• HOW TO FIX A MUDDY MIX: 5 Favorite Ways To Reduce The Mud



    Every producer has faced it—the dreaded muddy mix. The low end is messy, the mids are cluttered, and no matter how you tweak, it never sounds quite right. In this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody break down proven strategies to remove mud from mixes and bring clarity back to your sound.

    They begin with the often-overlooked foundation: arrangement. If too many instruments are fighting for the same space, no plugin will fix it. Chris & Jody share ways to think critically about instrumentation, layering, and voicing to set up your mix for success.

    From there, it’s all about dynamics. Over-compressed tracks can kill separation and exaggerate low-mid clutter. You’ll hear recording setup tips for using compression wisely to tighten, not smother, your sound.

    Of course, EQ is central to cleaning up mud. Chris & Jody highlight frequency ranges to watch out for, carving techniques to make room for each instrument, and how high-pass filters can be your best friend. They also dive into specialized tools—like dynamic EQs and multiband processors—that go beyond the basics to tame problem areas.

    They round out the discussion with a look at software that can identify and reduce muddiness automatically, while reminding listeners why ears matter more than meters. Along the way, expect candid stories, humor, and a dose of nonsense.

    And yes, the episode wraps up with their Friday Finds—this time spotlighting gear, plugins, or resources you’ll want to add to your own arsenal.

    Whether you’re mixing on home studio gear or in a professional facility, these insights will help you achieve clarity, separation, and impact in your tracks.

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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 Your Recording Environment Treated – What To Do When You Want Better Recordings



    The best microphones, preamps, and plugins won’t save a mix if your room is working against you. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody break down the essentials of recording room treatment—helping you transform your studio space into an environment where your mixes actually translate.They start with the foundation: monitor speakers. Where you place them in the room matters as much as which brand you choose. Chris & Jody walk through optimal placement strategies and explain how speaker position interacts with your walls, ceiling, and even the furniture in your studio.Next comes the mirror test—a simple, practical method to identify reflection points in your space. The guys explain how to use it, why it works, and what it tells you about where treatment should go.But what about foam panels? Are they the budget-friendly fix we’re all tempted to buy, or are they overrated? Chris & Jody compare foam, fiberglass, and other materials, breaking down what works, what doesn’t, and where each should go in your room. From wall treatments to ceiling clouds, they share recording setup tips that will help you achieve better clarity, tighter low end, and more accurate monitoring.And because they’re Chris & Jody, it’s not just a lecture—it’s sprinkled with humor, personal anecdotes, and the usual nonsense. To wrap it up, they deliver a supersized Friday Find, spotlighting something that could make a big difference in your workflow.If you’re building a space around home studio gear, upgrading a professional setup, or simply curious about why your mixes don’t sound the same outside your studio, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Proper acoustic treatment isn’t about spending a fortune—it’s about knowing what to do and why it matters.

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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

  • Separation 101: How To Create Separation Between Instruments In Your Mix



    Achieving separation between instruments in mixing is one of the most important yet misunderstood aspects of music production. Chris & Jody cut through the confusion in this week’s Inside the Recording Studio episode, diving deep into why separation matters, when it’s necessary, and how to achieve it without sacrificing vibe.

    From classic EQ and panning techniques to dynamic control and clever use of ambience, they outline practical recording setup tips you can apply in any session—whether you’re building tracks in a modest home studio gear setup or working in a fully outfitted pro environment. You’ll hear “road warrior” stories from real-world mixing situations where creative problem solving saved the day, plus insights into how too much separation can actually flatten a mix rather than enhance it.

    Is separation a technical checkbox, or an artistic choice that depends on context? Chris & Jody break down the balance between clarity and cohesion, sprinkling in their trademark humor (don’t worry—no actual divorces will occur in this discussion). To top it off, they wrap the episode with their Friday Finds, showcasing new tools, plugins, or ideas that can improve your workflow today.

    If you’ve ever struggled with mud, masking, or wondering why your carefully crafted parts disappear in a dense arrangement, this episode is a must-listen. Separation isn’t just about pulling instruments apart—it’s about giving every sound its place, so the whole track breathes.

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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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