Inside The Recording Studio

Getting separation in your mix isn’t about pulling instruments apart—it’s about giving them space to breathe. In this week’s Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody break down the art and science of separation, revealing how clarity and cohesion can live in perfect balance.

They unpack why separation matters, when it’s essential, and how to achieve it without flattening your mix or losing energy. From classic EQ carving and s...

Dolby Atmos Mixing: Redefining the Studio Soundstage

Once reserved for blockbuster cinemas, Dolby Atmos is now rewriting the rulebook for how we create and experience music. In this episode, Chris & Jody unpack what mixing in Atmos really means for the modern producer — from recording setup tips and home studio gear requirements to the creative freedom of 3D sound.

They’ll walk you through the tech (yes, it’s more than just pan...

There’s a moment every recording musician dreads: that blinking notification screaming “System Update Available.” Should you click it or keep your studio machine frozen in time? In this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody dig deep into the art and science of staying current—without crashing your creative flow.

From plugin compatibility nightmares to the hidden risks of updating mid-project, they unpack w...

Mix engineers have battled this question for decades: headphones or studio monitors—who reigns supreme? In this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody slice into the science, psychology, and practicality of monitoring. Whether you’re mixing in a treated control room or a spare-bedroom studio, knowing when to trust your ears (and which ones) can make or break your mix.

They start by unpacking what accuracy r...

When you hit play on a track, should it sound like you — unmistakably branded with your sonic fingerprint — or should it morph seamlessly into whatever the song demands? In this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody dive headfirst into one of the most polarizing debates in audio engineering: the “signature sound” dilemma.

For decades, producers and mix engineers have wrestled with the question: Is having a...

Part 2 of: What do Guitar Hero, blockbuster video game soundtracks, and a stack of epic TV scores all have in common? The unmistakable sound of Steve Ouimette. In this continuation episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody sit down with the guitarist and producer whose riffs have been quietly shaping your playlists, your binge-watching marathons, and maybe even your late-night gaming sessions.

Steve takes us through hi...

What do Guitar Hero, blockbuster video game soundtracks, and a stack of epic TV scores all have in common? The unmistakable sound of Steve Ouimette. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody sit down with the guitarist and producer whose riffs have been quietly shaping your playlists, your binge-watching marathons, and maybe even your late-night gaming sessions.

Steve takes us through his unlikely start in the ...

On the surface, panning and pan laws might sound like the driest topic in the world—but if you care about making mixes that translate everywhere, you can’t afford to ignore them. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody take a deep dive into the mechanics and the myths of stereo placement, with their usual mix of expertise, humor, and truth bombs.

First, they cover the basics: What is panning? What are pan law...

Confession time: how many compressor plugins do you actually need? One? Two? Six? Let’s be real—you probably have a “go-to” compressor and five others you bought during a flash sale because someone on YouTube said it was life-changing. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Chris and Jody are right there with you in this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, tackling the hilarious, slightly painful truth about gear hoarding in mus...

Who says distortion is just for shredders in leather pants? This week, Chris & Jody are here to spill the beans on how creative distortion in mixing can spice up any track. Think of it like hot sauce: a little goes a long way, but sometimes you just want to drench everything.

They start by serving up the obvious—guitar tones that roar and scream—but then they ladle distortion all over the mix. Bass that rattles, vocals that sna...

Apple’s MainStage is more than a shiny logo—it’s a performance powerhouse. In this episode, Chris & Jody break down why MainStage is the unsung hero of live rigs and home studio gear alike. From navigating its role as a flexible plugin host to uncovering hidden features in studio gear, they cover how this tool streamlines touring setups and enhances recording workflows. You’ll learn which instruments thrive inside MainStage, ho...

What’s it really like to make a living behind a drum kit? Chris & Jody corner Christopher Allis and get the dirt—from his first bash at the skins to rubbing shoulders (and sticks) with big-name acts. Expect road stories, studio quirks, and a few laughs about the less glamorous side of the music grind. This is Part One of the chat, and it’s loaded with tasty fills, candid confessions, and enough inspiration to make you dust off ...

Duck. Breathe. Pulse. Repeat.

The beat hits, and everything else steps aside. In this episode, Chris & Jody journey into the hidden choreography of sound—where one signal controls another, and side-chaining becomes more than a trick. It becomes feel.

What starts as a lesson in DAW setup and MPC Live integration quickly morphs into a deconstruction of space, impact, and the rhythm behind rhythm. Compression is the hammer. Side-c...

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 per...

How to Stay Productive During Studio Downtime

What should you be doing when the session calendar is quiet and the console isn’t lit up? In this insightful and entertaining episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive into 3 essential categories of activities to help you stay productive when you're not tracking, mixing, or mastering for the hottest band in town.

Whether you’re between big projects or facing a creative...

10 Common Mastering Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mastering isn’t just about loudness — it’s about finesse, clarity, and translating your mix to every playback system. In this enlightening (and slightly irreverent) episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody walk you through 10 of the most common mistakes made by beginner and intermediate mastering engineers — and how to steer clear of them.

🎛️ From over-compressing to...

Deadlines don’t care how creative you're feeling—so Chris and Jody are jumping into the fast lane with an episode all about navigating tight studio deadlines. Whether it's last-minute sessions, surprise client changes, or an unexpected "we need it yesterday" scenario, the guys share their real-world strategies for staying productive under pressure.

From prioritizing tasks in your DAW to smart time-saving workflows, they'll give you...

Corrective EQ vs Sweetening EQ: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive headfirst into the often-blurred line between corrective EQ and sweetening EQ — and why understanding the difference can elevate your mixes from passable to polished.

 Corrective EQ: What exactly qualifies as “fixing” a sound? From removing muddiness and taming resonances to addressing harsh f...

Music Theory in the Studio: Must-Have Skill or Creative Buzzkill?

Should every musician or producer know music theory? Is it a necessary tool or an outdated gatekeeper? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody tackle one of the most debated questions in modern production: does knowing music theory actually help in the studio—or can it sometimes get in the way?

From beatmakers who can’t read a note to session p...