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    Drum Programming vs Live Drums: How to Know When to Use Which?



    Drum Programming vs Live Drums

    Few topics in music production inspire more debate than drum programming versus live drums. On this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody unpack the pros, cons, myths, and must-knows of both approaches.

    Drums are the backbone of most songs—so how you capture them can make or break a track. Should you reach for a drum kit and microphones, or open up your favorite drum plugin? Chris and Jody dive into when live drums are ideal—from rock and jazz to genres where feel and nuance matter most—and when programmed drums shine in styles like pop, EDM, and hip-hop.

    They share recording setup tips for getting the most out of live drums, from room considerations to mic placement pitfalls. On the programming side, they reveal what to watch out for—like robotic timing, unrealistic velocity layers, and sounds that don’t match the vibe of the track.

    But it’s not always one-or-the-other. Chris and Jody discuss the growing trend of hybrid drumming: enhancing live kits with programmed elements or layering samples to add punch and clarity. Think real drummer feel + machine consistency.

    Expect candid takes, a few workflow hacks, and of course, this week’s Friday Finds—because who doesn’t like discovering cool new tools and ideas for the studio? And yes, a little nonsense sneaks in too—it’s how they roll.

    Whether you’re deep into home studio gear, troubleshooting your audio interface, or just wondering why your drum track sounds flat, this episode gives you a clearer path. You’ll come away knowing when to program, when to mic up, and how to blend the two for a modern, professional 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.

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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

  • Layering Instruments: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly



    Layering Similar Instruments — Smart or Sonic Overload?

    Layering is one of those techniques that can make a mix feel massive… or make it fall apart in a messy pile of frequencies. In this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody tackle the age-old question: when does layering similar instruments enhance your track, and when does it sabotage it?

    We’ve all been tempted—stacking multiple guitars for thickness, doubling synths for shimmer, or adding vocal takes until the hard drive cries uncle. But does it always help? Chris and Jody walk you through the pros and cons of layering guitars, synths, bass, drums, and vocals, with practical recording setup tips for each.

    You’ll discover:

    • Why layering guitars can add depth and stereo spread… but also create mud if not EQ’d carefully.
    • When synth layering works wonders for texture, and when it just sounds like two presets fighting.
    • The trap of doubling bass lines and why it often creates more confusion than clarity.
    • Drum layering secrets that can give punch to snares or kicks—if you avoid phase problems.
    • Vocals stacked for harmony vs. clutter, and how to know when enough is enough.

    Throughout the episode, Chris and Jody highlight both workflow wins and sonic risks, giving you a balanced look at this common production choice. They sprinkle in some humor (because why not?), and as always, wrap it up with their Friday Finds—fresh tools, tricks, or tracks worth checking out.

    Whether you’re a home studio gear enthusiast or a pro with years behind the console, you’ll walk away with a sharper ear for layering decisions. Learn how to spot the difference between intentional fullness and unintentional chaos, so your next production feels big, clear, and compelling.

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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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    Getting To Know The Kick Drum Frequency Spectrum



    EQ Your Kick Drum with Confidence

    The kick drum is the heartbeat of almost every track. But dialing in its EQ? That’s where many mixes stumble. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody break down the mysteries of shaping your kick drum with EQ—from the thump in the lows to the click in the highs—and everything in between.

    If you’ve ever asked yourself why your kick sounds muddy, buried, or lifeless in the mix, this episode has the answers. The guys start at the fundamental low end, explaining how to lock in that deep, chest-thumping weight without overpowering the rest of your track. They move into the low mids, where mud often collects, offering practical recording setup tips for cutting frequencies that don’t serve the groove. Then it’s up to the upper mids and click frequencies, where definition and attack make the difference between a kick that gets lost and a kick that cuts through.

    Along the way, Chris and Jody share why sometimes you boost, sometimes you cut, and sometimes you just leave it alone. Think of it as an EQ roadmap for your kick drum—clear, practical, and loaded with real-world advice you can use on your next mix session.

    And of course, this wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio without some personality. Expect a little banter, a dash of nonsense, and this week’s Friday Finds, where Chris and Jody spotlight tools and ideas that can spark creativity in your studio.

    Whether you’re building your first home studio gear setup, polishing your live recording, or deep into pro audio mixing, this episode will help you hear the kick drum in a whole new way. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to reach for the EQ dial, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to make your mix punch, groove, and breathe.

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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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