• How Sample Rate Affects Your Sound



    Sample Rate Smarts: What They Are and Why They Matter

    In this enlightening episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody crack open the digital egg and dive into the often-misunderstood world of sample rates. What is a sample rate really? Why do we choose 44.1, 48, or even 96kHz? And more importantly—should you ever upsample? (Spoiler: there’s one thing you definitely shouldn’t do.)

    With their trademark clarity and wit, Chris and Jody walk through the fundamentals of sample rate theory, the evolution of digital audio gear, and the real-world implications of higher rates—think CPU loads, file sizes, and that one timesomeone tried to impress clients by tracking at 192kHz… just because.

    This episode is essential listening for anyone working with digital audio—whether you’re running a humble home studio gear setup or deep in the pro audio trenches. It’s all signal, no fluff (well… maybe a little fluff—this is Chris and Jody after all).

    Stick around for the Gold Star word, don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds, and prep your ears for a mini-masterclass that cuts through the confusion and gives you real recording setup tips you can actually use.

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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 Record Guitar Using Direct Input: A Complete Beginner’s Guide



    Plug It In: DI Guitar Recording Demystified

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive into the electrifying world of recording guitar using Direct Input (DI). Whether you’re tracking an electric guitar straight into your interface or experimenting with an acoustic guitar equipped with pickups, DI recording can be a powerful, clean, and flexible option—if you know how to use it right.

    From classic DI boxes to interface inputs and reamping strategies, the duo breaks down the essential gear, signal chains, and recording setup tips to get the most out of your tone. They explore the pros, the cons, and the creative uses that might surprise even seasoned engineers. Spoiler alert: it’s not just a backup plan.

    Expect useful guidance, real-world anecdotes, and a few laughs along the way. And yes—as always—there’s the Friday Finds, the elusive Gold Star word, and a healthy dose of studio nonsense.

    If you’ve ever wondered how to capture a guitar tone that’s flexible, clean, and ready for mixing magic, this episode’s for you. Tune in, DI in, and let Chris and Jody be your tone tour guides.

    Shoutout to: StudioDevil, Redwirez, CJ Vanston, Paul Jackson Jr.

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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

  • Compression In Mixing: How To Use It Without Ruining Your Track



    Compression 101: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Use It Without Wrecking Your Mix

    Compression — it’s either your best friend or your worst enemy in the studio. This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody take a high-level look at this mystical mixing tool and break down what it actually does, why it’s so often misunderstood, and how to use it with purpose.

    Whether you’re new to home studio gear or have been twisting attack and release knobs for years, this episode gives you a better grip on compression’s core functions: threshold, ratio, attack, release, and make-up gain. You’ll walk away with practical recording setup tips and insights that can help demystify that “squashed” or “glued” sound we all chase.

    And of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Inside the Recording Studio episode without some Friday Finds, a Gold Star word drop, and a dash of Chris & Jody-flavored nonsense to keep things entertaining.

    If you’ve ever slapped a compressor on a track and hoped for the best… this one’s for you.

    p.s. A premonition for the next Tuesday Tip is also within this podcast.

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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

  • What Is Phase Cancellation? How It Affects Your Mix and How to Fix It



    Phase Cancellation: What It Is and Why Your Mix Might Hate You

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive into one of the most subtle yet mix-killing topics in audio engineering: phase cancellation.

    Whether you’re miking a guitar cab, tracking drums with multiple microphones, or layering synths, phase issues can sneak in and hollow out your sound — even when your levels and EQ look just right. Chris and Jody break down what phase cancellation is, how it happens, and what it actually sounds like when it’s ruining your tone.

    They’ll walk you through the science behind waveforms clashing, show you how to recognize phase problems in your DAW or monitoring environment, and most importantly — how to fix or avoid them with smart mic placement, polarity tools, and good ol’ fashioned listening skills.

    You’ll come away with real-world recording setup tips and insights into how phase impacts not just instruments but entire mixes. And yes — expect a bit of Chris & Jody humor and some light nonsense along the way.

    This one’s a must-listen if your tracks sound thinner than expected or your snare suddenly vanishes when you solo the overheads.

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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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