Inside The Recording Studio

Ah yes… the moment every guitarist avoids until a string finally snaps mid-bend: string-changing season. Chris & Jody decide enough is enough—time to start the year with tone that isn’t corroded, crusty, or older than your last tax return. They tear into the eternal war between heavy gauges (“thicc tone, thicc fingers required”) and lighter sets (“bend like butter, intonate like a drunk ferret”). They talk nickel, steel, coated strings, and that mystery set you bought on sale and instantly regretted. Want to understand how string height and intonation sabotage your recordings? This episode spills the tea. Plus: simple recording setup tips, sneaky hidden features in studio gear, and why cleaning your strings matters almost as much as cleaning your bathroom. Almost. And as always, Friday Finds brings gifts—some useful, some weird, all inspiring.   #GuitarRecordingTips #HomeStudioGear #ProAudioCommunity #GuitarToneMatters #RecordingSetupTips #StudioGearHacks #MixingAndTracking #InsideTheRecordingStudio

Some gear becomes famous. The Lexicon 224 became mythology. In this episode, Chris and Jody cannonball straight into the digital reverb that drenched the ’80s in shimmering glory—and, honestly, made half of your favorite songs sound way cooler than they had any right to. They kick things off with the “how the heck did this thing happen?” history lesson—because the 224 didn’t just show up; it crashed the party and told every plate, spring, and echo chamber to scoot aside. Suddenly studios had huge, glossy halls and silky plates without needing, you know… actual halls or plates. Then the boys take you on a tour of the 224’s delightfully bizarre controls. Some make perfect sense. Others feel like they were designed by a caffeinated time traveler. But Chris and Jody break it all down—how each control shapes your sound, how not to accidentally “blast your vocals into space,” and which settings make drums sound like Thor is doing sound design. They share the tricks they keep coming back to—classic vocal treatments, impossible-sounding ambiences, drum magic—and yes, the inevitable nonsense that sneaks into every episode. Plus, the weekly Friday Finds, because what’s an episode without a new toy to crave? If you’ve ever wondered why producers still chase this reverb like it’s vintage Pokémon, this episode will answer it… and probably make you want a 224 of your own (hardware or plugin—we won’t tell).  

Reverb isn’t just an effect, it’s the invisible architecture of every mix. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody step through the misty doorway where reflections, decay, and space become instruments of their own. Whether you’re mixing in a compact bedroom rig or a sprawling commercial facility, reverb shapes how listeners feelyour music long before they consciously hear it. And today, the guys take you far beyond the “insert plugin → turn knob” approach. They explore reverb as texture, story, emotion, and as one of the most important creative tools available to any producer. They kick things off with the math behind ambience: how pre-delay carves space between consonants, how decay time sketches the size of a hall, and how simple millisecond calculations create depth that even expensive hardware can’t fake. They break down why springs twang, why plates shimmer, and how digital tails can stretch into gorgeous infinity, even in a modest home studio gear setup. But theory is only half the fun. Chris & Jody dive into the moments where reverb transformed a track: – A snare hit turned into a swelling pad – A vocal wrapped in an ethereal halo – A guitar that dissolved into cascading shimmer – A room reverb that glued an entire mix together They even reveal the handful of go-to reverbs that never fail them, plus the oddballs that inspire unexpected ideas. If you’re looking for recording setup tips, subtle mix moves, or even “try this and break the rules” techniques, this episode hits all the marks. Of course, it wouldn’t be an Inside the Recording Studio episode without humor, side quests, and a few baffling tangents. Between reflections and decay tails, Chris & Jody squeeze in this week’s Friday Finds, uncovering everything from quirky stompboxes to software that solves those “why is my audio interface doing that?” mysteries. Yes, there’s even a shoutout to audio interface troubleshooting and the eternal struggle to keep your gear clean (and knowing when not to use Windex on your rack units). By the end, you won’t just understand reverb better, you’ll hear your mixes differently. You’ll recognize how space guides emotion, how ambience inspires performance, and how reverb becomes the connective tissue that defines a song’s world. Reverb isn’t noise bouncing around a room. It’s the air between moments, the breath of the mix. And in this episode, Chris & Jody show you how to shape that air with confidence, intention, and just enough mischief to keep the creative spark alive. #MusicProduction #HomeStudioGear #RecordingEngineer #MixingTips #ReverbTechniques #ProducerLife #ProAudio #InsideTheRecordingStudio

Let’s be honest: backups are about as exciting as dusting your studio monitors or alphabetizing cables. But nothing will make you scream into the void faster than losing a session you swear you saved. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody grab you by the shoulders and lovingly scream, “BACK UP YOUR STUFF!” They dive into backup options from “cheap but risky” to “Fort Knox for audio nerds.” Drives, RAIDs, clouds, offsite bunkers—okay, maybe not bunkers, but close. You’ll hear their own cautionary tales, including technical ghosts that haunted their studios and files that pulled Houdini acts at the worst possible moment. The guys break down how they organize projects, why simple habits beat complicated systems, and how to build a backup routine that doesn’t feel like flossing. It’s equal parts education, comedy, and therapy for anyone who’s ever lost a take. And yes, Friday Finds is here to save the day with tools that keep your sessions safer than your last ex’s Netflix password. #music production workflow #home studio gear essentials #recording setup tips for producers #pro audio gear insights #DAW backup strategies #audio engineering tips #studio gear organization #creative workflow protection

Ever crank a delay plugin, hear a swamp of echoes, and think, “Cool… but what am I actually doing here?” Chris & Jody are here to rescue you from your own knob-twisting crimes. This week, they break down delay the way mix engineers wish someone had explained it when they were fumbling around in their first apartment studios. First, the math (don’t panic). They show you how to calculate delay times that actually fit the tempo, no more “that kinda sounds right, maybe” energy. If you’re using hardware with zero DAW sync, this segment alone may save you from hurling your favorite box across the room. Then they unleash the fun stuff: slapbacks that make vocals swagger, ping-pongs that dance across your headphones, tape delays that drip nostalgia, and multi-taps that basically let you play Tetris with your audio. They’ll even show you how to use delay to make guitars wider than your rent bill and vocals thicker than a Midwestern milkshake. Expect jokes, expect nonsense, and expect a few “wait… seriously?” tips you’ll immediately want to try. Stick around for Friday Finds, because who doesn’t love new plugins and gear you didn’t know you needed? #MusicProduction #HomeStudioGear #MixingEngineer #DelayEffects #RecordingSetupTips #StudioGearSecrets #AudioEngineering #ProAudioTech

You can have the best studio gear, but if you can’t handle artists, you might as well be recording air. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody turn the faders down on gear talk and crank up the discussion on people management—because the biggest noise in the studio isn’t feedback…it’s ego. From the control freak who wants to tweak every EQ band to the “just tell me when it’s done” type who ghosts halfway through the mix, our hosts dissect the psychological minefield of modern recording. Expect stories, sarcasm, and a few too-relatable moments for anyone who’s ever had to smile through the fifteenth vocal take “just to be safe.” You’ll get smart recording setup tips to diffuse tension before it ruins your vibe, plus learn how to assert your producer instincts without flipping the studio couch. Chris & Jody even share their secret methods for reading body language faster than your DAW loads plugins. Stick around for this week’s Friday Finds, because there’s something free—and time-sensitive—you don’t want to miss. So grab your coffee, mute that talkback mic, and prepare for a crash course in studio survival psychology. This one’s for the engineers who mix music and emotions. #InsideTheRecordingStudio #StudioPsychology #HomeStudioGear #RecordingSetupTips #ProAudioLife #ProducerMindset #MusicProductionTips #CreativeWorkflow

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 stereo panning to dynamic range control and subtle ambience tricks, you’ll walk away with practical recording setup tips you can use in any environment—whether you’re crafting tracks with modest home studio gear or mixing in a world-class room. Hear real-world “road warrior” stories where chaotic sessions were rescued through clever problem-solving. Learn how to manage frequency masking, where low-end instruments fight for the same space, and why sometimes too muchseparation can strip away the glue that makes a song feel alive. Chris & Jody dig into the psychology of sonic space—why our ears crave balance—and show how separation can guide emotion, groove, and impact. Naturally, there’s humor sprinkled throughout (don’t worry, no actual divorces took place while making this episode). They finish strong with their fan-favorite Friday Finds, spotlighting the latest plugins, monitoring tools, and workflow hacks to keep your mixes sharp and inspired. If your songs sound muddy, crowded, or like your guitar player’s ego is sitting on top of your vocals, this episode’s your fix. Tune in, take notes, and give every sound its home in the sonic spectrum. #InsideTheRecordingStudio #MusicProductionTips #HomeStudioGear #MixingAndMastering #AudioEngineering #RecordingSetupTips #ProAudioLife #StudioWorkflow

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 panning in space), explain what makes it different from stereo, and debate whether it’s the real future of mixing or just another passing phase. You’ll hear how immersive sound is reshaping everything from headphone design to distribution platforms like Apple Music, Amazon, and TIDAL—and how even indie creators can start experimenting with spatial audio without dropping Hollywood-level cash. With sharp insight, a dose of humor, and those signature Friday Finds, this episode gives you the full picture: the hype, the workflow, the roadblocks, and the genuine creative potential of Atmos mixing in the real world. Whether you’re a gearhead, a mixer looking to upgrade, or just curious about where music production is headed next—this is essential listening. #DolbyAtmosMixing #HomeStudioGear #ProAudioTips #RecordingSetup #ImmersiveAudio #MixingInAtmos #MusicProductionPodcast #InsideTheRecordingStudio

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 what every producer, engineer, and musician should know before overhauling their studio system. You’ll hear firsthand from one host who just survived a full OS upgrade—complete with tales of backup strategies, driver drama, and the surprising benefits of starting fresh. Whether you’re rocking a Mac or PC, this episode arms you with recording setup tips and audio interface troubleshooting wisdom to keep your rig running like a pro. Chris & Jody also dive into the “clean install vs. incremental update” debate, explore when it’s actually time to wipe your drive, and share how to safeguard your home studio gear from digital disaster. Expect real-world experience, plenty of laughs, and another round of Friday Finds that just might inspire your next sonic upgrade. So before you hit that update button, hit play. Your DAW will thank you. #HomeStudioGear #RecordingSetupTips #ProAudioPodcast #MusicProductionLife #AudioInterfaceTroubleshooting #StudioUpgradeGuide #InsideTheRecordingStudio #MusicTechTalk

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 really means—from frequency response and stereo imaging to phase alignment. You’ll hear how different listening environments influence decisions, why headphone mixes can sound “bigger than life” yet betray you on speakers, and how monitors reveal the true midrange where most mixes live or die. Then, it’s time for some real-world recording setup tips. Expect talk about calibration, room treatment, and even some lesser-known hidden features in studio gear that can help you get a more neutral picture of your sound. The duo also touch on audio interface troubleshooting and the underrated role of gain staging in perceived mix balance. By the end, you’ll have a toolkit for knowing when to reach for headphones, when to trust your monitors, and how to balance both for consistent translation across playback systems. Naturally, there’s some humor, a little gear lust, and the ever-popular Friday Finds to top it off. Because in the end, it’s not about which tool you use—it’s about how well you listen. #mixinggeardebate #homestudiotips #recordingengineerlife #studiomonitors #headphonesmixing #proaudiotech #mixtranslation #insidetherecordingstudio

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 recognizable vibe a mark of mastery, or does it risk pigeonholing you into a single trick? Chris & Jody weigh the benefits of carving out a signature style that helps you stand out in an overcrowded market against the flexibility of becoming a sonic chameleon who adapts to every artist’s vision. Expect straight talk about industry myths, the hidden costs of always “sounding like yourself,” and why some of your favorite records do carry an engineer’s fingerprint even if you don’t realize it. This is a conversation that touches everything from home studio gear choices to recording setup tips that can push your mixes one way or another. They even uncover a few hidden features in studio gear that might be shaping your sound without you knowing it. Of course, it wouldn’t be an Inside the Recording Studio episode without a dash of humor. Whether they’re poking fun at one-trick ponies, laughing about the “magic plugin” myth, or getting sidetracked by unexpected audio interface troubleshooting stories, Chris & Jody keep it real, relatable, and relevant. And don’t miss Friday Finds, where the guys shine a spotlight on fresh tools, surprising workflows, and even a laugh or two about the gear rabbit holes we all fall into. If you’ve ever wondered whether your mixes should scream “this is me” or disappear into the artistry of the track, this episode is your permission slip to challenge your assumptions. Tune in, laugh a little, and leave with practical insight to level up your engineering game.   #HomeStudioGear, #MixingTips, #SignatureSound, #RecordingSetup, #ProAudioCommunity, #StudioGearSecrets, #MusicProductionLife, #InsideTheRecordingStudio

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 his unlikely start in the music world and the twists and turns that led him from a young player chasing tone to one of the industry’s most in-demand session musicians. Along the way, he dishes out unforgettable stories about working behind the scenes, collaborating on major projects, and navigating the ever-evolving studio landscape. But this isn’t just a stroll down memory lane. Steve gets candid about the temptation to chase the hidden features in studio gear, why musicians obsess over the latest plugins, and when that obsession helps—or hurts—the creative process. With Chris and Jody guiding the conversation, you’ll hear sharp insights about staying productive in the studio, managing the chaos of gear options, and keeping the focus where it belongs: the music. Packed with wisdom, humor, and enough guitar-fueled energy to make you want to pick up your instrument immediately, this episode is equal parts masterclass and jam session. Whether you’re running a home studio gear setup or a full-scale production house, you’ll find nuggets of inspiration and plenty of reasons to laugh along.

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 music world and the twists and turns that led him from a young player chasing tone to one of the industry’s most in-demand session musicians. Along the way, he dishes out unforgettable stories about working behind the scenes, collaborating on major projects, and navigating the ever-evolving studio landscape. But this isn’t just a stroll down memory lane. Steve gets candid about the temptation to chase the hidden features in studio gear, why musicians obsess over the latest plugins, and when that obsession helps—or hurts—the creative process. With Chris and Jody guiding the conversation, you’ll hear sharp insights about staying productive in the studio, managing the chaos of gear options, and keeping the focus where it belongs: the music. Packed with wisdom, humor, and enough guitar-fueled energy to make you want to pick up your instrument immediately, this episode is equal parts masterclass and jam session. Whether you’re running a home studio gear setup or a full-scale production house, you’ll find nuggets of inspiration and plenty of reasons to laugh along.

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 laws? And why are they such a big deal when it comes to balancing tracks in stereo? You’ll learn how pan laws affect perceived loudness, how different DAWs handle them, and why some engineers insist they contribute to that elusive idea of a “DAW sound.” From there, Chris and Jody explore real-world scenarios. How do pan laws impact mono compatibility? Why does it matter when you collaborate with other studios or engineers? And how can you use this knowledge to avoid translation issues when moving sessions between DAWs? They’ll also dig into some common misconceptions, bust a few myths, and explain how this “brutally boring” subject can actually make a measurable difference in your mixes. As always, it’s not just theory. Expect recording setup tips, insights into hidden features in studio gear, and plenty of practical takeaways for anyone working with home studio gear. And because it’s Chris and Jody, you’ll also get humor, banter, and a little nonsense—because even pan laws deserve a laugh. If you’ve ever wondered why your mixes sound different when played back in another DAW, or why mono checks sometimes fall apart, this episode will give you the clarity (and chuckles) you need. #PanLaws #MixingTips #MusicProduction #HomeStudioGear #ProAudioLife #RecordingSetup #InsideTheRecordingStudio #DAWWorkflow

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 music production. Let’s paint the picture. You open your DAW, scroll through your plugin folder, and realize you’ve somehow collected enough EQs to start your own virtual museum. You tell yourself each one “has a different color” (translation: it’s slightly shinier than the last). Meanwhile, your mixes still hinge on the same three plugins you’ve used for years. And guitars? Don’t even start. That “backup” guitar? It has three backups of its own. This episode is all about calling out the obsession we all share—the need to collect, collect, and collect some more. Chris and Jody ask the uncomfortable but necessary questions: Does more gear actually make you a better mixer or songwriter? Why do we keep buying shiny new toys while ignoring the hidden features in studio gear we already own? And when is “just in case” actually code for “I’ll never use this, but it looks cool in my rack”? They’ll swap stories about plugin overload, forgotten purchases, and the sobering reality of discovering licenses for tools they don’t even remember buying. (Yes, it happens.) They’ll also share practical ideas on how to prune your collection, focus on what actually improves your workflow, and get back to what matters most—making music, not scrolling menus. But don’t expect a lecture. This is Inside the Recording Studio, after all. You’ll get plenty of laughs, playful digs at gear addiction, and the kind of nonsense that makes self-reflection just a little less painful. After all, admitting you might be a gear hoarder is easier when Chris and Jody are joking right along with you. At the end of the day, this episode isn’t about shaming you for that seventh guitar pedal or your fifth reverb plugin. It’s about reminding ourselves that great music comes from skill, creativity, and intent—not the size of your plugin folder. Or as Chris and Jody put it: too much gear sometimes means too little music. So before you buy that next “essential” bundle, hit play on this brutally honest (and very funny) conversation. Your wallet—and maybe your mixes—will thank you. #GearAddiction #PluginAddiction #HomeStudioGear #ProAudioLife #RecordingSetup #InsideTheRecordingStudio #MixingTips #StudioConfessions

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 snarl, even drums that sound like they’re trying to escape the speakers. It’s chaos, but the good kind. Along the way, you’ll get recording setup tips for pulling this off with your home studio gear without blowing up your interface (unless you want to). They’ll also expose a few hidden features in studio gear that can surprise you when you push them past polite levels. And of course, no episode is complete without their signature nonsense, wisecracks, and a Friday Find that will have you itching to experiment the moment you hit stop. This isn’t “Distortion 101.” This is distortion with swagger. #CreativeDistortion #MixingTips #HomeStudioGear #RecordingSetupTips #ProAudioLife #HiddenFeaturesInStudioGear #FridayFindsMusic #MixingWithAttitude

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, how to optimize your recording setup tipsto prevent mid-show meltdowns, and why producers are quietly sneaking it into their sessions. Of course, Chris & Jody sprinkle in their signature humor, a few cautionary tales, and wrap it all up with this week’s Friday Finds—gear gems you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a road warrior, a bedroom producer, or a gear junkie, this episode shows why MainStage may just be your next secret weapon.   #MainStageTips #HomeStudioGear #RecordingSetupTips #LivePerformanceRig #PluginHostSecrets #HiddenFeaturesInStudioGear #ProAudioWorkflow #FridayFindsMusic

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 that snare you’ve been ignoring. Spoiler: yes, we talk about home studio gear and the weird things drummers pack on tour. #CareerMusicianStories #LifeBehindTheKit #ProDrummerInterview #InsideTheRecordingStudio #StudioSessionTips #LivePerformanceInsights #DrummerLifeUnplugged #MusicCareerJourney

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-chaining is the sculptor. Basslines yield to kicks. Pads inhale and exhale. You’ll learn the how, sure. The routing. The thresholds. The tools. But more importantly, you’ll learn the why—the artistic intent behind the technical choices. Oh, and the usual chaos? It’s there. Along with Friday Finds that might just blow a few fuses (in the best way). Plug in. Tune out. Let the side-chain lead. #SideChainSecrets #StudioAlchemy #SonicSculpting #MixingWithEmotion #HomeStudioCraft #AudioMovement #InsideTheRecordingStudio #CreativeMixing

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 personal referencing workflows and recommends plugin tools that simplify A/B comparisons inside your DAW. Plus, don’t miss their offbeat banter and the latest pick from this week’s Friday Finds. Whether you're just getting started or you’ve been mixing for years, this episode will help you train your ears, sharpen your instincts, and mix with more confidence. Learn how to mix smarter by referencing like a pro! #InsideTheRecordingStudio #MixingTips #ReferenceMixes #MusicProduction #AudioEngineering #MixLikeAPro #DAWWorkflow #PluginTools