• 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.

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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

  • 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.

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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

  • Elevate Your Singing Game: Expert Tips on Vocal Mic Placement



    Getting the perfect vocal take isn’t just about talent—it’s about technique, positioning, and knowing how to work the mic. Whether you’re tracking in a pro studio or recording in a DIY setup, mic distance can make or break your vocal mix.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody break down the art and science of mic positioning and why finding the sweet spot is crucial for getting that clear, full-bodied, and professional vocal sound.

    What We’re Covering:

    How close should a singer be to the mic? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but we’ll explain the general rules and when to break them.

    What happens when you get it wrong? From muddy, boomy vocals to thin and lifeless recordings, mic distance can have a huge impact on tone and clarity.

    Should singers hold the mic? Live performance vs. studio tracking—why holding the mic might seem like a good idea, but often leads to unwanted inconsistencies.

    What is the proximity effect? Ever wondered why getting too close to the mic makes vocals sound overly bass-heavy? We’ll break down how this phenomenon works and how to use it to your advantage (or avoid it entirely!).

    Fixing common recording mistakes. Whether you’re dealing with plosives, sibilance, or room reflections, we’ll share practical tips to troubleshoot mic placement issues in any recording environment.

    Bonus: Don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds—where we share the latest gear, plugins, and tricks that could change the way you record vocals forever.

    It’s all about getting the best vocal takes—without the guesswork. Tune in and let’s demystify the perfect mic placement together!

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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

  • 5 EQ Tips for Kick Drums: Transform Your Mix with Pro Secrets!



    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody take on a critical piece of every mix—the kick drum. Whether you want deep, chest-thumping lows or a sharp, defined attack, EQ is the key to making your kick sit right in the mix.

    Here’s what we’re breaking down:
    Fundamental Low End – How to shape the bass for power without turning your mix into a muddy mess.
    Low Mids – The trouble zone! Tame the mud or embrace the warmth—your call.
    Upper Mids – Cutting through the mix without making your kick sound thin or harsh.
    The “Click” Factor – How the right amount of high-end attack can give your kick drum definition and presence.

    Plus, we’ll dig into cutting vs. boosting in each range and explain the “why” behind each choice—because knowing whatto tweak is only half the battle.

    And since this episode is all about kicks, we promise plenty of fun, a bit of nonsense, and of course, this week’s mysterious Friday Finds (you definitely don’t want to miss this one).

    If you’ve ever struggled to make your kick drum hit just right, this episode is packed with practical EQ tips to help you lock in the perfect sound. Hit play and let’s get that low end in shape!

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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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