• Encore Episode: CJ Vanston on Creativity, Gear, and Great Recordings



    Chris and Jody are hitting rewind and bringing back a special encore presentation of one of the most beloved conversations in Inside the Recording Studio history: their in-depth interview with CJ Vanston.

    And honestly? This one was worth rerunning anyway.

    CJ Vanston isn’t just a producer or keyboard wizard, he’s a musical storyteller who’s been behind the curtain of some truly iconic recordings. In this episode, Chris and Jody revisit their captivating conversation with CJ, unpacking how great records actually get made, why vibe matters more than gear lists, and what decades in the industry teach you that no plug-in manual ever will.

    Behind the Curtain: CJ’s Creative Process

    This encore gives you another chance to soak in CJ’s refreshingly grounded approach to music production. He talks openly about creative decision-making, how he chooses sounds that serve the song (not the ego), and why less technical obsession often leads to more emotional impact. If you’re deep into home studio gear, chasing better recording setup tips, or endlessly tweaking instead of finishing songs, this conversation might gently (or not-so-gently) reset your priorities.

    CJ also dives into how he listens: stripping sessions down to the essentials, focusing on feel before fidelity, and trusting instincts over specs. It’s a powerful reminder that great records aren’t built by hiding behind menus or obsessing over hidden features in studio gear, but by committing to musical choices that communicate something real.

    Musical Wisdom That Still Hits

    Whether you’re an aspiring producer, a seasoned engineer, or a musician building tracks at home, CJ’s insights hold up beautifully. He shares hard-earned lessons about collaboration, keeping sessions human, and why the best studios, regardless of budget, feel safe, playful, and honest.

    Along the way, Chris and Jody keep things firmly grounded in Inside the Recording Studio fashion: smart questions, practical takeaways, and just enough nonsense to remind you that making music should still be fun. Expect laughs, side comments, and the kind of conversational detours that make it feel like you’re hanging out in the control room rather than sitting through a lecture.

    Why This Encore Matters

    If you missed this episode the first time, welcome, you’re in for a treat. If you heard it before, you’ll likely catch new details this time around, especially if your studio skills (or frustrations) have evolved. From practical mindset shifts to subtle production philosophies, this rerun proves that the best advice doesn’t expire.

    So grab your headphones, fire up your DAW (or maybe… close it for an hour), and join Chris and Jody as they revisit a timeless conversation about music, production, and the art behind the hits.

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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 Use Reference Mixes to Instantly Improve Your Mixing



    Referencing Your Way to a Better Mix

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody break down the power of reference mixes—why they’re essential tools for mixers and how to use them effectively in your workflow.

    From understanding tonal balance to making better decisions about EQ, compression, and stereo width, reference tracks can be your secret weapon for more polished, competitive mixes. The duo shares their personal referencing workflows and recommends plugin tools that simplify A/B comparisons inside your DAW.

    Plus, don’t miss their offbeat banter and the latest pick from this week’s Friday Finds.

    Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been mixing for years, this episode will help you train your ears, sharpen your instincts, and mix with more confidence.

    Learn how to mix smarter by referencing like a pro!

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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

  • Discover the Art of Mixing: Top 5 Secrets from the Lord-Alge Brothers Revealed!



    5 Mixing Secrets Inspired by the Legendary Lord-Age Brothers

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody channel the wisdom of the mythical Lord-Age brothers—an homage to the mixing greats—bringing you 5 essential mix tips that elevate clarity, impact, and depth in your productions.

    From surgical EQ moves to sculpting spatial depth with reverb and stereo width, these distilled techniques are the kind of pro-level insights you’d expect from decades of engineering mastery. Whether you’re battling muddy mids or struggling to make instruments sit right in a dense arrangement, this episode is packed with practical strategies.

    We’ll break down:

    • How to balance competing frequencies without masking

    • When to break rules on purpose—and why it works

    • How the pros use automation to add life and motion

    • Why “less is more” applies to compression layering

    • The overlooked FX routing trick that opens up a mix instantly

    Plus: Chris and Jody add a bit of humor and personal flavor to the discussion, making these timeless tips both relatable and actionable.

    If you’re ready to mix smarter—not harder—this one’s for you.

    Listen now and upgrade your mixing game with the legends—real or imagined.

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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 use reference mixes to help your mixing work



    Your mix is sounding great—but is it great enough?
    In this episode, Chris & Jody break down the art and science of using reference mixes to elevate your work from good to release-ready. Learn why comparing your mix to commercial tracks isn’t “cheating”—it’s a critical listening strategyused by professionals across the globe.

    They’ll walk you through how to choose the right reference tracks, what to listen for (hint: it’s not just EQ curves), and how to integrate reference monitoring without sabotaging your workflow. You’ll also get the inside scoop on plugins designed to streamline the process—because your ears deserve precision tools.

    Whether you’re mixing in a home studio or a full-blown facility, using references the right way can take your mix from “meh” to “masterful.” And yes—there’s still room for a little nonsense and this week’s Friday Finds.

    Hit play and make your next mix smarter, faster, and more pro.

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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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