• Gear Myths? We’re Not Having It.




    Recording Myths Busted: Separating Fact from Studio Fiction

    Do you really need expensive gear to make a great record? Is using the highest sample rate always the best idea? What about amps, EQs, and every other rabbit hole the internet loves to obsess over?

    In this myth-busting episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody throw shade (and a few laughs) at the most persistent recording setup whataboutisms. From gear snobbery to digital overkill, they break down what actually matters in your home studio gear setup—and what’s just smoke and mirrors.

    Along the way, they’ll name-check heavy hitters like CJ Vanston, Jeff Scott Soto, Eric Valentine, Dave Pensado, and yes, even Sir George Martin. Whether you’re debating converters with your inner engineer or wondering if a boutique EQ is really worth your rent money, this episode offers practical, honest advice with a healthy dose of perspective.

    You’ll also hear about this week’s Friday Finds, and as always… a little bit of nonsense.

    If you’re chasing better recordings, not just bigger myths—press play.

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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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    Creating Giant Background Vocal Productions


    In this Tuesday Tip, Jody walks you thru an example of a song with 18 tracks of background vocals. How he’s grouped them. How he’s panned them. How he bussed them. What processing he’s used to make them sit in the mix. All in a name of getting the background vocals to provide a big plate of support for the lead vocals.

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    The Secret To Giant Background Vocals In Pop, Rock & More



    The Art of Big, Bold Background Vocals

    What do Queen, Bon Jovi, and your next killer mix have in common? Background vocals that are bigger than life.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody take a deep dive into the lush world of giant background vocal production—from soaring stacks to rhythmic gang vocals. They explore what types of BGVs work across genres, how to craft blends that elevate a chorus, and why some producers obsess over timing, others pitch, and some… both.

    You’ll get real-world production tips, including how to treat massive vocal stacks, when to go mono vs stereo, what effects bring vocals to life, and which common mistakes can turn a “wall of sound” into “mud on toast.” They’ll name-check iconic BGV-heavy producers and bands who mastered the technique—plus share their own strategies for keeping chaos organized in a dense mix.

    Whether you’re recording in a bedroom studio or a world-class vocal booth, you’ll come away with actionable recording setup tips, and a better understanding of how to get those background vocals to sparkle, punch, or explode—whatever your track needs.

    Don’t miss their Friday Finds, the Gold Star word, and of course, a healthy dose of nonsense.

    Shoutout: T-Ride, Eric Valentine, Steve Ouimette, Steve Lukather, Mutt Lange, Roy Thomas Baker, Queen

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

    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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