• NAMM Show 2023 The Good, The Bad, The Mind-blowing



    NAMM is always a highlight in the pro audio calendar, and the April 2023 interim NAMM Show was no exception. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody share their take on what they saw, what surprised them, and what left them scratching their heads. From jaw-dropping innovations to products that didn’t quite land, the duo dives deep into the state of the industry and where things may be headed.

    You’ll get their insider impressions on the latest in home studio gear, new developments in software, monitors, instruments, and plugins that had everyone talking. They also take a critical eye to some of the trends—asking whether all this technology is moving musicians forward or just adding noise to an already crowded space.

    But it’s not just about the shiny gear. Chris and Jody dig into the timing and future of NAMM itself. Does the April schedule make sense? Will the show continue to dominate the calendar for manufacturers and musicians? Or is its role shifting in a post-pandemic, always-online world? Their theories may surprise you.

    As always, expect a balance of technical expertise and lighthearted commentary. From recording setup tips they picked up at the show to their unfiltered reactions to both the good and the questionable, this episode delivers a mix of information, personality, and perspective. Whether you’re a studio engineer, bedroom producer, or just someone who loves to keep tabs on the latest gear, you’ll find this recap both useful and entertaining.

    ******************************

    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.

    ******************************

    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

  • Mistakes of Troubleshooting Mics and How to Fix Them Quickly



    Few things bring a session to a screeching halt faster than a microphone that suddenly refuses to cooperate. Bizarre noises, unexplained silence, or a performance that just doesn’t sound right can rattle even the most seasoned engineer. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody walk through a simple yet powerful checklist for troubleshooting mics—a must-have process for anyone working under pressure.

    They begin with the obvious (but often overlooked) basics: checking cables, phantom power, and input channels. Then they move deeper into audio interface troubleshooting, gain staging, and hardware quirks that can throw off a session. You’ll hear real-world advice on how to quickly isolate whether the issue lies with the mic, the preamp, or the signal chain—so you can fix problems fast without derailing the creative flow.

    But it’s not just a technical exercise. Chris and Jody also bring humor to the process, including a hilarious and slightly embarrassing personal story about a mic sounding terrible for the simplest (and most obvious) reason imaginable. It’s proof that even experienced engineers can miss the basics in the heat of the moment—and a reminder to always double-check.

    The episode also emphasizes understanding your gear, from recognizing hidden features in studio gear to knowing when a strange sound is operator error versus actual failure. Whether you’re working in a professional studio or experimenting with home studio gear, this checklist will give you confidence to handle mic issues gracefully.

    If you’ve ever been under the gun with a client staring at you while a mic refuses to work, this episode is the lifeline you’ll want in your back pocket. Practical, clear, and sprinkled with laughter, it’s all about getting back to making music as quickly as possible.

    ******************************

    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.

    ******************************

    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

  • The Secrets of Low End with Expert Tips and Tricks!



    The low end is where power lives in music—but it’s also where mixes go to die if you don’t manage it properly. This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dig into the nitty-gritty basement of low end, breaking down both the science and the art of getting bass right.

    From the physical realities of your room and monitoring setup to the creative decisions you make inside your DAW, the duo covers it all. They explain why room acoustics can trick your ears, why home studio gear placement matters, and how subwoofers, monitors, and headphones each tell a different story about your mix.

    But it’s not just theory—Chris and Jody also explore the creative side. They discuss bass-specific plugins, EQ approaches, phase alignment tricks, and the subtle layering moves that help kick drums and bass coexist without stepping on each other. You’ll hear what tools they rely on, how they approach referencing, and the little workflow hacks that help them control the lowest frequencies with confidence.

    Whether you’re a beginner frustrated with muddy mixes or a pro chasing more depth and punch, this episode gives you actionable recording setup tips and techniques to tame the beast. And, in classic Chris and Jody fashion, you’ll get some laughs along the way—because talking about sub-bass without a little nonsense would just be too serious.

    If you’ve ever struggled with mixes that collapse on smaller speakers or bass lines that vanish on club systems, this is the episode that shows you how to finally get low end under control.

    *****************************************

    Gear We Used:

    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain:  Telefunken C12 – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2 – UA Studer A800

    Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX 8 Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX 8 Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2 – UA 1176E

    Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apogee Duet – iZotope RX 7 Spectral DeNoise – Slate VMR (FG12 – FG76 – API EQ – SSL 4kE)

    Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX 8 Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX 8 Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2 – UA 1176E

    Master: Soothe 2 – iZotope  Ozone 9 Imager – iZotope Ozone 9 Maximize

    *****************************************

    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast or want us to review your product – contact us at – collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

    *****************************************

    Follow Us on Social Media:

    Instagram – https://instagram.com/insidetherecordingstudio

    Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/InsideTheRecordingStudio

    Twitter – https://twitter.com/recordinginside

    ** This video is not currently sponsored

    ** Any links above may be affiliate links which help us when you buy a product, at no extra cost to you. This helps us maintain our podcast and this channel.

  • Talking Life, Music, Strings and more with Stevie Blacke

     

     

    What happens when you combine the storytelling energy of Inside the Recording Studio with one of the most in-demand string arrangers in the world? You get a powerhouse episode featuring the one and only Stevie Blacke—the “one man orchestra” behind dozens of top ten hits and collaborations with some of the biggest names in music.

    Stevie’s résumé reads like a hall of fame playlist: P!nk, Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, Beck, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Timbaland feat. Elton John, Kylie Minogue feat. Keith Urban, Alice in Chains, Colbie Caillat, Gary Clark Jr., Cher, Joe Cocker, Foreigner, Garbage, Avenged Sevenfold, Snoop Dogg—the list is staggering. Even Steve Vai once said: “He has the most diverse and impressive resume I’ve ever seen.”

    In this episode, Chris and Jody talk with Stevie about how he approaches string arrangements, how he became the go-to orchestrator for A-list artists, and how he adapts across wildly different genres. From lush pop ballads to aggressive rock anthems, Stevie reveals how strings can elevate a track from good to unforgettable.

    Expect insights into workflow, arranging philosophy, and even a few laughs as the guys dive into both the serious artistry and the fun nonsense that always finds its way into an Inside the Recording Studio episode. Whether you’re curious about building arrangements with home studio gear, hunting for recording setup tips, or just love hearing behind-the-scenes stories about your favorite artists, this episode is loaded with gems.

    Sit down, strap in, and get ready for an inspiring ride into the world of one of music’s most versatile arrangers.

    ******************************

    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.

    ******************************

    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

© 2020-2025 Inside the Recording Studio