most often when they’re doing parallel work.

    Why It Matters

    Parallel compression isn’t just a flashy trick—it’s a powerful way to add energy and life to a mix while keeping dynamics intact. Chris and Jody share real-world examples of when and how they use it, plus workflow hacks and recording setup tips to make the process smoother. Whether you’re running classic outboard units or building chains from home studio gear, you’ll walk away with new ideas to elevate your mixes.

    Expect the Unexpected

    Of course, this wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio without some humor and nonsense. Along the way, Chris and Jody poke fun at their own habits, swap stories from sessions gone right (and wrong), and remind us that at the end of the day, it’s all about making music that moves people.

    By the end of the episode, you’ll not only understand parallel compression—you’ll know how to wield it like a pro.

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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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