Inside The Recording Studio

Finding the Sweet Spot: Why Headroom Matters in Your Mixes

You’ve likely heard the term headroom tossed around in audio circles—but how well do you actually understand it?

In this week's episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive head-first into the often-overlooked (yet wildly important) topic of recording headroom. They break down what it is, why you should care, and how hitting the “sweet spot” of headroom can m...

What exactly is the difference between stems and multitrack files—and why does it matter when you're sending a session out into the world?

In this knowledge-packed episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody unravel the often-confused terms and workflows behind project sharing in modern music production.

Whether you're a solo artist collaborating across the globe, a producer prepping tracks for a mix engineer, or someone...

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 inst...

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 electri...

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 ...

Chris and Jody wade into the murky depths of audio masking—a sneaky culprit that can turn your mix into a muddy mess. If your instruments are fighting for attention and your mix feels cluttered, this episode is for you!

We’ll explore:

• What is audio masking? The science behind why some sounds disappear in a mix.
• Which instruments are the usual suspects? Find out where masking commonly occurs.
• How to spot (and stop) masking befo...

Ready to settle the score between drum programming and live drums? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive deep into the pros, cons, and surprising secrets of both worlds. From the unmistakable human feel of live drums to the precision and creativity of programmed beats, we explore:

• Which music styles thrive with live drums and which ones are a match made in heaven for drum programming.
• When to hit ...

In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive headfirst into the art (and occasional disaster) of layering similar instruments in a mix. When done right, layering can add depth, texture, and power—but when done wrong, you’re left with a cluttered, phasey mess that no amount of EQ can fix.

We’re tackling: Synths – Can stacking multiple pads create a lush soundscape, or does it just turn into an undefined blob?...

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 warm...

This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody step into the ring for a battle of the workflows—Channel Strips vs. Individual Plugins!

Ever wondered if you should streamline your mix with an all-in-one channel strip or go full mad scientist with a chain of individual plugins? We’re diving into: What exactly makes up a channel strip, and how does it compare to stacking separate plugins? The classic hardware emulations and ...

NAMM 2025 has wrapped, and Chris and Jody are here to break down all the must-see gear, jaw-dropping innovations, and biggest surprises from this year’s show! From the excitement of Global Media Night to the hottest new releases in guitars, drums, audio interfaces, and software instruments, this episode is your all-access pass to everything we saw at NAMM.

Here’s what we’re covering: The standout guitars that had everyone talking—g...

In this episode, Chris and Jody tackle the art of EQ’ing acoustic guitars to perfection. Whether you’re looking to add warmth, clarity, or sparkle to your tracks, this episode covers practical tips and creative ideas to help your acoustic guitar recordings shine.

What’s on the agenda?

• Taming the low end for a clean, controlled foundation.
• Smoothing out the low mids to avoid muddiness.
• Bringing presence and clarity to the upper...

Chris and Jody dive into one of the most common challenges in mixing: muddy mixes. Whether you’re struggling with unclear vocals, undefined instruments, or a mix that just feels too cluttered, this episode has you covered.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How your arrangement choices can set the foundation for a cleaner mix.
• Tips for managing dynamics to prevent overlapping frequencies from getting out of control.
• The power of EQ in ...

Chris and Jody dive into one of the most versatile tools in a mix engineer’s arsenal: delay. Whether you’re looking to add depth, space, or a touch of magic to your vocal tracks, this episode is packed with tips and tricks to help you get there.

Here’s what’s on the table:

• The art of using unsynced delays to create unique vocal effects and make vocals sit just right in the mix.
• A breakdown of different delay types and how to u...

Chris and Jody welcome the creative powerhouse himself, Venus Theory (aka Cameron), for a lively and inspiring 90-minute interview. From his mythical beginnings on Mount Olympus (okay, maybe not quite) to becoming a sought-after name in the music and creative community, Venus Theory’s story is as unique as his music.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The unconventional path that led Cameron into the world of music and creativi...

Crank Up the Punch: 5 Strategies for Better Mixes

Ready to make your mixes pack a serious punch? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody tackle five practical ways to give your recordings that extra oomph. Whether you’re a musician, a hobbyist, or a seasoned engineer, these tips will get your tracks sounding tighter, fuller, and punchier.

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on the menu:

• How arrangement and ins...

In this episode Chris and Jody team up for a deep dive into the world of reference tracks—essential tools for both music production and songwriting emulation.

What exactly are reference tracks, and how can they elevate your creative process? Chris and Jody share their personal approaches to using them, shedding light on how these tracks can inspire production techniques or spark songwriting ideas. They’ll also explore the art of ...

This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody break down the game-changing concept of using reference mixes to guide your mixing process. Why is referencing so essential? Whether you're a beginner trying to get your bearings or a seasoned engineer fine-tuning your sound, reference tracks can act as a compass for creating professional, polished mixes.

Join the discussion as Chris and Jody share how they incorporate refe...

Unlock the Power of Parallel Compression: Tips, Tricks, and Scheps Secrets

Ready to add some serious punch and polish to your mixes? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, we dive deep into parallel compression—aka "New York Style Compression"—and how it can take your tracks from flat to fabulous.

First, we’ll break down the basics: what is parallel compression, and why has it become a go-to secret weapon for engineers...