• From Static to Dynamic: Elevate Your Mix with Expert Automation Techniques!



    Moving the Faders: How Track and Region-Based Automation Can Transform Your Mixes

    Automation: it’s not just a buzzword—it’s the secret sauce behind some of the most immersive mixes you’ve ever heard.

    In this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive deep into the power of track and region-based automation, showing you how to breathe life, movement, and personality into your productions—without lifting a finger (well, maybe just a fader or two).

    From subtle volume swells to dramatic panning shifts and time-based effect tweaks, automation allows you to sculpt emotion into your audio with pinpoint precision. Whether you’re building energy in a chorus, taming an unruly synth, or automating plugin parameters like reverb, EQ, or delay for added dimension, this episode is packed with practical tipsand creative workflows you can start using today.

    You’ll learn:

    • The difference between track-based and region-based automation—and when to use which
    • How to control volume, panning, FX, and plugin settings for dynamic impact
    • Creative automation tricks for space, clarity, and vibe
    • Real-world examples of automation bringing a mix to life

    As always, expect a little studio banter, a dash of nonsense, and this week’s Friday Finds—because great gear and clever tips go hand in hand.

    So whether you’re mixing in a pro studio or your bedroom setup, this episode will help you take full control of your sonic universe.

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

    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

  • Stems vs. Multitracks: The Best Lingo Guide for Music Producers!



    What exactly is the difference between stems and multitrack files—and why does it matter when you’re sending a session out into the world?

    In this knowledge-packed episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody unravel the often-confused terms and workflows behind project sharing in modern music production.

    Whether you’re a solo artist collaborating across the globe, a producer prepping tracks for a mix engineer, or someone just trying not to embarrass yourself on a licensing call—this episode helps you sound like you actually know what you’re talking about.

    Learn:

    • The difference between stems and multitracks (finally).
    • Why clarity matters when you’re collaborating or outsourcing.
    • What people really mean when they say “send me the stems.”
    • The right time to export, organize, and communicate project files.
    • How using the wrong term might derail your mix—or your reputation.

    And of course, expect the usual helping of nonsense, some studio banter, and a few Friday Finds worth checking out.

    So if you’ve ever hesitated mid-email wondering “Wait… is this a stem or a multitrack?” — this episode is for you.

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

    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

  • New Gear Overload! Tips to Avoid the Trap & Stay Creative



    Shiny New Gear: When to Use It & When to Hold Back

    We’ve all been there: You finally get your hands on that shiny new plugin, synth, or piece of outboard gear, and suddenly… you want to use it on everything. But should you?

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody wade through the muddy waters of gear obsession to answer some important questions:

    Does every song really need that new effect, plugin, or instrument?
    Do sleigh bells belong in everything, or should they stay in Christmas songs?
    Are you buying gear for a real need—or just chasing the thrill of something new?

    They’ll break down the psychology behind gear purchases, how to integrate new tools effectively, and when it’s time to resist the urge to throw the kitchen sink into your mix.

    Of course, it wouldn’t be an episode without some nonsense, unexpected tangents, and a Friday Find or two.

    So if you’ve ever wondered whether that new compressor is a game-changer or just another dust collector, this episode is for you.

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

    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

  • Master the Low End: Exciting Tips for Perfectly EQ’d Bass!



    Dialing in the Low End: EQ Secrets for a Better Bass Mix

    When it comes to crafting a solid, powerful mix, few things are more important—or more misunderstood—than EQ’ing your bass tracks. It’s the heartbeat of your production, and getting it wrong can sink an otherwise great song.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody grab their sonic shovels and start digging deep into the frequency trenches of the electric bass. Whether you’re a producer, engineer, musician, or bedroom mix wizard, this episode is packed with tips and tricks to help you sculpt the bass sound you’ve been chasing.

    What’s Inside This Episode:

    Breaking down the frequency zones. From the sub frequencies that shake the room to the low mids that can muddy the mix—and even the elusive “air” frequencies—Chris and Jody walk you through the entire EQ landscape.

    When to cut, when to boost, and why. Not every bass track needs the same treatment. You’ll learn how to spot the problem areas and when to tighten things up or let them breathe.

    How your bass interacts with the rest of your mix. EQ is not a solo mission—it’s about making your bass play nice with drums, guitars, vocals, and everything else.

    Plus: Don’t miss the signature segment, Friday Finds, where they share new gear, tools, or resources worth checking out. And of course, expect a sprinkle of nonsense to keep things fun.

    So if you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why does my bass sound muddy, flabby, or lost in the mix?”—this episode is your roadmap to clarity.

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

    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