• Audio Masking Exposed: How to Bring Every Instrument into the Spotlight!



    Chris and Jody wade into the murky depths of audio masking—a sneaky culprit that can turn your mix into a muddy mess. If your instruments are fighting for attention and your mix feels cluttered, this episode is for you!

    We’ll explore:

    • What is audio masking? The science behind why some sounds disappear in a mix.
    • Which instruments are the usual suspects? Find out where masking commonly occurs.
    • How to spot (and stop) masking before it kills your clarity.
    • Listening strategies & EQ moves to carve out space for each track.
    • The best software tools to visually detect and fix masking issues.

    Plus, this week’s Friday Finds brings another audio gem, and—let’s be honest—some nonsense will probably slip through.

    Whether you’re mixing your first track or refining your pro workflow, this episode will help you clear the mud and make your mix shine!

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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 EQ Tips for Kick Drums: Transform Your Mix with Pro Secrets!



    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody take on a critical piece of every mix—the kick drum. Whether you want deep, chest-thumping lows or a sharp, defined attack, EQ is the key to making your kick sit right in the mix.

    Here’s what we’re breaking down:
    Fundamental Low End – How to shape the bass for power without turning your mix into a muddy mess.
    Low Mids – The trouble zone! Tame the mud or embrace the warmth—your call.
    Upper Mids – Cutting through the mix without making your kick sound thin or harsh.
    The “Click” Factor – How the right amount of high-end attack can give your kick drum definition and presence.

    Plus, we’ll dig into cutting vs. boosting in each range and explain the “why” behind each choice—because knowing whatto tweak is only half the battle.

    And since this episode is all about kicks, we promise plenty of fun, a bit of nonsense, and of course, this week’s mysterious Friday Finds (you definitely don’t want to miss this one).

    If you’ve ever struggled to make your kick drum hit just right, this episode is packed with practical EQ tips to help you lock in the perfect sound. Hit play and let’s get that low end in shape!

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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

  • Master the Mix: 5 Exciting Acoustic Guitar EQ Tips You Need to Know



    In this episode, Chris and Jody tackle the art of EQ’ing acoustic guitars to perfection. Whether you’re looking to add warmth, clarity, or sparkle to your tracks, this episode covers practical tips and creative ideas to help your acoustic guitar recordings shine.

    What’s on the agenda?

    • Taming the low end for a clean, controlled foundation.
    • Smoothing out the low mids to avoid muddiness.
    • Bringing presence and clarity to the upper mids for a balanced mix.
    • Adding a touch of sheen for brilliance and air.
    • Insights on when to cut, when to boost, and why it makes all the difference.

    Chris and Jody break down the audio spectrum in a way that’s easy to understand, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. Plus, you’ll get their thoughts on how to approach EQ decisions creatively—because every mix is unique.

    And of course, don’t miss their signature Friday Finds, which are always worth a listen (and this week, there’s a surprise waiting). As usual, expect a bit of humor and nonsense along the way—it wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio without it!

    If you’ve ever struggled to make your acoustic guitars sit perfectly in the mix, this episode is your new secret weapon. Tune in and start enhancing your acoustic recordings today!

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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

  • Make Your Music Stand Out: Expert Tips for Punchier Mixes!



    Ready to make your mixes pack a serious punch? In this episode Chris and Jody tackle five practical ways to give your recordings that extra oomph. Whether you’re a musician, a hobbyist, or a seasoned engineer, these tips will get your tracks sounding tighter, fuller, and punchier.

    Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on the menu:

    • How arrangement and instrument choices set the foundation for a punchy mix.
    • The art of keeping dynamics in check without squashing the life out of your music.
    • Low-end EQ strategies to clean up mud and bring clarity.
    • Saturation tricks (and no, not the flammable kind) for adding warmth and impact.
    • The importance of phase checks to ensure everything locks in perfectly.

    Plus, Chris and Jody throw in their signature humor, a bit of friendly nonsense, and this week’s mysterious ‘Friday Finds’—because who doesn’t love a good surprise?

    If you’re looking to transform your mixes and make them hit harder, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in, laugh a little, 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

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