Inside The Recording Studio

How to Use Delay in Mixing: Pro Techniques Every Studio Needs

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

How to Deal with Artists in the Studio: Psychology for Producers and Engineers

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

Achieving Mix Separation: How to Create Clarity Without Losing Energy

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

From Stereo to Surround: How to Start Mixing Music in Dolby Atmos

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

The Right Time to Update Your Studio Computer: A Musician’s Survival Guide

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

Studio Monitors vs Headphones: Which Tells the Truth About Your Mix?

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

The Truth About Signature Sound in Mixing

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

Steve Ouimette Interview: From Guitar Hero Riffs to Studio Secrets (Part 2)

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.

Steve Ouimette Interview: From Guitar Hero Riffs to Studio Secrets

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.

Understanding Pan Laws: The Hidden Factor in Your Mixes

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