• 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.

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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

  • 5 Studio Workflow Tips That Will Make You A Studio Pro!



    5 Workflow Tips to Stop Wasting Clients’ Time

    Time is money—and nowhere is that truer than in the recording studio. Clients are paying not just for your gear and your ears, but for your efficiency. Every minute spent fumbling with files, chasing down cables, or tweaking a broken setup is a minute they’re paying for silence. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody cut to the chase with five studio workflow tips that keep your sessions running smoothly and your clients coming back.

    The Big 5 Workflow Tips

    Chris and Jody outline five practical strategies that can transform the way you work. From setting up templates and organizing tracks in advance, to mastering the art of clear communication, these are the habits that save hours over the course of a project. Each tip is simple, actionable, and ready to be dropped straight into your daily workflow.

    1. Prep your sessions before the client arrives. Empty DAWs don’t impress anyone—templates and routing do.
    2. Organize your files and backups. Lost takes mean lost trust.
    3. Streamline your gear setup. Knowing your home studio gear inside out avoids wasted troubleshooting.
    4. Keep communication sharp. No one likes guessing games in the control room.
    5. Know when to stop tweaking. Endless nitpicking burns time, energy, and goodwill.

    A Personal Flavor to the Stew

    Of course, this wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio without Chris and Jody sprinkling in some personal seasoning. They share a few of their own studio choices and workflow quirks—little things that may not be on a universal checklist but help color the stew of a session. Expect stories, banter, and maybe a bit of nonsense along the way.

    Why It Matters

    Clients who feel like their time is respected will keep coming back—and they’ll tell others. By integrating these workflow tips, you’re not just improving efficiency, you’re building a reputation for professionalism. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer in a commercial space or a self-starter running a DAW in your bedroom, these strategies will make your sessions more effective and enjoyable.

    So, fire up the front burners, let these tips simmer into your process, and watch your studio workflow turn into a well-oiled machine.

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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 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

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