• The Ultimate Guide to Headphone Monitor Mixes for Any Studio Setup



    Get the Perfect Headphone Mix—Without Breaking the Bank or Losing Your Mind

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody dive deep into the art of headphone monitor mixes—an often overlooked yet critical part of any tracking session. Whether you’re recording in a bedroom with a DIY setup or outfitting a mid-level or pro studio, this episode delivers practical solutions to help artists feel confident, comfortable, and ready to perform.

    From clever “hack” methods for home studio gear, to tried-and-true semi-pro gear setups, all the way to high-end monitoring systems used in top-tier rooms, Chris & Jody break down the options, trade-offs, and workflow upgrades that make a difference. They explore client psychology, how to balance cue mixes, and what to avoid when setting up monitor chains.

    It’s a blend of tech insight, budget wisdom, and—of course—some lighthearted nonsense along the way.

    Plus: This week’s Friday Finds
    Gold Star Word Challenge
    Real-world tips for comfort, clarity, and creativity

    Whether you’re wrangling vocalists in a closet or prepping a drummer in a commercial space, this episode has recording setup tips you’ll use again and again.

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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

  • Loops: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly



    Loops: Lazy Shortcut or Secret Weapon? You Decide.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody unravel the loop-shaped mystery behind one of music production’s most debated tools: loops. Whether it’s a killer drum groove, chopped vocals, or a moody synth riff, loops have found their way into every corner of modern music—and this episode explains why that’s not a bad thing.

    Is using loops cheating? Spoiler: It’s not that simple. Chris & Jody share production tips, creative strategies, and a bit of loop history to help you better understand how to use loops ethically, legally, and effectively. You’ll hear real-world examples, insider tricks, and even some copyright pitfalls to avoid if you’re slicing, dicing, or sampling your way to a hook.

    From beginner beatmakers to seasoned engineers, anyone working with home studio gear or navigating recording setup tips will come away with a deeper appreciation of how loops can elevate—or sink—a production.

    Also, don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds, the elusive Gold Star Word, and a dose of loop-induced nonsense that only Chris & Jody could deliver.

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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

  • How to Get Live Sound Gigs and Survive the Road with Special Guest Raymond Gronvall



    Studio Walls or Stage Monitors? A Veteran’s Take on Sound That Travels

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody are joined by live sound maestro Raymond Gronvall—a seasoned vet whose resume stretches from high-decibel tours to finely tuned studio sessions.

    Together, they pull back the curtain on the real-world differences between live sound engineering and studio production. From the adrenaline-fueled chaos of mixing FOH (front-of-house) to the meticulous precision of crafting mixes in controlled studio environments, Raymond breaks down what separates the two—and where they overlap in unexpected ways.

    Plus, hear firsthand how Ray lands high-profile gigs, adapts on the fly, and still finds ways to keep it fun on the road. Whether you’re just building your home studio gear, navigating recording setup tips, or secretly eyeing that live FOH board at your next gig, this episode has something to level up your audio know-how.

    Oh, and as always… expect a touch of nonsense. It’s how we roll.

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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

  • Top 5 Must Have Plugins For Writing, Tracking & Balance



    Stranded on a Desert Island… With a DAW? These Are the Plugins We’d Bring

    What if you could only choose five plugins for the rest of your music-making life? In this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody unpack their top 5 desert island plugins—the essential tools they swear by for writing, recording, and mixing, even if marooned in a remote, coconut-shelled control room.

    From amp sims to synths, channel strips to creative FX, they reveal which plugins make the cut and why. Expect heated debates, a few self-imposed rule bends, and some good ol’ fashioned plugin lust. Whether you’re building your own minimalist toolkit or just love a good showdown of gear opinions, this episode offers tons of recording setup tips and hard-earned wisdom.

    You’ll also catch the latest Friday Finds, and—as always—a healthy dose of lighthearted banter and probably some nonsense. Because if you’re stuck on a desert island with just a laptop and headphones, you might as well laugh while you’re EQing.

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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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