• Side-Chaining: What It Is and How To Use Side-Chaining In Your Mixes



    The Power of Side-Chaining: How to Control Dynamics Like a Pro
    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody dive headfirst into the world of side-chaining—one of the most powerful (and often misunderstood) tools in music production. Whether you’re ducking a bass under a kick or carving space in a dense vocal mix, understanding how to properly use side-chaining can transform your tracks from cluttered to crystal clear.
    Chris & Jody break down what side-chaining actually is, walk you through how to set it up in your DAW, and even show you how to use it on the MPC Live hardware. Expect practical tips, creative techniques, and their signature banter as they explore multiple side-chaining methods and reveal common mistakes to avoid.
    If you’re ready to tighten your low-end, add groove to your synths, or just learn why everyone keeps talking about compression, this episode will give you the tools and know-how to make side-chaining work for you.
    Oh, and don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds—you just might discover your next studio obsession. And yes, a bit of nonsense is included at no extra charge.

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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

  • Recording Advice: Why No Rules Is Bad Advice



    Why “There Are No Rules in Recording” Might Be Hurting You

    This week, Chris & Jody tackle one of the most overused phrases in music production: “There are no rules—just use your ears!” Sound familiar? While the sentiment may seem freeing, it can be confusing—or downright harmful—for beginners trying to improve their recording skills.

    In classic Inside the Recording Studio style, Chris & Jody dissect why this advice misses the mark, especially for those who actually want to learn the craft, not just “wing it.” They’ll share real-world examples of when rules do matter—like gain staging, monitoring, and audio interface troubleshooting—and how understanding foundational principles can actually make your creativity more powerful.

    Expect thoughtful insights, a few contrarian hot takes, and as always… a side order of well-seasoned nonsense.

    Whether you’re a newcomer lost in forums or a DIY producer trying to level up, this episode will help you understand when to trust your ears—and when to know better.

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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

  • Recording Setup Tips: Studio Myths That Waste Your Money



    Studio Myths, Busted: From Oxygen-Free Cables to DAW Snobbery

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody grab the magnifying glass and bust some of the most persistent (and occasionally hilarious) studio myths floating around the audio world. From oxygen-free cables and high-priced USB voodoo to the age-old “my DAW is better than your DAW” debate, it’s all on the table—and nothing is safe.

    Whether you’re a home studio warrior or a seasoned engineer, chances are you’ve heard (or believed) one of these. This episode helps separate audio fact from fiction, save you money, and possibly even save you from embarrassing gear conversations.

    But don’t worry—it’s not just a takedown. Chris & Jody bring real-world context, technical clarity, and their usual dose of dry wit and studio-side sarcasm. Plus, of course, they sneak in some of their favorite Friday Finds along the way.

    Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe let go of a few long-held beliefs. This is your no-BS guide to smarter studio decision-making.

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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

  • Talkin About Stems And Multitracks – What’s The Flippin Difference?



    Stems vs. Multitracks: What You Think You Know Could Cost You a Gig

    Whether you’re collaborating with a producer across the globe, handing off a session for mixing, or prepping files for licensing, knowing the difference between stems and multitracks is more than semantics—it’s about sounding like a pro. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody clear up the confusion and break down how to share projects properly, the right way.

    You’ll learn:

    • When to send stems vs. multitracks
    • How to prepare files for remote mixing or mastering
    • What clients or collaborators really mean when they ask for “the stems”
    • Why understanding terminology can help avoid embarrassment—and lost opportunities

    Plus, some real-world stories from the trenches, a few laughs, and your weekly Friday Finds.

    Whether you’re working in your bedroom or a commercial room, this episode gives you the edge you need to speak the language of studio professionals and avoid costly mistakes in project handoffs. And yes, there’s probably going to be a little nonsense along the way (you’ve met Chris & Jody, right?).

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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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