• The Ultimate Guide to Building DAW Templates That Actually Work



    Template Your Way to Sonic Bliss

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody open up the vault on one of the most underrated tools in modern music production: recording and writing templates. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just getting your feet wet in DAW waters, having a solid session template can save time, streamline creativity, and keep that elusive groove from slipping away.

    They cover the how, why, and when of using templates—from building blocks for songwriting to full-blown mix session workflows. Hear how different DAWs treat templates, how your workflow should shape your structure, and why copying your last project may not be the smartest move (even if it feels convenient).

    Expect helpful insights, practical recording setup tips, and a few healthy laughs—because no Inside the Recording Studio episode is complete without a dash of good-natured nonsense. Plus, find out what gear or plugin Chris & Jody discovered this week in their Friday Finds.

    If you’re not using templates yet—or using them wrong—this episode will recalibrate your process. It’s time to let your gear work for you, not the other way around.

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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 Different DAWs Sound Different? The Truth Revealed



    Which DAW Should You Use? The Truth Behind the Interface

    In the eternal question of digital audio workstations (DAWs), Chris & Jody dive into the debate every producer, engineer, and home studio wizard has faced: Does it really matter which DAW you use?

    Spoiler alert: it’s less about the name on the software and more about how you interact with it.

    This episode explores the essential elements of a recording setup—from how your workflow responds to different GUIs and platform preferences, to whether there’s actually a sonic difference between DAWs (yes, we’re going there). Chris & Jody unpack how to choose a DAW that matches your goals—not your friend’s, not your bandmate’s, not some guy on Reddit.

    Expect insight, nuance, and yes, a dash of the usual nonsense. Whether you’re Team Logic, Pro Tools loyalist, Studio One convert, or Reaper renegade—this one’s for you.

    Plus: Friday Finds and gear tips to sharpen your setup.
    Tune in and get a clearer view on your DAW decision.

    Make sure you enter our giveaway thanks to the wonderful people at Fishman.

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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

  • Gear Myths? We’re Not Having It.




    Recording Myths Busted: Separating Fact from Studio Fiction

    Do you really need expensive gear to make a great record? Is using the highest sample rate always the best idea? What about amps, EQs, and every other rabbit hole the internet loves to obsess over?

    In this myth-busting episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody throw shade (and a few laughs) at the most persistent recording setup whataboutisms. From gear snobbery to digital overkill, they break down what actually matters in your home studio gear setup—and what’s just smoke and mirrors.

    Along the way, they’ll name-check heavy hitters like CJ Vanston, Jeff Scott Soto, Eric Valentine, Dave Pensado, and yes, even Sir George Martin. Whether you’re debating converters with your inner engineer or wondering if a boutique EQ is really worth your rent money, this episode offers practical, honest advice with a healthy dose of perspective.

    You’ll also hear about this week’s Friday Finds, and as always… a little bit of nonsense.

    If you’re chasing better recordings, not just bigger myths—press play.

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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

  • The Secret To Giant Background Vocals In Pop, Rock & More



    The Art of Big, Bold Background Vocals

    What do Queen, Bon Jovi, and your next killer mix have in common? Background vocals that are bigger than life.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody take a deep dive into the lush world of giant background vocal production—from soaring stacks to rhythmic gang vocals. They explore what types of BGVs work across genres, how to craft blends that elevate a chorus, and why some producers obsess over timing, others pitch, and some… both.

    You’ll get real-world production tips, including how to treat massive vocal stacks, when to go mono vs stereo, what effects bring vocals to life, and which common mistakes can turn a “wall of sound” into “mud on toast.” They’ll name-check iconic BGV-heavy producers and bands who mastered the technique—plus share their own strategies for keeping chaos organized in a dense mix.

    Whether you’re recording in a bedroom studio or a world-class vocal booth, you’ll come away with actionable recording setup tips, and a better understanding of how to get those background vocals to sparkle, punch, or explode—whatever your track needs.

    Don’t miss their Friday Finds, the Gold Star word, and of course, a healthy dose of nonsense.

    Shoutout: T-Ride, Eric Valentine, Steve Ouimette, Steve Lukather, Mutt Lange, Roy Thomas Baker, Queen

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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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