FridayFinds – Inside The Recording Studio

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

Ready to settle the score between drum programming and live drums? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive deep into the pros, cons, and surprising secrets of both worlds. From the unmistakable human feel of live drums to the precision and creativity of programmed beats, we explore:

Which music styles thrive with live drums and which ones are a match made in heaven for drum programming.
When to hit record on live drums for that larger-than-life sound—and when to let your DAW handle the groove.
Avoiding robotic rhythms: Common pitfalls of drum programming and how to keep it feeling fresh.
Why program drums anyway? Cost, control, and those tiny apartments that don’t fit a drum kit.
The best of both worlds: Tips for blending live and programmed drums or samples to craft a killer hybrid sound.

Plus, there’s a mysterious Friday Finds that you won’t want to miss. And let’s be real—it’s also not unlikely that some nonsense will be discussed along the way.

Whether you’re a purist who swears by sticks and skins or a MIDI maestro, this episode is packed with insights to level up your drum game!

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

Unlock the Secrets of Drum Programming vs. Live Drums!