• Separation 101: How To Create Separation Between Instruments In Your Mix



    Achieving separation between instruments in mixing is one of the most important yet misunderstood aspects of music production. Chris & Jody cut through the confusion in this week’s Inside the Recording Studio episode, diving deep into why separation matters, when it’s necessary, and how to achieve it without sacrificing vibe.

    From classic EQ and panning techniques to dynamic control and clever use of ambience, they outline practical recording setup tips you can apply in any session—whether you’re building tracks in a modest home studio gear setup or working in a fully outfitted pro environment. You’ll hear “road warrior” stories from real-world mixing situations where creative problem solving saved the day, plus insights into how too much separation can actually flatten a mix rather than enhance it.

    Is separation a technical checkbox, or an artistic choice that depends on context? Chris & Jody break down the balance between clarity and cohesion, sprinkling in their trademark humor (don’t worry—no actual divorces will occur in this discussion). To top it off, they wrap the episode with their Friday Finds, showcasing new tools, plugins, or ideas that can improve your workflow today.

    If you’ve ever struggled with mud, masking, or wondering why your carefully crafted parts disappear in a dense arrangement, this episode is a must-listen. Separation isn’t just about pulling instruments apart—it’s about giving every sound its place, so the whole track breathes.

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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

  • Hidden Features in Studio Gear for Atmos Mixing Revealed



    Dolby Atmos is no longer just for theaters—it’s making waves in the music world. In this episode, Chris & Jody unpack the ins and outs of mixing in Atmos: what it takes, what makes it different from stereo, and whether it’s truly a game changer for producers and artists. They dive into the technical requirements (from software to home studio gear) and explore the creative possibilities of immersive audio. Is it feasible for independent mixers? Which platforms are already supporting it? And how should you prepare your recording setup if you want to explore Atmos for your own projects? With their trademark humor and insight, Chris & Jody cut through the hype to reveal the pros, cons, and realities of Atmos mixing—plus, as always, this week’s Friday Finds to inspire your next session.

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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

  • OS Update: What Every Musician Needs To Know And Consider Before Making The Switch To A New OS



    When is the right time to update the OS on your recording computer? Chris & Jody break down the pros, cons, and potential pitfalls of keeping your studio machine current. From compatibility concerns with plugins and interfaces to the risk of downtime during critical projects, they share practical recording setup tips to help you make the best decision. One of them recently went through the process and lived to tell the tale—complete with lessons learned and a few surprises. Should you wipe your system clean and start fresh, or is a simple upgrade enough? And how do you safeguard your home studio gear against unnecessary headaches? As always, the guys bring a balance of real-world experience, humor, and their Friday Finds to round things out. If you’re debating whether to hit that update button, this episode is essential listening before you dive in.

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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

  • Do You Need to Own Both Studio Monitors AND Headphones to Make a High Quality Mix?



    Headphones or studio monitors—which one rules the mixing game? Chris & Jody break down the age-old debate, weighing the strengths and weaknesses of both. From accuracy and stereo imaging to room acoustics and portability, they reveal when headphones shine and when monitors deliver the truth. You’ll get practical recording setup tips for improving your mix decisions no matter which gear you use, plus insights into how professionals balance both for the most reliable results. Along the way, expect candid opinions, a few laughs, and their always-popular Friday Finds to round out the session. Whether you’re fine-tuning with high-end monitors or relying on trusty cans in a home studio gearsetup, this episode will help you get mixes that translate.

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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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