• Mistakes of Troubleshooting Mics and How to Fix Them Quickly



    Few things bring a session to a screeching halt faster than a microphone that suddenly refuses to cooperate. Bizarre noises, unexplained silence, or a performance that just doesn’t sound right can rattle even the most seasoned engineer. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody walk through a simple yet powerful checklist for troubleshooting mics—a must-have process for anyone working under pressure.

    They begin with the obvious (but often overlooked) basics: checking cables, phantom power, and input channels. Then they move deeper into audio interface troubleshooting, gain staging, and hardware quirks that can throw off a session. You’ll hear real-world advice on how to quickly isolate whether the issue lies with the mic, the preamp, or the signal chain—so you can fix problems fast without derailing the creative flow.

    But it’s not just a technical exercise. Chris and Jody also bring humor to the process, including a hilarious and slightly embarrassing personal story about a mic sounding terrible for the simplest (and most obvious) reason imaginable. It’s proof that even experienced engineers can miss the basics in the heat of the moment—and a reminder to always double-check.

    The episode also emphasizes understanding your gear, from recognizing hidden features in studio gear to knowing when a strange sound is operator error versus actual failure. Whether you’re working in a professional studio or experimenting with home studio gear, this checklist will give you confidence to handle mic issues gracefully.

    If you’ve ever been under the gun with a client staring at you while a mic refuses to work, this episode is the lifeline you’ll want in your back pocket. Practical, clear, and sprinkled with laughter, it’s all about getting back to making music as quickly as possible.

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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

  • Diving Into The Chorus Effect: What Makes It So Special?



    Chorus – The Effect That Doubles, Thickens, and Shimmers

    Few effects in the world of audio carry the same nostalgia and magic as Chorus. From shimmering guitars in the ‘80s to lush synths and vocal doubling tricks, Chorus has carved its place as one of the most versatile modulation effects in music production. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive deep into what makes up Chorus, how it works, and how they use it in their own productions.

    What Is Chorus?

    At its core, Chorus is all about creating the illusion of multiple voices or instruments playing in unison. By slightly delaying and modulating the pitch of a copied signal, Chorus adds width, richness, and texture to otherwise plain sounds. Chris and Jody break down the inner workings of the effect in plain English, explaining how subtle pitch variations and modulation rates create that instantly recognizable shimmer.

    Where It Came From

    Chorus didn’t just appear out of nowhere—it made its mark on legendary recordings, particularly in the ‘70s and ‘80s. From classic pedal units to iconic rack gear, Chorus found its way into countless guitar rigs and studio racks, defining eras of sound. Chris and Jody highlight some of the famous moments where Chorus became the star of the show.

    Parameters and Control

    The duo also walk through the common parameters of Chorus effects—depth, rate, mix, delay time—and how tweaking each one alters the feel. Whether you’re adding subtle width to vocals, fattening up bass lines, or creating wide stereo pads, these controls are your key to unlocking the perfect tone.

    Favorite Chorus Units

    To top it all off, Chris and Jody reveal their favorite Chorus units and plugins—sharing both classic hardware favorites and modern digital emulations. They talk about why these particular units stand out, and how each one brings something different to a mix.

    Why Listen

    This episode isn’t just a technical walkthrough—it’s a lively, personality-filled conversation that blends knowledge with humor. Whether you’re an engineer looking to expand your modulation toolbox or a producer curious about where Chorus fits into your workflow, this is your chance to get inspired (and maybe discover a new favorite plugin or pedal).

    https://www.bluecataudio.com/Products/Product_Chorus

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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

  • Reference Tracks: What You Need to Know for a Professional Mix



    Reference Tracks – Friend or Foe?

    Every producer, mix engineer, and musician has heard about them—reference tracks. But are they the magic bullet for better mixes, or just another rabbit hole of second-guessing? In the first episode of 2023, Chris and Jody dive into the world of reference tracks, unpacking why they matter, how to use them effectively, and the pitfalls you’ll want to avoid.

    At their core, reference tracks are simply professionally mixed and mastered songs that you compare your own work against. They’re a tool to help gauge tonal balance, loudness, dynamics, and overall vibe. But, as Chris and Jody point out, like any tool, they’re only as useful as the way you apply them.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode

    • What reference tracks are and how they can shape your workflow.
    • Why Chris and Jody do (or don’t) use them in their own mixing processes.
    • The point of reference tracks: when they help you calibrate your ears and when they can distract you.
    • Pitfalls to avoid, like obsessing over matching a mix too literally, or choosing the wrong references for your style.
    • Where reference tracks fit into the bigger picture of mixing and mastering—without derailing creativity.

    Balancing Workflow and Creativity

    Chris and Jody stress that while reference tracks can keep your ears honest, they shouldn’t become a crutch. For example, comparing a home recording done on home studio gear to a million-dollar studio production requires context. Instead, the key is knowing when to listen critically and when to trust your instincts.

    They also share a few recording setup tips that help make referencing smoother: setting up quick A/B comparisons in your DAW, keeping volume levels consistent, and using spectrum analyzers or meters to double-check what your ears are telling you.

    A Few Laughs Along the Way

    Of course, this wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio without Chris and Jody injecting some humor. Expect some playful back-and-forth as they poke fun at their own habits and joke about the fine line between using references wisely and chasing your tail with endless comparisons.

    By the end of the episode, you’ll walk away knowing not just how to use reference tracks, but how to avoid the common mistakes that can lead to frustration. Whether you’re mixing your first demo or polishing a record for release, this episode gives you the perspective to use references as a tool, not a trap.

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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

  • Mixing Secret Revealed: Learn How To Master Parallel Compression



    Parallel Compression Explained

    As 2022 winds down, Chris and Jody take a side street and head down the alley of one of mixing’s most trusted (and sometimes misunderstood) techniques: parallel compression. Whether you call it New York compression, “upward compression,” or just “squash and blend,” this method can add punch, depth, and presence to a mix—without flattening dynamics into oblivion.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive into the what, why, and how of parallel compression. They explain not only the mechanics but also the artistic reasoning behind using it.

    What You’ll Learn

    • How to do parallel compression step by step, whether you’re working with outboard gear, console routing, or in-the-box plugins.
    • The methods that can achieve it, from aux sends and buses to dedicated parallel processors.
    • Why you’d want to use it: bringing drums forward, adding vocal energy, or thickening bass without losing transient snap.
    • Pitfalls to watch out for, like phase issues, over-compression, or muddying the mix.
    • Which compressors Chris and Jody reach for most often when they’re doing parallel work.

    Why It Matters

    Parallel compression isn’t just a flashy trick—it’s a powerful way to add energy and life to a mix while keeping dynamics intact. Chris and Jody share real-world examples of when and how they use it, plus workflow hacks and recording setup tips to make the process smoother. Whether you’re running classic outboard units or building chains from home studio gear, you’ll walk away with new ideas to elevate your mixes.

    Expect the Unexpected

    Of course, this wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio without some humor and nonsense. Along the way, Chris and Jody poke fun at their own habits, swap stories from sessions gone right (and wrong), and remind us that at the end of the day, it’s all about making music that moves people.

    By the end of the episode, you’ll not only understand parallel compression—you’ll know how to wield it 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

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