• Switching DAWs: A Great Guide to Choosing the Right One!



    Digital Audio Workstations—DAWs—are the center of every modern studio. But should you stick with the one you know or jump ship for something new? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody tackle the big question: is it worth switching DAWs?

    They break down the pros and cons of making the move. On the plus side, a new DAW might offer workflow improvements, better MIDI editing, unique plugins, or that one hidden feature that makes your life easier. On the downside? Steep learning curves, compatibility headaches, and the ever-present risk of spending more time learning software than making music.

    Chris and Jody also explore the considerations you need to weigh: What kind of music do you make? What’s your workflow? Are you collaborating with others who expect files in a certain format? They’ll even cover the differences between major DAWs—Pro Tools, Logic, LUNA, Cubase, Studio One, Ableton Live, Reaper, and others—so you can see which platform matches your goals.

    And, of course, they share their own experiences. What DAWs do they use? Why did they choose them? And would they ever consider switching? Spoiler: it’s not just about features, it’s about how the DAW feels when you’re in the creative zone.

    Whether you’re new to music production with home studio gear or a seasoned pro weighing a big decision, this episode gives you the recording setup tips and perspective you need. And yes, expect some laughs along the way—because talking about DAW wars without humor would just feel too much like a forum flame thread.

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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

  • Discover the Magic of Mix Templates and Skyrocket Your Mixing Game!



    When it comes to mixing, speed and consistency are the name of the game—and that’s where mix templates come in. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody wade deep into the weeds of mix templates: what they are, why you should create them, and how to design one that works for your workflow.

    A good template isn’t just a time-saver—it’s a framework for creativity. Chris and Jody cover the essentials: routing, buses, effect chains, and utility tracks that help you hit the ground running every time you open a session. They’ll also share their own approaches to what goes in a template, from reverb and delay sends to parallel compression setups and monitoring chains.

    But templates aren’t one-size-fits-all. Each engineer brings their own preferences, style, and even quirks into how they design them. What separates one mix engineer’s template from another? How do you balance consistency with flexibility? And can you really get multiple mix outputs from a single template? These are the questions Chris and Jody tackle head-on, providing practical answers you can apply to your own workflow.

    Whether you’re building your first mix template in a home studio gear setup or refining an established system for professional work, you’ll come away with fresh insights and recording setup tips that will save time and improve results. And of course, in true Chris-and-Jody style, expect humor, banter, and maybe a reminder to actually clean your music gear once in a while.

    If you’re ready to streamline your process, enhance your creativity, and maybe even learn a few hidden tricks along the way, this episode is a must-listen. Let’s get ready to mix!

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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

  • Unveiling the Secrets of Arranging a Song Session | Get Ready to Rock the Recording Studio! Part 1



    Chris and Jody, your sonic navigators, are thrilled to embark on part one of our two-part series, unveiling the secrets of arranging a song when you’re in the recording studio. In this episode, we’ll guide you through the essential steps of preparing for a recording session. From knowing the song inside and out to setting up your DAW for optimal workflow and getting those lyrics prepped for tracking, we’ll lay the groundwork for a harmonious recording experience. And, of course, get ready for a sprinkle of nonsense because, in the world of arranging, a touch of humor can turn the technicalities into a musical adventure!

    Song Mastery: Knowing Every Note and Nuance

    Join us as we delve into the importance of knowing your song inside and out. From understanding the chord progressions to capturing the emotional nuances, we’ll explore how a deep connection with your material sets the stage for a recording session filled with authenticity and creativity. Uncover the secrets of being in tune with every note and nuance of your composition.

    DAW Wizardry: Setting the Digital Stage

    Dive into the realm of digital audio workstations (DAWs) as we guide you through the process of setting up your studio space. From session organization to optimizing your DAW settings, we’ll discuss techniques that enhance workflow and set the foundation for a smooth recording experience. Discover how the right digital setup can be the key to unlocking your creative potential.

    Lyrics on Deck: Prepping for the Vocal Journey

    Explore the art of preparing lyrics for tracking. We’ll discuss techniques for organizing your lyrical content, creating lyric sheets, and ensuring that the vocalist is ready to deliver a captivating performance. Learn how thoughtful lyric preparation can contribute to the overall storytelling and emotional impact of your recording.

    Join us on this sonic journey of song arrangement preparation. Whether you’re a seasoned studio wizard or just starting your arranging adventure, there’s always room for new insights, laughter, and a touch of nonsense in the pursuit of creating the perfect musical experience!

    Song Arrangement, Recording Session Prep, DAW Workflow, Lyrics Preparation

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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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