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

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 lull, this episode offers clear strategies to maximize your time — from refining your technical skills and organizing your gear to recharging your creative energy and building your business. Expect smart suggestions like: Creative ways to upgrade your mix templates How to use reference listening for growth Staying visible in your scene even when you're not booked How rest is productive — if done right Of course, there’s also the usual dose of lighthearted banter and studio nonsense, because taking yourself too seriously never helped anyone hit record. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an aspiring audio ninja, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas to keep your momentum strong — even during the quiet spells. Tune in to Inside the Recording Studio and learn how to make downtime work for you. #InsideTheRecordingStudio #StudioDowntime #ProducerLife #AudioEngineerTips #MixingAndMastering #CreativeMomentum #RecordingStudioHacks #MusicCareerAdvice

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 EQing blindly, this episode covers the critical pitfalls that sabotage sonic balance and coherence in the mastering stage. Chris and Jody don’t just list the issues — they give you real-world solutions and share stories from sessions gone sideways. 💡 Whether you’re new to mastering or just looking to tighten your workflow, you’ll get practical strategies you can use right away. Expect to hear tips on: When to use multiband compression (and when to run away) Why reference tracks are your best friend How to stop chasing loudness and start chasing results Plus a healthy dose of humor to remind you that we’re all learning If you're serious about elevating your mastering chops — or just want to laugh at a few horror stories from the studio — this episode is for you. Come on inside and take another step toward mastering bliss.   #InsideTheRecordingStudio #MasteringTips #AudioMastering #MixingAndMastering #StudioMistakes #MasteringEngineer #DAWMastering #SoundBetterMastering

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 the battle-tested tactics that have helped them hit the mark—even when time's running out. Hear about clever plugin choices, effective template setups, and how to keep creative focus without sacrificing quality. And yes, there’s still room for a little nonsense and the latest edition of Friday Finds, because no crunch is complete without some fun. #InsideTheRecordingStudio#MusicProductionTips#AudioWorkflow#QuickMixingHacks#StudioTimeCrunch#FastTrackYourMix#ProducerMindset#RecordingEngineerLife

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 frequencies, the duo breaks down when and why to use EQ as a surgical tool during the early mix stages.  Sweetening EQ: Once the mix is clean, how do you take it from good to great? Chris and Jody walk through subtle boosts, tonal shaping, and the “sprinkle of fairy dust” approach that sweetening EQ can offer — all while staying musical.  Whether you're battling room problems, poor mic placement, or just trying to add shimmer to your overheads or glue to your mix bus, this episode explores the process value and decision-making behind each type of EQ move. Plus, the latest Friday Finds may change your plugin folder for good — and yes, there’s the usual side of light-hearted nonsense along the way.   #InsideTheRecordingStudio #CorrectiveEQ #SweeteningEQ #MixingTips #MusicProduction #HomeStudioHacks #EQTechniques #AudioEngineerLife #FridayFinds #ProducerMindset

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 players who know every scale in every mode, the creative spectrum is wide—and this conversation explores all sides of it.  In this episode: Should producers, musicians, and engineers be fluent in music theory? Does music theory speed up the writing and recording process—or complicate it? Can theory knowledge hinder spontaneity and vibe in a creative session? What happens when you’re collaborating with someone who doesn’t know theory? And: how to find the sweet spot between structure and instinct in your workflow Whether you're a self-taught genius or a classically trained perfectionist, this episode will give you a fresh take on where music theory fits into today's studio landscape. And of course, there’s this week’s Friday Finds—plus a bit of good-natured nonsense for balance.   #InsideTheRecordingStudio #MusicTheoryDebate #MusicProductionTips #MixingEngineer #HomeStudioLife #ProducerMindset #StudioWorkflow #FridayFinds #RecordingLife #CreativeCollaboration

How to Hear Compression: Training Your Ears to Master Dynamic Control Compression—it’s one of the most powerful tools in your mixing arsenal. But if you’re not sure what you’re actually hearing, it can just as easily confuse as it can enhance. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody open up the signal chain and break down exactly how to train your ears to hear what compression is doing. Whether you’re a beginner trying to grasp the basics or a seasoned engineer looking to sharpen your perception, this episode delivers practical insights you can use right away.  Inside this episode: A friendly walkthrough of compressor controls—threshold, ratio, attack, release, makeup gain Why extreme compression settings can help reveal what’s happening to your signal Pro tricks to help you identify compression artifacts and avoid over-compression How to use what you hear to make smarter mix decisions Expect plenty of real-world advice, go-to tactics Chris and Jody use in their own sessions, and—as always—a dose of Friday Finds and some entertaining studio nonsense. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of compression’s role in your mix—and the confidence to use it to your advantage.   #InsideTheRecordingStudio #CompressionTips #MixingTechniques #AudioEngineering #LearnCompression #MusicProduction #DynamicControl #HomeStudioLife #FridayFinds #MixingMastery

The Power of Sidechaining: How to Add Movement, Clarity, and Energy to Your Mixes You’ve heard the pumping effect. You’ve felt that bounce in the low end. But do you really understand how sidechainingworks—or all the creative ways you can use it? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive deep into the world of sidechaining, demystifying this essential mixing technique and sharing the smart, subtle, and sometimes surprising ways they use it to bring their mixes to life. Whether you're using it to duck the bass under the kick, tame reverb tails, trigger FX, or create pulsing rhythmic movement, sidechaining is more than just a trend—it's a mixing power tool. In this episode: What sidechaining is and how it functions in a DAW Traditional and creative sidechaining methods How to use sidechaining to create clarity, groove, and mix energy Best plugins and routing techniques for effective implementation Why sidechaining isn’t just for EDM—it works in rock, pop, hip-hop, orchestral, and more Plus, you’ll hear Chris and Jody’s go-to plugins, real-world applications, a fresh round of Friday Finds, and of course, some unfiltered nonsense along the way. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just getting your hands dirty in your first DAW session, this episode gives you the tools to sidechain with confidence—and purpose. #InsideTheRecordingStudio#Sidechaining#MixingTips#AudioProduction#DAWWorkflow#MusicProductionTechniques#HomeStudioLife#AudioEngineering#FridayFinds#ProAudioTools#DynamicMixing

Ever had someone say, “This mix just needs a little more warmth,” and wondered what that actually means? Or maybe you’ve tried to get that rich, analog vibe in your digital mix and ended up with something that just sounded... dull? In this cozy, mojo-filled episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody break down the art (and science) of getting warmth in your mixes—from the tools they trust to the techniques they use every day. We’re talking about that sonic something that makes a track feel full, smooth, and alive—without losing clarity. Warmth isn't about cutting all the highs or slathering tape emulation on every channel. It's about intentional tone-shaping, and in this episode, you’ll learn where to find it and how to apply it (without overcooking the mix). In this episode: Microphones and preamps that naturally add warmth before you ever touch a plugin Favorite plugins and analog emulations for tape saturation, tube-style EQ, and transformer character Techniques to create warmth without sacrificing clarity or space Why “mojo” matters, and how to capture it in both analog and digital workflows Common myths about warmth—busted by Chris and Jody’s real-world experience Plus, this week’s Friday Finds delivers more audio goodies to fuel your obsession—and yes, there's the usual dose of nonsense we all secretly love. Whether you're chasing vintage vibes or just want your mixes to sound less cold, this episode will help you heat things up the right way.   #InsideTheRecordingStudio #WarmMixes #MixingTips #AnalogVibe #MusicProduction #AudioEngineering #MixingMojo #ProAudioGear #TapeSaturation #StudioLife #FridayFinds

Mid-Side EQ Demystified: Clarity, Control, and Stereo Sorcery Ever feel like your stereo mix is wide but just… not right? You might be missing one of mixing’s most underrated tools: Mid-Side EQ. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody wade into the murky but magical waters of Mid-Side EQ, unpacking the science, the strategy, and the occasional sonic mishap behind this powerful mixing technique. 🎧 Inside this episode: Where the concept of Mid-Side processing comes from—and how it's evolved for today’s DAWs How Mid-Side EQ actually works in stereo, broken down into digestible chunks When to reach for Mid-Side EQ: mastering, reverb control, vocal clarity, and stereo imaging Common pitfalls to watch out for—because just because you can doesn’t mean you should A few of Chris and Jody’s favorite plugins for Mid-Side EQ and why they’re worth a spot in your toolkit Whether you’re trying to tighten up a muddy low end or add air to the sides without wrecking your mono compatibility, this episode has actionable tips you can use right away. And yes, there’s also this week’s Friday Finds and some completely unrequested but always entertaining nonsense to balance out the signal chain.   #InsideTheRecordingStudio #MidSideEQ #MixingTips #AudioEngineering #StereoImaging #MusicProduction #EQPlugins #HomeStudioLife #MixingMastery #FridayFinds

Organized Audio: Mastering File Management & Delivery in the Studio Let’s be honest—file management isn’t glamorous, but it can be the difference between a smooth project and a full-blown data disaster. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody tackle the often-overlooked (and frequently dreaded) topic of file management and delivery workflows in audio production. Whether you’re working solo in a home studio or collaborating with clients around the world, getting your digital house in order is crucial. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn: Best practices for naming audio files and sessions so they stay organized and searchable How to set up an efficient folder structure to avoid chaos later Why metadata tagging can save your future self a world of trouble The pros and cons of delivery methods like Dropbox, Google Drive, WeTransfer, FTP, and even good ol’ physical media How to choose the right delivery method based on project scale, client expectations, and security Plus, Chris and Jody share real-world file fails (yes, it’s happened to all of us), some tips for client communication, and—naturally—a bit of nonsense and studio banter to keep it entertaining. Don't forget to check out this week’s Friday Finds for gear or tools that might just make your file-wrangling life easier. Whether you're a freelancer, studio assistant, or full-time audio pro, this episode will help you clean up your workflow, impress your clients, and sleep better knowing you won’t lose that perfect take.   #InsideTheRecordingStudio #AudioProduction #FileManagement #MixingWorkflow #AudioDelivery #MusicProductionTips #StudioLife #ClientCollaboration #FridayFinds #HomeStudioWorkflow

Mastering the Craft: A Conversation with Reuben Cohen In this must-hear episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody sit down with the legendary Reuben Cohen—mastering engineer to the stars—for a deep, insightful, and occasionally hilarious conversation about music, business, and sonic obsession. From humble beginnings to mastering some of the biggest songs of the last decade, Reuben shares how he turned his passion into a career, how he built his mastering business from the ground up, and why keeping your ears sharp and your vision clear is the key to longevity in the industry. 🔥 In this episode: How Reuben got his start and carved out a name in a competitive field The “must-have” gear that’s made it onto countless hit records What mastering means at the highest level—and how it’s changed over the years Behind-the-scenes stories involving Metallica, Pharrell, Distinto, and major film soundtracks Real talk about creativity, business hustle, and chasing sonic perfection And yes—there’s this week’s Friday Finds, and as always, it’s not unlikely that a bit of nonsense will sneak into the conversation. Whether you’re a producer, engineer, or just a fan of great music and great minds, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and industry wisdom from one of the best ears in the game.   #InsideTheRecordingStudio #ReubenCohen #MasteringEngineer #MusicProduction #AudioEngineering #SoundtrackMastering #ProAudio #MixingAndMastering #FridayFinds #RecordingStudioLife

De-Essers: The Unsung Heroes of Smooth-Sounding Mixes It’s not flashy. It’s not fun. And let’s face it—nobody gets excited about a de-esser. But when sibilance strikes or harshness creeps in, this humble tool can be the difference between a professional-sounding vocal and a wince-worthy one. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody take a non-sexy but absolutely necessary dive into the world of de-essers—what they are, why they matter, and how to wield them like a pro. 🎙️ You’ll learn: What de-essers actually do and why your mix will thank you The mechanics of de-essing, from simple threshold-based tools to dynamic EQ-based solutions Top plugin picks that go beyond the default presets When to use de-essers on instruments (hint: it’s not just for vocals) Common mistakes and how to avoid over-de-essing the life out of your mix This episode is perfect for anyone who’s been surprised by a sharp “S” in playback—or who just wants to make their mixes more polished and listener-friendly. As always, expect a bit of nonsense, a lot of insight, and a new favorite from this week’s Friday Finds. Your ears (and your clients) will be happier for it.   #InsideTheRecordingStudio #DeEssers #MixingTips #MusicProduction #AudioEngineering #VocalMixing #SibilanceControl #ProAudioTools #MixingEssentials #FridayFinds #HomeStudioLife

Clean Tracks, Clean Mixes: How to Prep Your Multitracks Like a Pro Before a mix can shine, the raw materials need some serious TLC—and that’s exactly what this episode is all about. Join Chris and Jody as they dive into the often overlooked—but critically important—process of prepping multitrack sessions for mixing. Whether you're the recording engineer handing files off to a mix pro or the one doing both jobs yourself, this episode walks you through the smart, efficient steps to get your session mix-ready. From editing and organizing to naming conventions and audio cleanup, discover how Chris and Jody tackle: Vocals (and why cleaning breaths isn’t always the answer) Electric & acoustic guitars (goodbye, string squeaks) Bass tracks (because mud has its limits) Drum kits (hello, phase alignment) Virtual & orchestral instruments (even MIDI needs manners) You’ll also hear tips on gain staging, consolidating files, and setting your mix up for success—plus a few thoughts on what NOT to do when prepping your stems. And as always, there’s a healthy splash of studio nonsense and this week’s Friday Finds to keep it fun. If you’ve ever sent—or received—a mix and thought “What is this chaos?”... this one’s for you.   #InsideTheRecordingStudio #MixPrep #AudioEngineering #MultitrackMixing #RecordingTips #MixingEngineer #TrackCleanup #SessionOrganization #MusicProduction #HomeStudioTips #FridayFinds #ProAudioWorkflow

Moving the Faders: How Track and Region-Based Automation Can Transform Your Mixes Automation: it’s not just a buzzword—it’s the secret sauce behind some of the most immersive mixes you’ve ever heard. In this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive deep into the power of track and region-based automation, showing you how to breathe life, movement, and personality into your productions—without lifting a finger (well, maybe just a fader or two). From subtle volume swells to dramatic panning shifts and time-based effect tweaks, automation allows you to sculpt emotion into your audio with pinpoint precision. Whether you're building energy in a chorus, taming an unruly synth, or automating plugin parameters like reverb, EQ, or delay for added dimension, this episode is packed with practical tipsand creative workflows you can start using today. You'll learn: The difference between track-based and region-based automation—and when to use which How to control volume, panning, FX, and plugin settings for dynamic impact Creative automation tricks for space, clarity, and vibe Real-world examples of automation bringing a mix to life As always, expect a little studio banter, a dash of nonsense, and this week’s Friday Finds—because great gear and clever tips go hand in hand. So whether you’re mixing in a pro studio or your bedroom setup, this episode will help you take full control of your sonic universe.   #InsideTheRecordingStudio #MixingTips #TrackAutomation #MusicProduction #RegionAutomation #DAWWorkflow #AutomationInMixing #AudioTips #HomeStudioLife #MixingEngineer #MusicTech #FridayFinds

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 make all the difference when it comes time to master your mix. 🎛️ In this episode: What exactly headroom is in a digital recording setup Why pushing levels too close to zero can do more harm than good The ideal range to aim for when tracking and mixing Why mastering engineers love (and expect) a well-balanced mix Common mistakes people make and how to avoid them Whether you're a home studio enthusiast or a seasoned engineer, this episode helps you level up your gain staging game—without any of the math headaches. Oh, and yes—there’s the usual dose of studio nonsense, along with this week’s Friday Finds that you won’t want to miss.   #InsideTheRecordingStudio #MusicProductionTips #AudioHeadroom #Mixing101 #GainStaging #RecordingStudioLife #MasteringPrep #HomeStudioTips #MixingEngineer #FridayFinds #AudioNerdsUnite

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 just trying not to embarrass yourself on a licensing call—this episode helps you sound like you actually know what you're talking about. Learn: The difference between stems and multitracks (finally). Why clarity matters when you're collaborating or outsourcing. What people really mean when they say "send me the stems." The right time to export, organize, and communicate project files. How using the wrong term might derail your mix—or your reputation. And of course, expect the usual helping of nonsense, some studio banter, and a few Friday Finds worth checking out. So if you’ve ever hesitated mid-email wondering "Wait… is this a stem or a multitrack?" — this episode is for you.   #MusicProduction #AudioEngineering #InsideTheRecordingStudio #MixingTips #RecordingStudio #HomeStudio #MultitracksVsStems #CollaborativeRecording #StudioWorkflow #ProAudio

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.   #MusicProduction #AudioGear #HomeStudio #MixingTips #InsideTheRecordingStudio #StudioLife #GearObsession #AudioEngineering #NewPlugins #ProAudio

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. #BassEQ #MixingTips #MusicProduction #AudioEngineering #InsideTheRecordingStudio #HomeStudio #MixingBass #RecordingPodcast #EQBasics #ProAudio