• How To Record Killer Electric Guitar Tracks At Home



    Producer Choices for Electric Guitar Recording – Hardware vs Software

    When it comes to recording electric guitars, the choices producers make can set the tone—literally—for an entire track. Do you go old school with a roaring amp stack, carefully placed microphones, and a thump in the chest that only tubes can deliver? Or do you take the modern route with software emulations, impulse responses, and plugins that bring a world of tones into your DAW?

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody break down the key decisions producers face when recording electric guitars. They unwind the simple but impactful choices—from hardware setups to software solutions—that shape the sound, workflow, and vibe of a session.

    Hardware: The Real Deal

    Chris and Jody explore the tactile world of amp heads, cabinets, and microphones, showing how pairing them together can create unique flavors. From classic rock crunch to sparkling cleans, they explain how gear choices translate into character—and why the physical process of mic placement still matters.

    Software: The Modern Playground

    On the flip side, the conversation dives into the rise of amp sims and plugin-based rigs. They talk about the convenience of dialing up dozens of tones in seconds, recording silently in a home studio gear setup, and how software options are getting shockingly close to the “real thing.” Plus, there’s a look at some pitfalls to avoid—like option paralysis and missing the feel of moving air.

    Producer Priorities

    At its core, the episode highlights what matters most: the song and the performance. Whether you’re reamping, mic’ing a cab, or scrolling through presets, Chris and Jody stress the importance of matching tools to the project rather than chasing hype. Along the way, they drop practical recording setup tips, reveal a few hidden features in studio gear, and (naturally) sprinkle in a touch of nonsense.

    Why You’ll Want to Listen

    This isn’t about gear snobbery—it’s about understanding your options. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clearer sense of:

    • When hardware amps and mics shine.
    • When software rigs can save time, space, and money.
    • How to combine both for maximum flexibility.
    • Why the “best” choice is always the one that serves the music.

    So plug in, power up, and join Chris and Jody as they riff on the timeless debate: tubes vs. code, stacks vs. sims, hardware vs. software.

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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

  • Mono Compatibility Explained – How To Check For It!



    Why Mono Compatibility Still Matters

    In a world where stereo reigns supreme, it’s easy to forget that not every listener is hearing your mix the way you intended. With smart speakers, phones, tablets, and even some club systems summing signals down to mono, mono compatibility is more relevant than ever. That’s why in this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody tackle the ins and outs of making sure your mixes don’t collapse when played back in mono.

    They start by answering the big question: why care about mono at all? After all, stereo mixes are the standard. But Chris and Jody point out that ensuring your mix translates in mono isn’t about being old-school—it’s about being professional. Whether it’s phase issues, instrument masking, or loss of clarity, ignoring mono compatibility can mean your carefully crafted mix sounds hollow, weak, or even broken in real-world playback situations.

    Key takeaways from the episode include:

    • The reasons mono compatibility still matters in 2024 and beyond.
    • How to check your mix in mono using plugins, DAW tools, and even some “low-tech” tricks.
    • Common pitfalls that destroy mono compatibility, including phase cancellation and over-wide stereo effects.
    • How home studio gear can be optimized for better translation across systems.
    • Practical recording setup tips to reduce mono issues before mixing even begins.

    Chris and Jody also share some war stories from the trenches—times when ignoring mono compatibility came back to bite. And of course, because this is Inside the Recording Studio, you can expect some nonsense and laughter along the way to balance out the technical talk.

    By the end of this episode, you’ll know why mono compatibility isn’t just an afterthought but an essential part of mixing. More importantly, you’ll walk away with practical steps to make sure your mixes hold up whether they’re booming in stereo headphones or blasting from a single smart speaker in someone’s kitchen.

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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

  • Why the SSL 4000 Console Still Defines Professional Mixing



    Exploring the SSL 4000 Console

    Few pieces of gear are as legendary in the world of music production as the SSL 4000 console. Its punchy sound, intuitive workflow, and unmistakable sonic character have shaped countless hit records across decades. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody strap in and take you on a guided tour through the history, the features, and the undeniable magic of the SSL 4000.

    They kick things off with a brief history of Solid State Logic—from the company’s beginnings to how the 4000 series quickly became a staple in professional studios worldwide. From there, it’s straight into the nuts and bolts:

    • Inputs: how signals enter the desk and the sonic footprint they leave.
    • Dynamics: compressors, gates, and expanders that give tracks punch and control.
    • EQ: the sweet, aggressive, unmistakable SSL curves that can bring a mix to life.
    • Filters: high-pass and low-pass shaping tools that keep mixes clean.
    • The “SSL Sound”: what makes this board instantly recognizable and why engineers still chase it today.

    Chris and Jody don’t just geek out on features—they explain why the SSL workflow matters and how the 4000 has influenced DAW design, plugin emulations, and modern studio setups. They also highlight how the board’s architecture still informs the way producers and mix engineers think about recording setup tips and hidden features in studio gear.

    And, because this is Inside the Recording Studio, it’s not all tech talk. Expect humor, stories, and a sprinkle of nonsense along the way. Whether you’re running an SSL plugin in your home studio gear setup or you’ve had the chance to sit behind the real thing, this episode will give you a deeper appreciation for one of the most iconic consoles in recording history.

    Plus, don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds, where Chris and Jody share new tools and ideas to keep your workflow sharp.

    By the end, you’ll understand not just the anatomy of the SSL 4000, but why it’s still considered one of the most important boards in the history of recorded music.

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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

  • Productivity Hacks – How To Have Productive Downtime



    How to Have Productive Downtime

    Every studio professional knows the rhythm: one week you’re slammed with sessions, bouncing between recording, mixing, and mastering, and the next you find yourself staring at a blank DAW screen with no projects on the calendar. What do you do when things get quiet? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody unload their best strategies for staying productive during downtime—so that when the work ramps back up, you’re sharper, faster, and better prepared than before.

    They break it down into three categories of ideas designed to keep both your workflow and your creativity in top shape:

    1. Sharpen Your Skills

    Downtime is the perfect opportunity to dig into tutorials, revisit techniques, or practice mixing and mastering on old projects. Chris and Jody talk about how even simple exercises—like revisiting EQ decisions or exploring hidden features in studio gear—can level up your confidence and speed when deadlines hit.

    2. Optimize Your Setup

    When’s the last time you gave your studio some TLC? Whether it’s updating software, tackling audio interface troubleshooting, reorganizing your file system, or literally doing some spring cleaning, downtime is ideal for tightening up your recording setup tips. Chris and Jody share what they do to make sure their studios run smoothly, including those “why didn’t I do this sooner?” tasks like labeling cables or learning how to clean music gear the right way.

    3. Refuel Your Creativity

    Being productive doesn’t always mean grinding. Sometimes it’s about recharging. Chris and Jody talk about ways to step back from the console—reading, listening, exploring new music, or even leaning into a little nonsense—and why this mental reset is just as valuable as technical practice.

    Throughout the episode, expect the usual mix of real-world anecdotes, humor, and a touch of nonsense. Plus, don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds, where Chris and Jody share tools and ideas that can inspire you when things feel slow.

    By the end of the episode, you’ll walk away with practical steps for turning downtime into growth time—whether you’re working in a full pro facility or a home studio gear setup.

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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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