• Sidechaining Secrets: Pro Techniques to Add Energy and Space to Your Tracks



    The Power of Sidechaining: How to Add Movement, Clarity, and Energy to Your Mixes

    You’ve heard the pumping effect. You’ve felt that bounce in the low end. But do you really understand how sidechainingworks—or all the creative ways you can use it?

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive deep into the world of sidechaining, demystifying this essential mixing technique and sharing the smart, subtle, and sometimes surprising ways they use it to bring their mixes to life.

    Whether you’re using it to duck the bass under the kick, tame reverb tails, trigger FX, or create pulsing rhythmic movement, sidechaining is more than just a trend—it’s a mixing power tool.

    In this episode:

    • What sidechaining is and how it functions in a DAW
    • Traditional and creative sidechaining methods
    • How to use sidechaining to create clarity, groove, and mix energy
    • Best plugins and routing techniques for effective implementation
    • Why sidechaining isn’t just for EDM—it works in rock, pop, hip-hop, orchestral, and more

    Plus, you’ll hear Chris and Jody’s go-to plugins, real-world applications, a fresh round of Friday Finds, and of course, some unfiltered nonsense along the way.

    Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just getting your hands dirty in your first DAW session, this episode gives you the tools to sidechain with confidence—and purpose.

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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

  • Ultimate Guide to Studio File Organization: Perfect Delivery Every Time!



    Organized Audio: Mastering File Management & Delivery in the Studio

    Let’s be honest—file management isn’t glamorous, but it can be the difference between a smooth project and a full-blown data disaster.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody tackle the often-overlooked (and frequently dreaded) topic of file management and delivery workflows in audio production. Whether you’re working solo in a home studio or collaborating with clients around the world, getting your digital house in order is crucial.

    🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Best practices for naming audio files and sessions so they stay organized and searchable
    • How to set up an efficient folder structure to avoid chaos later
    • Why metadata tagging can save your future self a world of trouble
    • The pros and cons of delivery methods like Dropbox, Google Drive, WeTransfer, FTP, and even good ol’ physical media
    • How to choose the right delivery method based on project scale, client expectations, and security

    Plus, Chris and Jody share real-world file fails (yes, it’s happened to all of us), some tips for client communication, and—naturally—a bit of nonsense and studio banter to keep it entertaining.

    Don’t forget to check out this week’s Friday Finds for gear or tools that might just make your file-wrangling life easier.

    Whether you’re a freelancer, studio assistant, or full-time audio pro, this episode will help you clean up your workflow, impress your clients, and sleep better knowing you won’t lose that perfect take.

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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

  • Unlock Pro Mixing Secrets with Reference Mixes!



    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody break down the game-changing concept of using reference mixes to guide your mixing process. Why is referencing so essential? Whether you’re a beginner trying to get your bearings or a seasoned engineer fine-tuning your sound, reference tracks can act as a compass for creating professional, polished mixes.

    Join the discussion as Chris and Jody share how they incorporate reference mixes into their workflow, offering practical tips to keep your ears sharp and your mixes consistent. Discover their favorite tools and plugins that make referencing seamless in any DAW—plus, a few recommendations that might surprise you.

    Of course, it wouldn’t be an Inside the Recording Studio episode without a bit of humor and nonsense along the way. And don’t miss the big reveal in this week’s ‘Friday Finds’—you never know what gem might pop up!

    Tune in for expert insights with a sprinkle of fun, and take your mixing skills to the next level.

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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

  • Transform Your Mixes with New York Style Compression Techniques!



    Unlock the Power of Parallel Compression: Tips, Tricks, and Scheps Secrets

    Ready to add some serious punch and polish to your mixes? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, we dive deep into parallel compression—aka “New York Style Compression”—and how it can take your tracks from flat to fabulous.

    First, we’ll break down the basics: what is parallel compression, and why has it become a go-to secret weapon for engineers everywhere? We’ll explore two popular methods to achieve it, from classic aux sends to modern plugin magic. Learn why blending a heavily compressed signal with your original track creates that larger-than-life sound, and discover the sweet spots for your compression settings.

    But we’re not stopping there. We’ll shine the spotlight on Andrew Scheps’ legendary “Rear Bus Compression” technique—what it is, how it works, and why it might just be the missing link in your mix. Whether you’re chasing fat drums, thick vocals, or a cohesive mix that slaps, this episode has the goods.

    Expect practical tips, a few laughs, and plenty of insight to level up your mixing game. Let’s get compressed, baby!

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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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