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  • Elevate Your Singing Game: Expert Tips on Vocal Mic Placement



    Getting the perfect vocal take isn’t just about talent—it’s about technique, positioning, and knowing how to work the mic. Whether you’re tracking in a pro studio or recording in a DIY setup, mic distance can make or break your vocal mix.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody break down the art and science of mic positioning and why finding the sweet spot is crucial for getting that clear, full-bodied, and professional vocal sound.

    What We’re Covering:

    How close should a singer be to the mic? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but we’ll explain the general rules and when to break them.

    What happens when you get it wrong? From muddy, boomy vocals to thin and lifeless recordings, mic distance can have a huge impact on tone and clarity.

    Should singers hold the mic? Live performance vs. studio tracking—why holding the mic might seem like a good idea, but often leads to unwanted inconsistencies.

    What is the proximity effect? Ever wondered why getting too close to the mic makes vocals sound overly bass-heavy? We’ll break down how this phenomenon works and how to use it to your advantage (or avoid it entirely!).

    Fixing common recording mistakes. Whether you’re dealing with plosives, sibilance, or room reflections, we’ll share practical tips to troubleshoot mic placement issues in any recording environment.

    Bonus: Don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds—where we share the latest gear, plugins, and tricks that could change the way you record vocals forever.

    It’s all about getting the best vocal takes—without the guesswork. Tune in and let’s demystify the perfect mic placement together!

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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

  • Audio Masking Exposed: How to Bring Every Instrument into the Spotlight!



    Chris and Jody wade into the murky depths of audio masking—a sneaky culprit that can turn your mix into a muddy mess. If your instruments are fighting for attention and your mix feels cluttered, this episode is for you!

    We’ll explore:

    • What is audio masking? The science behind why some sounds disappear in a mix.
    • Which instruments are the usual suspects? Find out where masking commonly occurs.
    • How to spot (and stop) masking before it kills your clarity.
    • Listening strategies & EQ moves to carve out space for each track.
    • The best software tools to visually detect and fix masking issues.

    Plus, this week’s Friday Finds brings another audio gem, and—let’s be honest—some nonsense will probably slip through.

    Whether you’re mixing your first track or refining your pro workflow, this episode will help you clear the mud and make your mix shine!

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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

  • Unlock the Secrets of Drum Programming vs. Live Drums!



    Ready to settle the score between drum programming and live drums? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive deep into the pros, cons, and surprising secrets of both worlds. From the unmistakable human feel of live drums to the precision and creativity of programmed beats, we explore:

    • Which music styles thrive with live drums and which ones are a match made in heaven for drum programming.
    • When to hit record on live drums for that larger-than-life sound—and when to let your DAW handle the groove.
    • Avoiding robotic rhythms: Common pitfalls of drum programming and how to keep it feeling fresh.
    • Why program drums anyway? Cost, control, and those tiny apartments that don’t fit a drum kit.
    • The best of both worlds: Tips for blending live and programmed drums or samples to craft a killer hybrid sound.

    Plus, there’s a mysterious Friday Finds that you won’t want to miss. And let’s be real—it’s also not unlikely that some nonsense will be discussed along the way.

    Whether you’re a purist who swears by sticks and skins or a MIDI maestro, this episode is packed with insights to level up your drum game!

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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

  • From Clutter to Clarity: Expert Layering Techniques for a Powerful Mix!



    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive headfirst into the art (and occasional disaster) of layering similar instruments in a mix. When done right, layering can add depth, texture, and power—but when done wrong, you’re left with a cluttered, phasey mess that no amount of EQ can fix.

    We’re tackling:
    Synths – Can stacking multiple pads create a lush soundscape, or does it just turn into an undefined blob?
    Guitars – Doubling and layering techniques that add energy without losing clarity.
    Basses – Thickening the low end vs. creating an unintelligible rumble.
    Drums – Why layering kicks and snares can be powerful… but also tricky.
    Vocals – Finding the right balance between rich harmonies and overprocessed chaos.

    Along the way, we’ll talk common layering pitfalls, best practices, and how to decide when enough is enough. And of course, no episode would be complete without some nonsense and this week’s mysterious Friday Finds—trust us, you want to hear this one.

    If you’ve ever struggled with getting layers to sit just right, this episode is packed with actionable mixing tips to help you achieve a bigger, more professional sound without losing clarity. Hit play and let’s stack those layers the right way!

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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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