• Mixing Workflow Tips For Better Results on Client Songs



    So you said yes to mixing someone else’s track. Bold move. Now what?

    In this episode, Chris and Jody pull back the curtain on what really happens after you get hired. Spoiler alert. It is not just opening a session and pushing faders. There is a whole process, and if you skip parts of it, things can go sideways fast.

    They start at the very beginning with the first client conversation. This is where you either set yourself up for a smooth project or quietly step into chaos. What questions should you ask? What should make you pause? Chris and Jody dig into both, including a few moments where things did not go exactly as planned. Those stories alone are worth sticking around for.

    Then it is onto setup. Not the glamorous kind. The practical kind. File prep, session organization, and making sure your system does not melt halfway through a mix. Keeping your CPU happy is not optional, and neither is keeping your workflow clean.

    Communication gets a spotlight too. Because let’s be honest, half of mixing is managing expectations. Chris and Jody talk about how to stay on the same page with clients without getting buried in endless revisions or confusion. The goal is simple. Keep things moving and keep everyone sane.

    There is also the usual banter, a few cautionary tales, and some honest reminders that even experienced engineers hit bumps along the way. The difference is how you recover and keep the project moving forward.

    By the time they reach the final mix stage, one thing becomes clear. A good workflow is not about being fancy. It is about being repeatable. Do the right things in the right order and your mixes improve, your clients stay happy, and your stress level drops.

    If you are stepping into client work or just tired of reinventing your process every time, this episode will help you tighten things up fast. Hit play, learn from their wins and mistakes, and subscribe for next week’s deep dive.

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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

  • Grouping Background Vocals for Better Mix Control


    If your background vocals tend to fight the lead instead of lifting it, this quick walkthrough shows how to turn complexity into clarity.

    In this Tuesday Tip, Jody breaks down how he handles a session with 18 background vocals, covering how they’re grouped, panned, bussed, and processed so they actually help the song instead of wrecking the mix. The focus stays practical: making those vocals feel big, wide, and supportive while keeping the lead vocal front and center.

  • 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

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