• Layering Instruments: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly



    Layering Similar Instruments — Smart or Sonic Overload?

    Layering is one of those techniques that can make a mix feel massive… or make it fall apart in a messy pile of frequencies. In this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody tackle the age-old question: when does layering similar instruments enhance your track, and when does it sabotage it?

    We’ve all been tempted—stacking multiple guitars for thickness, doubling synths for shimmer, or adding vocal takes until the hard drive cries uncle. But does it always help? Chris and Jody walk you through the pros and cons of layering guitars, synths, bass, drums, and vocals, with practical recording setup tips for each.

    You’ll discover:

    • Why layering guitars can add depth and stereo spread… but also create mud if not EQ’d carefully.
    • When synth layering works wonders for texture, and when it just sounds like two presets fighting.
    • The trap of doubling bass lines and why it often creates more confusion than clarity.
    • Drum layering secrets that can give punch to snares or kicks—if you avoid phase problems.
    • Vocals stacked for harmony vs. clutter, and how to know when enough is enough.

    Throughout the episode, Chris and Jody highlight both workflow wins and sonic risks, giving you a balanced look at this common production choice. They sprinkle in some humor (because why not?), and as always, wrap it up with their Friday Finds—fresh tools, tricks, or tracks worth checking out.

    Whether you’re a home studio gear enthusiast or a pro with years behind the console, you’ll walk away with a sharper ear for layering decisions. Learn how to spot the difference between intentional fullness and unintentional chaos, so your next production feels big, clear, and compelling.

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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

  • Getting To Know The Kick Drum Frequency Spectrum



    EQ Your Kick Drum with Confidence

    The kick drum is the heartbeat of almost every track. But dialing in its EQ? That’s where many mixes stumble. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody break down the mysteries of shaping your kick drum with EQ—from the thump in the lows to the click in the highs—and everything in between.

    If you’ve ever asked yourself why your kick sounds muddy, buried, or lifeless in the mix, this episode has the answers. The guys start at the fundamental low end, explaining how to lock in that deep, chest-thumping weight without overpowering the rest of your track. They move into the low mids, where mud often collects, offering practical recording setup tips for cutting frequencies that don’t serve the groove. Then it’s up to the upper mids and click frequencies, where definition and attack make the difference between a kick that gets lost and a kick that cuts through.

    Along the way, Chris and Jody share why sometimes you boost, sometimes you cut, and sometimes you just leave it alone. Think of it as an EQ roadmap for your kick drum—clear, practical, and loaded with real-world advice you can use on your next mix session.

    And of course, this wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio without some personality. Expect a little banter, a dash of nonsense, and this week’s Friday Finds, where Chris and Jody spotlight tools and ideas that can spark creativity in your studio.

    Whether you’re building your first home studio gear setup, polishing your live recording, or deep into pro audio mixing, this episode will help you hear the kick drum in a whole new way. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to reach for the EQ dial, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to make your mix punch, groove, and breathe.

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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 Your DAW Like A Console: 3 Pro Bits for Channel Strips vs Individual Plugins



    In the world of recording and mixing, few debates are as enduring—or as workflow-defining—as the choice between channel strips and individual plugins. On this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody roll up their sleeves and dive straight into the signal path to unpack what makes these two approaches so different.

    If you’ve ever wondered why some engineers swear by all-in-one channel strips while others stack plugins like a buffet plate, this episode is your roadmap.

    A channel strip is like having a miniature console channel living inside your DAW: EQ, compression, gating, and sometimes saturation all bundled together. Chris and Jody break down exactly what components are included, why they’re modeled after the legendary consoles that defined decades of records, and how modern digital developers—from Waves and Universal Audio to Brainworx and Plugin Alliance—have reimagined them for today’s producers.

    On the other side of the fader are individual plugins—the modular approach where you cherry-pick a specific EQ, compressor, or limiter to build your own custom chain. The flexibility is undeniable, but so are the rabbit holes of option paralysis. Which EQ plugin works best with which compressor? How many tape saturators does one session really need? Chris and Jody debate the pros and cons with equal parts technical wisdom and a splash of studio humor.

    Expect a conversation that blends workflow hacks, recording setup tips, and candid opinions. You’ll learn why a channel strip can be a lifesaver in the heat of tracking, where individual plugins shine for precision and experimentation, and how to strike the right balance in your own projects. Plus, the guys share thoughts on whether treating your DAW like a console can actually speed up your mixing, or if it just locks you into habits you might not need.

    And of course—it wouldn’t be an Inside the Recording Studio episode without some playful banter and this week’s Friday Finds.

    Whether you’re a home studio gear enthusiast or a seasoned pro, this episode will give you a sharper perspective on how to streamline your signal chain and make your mix decisions with more confidence.

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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

  • Legendary Producer CJ Vanston and His Beard: How He Discovered His Secrets for Success



    CJ Vanston has built a career most musicians only dream about—and in this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody bring him in for a conversation packed with wisdom, stories, and laughter.

    The CJ Vanston interview kicks off with his early beginnings: what set him on the path to becoming a first-call musician, producer, and composer. From there, the stories unfold—anecdotes about turning down a major artist over something as unexpected as a beard, and insights into the mindset that has kept him grounded and inspired throughout decades in the business.

    Of course, no gearhead interview would be complete without some studio talk. CJ shares the gear he simply can’t live without, offering recording setup tips that apply whether you’re working with high-end rigs or humble home studio gear. Along the way, he reveals the habits and techniques that keep his creative process sharp, as well as the hidden features in studio gear that have given him an edge.

    The conversation also detours into some wild and wonderful highlights from CJ’s career—his work with Spinal Tap, Toto, Richard Marx, and yes, even Elvis impersonators. It’s a mix of humor, honesty, and experience that only someone with CJ’s résumé could bring.

    And as always, Chris & Jody cap things off with their Friday Finds, spotlighting fresh tools and resources you’ll want to check out. Add in their signature humor and a sprinkling of nonsense, and you’ve got an episode that’s as entertaining as it is educational.

    If you’re curious about what it takes to sustain a career in music, how to balance artistry with professionalism, or just want to hear stories from one of the greats, this episode is a must-listen.

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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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