• Do Different DAWs Sound Different? The Truth Revealed



    Which DAW Should You Use? The Truth Behind the Interface

    In the eternal question of digital audio workstations (DAWs), Chris & Jody dive into the debate every producer, engineer, and home studio wizard has faced: Does it really matter which DAW you use?

    Spoiler alert: it’s less about the name on the software and more about how you interact with it.

    This episode explores the essential elements of a recording setup—from how your workflow responds to different GUIs and platform preferences, to whether there’s actually a sonic difference between DAWs (yes, we’re going there). Chris & Jody unpack how to choose a DAW that matches your goals—not your friend’s, not your bandmate’s, not some guy on Reddit.

    Expect insight, nuance, and yes, a dash of the usual nonsense. Whether you’re Team Logic, Pro Tools loyalist, Studio One convert, or Reaper renegade—this one’s for you.

    Plus: Friday Finds and gear tips to sharpen your setup.
    Tune in and get a clearer view on your DAW decision.

    Make sure you enter our giveaway thanks to the wonderful people at Fishman.

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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

  • The Secret To Giant Background Vocals In Pop, Rock & More



    The Art of Big, Bold Background Vocals

    What do Queen, Bon Jovi, and your next killer mix have in common? Background vocals that are bigger than life.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody take a deep dive into the lush world of giant background vocal production—from soaring stacks to rhythmic gang vocals. They explore what types of BGVs work across genres, how to craft blends that elevate a chorus, and why some producers obsess over timing, others pitch, and some… both.

    You’ll get real-world production tips, including how to treat massive vocal stacks, when to go mono vs stereo, what effects bring vocals to life, and which common mistakes can turn a “wall of sound” into “mud on toast.” They’ll name-check iconic BGV-heavy producers and bands who mastered the technique—plus share their own strategies for keeping chaos organized in a dense mix.

    Whether you’re recording in a bedroom studio or a world-class vocal booth, you’ll come away with actionable recording setup tips, and a better understanding of how to get those background vocals to sparkle, punch, or explode—whatever your track needs.

    Don’t miss their Friday Finds, the Gold Star word, and of course, a healthy dose of nonsense.

    Shoutout: T-Ride, Eric Valentine, Steve Ouimette, Steve Lukather, Mutt Lange, Roy Thomas Baker, Queen

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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 Sample Rate Affects Your Sound



    Sample Rate Smarts: What They Are and Why They Matter

    In this enlightening episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody crack open the digital egg and dive into the often-misunderstood world of sample rates. What is a sample rate really? Why do we choose 44.1, 48, or even 96kHz? And more importantly—should you ever upsample? (Spoiler: there’s one thing you definitely shouldn’t do.)

    With their trademark clarity and wit, Chris and Jody walk through the fundamentals of sample rate theory, the evolution of digital audio gear, and the real-world implications of higher rates—think CPU loads, file sizes, and that one timesomeone tried to impress clients by tracking at 192kHz… just because.

    This episode is essential listening for anyone working with digital audio—whether you’re running a humble home studio gear setup or deep in the pro audio trenches. It’s all signal, no fluff (well… maybe a little fluff—this is Chris and Jody after all).

    Stick around for the Gold Star word, don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds, and prep your ears for a mini-masterclass that cuts through the confusion and gives you real recording setup tips you can actually use.

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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 Record Guitar Using Direct Input: A Complete Beginner’s Guide



    Plug It In: DI Guitar Recording Demystified

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive into the electrifying world of recording guitar using Direct Input (DI). Whether you’re tracking an electric guitar straight into your interface or experimenting with an acoustic guitar equipped with pickups, DI recording can be a powerful, clean, and flexible option—if you know how to use it right.

    From classic DI boxes to interface inputs and reamping strategies, the duo breaks down the essential gear, signal chains, and recording setup tips to get the most out of your tone. They explore the pros, the cons, and the creative uses that might surprise even seasoned engineers. Spoiler alert: it’s not just a backup plan.

    Expect useful guidance, real-world anecdotes, and a few laughs along the way. And yes—as always—there’s the Friday Finds, the elusive Gold Star word, and a healthy dose of studio nonsense.

    If you’ve ever wondered how to capture a guitar tone that’s flexible, clean, and ready for mixing magic, this episode’s for you. Tune in, DI in, and let Chris and Jody be your tone tour guides.

    Shoutout to: StudioDevil, Redwirez, CJ Vanston, Paul Jackson Jr.

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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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